Round Table China

What happens when a 24-year-old tech worker walks away from her desk job... and into a room where strangers ask her to wash them? On the International Workers' Day, we bring you "Bathing," a radio drama about the work nobody sees and the dignity everybody needs.

Have you imagined your career in five years? This International Workers' Day, we examine human value in the age of automation. Who loses ground and who finds an unexpected path? The jobs that last might surprise you, because digital skills only go so far. The real advantage is something slower, messier, and deeply human. On the show: Fei Fei, Niu Honglin & Steve

What if perfection is boring? A Chinese reality show is putting that question to the test live on air. No retouches. No second takes. Just glorious, awkward, unfiltered authenticity. When did we stop wanting perfection and start wanting someone who sounds exactly like the rest of us? / Awake at night? Don't check the time (13:50) On the show: Steve, Fei Fei & Yushan

The May Day holiday is nearly upon us, but the booking trends and flight maps tell a different story this year. It's not just where people are going, but how they're thinking about travel altogether. The old rules of a "good vacation" don't seem to apply anymore. Because behind this diverse and more accessible tourism is a safety net, one that's giving people the confidence to truly explore the country, on their own terms. On the show: Steve, Fei Fei & Yushan

For decades, rest followed a simple rhythm: work hard all week, recover on the weekend. But that old pattern no longer fits how people actually live and work. Now a quiet new behavior is emerging. Young professionals are subtly reclaiming a few hours in the middle of the week, carving out rest where none officially exists. / Viral diets: Shortcut or risk (17:24)? On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Gao Junya

At a time when many parts of the world are raising trade barriers, one major economy is moving in the opposite direction. China's decision to remove tariffs on imports from 53 African countries is making a clear statement about openness, partnership, and the future of global supply chains. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Gao Junya

One partner here, the other there. Different cities for some. Separate homes in the same crowded metro for others. And strangely, they all say the distance keeps them together. Is planned weekend intimacy the future of love, or just a slow goodbye? / Would you give up your lunch break to go home early (14:02)? On the show: Steve, Fei Fei & Yushan

One of the biggest auto shows in history is happening right now in Beijing, with nearly 1,500 vehicles and over 180 world premieres. But this isn't just about shiny new models. China is rewriting the rules of the road, from next generation batteries to smarter assisted driving. So what are the biggest trends coming out of Beijing, and how will they reshape the cars you drive? On the show: Steve, Fei Fei & Yushan

On this week's edition of The Soapbox, a young woman in southern China has stirred up controversy. She posted about taking a five hour nap at her company in protest of what she calls a low salary. Online, she received very little support. On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun

At the Sixth Asian Beach Games in Sanya, the wind and waves become part of the game, where every move looks effortlessly shaped by the sea. But how does an entire city transform into the main stage? This is where sport meets the shoreline, and the result is anything but ordinary. On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun

From sweeping crackdowns on music piracy to the boom of paid subscriptions, China's decade of copyright reforms has turned music streaming into a lucrative business. But in this regulated ecosystem, who's really benefiting: artists or the platforms? / Motivational Monday (23:01)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

College graduation season is here, and for many graduates, the gap between classroom learning and job-market demands can feel like a vast chasm. Now, China's universities are building a potential bridge: micro-majors. But how exactly do these programs work, and could they become the new gold standard for employability? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Every summer, classrooms swap walls for landmarks as study tours promise "learning through adventure." Kids return with souvenirs and stories, but how much sticks beyond the photo ops? / Does 10 thousand steps a day really keep the doctor away (17:26)? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Non-compete agreements began as shields for trade secrets. Now? Too often they're weapons—locking down talent, strangling competition, and trapping workers who never knew a secret to begin with. Time to expose the truth behind these professional handcuffs… and your right to break free. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Watching videos or listening to books or podcasts at 1.5x or 2x speed has become a productivity hack for many, letting viewers and listeners plow through content in half the time. But critics argue it trades comprehension for efficiency—dulling nuance, emotional impact, and retention. Can our brains really keep up, or are we just training ourselves to tolerate a constant fast-forward culture? / Ghosts and rats: the new aesthetic (17:45)? On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Summer in China isn't just about the heat—it's about the energy. From buzzing night markets to packed theme parks, from small-town charm to big-city hotspots, the mid-year economy is sizzling. Shops, streets, and tourist destinations are alive with activity. So what's fueling this summer boom? On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Yunnan, China, famed for its breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity, now draws crowds for another reason: wild mushrooms. Over 900 species grow here, fueling a tourist-driven mushroom gold rush. But as baskets fill—when does foraging tip into overharvesting? The tourists are feasting on fungi, but nature is paying the price. / A game that does not exist, but everyone's playing (20:48). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Surprise! Giant balloons are popping up across Chinese cities—but this isn't a circus. Step inside, and you'll find a fully operational construction site! These massive air domes trap dust and muffle noise, revolutionizing urban building. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

In a bustling city, a middle-aged man eating alone at a noodle shop isn't just a meal—it's a moment of quiet reclamation. These unassuming stalls become sanctuaries, offering warmth and stillness amid life's relentless demands. What does this solitary ritual say about the weight our fathers, brothers, and uncles carry—heavy, yet shouldered in silence? / Motivational Monday (19:38)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

For years, China's cancer screening and survival rates have trailed behind those of developed nations. But 2025 could change everything. A breakthrough AI system named GRAPE is now helping Chinese hospitals detect stomach cancer earlier—with 20 percent higher accuracy than human doctors. No tubes, no discomfort—just a quick scan. Could this be the start of AI saving millions of lives? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Ladies, ever feel like you're dating a job you never signed up for? Suddenly you're managing his emotions, his social life, even basic daily logistics… while your own needs get sidelined. That's mankeeping, a term catching fire in English-language media to describe the invisible, unpaid labor women often carry in relationships. It's sparking real frustration in the US, but does it have global relevance too? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Over twelve million college graduates are entering the job market this summer. But behind the numbers is a more personal, yet collective question: Where do I want to build my life? From bustling metropolises to up-and-coming smaller cities, young people are sizing up options, and cities are sizing them up right back. We explore what it means for a city to truly welcome young people, not just with perks, but with purpose. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

China's innovators are using AI to translate animal sounds—from barks to birdsong—into human language. While this could deepen our connection with nature, it also forces us to ask: Just because we can, does that mean we should? / Bibliotherapy: Reading as therapy (16:30). On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushan

China's cities are cultivating intimacy with nature through pocket parks—hyper-local green interventions that reimagine urban functionality. Yet their true potential lies not in isolation, but in synergy. Can these scattered oases weave together into a transformative urban infrastructure? On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushan

A new generation of makers is swapping swipe-to-buy for measure-twice-cut-once, crafting bespoke furniture that defies cookie-cutter consumerism. This hands-on renaissance celebrates the irreplicable satisfaction of building rather than buying. In our age of digital disposability, could woodworking be the ultimate counterculture? / Is using coupons on a first date thrifty or a red flag (14:08)? On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushun

The breakneck pace of fast tech—with its disposable gadgets and relentless upgrades—comes with hidden consequences: a global e-waste crisis growing heavier with each "must-have" release. While consumers chase the dopamine hit of new tech and brands fuel the cycle with products designed for obsolescence, we're left grappling with the real question—who shoulders responsibility for this unsustainable system? On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushun

Is this love, loyalty… or just clinging to what we’ve already spent? We keep paying for past investments with our future—throwing good time after bad. When you’ve given so much of yourself, how do you know when the cost of staying outweighs the cost of walking away? / Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to [email protected] (19:22). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Fei Fei

Choosing a major was once a single high-stakes decision. But with new disciplines emerging, 'hot' fields evolving, and transfer policies becoming more flexible - are students finally gaining real freedom to design their futures? Or has this created a maze with endless doors but no clear map? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Fei Fei

We're diving into the power of intellectual humility—why admitting "I might be wrong" isn't a weakness, but a real strength. This mindset can transform relationships, sharpen our thinking, and make life more interesting. Let's explore why being humble about what we actually know or don't know is truly smart. / Motivational Monday (19:50)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

For generations of Chinese people, caring for a loved one in the hospital meant being by the patient's side, day and night. China's new pilot program, 'family-free hospital care', promises change for the better. How does this new system work? And perhaps the biggest question of all: where will the money come from? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Spiky yet delicate, ancient yet trendy—this summer, lychees are everywhere from street markets to craft cocktails. Prices have plunged as harvests surge, but beware: their intoxicating sweetness comes with a cautionary tale. Have you heard of Lychee Disease? / Round Table's Happy Place (21:26)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

From AI-powered driving lessons to exclusive graduation deals on tech and travel, businesses are racing to capture the attention—and wallets—of a generation stepping into newfound independence. As summer kicks off and post-exam freedom sets in, Gen Z's choices reveal more than just a desire for fun; they signal a generation eager to control their own journey. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Hiring practices have changed—AI is now calling the shots. Lightning-fast candidate sorting? Check. Smarter screening? Absolutely. But behind the efficiency lurks a minefield of ethical dilemmas. We break down the promise, the pitfalls, and the algorithms rewriting the rules. / Lost in translation: Chinese dish names (14:33). On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Fei Fei

China's kindergartens are embracing hands-on learning, shifting from traditional academics to practical life skills like cooking and teamwork. Parents and educators praise these programs for fostering independence, though some question if they leave enough room for play. Will this growing movement signal a lasting change in early education? On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Fei Fei

Free the fish, save your soul—or so the saying goes. But well-meaning animal release rituals can devastate local ecosystems when non-native species are introduced. China is now enforcing strict guidelines on fangsheng (traditional Buddhist life-release practices) to balance compassion with conservation. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Yunqi

Offshore wind farms. E-bike charging stations. Kindergarten sustainability lessons. In China's pioneering low-carbon cities, these climate solutions are taking root. On National Low-Carbon Day this June 25, communities demonstrate how cutting-edge technology and citizen engagement can work hand-in-hand against climate change. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Yunqi

Another missed deadline, another botched project—and somehow, once again, the blame lands at your feet. You didn't cause it. You didn't drop the ball. Yet here you are, the designated scapegoat, while the real offenders vanish into the background. Why should you keep mopping up someone else's mess? / Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to [email protected] (15:41). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Robotic light shows, assembly-line spectacles, exclusive snacks—China's factory tours are the new theme parks. Dubbed 'Industrial Disneyland,' these visits blend tech, spectacle, and experience. Who needs Mickey when machines are this entertaining? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Young adventurers are revolutionizing camping with ultra-light gear—and it's changing how we experience the wild. Cutting-edge materials make it possible, but the real transformation is in mindset: trading heavy loads for greater mobility, deeper nature immersion, and minimal environmental impact. When every ounce counts, the wilderness becomes more accessible and rewarding. / Motivational Monday (17:46)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

This week, China is witnessing a quiet revolution as energy efficiency shifts from simple conservation to reshaping the very foundations of development. The national dialogue has moved beyond basic power savings to fundamentally rethinking how industries operate, cities function and lifestyles evolve. This isn't just about using less - it's about building smarter systems that redefine what's possible. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Contrary to popular belief, research reveals a surprising twist: men may fall in love faster than women. But the heart refuses to follow rules—its timing is messy, deeply personal, and defies easy stereotypes. We unpack what the data really says about who falls harder, sooner… and why. / Round Table's Happy Place (13:44)! On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushun

For the first time, robots can feel the world like we do. Scientists have created a robotic hand with human-like touch across its entire surface—paired with uncanny precision. This isn't just about better machines; it's about redefining how technology interacts with life itself. On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushun

For many Chinese Gen Zers, young, text-first, self-proclaimed introverts, the idea of a silent salon visit is pure bliss. Walk in, lie back, and let a robot do all the scrubbing, rinsing, and massaging. No small talk, no awkward eye contact, just AI and lots of good-smelling bubbles. Will this be the future of haircare, or another a flashy flop? / 'Dry Begging': The Art of Indirect Requests (19:46). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Ding Heng

Could the future of electric power lie in your kitchen? For years, lithium has been battery royalty. But now, a humble contender is stepping out of the kitchen and into the spotlight: sodium — the key element in plain old salt. It’s cheap, abundant, and surprisingly powerful. So, is it just a backup plan, or could salt truly reshape the energy world? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Ding Heng

Echoism. It's like being a background character in your own life—always muting your desires to amplify others'. It's people-pleasing on expert mode, where you become so good at accommodating others, you forget you're allowed to take up space, too. / Do you have "office chair butt" (14:50)? On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushan

The 27th Shanghai International Film Festival coincides with a major milestone—Chinese cinema's 120th anniversary. From its birth in 1905 to today's global hits, how is SIFF celebrating this legacy? With restored classics, special retrospectives, and a journey through film history. On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushan

If someone asked you how many decisions you make in a day, would you say "a dozen?" Try 35,000. So, what happens when your brain gets overloaded with choices? You become indecisive, cranky, or just plain done. Decision fatigue is the invisible drain that saps your willpower. We explore why our brains sometimes wave the white flag… and how to reclaim control. / Why some grads say 'no thanks' to graduation photos (19:16). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

How far can a film take you? This week in Shanghai, the answer is: everywhere. The 27th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) is a vibrant celebration of global storytelling, where memory, culture, and imagination collide. With filmmakers from five continents coming together, we're reminded of cinema's unparalleled power—a universal language that transcends borders and speaks directly to the soul. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Climbing the Great Wall of China is a once-in-a-lifetime experience… unless your knees beg to differ. What if your spirit is willing, but your body's waving a white flag? Enter your new travel ally: the robotic exoskeleton—think Iron Man meets ancient wonder. Are we stepping into the era of "painless tourism", or are we too lazy to walk? / Motivational Monday (17:31)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

The lights dim, the screen expands, and the world applauds. Welcome to one of the most prestigious cinematic celebrations on the global stage—the 2025 Shanghai International Film Festival. From dazzling premieres to unforgettable moments, let's dive into the highlights of opening day and preview the cinematic magic lighting up Shanghai! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan