Sixth Tone
China · English · Digital
A digital media outlet covering Chinese society, culture, and current events with a focus on in-depth reporting and human interest stories.
- 5 stories today
- 2/day · 7-day avg
- Top beat: Society
- Tracked since 2026
- 4 China peers
Today’s stories
- Fatal Crossing: China’s Villagers Risking Their Lives for Seasonal WorkA fatal accident occurred in Guangxi, China, when a pickup truck carrying 15 farm laborers was swept away by floodwaters, resulting in 10 deaths. Authorities are reviewing safety measures for low-water crossings following the incident.
- Locked Out of China’s AI Boom, Graduates Turn to BootcampsChinese graduates struggling to enter the AI industry are increasingly enrolling in short-term training bootcamps to gain practical skills, leading to entry-level roles, though concerns remain about the programs' long-term effectiveness.
- Fake Tests, Hidden Ads: China Targets Review InfluencersChina introduces new regulations to combat deceptive practices in online review platforms, requiring transparency in reviews with shopping links and standardized testing methods.
- Goose, Goose, Duck: The Unmaking of a Beijing Street Food LegendA Beijing street vendor known as 'Auntie Goose Legs' admitted that her roasted legs were made from duck, not goose, leading to an official investigation and public backlash.
- In China, the Middle-Class Home Aesthetic Is for HireIn China, home organizing has become a growing profession, with companies offering aesthetic services to middle-class clients. Organizers, often middle-class women, use standardized templates to create organized, stylish spaces, aligning with cultural ideals of a 'good life' but facing challenges in balancing standardization with client needs.
- Instead of Theses, Chinese Students Submit Fertilizers, NovelsChinese universities allow students to submit practical projects like fertilizers or novels instead of theses, reflecting changes in degree requirements under new legislation.
- The Architecture of Creation and Demolition: Banksy, Zhang Dali, and China’s Living CityThe article contrasts Western and Chinese approaches to urban development and street art, highlighting how institutional preservation in the West can stifle creativity, while Chinese cities embrace fluidity and adaptation. It discusses Banksy's mural restoration as an example of 'white cube taxidermy' and contrasts it with Zhang Dali's work, which embraces ephemerality and transformation.
- China’s Lifelike Emotional Companion Bots Go on SaleChinese company UBTech starts presales for its U1 humanoid robot, designed for emotional companionship, with 3,000 units sold so far. The robot features advanced AI and mobility, and China leads global humanoid robotics production.
- Livestreamed Readings of Hit Chinese Novel Spark Copyright DebateLivestreamed readings of the novel behind the hit Chinese TV drama 'The Protagonist' have sparked a copyright debate, with legal experts stating that such activities may infringe on broadcasting and reproduction rights. Some accounts have been blocked, while others continue to use promotional images without authorization.
- How Emojis Have Become a Language Within a Language in ChinaEmojis have evolved into a unique form of communication in China, where they are used phonetically and with double meanings, often substituting for sensitive or censored words. This has created a subculture where emojis serve as a language within a language, leading to generational and cultural communication gaps.
- Lost Bird Becomes a Shanghai Celebrity — Then a Cautionary TaleA rare black-headed bunting, which became a local celebrity in Shanghai's Century Park, died after colliding with a glass window. The incident highlights the risks birds face in urban environments and has led to calls for bird collision deterrents.
- Deep-Sea Water to Microchips, China Curbs Flashy Admission PackagesChina's Ministry of Education has instructed universities to simplify admission packages, moving away from extravagant items like deep-sea water and microchips to a one-page format. The move aims to reduce wastefulness and unhealthy competition among institutions.
- No Team at the World Cup, China Rallies Around a RefereeChinese referee Ma Ning has gained widespread attention and brand partnerships ahead of the 2026 World Cup, as China's national team failed to qualify. His strict refereeing style and viral social media presence have made him a symbol of national pride.
- Marrying at This Chinese University Comes With a Diamond RingA Chinese university awarded doctoral candidates married at its annual event with diamond rings made in its lab, using a process that creates diamonds in days rather than billions of years.
- Why Young Chinese Are Flocking to BathhousesYoung Chinese are increasingly visiting bathhouses for relaxation, socializing, and affordable leisure, with the industry growing rapidly and offering diverse services beyond traditional bathing.