Round Table China

The call of the wild is louder than ever. China's outdoor leisure boom is changing the way we live, spend, and even dress. So, what's driving this desire to escape city life for nature? On the show: Heyang, Yunqi & Fei Fei

This news story is rocking the boat in the academic world where titles have often been valued above effort. A Chinese journal says: when publishing academic research, stop handing your supervisor the first-author spot if they didn't earn it. Is this a long-overdue wake-up call for ethical publishing, or a challenge to entrenched academic practices? / What's the most useless phrase to use in an email (20:50)? On the show: Heyang, Li Yi & Yushun

Not every trip needs four wheels. In China's smaller cities, two is often just enough—faster and cheaper. We dive into the rise of motorcycle ride-hailing apps, spinning into markets where car-hailing apps are feeling the heat. On the show: Heyang, Li Yi & Yushun

When did buying milk tea for colleagues become a stressful part of the workday? Some employees feel trapped in a cycle of mandatory generosity—regularly paying for drinks just to maintain workplace harmony. We’re digging into how peer pressure builds up in the office, and whether intentional bonding is really worth the stress. / Motivational Monday (16:36)! On the show: Heyang, Yushun & Yushan

China’s nursing workforce is growing faster and becoming better educated than ever before, yet hospital wards remain short-staffed, and many nurses report burnout, low morale, and a desire to leave the field.

As we mark the 114th International Nurses Day, is it time to rethink not just how we train nurses—but how we treat them? On the show: Heyang, Yushun & Yushan

It's easy to mistake a warm tone and simplified words as respectful—but when we use the same style with both children and older adults, an important line blurs. In English, this well-meaning but often condescending way of speaking, known as elderspeak, is coming under scrutiny. The problem isn't just what we say—it's how we say it, leaving many seniors feeling infantilized rather than valued. So how do cultural norms, tone, and intention shape these conversations? / Round Table's Happy Place (19:31)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Food, medicine, groceries, electronics—if it fits on a scooter, it’s fair game in China's high-stakes delivery wars. Tech giants like JD and Alibaba are charging into Meituan and Ele.me's turf, armed with lightning-fast delivery pledges and billion-yuan subsidies. But in this cutthroat, time-sensitive market, where every minute tilts the balance, who has the speed—and the stamina—to come out on top? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Gym memberships that vanish overnight? Salons that disappear with your cash? China's Supreme Court just slammed the door on prepaid scams. Starting May 1, tough new rules ban businesses from ghosting customers or skirting refunds—marking the end of an era for shady operators. / Gen Z ditching traditional pet names (17:18). On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Ding Heng

Move over, blue and white collars—China's green-collar revolution is here. With over 3.4 million eco-workers and counting, the country is sprinting toward a sustainable future. But what's fueling this boom? From policy shifts to green tech investments, China is cultivating a legion of environmental professionals. On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Ding Heng

Move over, milk tea—this summer belongs to crisp, tropical coconut water. Gym-goers, office workers, and wellness seekers are all chasing that hydrating glow. But is it truly a health essential, or just another overhyped trend? We crack open the truth behind the craze. / Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to [email protected] (14:01). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan