Round Table China

Inside China's five-year provincial playbook

The Full Circle: Red envelopes, hands-on classes, one-person companies

This episode of Round Table explores the theme of "gaps and bridges," examining the widening divide between traditional promises and modern realities across various aspects of life. The hosts analyze three stories: the red envelope dilemma, the university labor class boom, and AI-powered one-person companies, to illust...

The too cool night schools

The trouble with red envelopes

The podcast explores the evolving tradition of the Chinese New Year red envelope, or hongbao, examining whether it has become a monetary arms race. The discussion covers the historical roots of hongbao, tracing back to the Han Dynasty, and how its significance has shifted over time. A viral video of a man giving modest...

One person. One laptop. One company.

When campus stir-fries eclipse spreadsheets

The podcast explores the rising popularity of hands-on labor electives in Chinese universities, contrasting them with traditional academic courses. It examines the shift towards practical skills like cooking, car maintenance, and woodworking, driven by a desire for real-world connection in an increasingly digital age. ...

The AI powered Spring Festival

The podcast explores the integration of AI into the Chinese New Year celebrations, highlighting its impact on traditions and daily life. AI's role in generating personalized New Year greetings and profile pictures was significant, with interactions reaching 1.9 billion. The discussion also covers the "bubble tea chaos,...

Is post-Chinese New Year syndrome a thing?

The podcast explores the phenomenon of post-holiday syndrome, characterized by fatigue, lack of motivation, and difficulty concentrating after a long break. The hosts discuss how overindulgence in food, irregular sleep schedules, and disrupted biological clocks during holidays contribute to this syndrome. Workplace anx...

The numbers behind the Chinese New Year

Should loyalty be paid?

The podcast explores the story of Tu Yangyue, who refuses rewards and a high position after a king regains his kingdom, questioning whether one should accept rewards for things they didn't do and whether people should stay in their societal positions. Dou Hongyu and Yunqi discuss Tu Yangyue's motivations from the persp...

Year of the Horse Drama Ep.3: The unexpected guest

The podcast episode centers on the theme of embracing the unexpected, sparked by a fictional radio drama about the Round Table team accidentally acquiring a horse-anoid robot named Xiaoma as their new co-host. The team reflects on how Xiaoma's unique perspective, though initially perceived as a mistake, ultimately led ...

The secret of effortless skill

The podcast explores the Zhuangzi story of Cook Ding, the expert ox butcher, focusing on the themes of practice and mastery. It highlights how Cook Ding's deep understanding of the ox's anatomy, achieved through years of practice, allowed him to cut effortlessly and keep his knife sharp for 19 years. The discussion ext...

Year of the Horse Drama Ep.2: Bo Le and the thousand-li horse

The podcast episode centers on the Chinese story of Bo Le, a legendary horse master, and the Thousand-Li Horse, exploring themes of talent recognition and potential. The hosts dramatize the story, highlighting the tension between Bo Le's vision and the skepticism of others, including the king and even Bo Le's wife. The...

Can success be copied?

The podcast explores the relevance of the ancient Chinese story "The Young Man Who Imitated the Handan Walk" in modern life, focusing on the dangers of blindly imitating others' success. Yunqi argues that the abundance of information and seemingly glamorous lifestyles presented online can distract individuals from thei...

Year of the Horse Drama Ep.1: The quest for the heavenly horse

The podcast episode centers on a dramatic retelling of Emperor Wu of Han's quest for heavenly horses, exploring themes of ambition, sacrifice, and cultural exchange. The narrative recounts the Han Dynasty's efforts to acquire superior horses from Fergana to gain an advantage over the Xiongnu, detailing the perilous jou...

Freedom or power?

This podcast explores Zhuangzi's philosophy of detachment and spiritual freedom, questioning whether true freedom lies outside worldly pursuits. The discussion contrasts Zhuangzi's Taoist ideals with Aristotle's emphasis on reason, virtue, and social responsibility, debating the practicality of complete detachment in m...

Spring Festival fun: firecrackers to livestreams

The podcast explores the evolution of Spring Festival traditions in China, particularly focusing on activities from the second day of the lunar new year onward. It highlights the tradition of married daughters returning to their parents' home with their families, known as Ying Xu Day, and the custom of bringing gifts i...

Hire the best or the purest?

The podcast explores the qualities of a good leader through the lens of an ancient story about Guan Zhong recommending a chancellor. It questions whether a leader should prioritize moral perfection and strict adherence to principles or value tolerance and emotional intelligence. The discussion highlights the importance...

The evolution of Chinese New Year's Eve rituals

The podcast explores the traditions surrounding Chinese New Year's Eve, particularly the practice of staying up late. The discussion covers the historical roots of this custom, tracing it back 1,500 years to a time when people would drink all night to welcome the New Year. The hosts delve into regional variations in fo...

Encountering Zhuangzi for the first time

The podcast "Sage and Youth, Debating Zhuangzi's Tao" introduces the ancient Chinese philosopher Zhuangzi and his relevance to modern life. Professor Hong Li provides insights into Zhuangzi's life during the Warring States Period and his philosophical connection to Laozi and Taoism. The discussion highlights Zhuangzi's...