Round Table China

Podcasts: We love them, you love them, and these days, everyone is enjoying them. The podcast market in China is booming, and this trend is not limited to the country; it is thriving internationally as well. Today, we will explore some statistics to understand how well the market is performing and discover why and how people enjoy their favorite shows. On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Laiming

When parks begin to resemble fashion runways and "Tang Dynasty Princesses" outnumber tourists, is it time for a reality check? Are commercial photo shoots in parks capturing the perfect shot against the most picturesque backdrop, or is it a selfish act that detracts from everyone else's experience? / Lao Gan Ma has transitioned from being a "National Goddess" to a global culinary star (19:56)! On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Ding Heng

In recent years, Chinese family dramas have experienced a significant transformation, mirroring the evolving societal values and individual aspirations of their audiences. We take a closer look at several popular TV shows and films in China to discover what these family dramas reveal about the changing dynamics of Chinese family values and societal expectations. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Ding Heng

Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to [email protected]. / China has recently simplified travel with its new visa-waiver policies! It's now easier and more convenient than ever to visit the country. Here's why you should seriously consider packing your bags for an epic adventure in China (15:04)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

The algorithms understand you, anticipate your behavior, and profit from your data. But with awareness, can we genuinely escape the clutches of Big Data, or are we destined to remain under its influence forever? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Work, dating, socializing, buying a home… All that adulting can be suffocating, right? But for those who have "escaped", is it an act of fear or courage? And when we do break free, where do we go from there? For those who left the big city for a smaller one, what now? / Motivational Monday (18:56)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Fei Fei

This winter, when a fully AI-generated advertisement campaign hit the market, North America sees a wave of backlash. What does it tell us about the real cost of replacing human creativity with artificial intelligence? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Fei Fei

Is leaving work on time a crime? It shouldn't be, yet for many, it evokes feelings of guilt or anxiety. In China’s office culture, discreetly departing as the clock strikes 6 PM has almost become an art form. So, why is it so difficult to walk out the door at precisely 6 PM with a sense of pride? / Round Table's Happy Place (19:23)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yunqi

Esports in China is booming, and no other city has achieved what Shanghai has: hosting three of the world's largest video gaming tournaments in just a few years. Has the gaming world discovered its new capital? / This December 20th marks the 25th anniversary of the Macao Special Administrative Region! To celebrate this historic milestone, tune in to this week's Happy Place! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Li Yunqi

When was the last time you shopped in a mall? These days, Gen Z is rediscovering the magic of old fashioned department stores. They go there not just for shopping, but more for the vibe. Affordable, genuine, and maybe even a little bit retro, these old-school giants are back on the scene. So, what's pulling them in? / Iris photography. Who's loving it and should you give it a try (18:58)? On the show: Niu Honglin, Laiming & Yushan