Ep. 13: Peter Hessler on 'Other Rivers'

Writer Peter Hessler discusses his latest book, *Other Rivers: A Chinese Education*, which chronicles his experiences teaching at Sichuan University from 2019 to 2021. The conversation contrasts the rapid material development and standardization of Chinese society since his initial stint in Fuling during the late 1990s with the current, more restrictive political climate. Hessler highlights the generational shift from the optimistic, rural-born students of the 90s to the more pragmatic, urban-raised Gen Z cohort. He also examines the complexities of navigating China’s pandemic response, noting the stark differences between the initial failures in Wuhan, the subsequent period of relative normalcy, and the later, excessive lockdowns. Ultimately, the discussion addresses the shrinking space for independent journalism and the challenges of maintaining human-centered, granular storytelling about China from an external perspective.