Round Table China

China's "hidden champion" companies

Have couples' apps gotten weird?

This podcast episode discusses couples' apps and their features, ranging from helpful reminders to more unusual functions like shared bathroom time tracking. The hosts debate the pros and cons of these apps, considering their potential benefits for long-distance relationships while acknowledging privacy concerns and t...

Do Chinese cities all look the same?

This podcast discusses the homogenization of Chinese cityscapes, exploring why many cities appear similar despite their unique histories. The hosts and guest debate the role of rapid urbanization, standardized policies, and economic factors in creating this uniformity, contrasting it with examples of cities that succe...

Freeze now. Live later.

This Round Table podcast episode discusses cryonics, the practice of freezing bodies after death with the hope of future revival, and the burgeoning market for elderly pet care. The hosts debate the ethical and practical implications of cryonics, highlighting the high cost and lack of proven success, while also discus...

China's weight war: Clinics on the front lines

Secondhand apps spark entrepreneurial surge!

This Round Table podcast episode discusses the evolving use of Xianyu, a popular Chinese second-hand online marketplace, moving beyond simply buying and selling goods to encompass a vibrant social community and a platform for unique services. The hosts explore how young people utilize Xianyu to sell services ranging f...

Artificial forests: China's tree planting triumph!

Work or wellness? Why not both!

This podcast episode discusses the health and lifestyle trends among young Chinese adults (Gen Z and younger millennials). The hosts and guests explore the phenomenon of "pengke yangsheng," a blend of traditional Chinese health practices and modern indulgences. They cite market research showing increased spending on ...

Farming beyond earth?

Understanding naturalistic fallacy

This podcast episode discusses the "naturalistic fallacy"—the flawed assumption that "natural" equals "better"—in the context of food, cosmetics, and healthcare. The hosts and guest explore this fallacy through examples in China and the US, highlighting the misleading marketing of "natural" products and the lack of co...

AI smart homes: Fully automated living!

Introducing: Echoes of the boatman chantey

This podcast episode focuses on the history of HeYepi, an ancient ferry port on the Yellow River, and the decline of river transport in the region. The episode features interviews with residents, including the grandson of the composer of the famous song "Ninety-Nine Bends on the Yellow River," who recounts the song's ...

The giant obsession with mini-games!

This podcast episode discusses the booming popularity of mini-games embedded within popular apps like WeChat and TikTok in China. The hosts explore the addictive nature of these games, citing their simple mechanics, instant gratification, and competitive elements as key factors. They highlight specific examples like ...

What women want in 2025

FOBO: The fear of a better option

This podcast episode discusses FOBO (Fear Of Better Options), a phenomenon where the fear of missing out on better alternatives leads to decision paralysis. The hosts explore FOBO's impact on various life aspects, from relationships and job hunting to everyday choices like dining and shopping, citing examples like ago...

Two Sessions Special: Science and technology

Two Session Special: Educational reform

This podcast discusses the evolution and current state of China's education system, focusing on advancements in rural education and the integration of technology. The hosts and guests review key milestones like the "double reduction" policy and the increased investment in rural schools, noting improvements in infrastr...

Young professionals invest in health through rehab

This podcast discusses two prevalent trends among Chinese office workers: utilizing hospital rehabilitation departments for common work-related ailments and the rise of bag-free commutes. The hosts and guests debate the effectiveness and affordability of hospital rehabilitation versus other options like spas and gyms,...

Two Sessions Special: Green Development

Solo living: Services abound!

This Roundtable China podcast episode discusses the booming solo living economy in China and other countries, focusing on how businesses cater to young adults living independently. The hosts and guests explore statistics on rising single-person households, the evolving attitudes towards solo dining (with examples of ...