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China Plus · Lifestyle

Round Table China

Round Table is a premier English radio/podcast show, straight from Beijing. Hear what's buzzing on the Internet and the main streets, see the latest lifestyle trends, and feel the pulse of life in China, Round Table is your golden ticket. With dynamic cultural exchanges between hosts from diverse backgrounds, we take you on a journey deep into modern China. We invite you to join our conversation! Shoot us an email or a voice memo at [email protected]. Let the fun begin!

Episodes

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AI is stealing your voice

31 Mar 2026
36m
AI processed

AI voice cloning technology now enables the replication of human voices with startling accuracy, triggering widespread legal and ethical concerns regarding unauthorized commercial use. Voice actors face significant threats as their unique vocal signatures are harvested for AI training and derivative works without conse...

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The Soapbox: China's digital marriage market

30 Mar 2026
21m
AI processed

The podcast explores the shift of China's marriage market from traditional physical gatherings in parks to online dating apps, where parents seek potential partners for their adult children. It highlights how these platforms monetize parental anxieties by prioritizing material assets like property and income over perso...

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Zero waste starts on your plate

30 Mar 2026
30m
AI processed

The Round Table discusses the global issue of food waste, highlighting that one-fifth of all food available to consumers ends up in the bin annually, costing the global economy an estimated one trillion US dollars each year. The discussion covers how food waste significantly contributes to climate change through carbon...

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The Full Circle: Spring recruitment, child-friendly society, spring greens

27 Mar 2026
18m
AI processed

The podcast episode centers on the multifaceted concept of "readiness," exploring its meaning across different life contexts. It begins with three stories: spring recruitment emphasizing AI skills, designing child-friendly cities, and the seasonal availability of spring greens. The discussion explores how readiness is ...

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The ever-changing world of retirement

27 Mar 2026
33m
AI processed

The podcast explores the shifting views on retirement, particularly in Shanghai, where a new plan encourages seniors to re-enter the workforce. It addresses the reasons behind the traditional retirement model's decline, such as increased life expectancy and pressure on pension systems. Shanghai's initiative aims to cre...

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The Why: Tokens

26 Mar 2026
25m
AI processed

The podcast introduces "The Why," a new segment focusing on the underlying reasons behind tech trends. The discussion centers on the concept of "tokens" in AI, prompted by the statistic that daily AI token usage in China has reached 140 trillion. The panel explores what tokens are—the smallest units AI uses to process ...

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Boao Forum for Asia 2026

26 Mar 2026
26m
AI processed

The Boao Forum for Asia serves as a critical platform for debating the intersection of economic growth, technological innovation, and environmental sustainability. Marking its 25th anniversary, the conference emphasizes a shift toward "growth with purpose," leveraging Hainan’s status as a free trade port to demonstrate...

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Five-star living for an aging generation

25 Mar 2026
30m
AI processed

The podcast explores the trend of luxury hotels in China transforming into permanent senior care facilities, driven by high hotel vacancy rates and increasing demand for quality elderly care. It highlights how hotels are adopting hybrid models, retaining existing clientele while converting parts of their facilities for...

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Did you catch spring green fever?

25 Mar 2026
21m
AI processed

Spring greens have emerged as a significant seasonal lifestyle trend in China, reflecting a cultural practice of aligning diet with the natural rhythms of the seasons. This shift is driven by increased accessibility through improved logistics, such as the use of drones to transport fresh mountain produce like bamboo sh...

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Do chores make kids nicer?

24 Mar 2026
22m
AI processed

The podcast explores the impact of household chore distribution on teenagers' behavior, particularly bullying. A study based on OECD data reveals that teenagers from egalitarian households, where both parents share responsibilities, are less likely to bully others. Conversely, those from disengaged households, characte...

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What makes a city kid-friendly?

24 Mar 2026
30m
AI processed

Urban planning in China is shifting toward a child-centric model, moving beyond simple playground upgrades to a comprehensive, nationwide framework. This initiative prioritizes the "one-meter-tall" perspective, addressing daily challenges such as accessible public transportation, 24/7 emergency medical channels, and sa...

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Labubu goes to Hollywood

23 Mar 2026
21m
AI processed

The podcast episode centers on two contrasting perspectives regarding exercise: the belief that workouts must be at least 30 minutes to be effective versus the idea that even short bursts of activity are beneficial. The discussion highlights how the "30-minute rule" can be a psychological barrier, leading people to avo...

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AI dominates 2026 spring recruitment

23 Mar 2026
31m
AI processed

The podcast explores the current spring recruitment season in China, highlighting the prominent role of AI in the job market. It emphasizes that AI skills are becoming essential for job seekers, with AI-related positions offering high salaries, sometimes reaching 80,000 yuan per month. The discussion covers government ...

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How a candy connected the world

20 Mar 2026
20m
AI processed

The podcast episode "Round Table" explores the theme of unintended consequences and the cyclical nature of societal trends. It examines how things designed for a simple purpose evolve, leading to imbalances that society attempts to correct. The discussion begins with the resurgence of traditional markets among young pe...

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Petals, profit, and a prosperous path

20 Mar 2026
32m
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China Finds: A zoo before zoos were zoos

19 Mar 2026
21m
AI processed

The podcast explores the history and modern interpretations of zoos in China, starting with the archaeological discovery of a 3,000-year-old animal complex from the Shang Dynasty. This ancient "zoo," evidenced by sacrificial pits containing diverse animal remains adorned with bronze bells, suggests early domestication ...

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We need to talk about these trees

19 Mar 2026
30m
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Pindou: the offline hobby sweeping China

18 Mar 2026
22m
AI processed

The podcast explores the Pindou trend among young Chinese, a DIY handcraft using tiny plastic beads to create pixelated designs. It's described as a stress-relieving activity, with a surge in popularity reflected in a 9000% increase in group purchases by Gen Z on Douyin and a 500% rise in Taobao searches. The panel als...

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The great wall of wildlife coexistence

18 Mar 2026
29m
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Don't like the movie? Here's your refund

17 Mar 2026
19m
AI processed

A cinema in Hangzhou is experimenting with a policy allowing moviegoers to get a 40% refund if they leave within the first 20 minutes, sparking debate about consumer rights versus artistic integrity. The discussion centers on whether this policy, already tested in other cities, benefits moviegoers, cinemas, or the film...

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