Round Table China

Less school, more cool—or is it simply less of everything? The four-day school week has sparked widespread discussion, with rural teachers celebrating and frazzled parents navigating their Fridays. We do the math to see if these reduced school schedules are an A+ or an F! / How would you feel when no one comes to your wedding (19:31)? On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Li Yi

From Olympic stadiums to year-round indoor snow parks, China's passion for ice sports is heating up, redefining both recreation and business. Picture a ski slope teeming with beginners, seasoned snowboarders carving trails, and families laughing in the snow—doesn't this sound like the winter wonderland you've always dreamed of? On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Li Yi

Some argue that your position in the birth order influences your career, intelligence, and even personality. But how much of this is based on scientific evidence, and how much is merely a stereotype? We explore the intriguing—and sometimes controversial—effects of birth order. Where do you fit in your family lineup, and does it truly make a difference? / Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to [email protected] (18:03). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

China's new electric humanoid robot is a world first, and the company behind this technology has chosen to make it open source. But what exactly does "open source" mean? What are the benefits for a company that adopts this approach? Additionally, what advantages does open source technology offer the general public? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Here's something intriguing about the Chinese diaspora: while many engage in gardening, Chinese families around the globe are actively cultivating fresh vegetables, with some even transforming it into a profitable business! What's behind this passion for farming over traditional gardening? / Motivational Monday (22:39)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

With the rise of cord-cutting and numerous streaming options, one might assume that the humble television set is on the verge of extinction. However, recent data from China presents a different narrative. Although TV sales volumes experienced a slight decline in 2024, revenue continued to surge. In contrast, projectors are witnessing a decline across the board. What is driving this trend? Is the television, once considered a relic of the past, actually undergoing a resurgence among young Chinese consumers? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Who knew hotpot could go on a diet? Welcome to the world of mini hotpots—where the pots are small, but the flavors are bolder than ever. Think of it as hotpot’s younger, trendier sibling, obsessed with efficiency, enamored with conveyor belts, and possessing an eye for the Instagrammable. But are these mini meals a game-changer, or merely a passing fad? / Why you are probably sitting down for too long? (16:41) On the show: Niu Honglin, Brandon Yates & Dingheng.

Handing over a family business to the next generation—what could possibly go wrong? Well, imagine ‘Succession’, but with less corporate espionage and more awkward family dinners, where your dad still insists on calling you ‘kiddo’ while entrusting you with a multi-million-dollar empire. Buckle up as we dive into the drama, comedy, and occasional tragedy of second-generation business leadership. On the show: Niu Honglin, Brandon Yates & Dingheng.

Birds are not only found in the wild; they are also taking flight in app design! Just take a look at your smartphone interface, and you will see them everywhere. From owls to penguins to magpies, bird-themed icons are transforming our device screens into a digital aviary! / RoundTable's Happy Place (19:41). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Guo Yan.

Many bus companies are facing a challenging future as they struggle to stay afloat. With a new regulation set to take effect in December of this year, local governments will be required to support their local bus services. However, will this intervention be enough to reverse the tide and reduce operational losses? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Guo Yan.