Trending in China

"I sold everything... I was all in. I put in all my chips." With this leap of faith, American ceramic artist Michael May left behind his life in the United States and arrived in Jingdezhen, China's porcelain capital, a year and a half ago. Having traveled to nearly 20 countries, the seasoned artist ultimately chose Jingdezhen as his creative base.In the latest episode of "Trending in China", Michael shares his unique journey from Oklahoma City to Jingdezhen with host Yolanda Lu and co-host Belinda Chen. With a background in traditional techniques and a passion for innovation, he now blends 3D printing technology with traditional pottery, creating works that marry form with function.He delves into the city's collaborative spirit, learning from master craftsmen who spend lifetimes perfecting their art, and finding his tribe among the growing community of "Yang Jing Piao" (foreign expats living in Jingdezhen). Michael explains why this relentless pursuit of craftsmanship drives him to become better and why he believes "this is so far the best and the smartest place for a potter to be."Highlights:00:03:03 - Michael's journey from Oklahoma to Jingdezhen00:04:12 - First impressions of the city and its pottery culture00:07:10 - Traveled to nearly 20 countries before settling here00:10:07 - Contrasts convenience in Asian cities vs. American life00:11:21 - How ceramics connect people across the globe00:14:00 - Jingdezhen: a small city with a growing "Yang Jing Piao" community00:15:25 - Reflections on whether Jingdezhen feels like home00:19:40 - The paradox of Jingdezhen: small city yet international hub00:29:16 - Why Jingdezhen is ideal for pottery business00:34:23 - Learning traditional techniques from local masters00:40:00 - Initially thought clay 3D printing was "the dumbest"00:42:01 - Decided to go "100% in" on clay printing00:47:05 - Using his foreign identity as a marketing advantage00:51:50 - How Chinese craftsmanship continues to amaze him01:01:18 - Describes Jingdezhen as "happy, beautiful, and old"This podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube, among many platforms.You are also more than welcome to check our newsletter where you can find more in-depth sharings around Chinese economy: pekingensight.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pekingensight.substack.com

In this episode of "Trending in China," we explore Hangzhou—a city where classical charm and cutting-edge innovation intertwine.Joined by commentator Anil from India and local reporter Emma, we delve into how this ancient capital, famed for the poetic West Lake, has transformed into a cradle for "Six Dragons" like DeepSeek and Game Science.We unpack Hangzhou's unique DNA: its rich cultural heritage, a government that acts as a "patient gardener," and a pioneering entrepreneurial spirit. Anil shares his impression of the city evolving from "real" to "remarkable," while Emma defines its soul with three words: "Poetic," "Innovation," and "Inclusiveness."Discover why everyone, from newcomers to long-term residents, feels a sense of belonging that "this city belongs to me." Join us to see how Hangzhou composes a digital symphony where tradition and future resonate in harmony.Highlights:00:01:32: From West Lake to Tech Hub: A City's Evolution 00:03:50: 3 Words for Hangzhou: Poetic, Innovative, Inclusive 00:08:34: Tech Demo: Experiencing 3D Body Scanning 00:10:50: Meet the "Six Tech Dragons" of Hangzhou 00:13:35: Smart Benches: Tech Infused in Daily Life 00:19:51: Government's Role: The "Patient Gardener" 00:23:45: Local DNA: Confidence & Entrepreneurial Spirit 00:29:30: Work-Life Balance: Nature & Tech in Harmony 00:35:13: Final Take: Innovation Needs Roots This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pekingensight.substack.com

When 60,000 fans packed a stadium in Nanjing this July for an amateur match, it wasn't superstars they cheered for – but teachers, delivery drivers, and fishmongers representing their hometowns.In this episode, host Yolanda Lu is joined by South African sports journalist Andre and Jiangsu-based reporter Eric to explore China’s surprise summer obsession: Su Super League (苏超), where 13 Jiangsu cities battle in a cultural-defining tournament.Together, we uncover:* Why it went viral: 11B+ views and city-wide public screenings* Economic alchemy: How matchdays fuel local spending surges* Derby magic: Wuxi’s "honey peach" mascots vs Nanjing’s "salted duck" warriors* Everyday heroes: Why part-time players embody China’s sports spirit* The teen revolution: High-school stars rewriting football’s future"People don’t just cheer for goals," says Eric. "They cheer for their city’s soul." Discover how fishmongers became idols – and why this people’s pitch might change Chinese sports forever.Highlights:03:40 League Essence: Amateur 13-city tournament format explained05:09 Stadium Frenzy: 60k crowd in Nanjing-Suzhou showdown05:45 Viral Tsunami: 11B+ short-video views across platforms07:10 Public Energy: "Human waves" in stadiums & city screenings08:33 Derby Fuel: Local rivalries ignite civic pride11:49 Core Appeal: Joy beyond winning/losing14:07 Hidden Roots: China’s deep-seated football passion17:32 Everyday Heroes: Teachers/delivery drivers as players18:57 Fan First: ￥5-20 tickets & heatwave suspensions20:22 Provincial Pride: 90%+ awareness across Jiangsu22:16 Economic Spark: Restaurants/tourism riding matchdays26:30 Sportsmanship Alive: Rival fans get 30% BBQ discount32:04 Teen Talent: High school stars shine on field42:37 City Symbols: Wuxi’s peaches vs Nanjing’s ducks48:48 ￥340M Boom: Single matchday spending surgeThis podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube, among many platforms.You are also more than welcome to check our newsletter where you can find more in-depth sharings around Chinese economy: pekingensight.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pekingensight.substack.com

In this episode of Trending in China, Host Yolanda Lu in Beijing and reporter Merry Wu unpack Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang's recent Beijing visit. In 20 minutes, we decipher: why China's tech ecosystem left him in awe? Why AI's future demands global collaboration?Fresh off Nvidia's historic $4 trillion milestone, Huang arrived not for victory laps but to champion a radical idea:"AI is the greatest equalizer of anything we have ever done."We unpack his whirlwind agenda: from donning a Tang suit at the China International Supply Chain Expo to open talks with media.Why open-source models like China’s DeepSeek-R1 electrify him? How Chinese EVs became“rolling living rooms"? What's next for Nvidia in China? And how Jensen Huang uses AI? Tune in to Trending in China, where we dive into the latest buzz of the Chinese economy and beyond.Special thanks to Zachary Huang for the interview audio.This podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube, among many platforms.You are also more than welcome to check our newsletter where you can find more in-depth sharings around Chinese economy: pekingensight.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pekingensight.substack.com

In the latest episode of "Trending in China", Irish chef Curt Evans reveals his unexpected journey in Anhui. Arriving in Hefei seven years ago for a university exchange program, he planned to stay 10 months but fell for the province’s authenticity. "Anhui is super real--the people are genuine, and it feels like the real China. I didn’t choose Anhui; it chose me."With Michelin kitchen experience, Curt now runs food consulting ventures and restaurants bridging Irish and Huizhou cuisines. He delves into iconic dishes like stinky mandarin fish (臭鳜鱼), born from ancient merchants’ preservation techniques, and hairy tofu (毛豆腐), a frugality-driven innovation: "These stories show how food conveys love when words fail."He finds deep parallels between Anhui and Irish food culture: "Both turned scarcity into creativity—fermenting, curing, and sharing meals as acts of resilience." Tune in to discover Anhui beyond the guidebooks.This podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube, among many platforms.You are also more than welcome to check our newsletter where you can find more in-depth sharings around Chinese economy: pekingensight.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pekingensight.substack.com

Xinjiang — where scorching deserts bloom with technological marvels and ancient civilizations, forging unity amid breathtaking diversity and economic dynamism. In this episode of Trending in China. Host Yolanda Lu and reporters Cao Bin/Sylvia Wang bring you on an eye-opening journey through Xinjiang—China’s western frontier where deserts bloom with innovation.Discover how "desert roses" defy arid landscapes, how ultra-high-voltage grids transmit wind/solar power to eastern cities in milliseconds, and how tech-driven cotton farms merge nature with cutting-edge tech.The human stories captivate: Highway maintenance couples brave 50℃ heat to guard 522km of desert roads against sandstorms; the 3,800-year-old "Loulan Beauty" mummy reveals Silk Road social hierarchies through her feather hat and jewelry; while Uygur children dancing spontaneously at night markets embody ethnic unity.From oil fields producing cosmetic-grade "white oil" to data centers powered by green energy, Xinjiang turns nature’s gift into synergy. This episode unpacks Xinjiang’s role in the Belt and Road Initiative through cultural gems like the immersive Yotkan ancient city show and bartering at Urumqi’s Grand Bazaar. Tune in to explore how deserts fuel progress, and subscribe for more on China’s untold frontiers!Some Highlights:03:12 Southern Xinjiang’s Transformation Over the Past Decade07:50 Xinjiang’s Deserts: How Trees Survive in Harsh Conditions11:06 Rose Farms Thriving in the Desert12:34 Powering China: Xinjiang’s Solar and Wind Energy Revolution14:02 Technology Reshaping Xinjiang’s Cotton Industry16:30 Must-See Attractions in Urumqi23:00 Karamay’s Digital Transition: From Oil City to Tech Hub28:00 Preserving History: Xinjiang’s Mummies and Their Cultural Significance31:20 Immersive Cultural Experience at Yotkan Ancient City34:50 Reviving the Silk Road: Barkol’s Rich Coal and Clay Resources37:50 Highway Maintenance Couples Guarding 522km of Desert Roads in 50℃ Heat41:03 How the Pairing-Up Program Accelerates Xinjiang’s Development47:20 Xinjiang’s Culinary Journey: Lamb Skewers, Pilaf, and Big Plate ChickenThis podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Little Universe（小宇宙）and YouTube, among many platforms. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pekingensight.substack.com

Dive into the heart of Fujian, China's captivating southeastern coastal province, rich in ancient culture, profound history, and vibrant traditions! In this episode of Trending in China, host Yolanda Lu sits down with two unique perspectives: Andre Bloem, a South African editor experiencing Fujian for the very first time, and Diego Yao, a Fuzhou native and seasoned journalist steeped in local wisdom.Hear Andre's fresh insights as a cultural explorer: What surprised and delighted him? How does Quanzhou and Xiamen resonate through foreign eyes? Then, journey deep with Yao as your local guide, uncovering hidden gems, age-old traditions, and the exciting new trends shaping Fujian today.Whether you're planning a trip or simply fascinated by Chinese regional culture, this compelling conversation offers a rich, multi-layered look into the soul of Fujian. Tune in and unlock the secrets of Fujian!Highlights:06:13 Fujian's tea-drinking culture07:45 Mazu culture in Fujian and how it has influenced the world19:21 Why Xiamen University is the most beautiful university in China22:42 Food culture in Fujian and how it's connected to the rest of the world28:01 How small businesses in Fujian thrive in harmony with nature39:47 Traditions in Fujian/Quanzhou puppet show50:05 Tips of traveling to Fujian/Be aware of the snakes!57:35 Quiz time! Test your knowledge of FujianThis podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube, among many platforms. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pekingensight.substack.com

In this episode of Trending in China, Guo Shanqiuyun 郭山秋韵, an overseas returnee and the honorary village head of Tangjiazhuang Village in east China’s Anhui Province, continues to share her story.Often called "Village CEO," Guo is also the founder of rural tourism projects in Anhui and Yunnan provinces.Part II digs deeper into Tangjiazhuang’s evolution. From profit-driven models to preserving cultural roots, hear how this village is writing its own story of rural development and rural revitalization — and why “taste” might be a secret weapon against social media homogenization.This episode is co-hosed by Zhao Jinzheng 赵金正, a reporter based in Anhui, who loves to share on-the-ground insights from the province.-This podcast, recorded on April 20, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube, among many platforms. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pekingensight.substack.com

In this episode of Trending in China, host Zhang Yiyi is joined by Guo Shanqiuyun 郭山秋韵, an overseas returnee and the honorary village head of Tangjiazhuang Village in east China’s Anhui Province.Often called "Village CEO," Guo is also the founder of rural tourism projects in Anhui and Yunnan provinces.In Part I, Guo shares her journey from studying abroad to diving headfirst into rural development in Huangshan’s Tangjiazhuang Village. Discover how youthful energy, creative collaborations and national policies are breathing new life into quiet villages.This episode is co-hosed by Zhao Jinzheng 赵金正, a reporter based in Anhui, who loves to share on-the-ground insights from the province.-This podcast, recorded on April 20, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube, among many platforms. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pekingensight.substack.com

Highlights:06:30 - Jiao Jie on the economic transformation of the Global South10:45 - David Sumual on Alternative Financing: How new funding models are reshaping global financial cooperation21:50 - Marc Uzan on Financial Reform: Challenges facing the Global South in the Bretton Woods system34:00 -The future of financial governance in an increasingly multipolar world This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pekingensight.substack.com

The Year of the Snake is approaching! 春节chūn jié, the Spring Festival, also known as the Chinese New Year, is one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture. This year, it has been officially added to UNESCO’s representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In this special Spring Festival episode, host Zhang Yiyi is joined by three special guests. They are: Carmen Xiao肖疆, IKEA Product Design Developer Lian Zhelin 连哲林, IKEA Designer Qian Jing 钱菁, IKEA Designer They explore how the globally recognized Swedish home furnishing brand, celebrates the Spring Festival.  The guests share their unique insights into their Chinese New Year designs and how they bring tradition and innovation together in IKEA products.  The conversation also touches on their observation of the Chinese market, including evolution of consumer behavior and home decoration trends. Highlights: 02:25 IKEA's journey in celebrating Spring Festival 10:30 Warm drinks on the go: even thermos are taken into consideration 10:55 Design challenges: balancing festive colors with everyday usability  14:49 Key motifs and cultural elements in IKEA’s 2025 Spring Festival Collection (FÖSSTA) 18:26 Incorporating Chinese aesthetics into modern ceramics 21:11 How IKEA's Spring Festival collections have influenced Chinese families and global consumers, reconnecting with traditional customs through tangible designs. 25:36 Evolution of consumer behavior and home decoration trends in the Chinese market 29:03 Incorporating cultural elements to a wider landscape This podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube. You are also more than welcome to check our newsletter where you can find more in-depth sharings around Chinese economy: https://pekingensight.substack.com/

The Year of the Snake is approaching! 春节chūn jié, the Spring Festival, also known as the Chinese New Year, is one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture. It has been officially added to UNESCO’s representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In this special Spring Festival episode, host Zhang Yiyi is joined by Wen Xiaodong 温笑冬, senior concept designer at the LEGO Group, also the first designer from Chinese mainland to join the headquarters of the global toy giant. Wen shares his experiences in integrating Chinese culture into LEGO sets, also the challenges and rewards of representing a diverse culture through toys. The designer walks us through highlights of the LEGO Group’s efforts to incorporate Spring Festival traditions into their products, and also the features of the 2025 series. He also reflects on his journey to becoming a LEGO designer, the process of designing culturally significant LEGO sets, and his pride in contributing to the spread of Chinese culture internationally.   Highlights: 03:26 Celebrating Spring Festival overseas: sharing unique cultural experiences 04:57 The LEGO Group's journey in embracing Chinese New Year Culture 08:57 Extensive brainstorming and consumer feedback sessions across China to create unique festival sets 11:38 Rewards and challenges: design process details for Spring Festival-themed sets 19:15 Spring Festival: a gateway to Chinese culture 20:38 From concept artist to LEGO designer: an unexpected journey 26:30 Inspiration behind the Monkey Kids Series 32:24 LEGO aspirations for cultural relevance in China This podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube. You are also more than welcome to check our newsletter where you can find more in-depth sharings around Chinese economy: https://pekingensight.substack.com/

Trending in China, a podcast where we dive into the latest buzz around Chinese economy and beyond. Starting this season, we are bringing you new content from tech trends to culture and consumption, with a focus on what'smaking waves in China's fast-paced society. In this episode of Trending in China, host Zhang Yiyi is joined by Lucas Zhang, a frequent blind box buyer and art toy collector. They dive into the fascinating world of China’s rapidly expanding art toy market, with a particular focus on Pop Mart and its viral blind boxes, where Lucas shares insights into how these toys transcend their function as simple playthings and instead serve as cultural ambassadors, offering emotional fulfillment and self-expression for Gen Z consumers. They explore the growing trend of emotional consumption, where younger generations prioritize products that connect with their individuality and offer a deeper emotional resonance, rather than just fulfilling material needs. The conversation also touches on the role of intellectual property (IP) in shaping art toys, how these toys reflect not just a consumer trend but a shift towards self-expression and community-building, and also the consumption upgrades taking place in China. This episode was recorded in December 2024. Highlights: 4:47 Adults also need to play with toys 10:08 Art toys like Pop Mart make art more approachable 13:00 Labubu storms Southeast Asia 16:21 When we talk about IPs, what are we talking about? 20:00 Huge market reflected by growth of Pop Mart and Gen Z’s growing purchasing power 25:16 What makes them buy: emotional value 26:06 Shopping malls in Beijing are providing services different from the past 28:39 China is shifting from a production-driven to a consumer-driven society 29:40 Gen Z consumers are spending money to buy happiness and please themselves 34:25 Purchases of art toy blind boxes is not about escapism but shows confidence of GenZ consumers 36:36 How brands should adapt to the evolving market landscape to attract the younger generation of consumers This podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube. You are also more than welcome to check our newsletter where you can find more in-depth sharings around Chinese economy: https://pekingensight.substack.com/

Check out the thriving innovative enterprises in China in this episode!What are gazelles and unicorns? Why are dynamic enterprises like these driving China's national policy? And what are the country's strategies to better support them?Let's take a look at those fantastic beasts in China and see where to find them!😜 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pekingensight.substack.com

In this episode, let’s look at six buzzwords of China's ongoing reforms.01:31 Debut economy03:56 Industries of the future05:57 Patient capital08:15 New forms of employment10:11 Childbirth-friendly society12:15 Silver economy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pekingensight.substack.com

🚗🚝🌳A 15min tour of the best of Chinese city clusters!😜 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pekingensight.substack.com

In this episode, come and join us to visit lottery stores, where young people gather to buy excitement of anticipation, to stroll around a supermarket to shop for unique experiences, and to look through new policies to cultivate new consumption drivers.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pekingensight.substack.com

This week, Mike and Sylvia are off on a "Culture Express,” diving into the world of new Chinese style travel, museums, and Yue Opera.01:24 New Chinese style travel06:05 Chinese museums greet more young people11:16 Yue Opera fever This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pekingensight.substack.com

Join Mike and Sylvia this week to explore why America is "unhappy" about China's strong new energy capacity.This episode is produced by Trending in China, with additional help from Allen Zhu. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pekingensight.substack.com

In this episode, come and explore new policies allowing visa-free entries to China, the bike boom in bustling cities, and a miniseries that leads us "to the wonder" of Altay, Xinjiang!(00:55) New policy to facilitate foreign cruise ship passengers(04:35) Bicycles become symbols of tech and fashion(07:30) "To the Wonder" ignites a strong desire among viewers to visit Altay This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pekingensight.substack.com

Back to latest economic trends in China! In this episode we look at new reading habits among the young, thriving pet-related businesses, memes gone viral during the May Day holiday tourism boom, and how "world's supermarket" welcomes the Paris Olympic Games.(00:45) "Listening to" books becomes popular among young people(06:04) China's pet industry and related new jobs(07:49) New trend on social media -- Selfies? No. Memes？Yes!(11:15) Yiwu & Paris Olympic Games This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pekingensight.substack.com

Hi, you're listening to a special episode on the 4th China International Consumer Products Expo. Check out what participants have to say about the event!(01:39) Ireland's ambassador to China, Ann Derwin(04:01) Irish Food Board(05:27) Estée Lauder(08:46) "Newcomers" & "old friends" This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pekingensight.substack.com

In this episode, we look at Qingming Festival holiday consumption, "Shenzhen bag" and young people's new consumption habits, and the upcoming consumer products expo in Hainan.(00:22) Qingming festival holiday consumption(03:17) "Shenzhen bag" and trade in second-hand goods(09:40) 4th China International Consumer Products ExpoTrailer:https://www.hainanexpo.org.cn/videos/2337.html This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pekingensight.substack.com

Our show is now available on Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, Castro, etc. Search "Trending in China" and start listening!In this episode, we look at China's performing arts industry, the "multilingual" businesswomen in Yiwu City, rapid development of microdramas, and the newly-unveiled negative lists for cross-border trade in services.(00:56) World Theatre Day & the performing arts industry(03:46) Zhang Jiying the "polyglot" in Yiwu(08:03) China's huge market for microdramas(10:22) Negative lists for cross-border trade in services This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pekingensight.substack.com

·Flower tour recommendations (Chinese version):https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/l4sMn--QiNPOsnrFV2Zdeg·e-CNY user guide:https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/YYK75SqEy01G_ekWLcNkkg·(00:37) Cherry blossom industry scale will reach 100 billion yuan in the next five to ten years·(03:12) The finals of the Village Super League, or 村超(cun chao), kicked off on March 16, together with the "happiness economy"·(05:44) How to use China's digital currency?·(07:40) Hefei city's rising population and emerging industries·(09:17) "ma la tang" from Tianshui city -- foodies let's go! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pekingensight.substack.com

* File: A Guide to Working and Living in China as Business Expatriates（2024 Edition）.pdfhttp://images.mofcom.gov.cn/wzs/202403/20240306153128529.pdf* (00:45)   Alipay and WeChat Pay have made it easier than ever to link your Visa and Mastercard accounts to their platforms(03:30)   "She-Power" -- about 1/3 female truck drivers contribute over half of their family's total income(05:10)   Crushing rumors -- The real plane that overshot the runway after landing at the American airport(07:05)   Something "new" -- "New Quality Productive Forces"(09:20)   Revival of "Hanfu", the 2,000 year-old traditional attire  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pekingensight.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pekingensight.substack.com