Round Table China

A new benchmark for corporate success has arrived. China's latest ranking of its top private companies is out, and the bar for entry is now a staggering 27 billion yuan ($3.8 billion USD) in revenue. More than just a list, it's a powerful story of resilience and ambition on a massive scale. On the show: Steve, Niu Honglin & Yushun

In today's day and age, we can just order anything. We've ordered takeout food, groceries, even manicures at home — so why not order a sports class? That's exactly what many families are doing. Whether it's a jump rope session in the park, or a one-on-one basketball lesson in the neighborhood square, "sports delivery" is making workouts as easy to book as dinner. But convenience isn't the whole story; it's also reshaping how kids, parents, and coaches see the role of sports in daily life. Would you order a sports session customized to your needs? Let us know the answer after listening to today's discussion! / Should hotel room booking charge deposit (14:17)? On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushan

In recent years, live performances have transformed from simple entertainment into powerful engines of urban vitality. Concerts, festivals, and stage plays don't just fill seats; they ripple into dining tables, hotel rooms, shopping bags, and social media feeds. What was once a fun night out has become an ecosystem — a phenomenon showing how culture, emotion, and economy intertwine in today's consumer landscape. Today, Round table takes you to check out the before, during and after fun of live performances here in China. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushan

In China, a customer posted on social media that a barbecue restaurant had poor food quality and alleged that it caused an acute case of gastroenteritis. The restaurant owner filed a lawsuit, and the court ruled in the restaurant's favor. This case raises important questions about the legal boundaries for posting critical online reviews, and how platforms and regulations should oversee such user feedback. / Can twistable tiny toys fidget your way to focus (14:13)? On the show: Steve, Niu Honglin & Yushan

This summer, Chinese animation films and series have surged in popularity, with several titles achieving blockbuster success at the box office. Online video platforms have also joined the fray, offering a rich variety of animated content and engaging in an intense competition for viewership dominance. What have been the most notable successes, and what key factors are driving their impressive performance? On the show: Steve, Niu Honglin & Yushan

School's back, and summer is out. It is time to swap lazy days for new backpacks, sharp uniforms, and well stocked supplies. But this is more than a shopping trip. It is the Great September Shift. So how do you transition from beach mode to brain mode? How do you go from late nights to early alarms? Join us as we explore mindset resets, routine upgrades, and how to start the year with total confidence. / Motivational Monday (17:11)! On the show: Steve, Niu Honglin & Yushun

Electric bikes are fast, convenient, and everywhere in China. But behind this convenience lurk hidden risks: fires, accidents, and illegal modifications. On September 1st, 2025, a transformative national safety standard takes effect. What exactly does this new regulation entail, and what will it reveal about the future of urban safety? Most importantly, what difference will it make for the millions who rely on their e-bikes every day? On the show: Steve, Niu Honglin & Yushun

The Swiss watch once held an exclusive monopoly on prestige. That era has ended. Now, China's consumers are fueling a profound transformation, embracing cutting edge technology and bold local brands that rival the timeless classics. "Made in China" is being completely redefined. We discuss the new symbols of status and what they reveal about the future of luxury. / Round Table's Happy Place (17:06)! On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun

Chinese Valentine's Day is here, but Cupid's arrow is striking differently for the youth in China's buzzing metropolises. A fresh report reveals they are completely rewriting the recipe for romance, crafting a new vision of love and partnership for the modern era. Get ready for a fascinating cultural shake-up! On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun

The global gaming industry, now larger than film and music combined, generates over $184 billion. Women make up nearly half of all gamers worldwide, profoundly shaping game design, esports, and culture. We explore the shift and its future impact. On the show: Heyang, Steve & Yushan

Western food has often been branded bland, but things are changing quickly. As America's growing obsession with spicy food embraces ghost pepper snacks and habanero laced cocktails, how does this trend compare to the refined, centuries-old fire of Chinese Sichuan and Hunan cuisines? / Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to roundtablepodcast@qq.com (15:33). On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushun

We seek solace in our screens, only to feel more drained. Why do our escapes amplify the loneliness they're meant to soothe? Is it a failure of discipline, or a cry from something within we've been avoiding? On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushun

Peking University has ended GPA rankings for undergraduates. This is a bold move in a system where grades heavily influence scholarships, graduate school admissions, and sometimes even job opportunities. Will this shift the focus from chasing scores to pursuing knowledge, or will competition simply take a new form? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Have you ever daydreamed about a completely different career? In today's fast-evolving job market, switching industries is increasingly common. From new graduates discovering their majors are misaligned with demand, to experienced professionals seeking greater purpose or growth, more people are venturing into new fields. The pivotal question remains: how do you determine if such a leap is worthwhile, and what key factors should you weigh before making the switch? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Instant noodles, once the default travel snack in China, are now disappearing from some high-speed rail stations, deemed too odorous for shared spaces. This shift is part of a larger conflict playing out on public transport, where personal choices like noisy kids or dusty work clothes are forcing a public debate over whose comfort should take priority. / Motivational Monday (24:41)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Chinese tool apps, from outfit-swap filters to calorie trackers, have surged to become top downloads worldwide. Their success stretches from the competitive markets of the U.S. and U.K. to the booming digital landscapes of Southeast Asia and Latin America. This global reach, however, presents their greatest challenge: can they master the vastly different tastes and cultural nuances of users from Los Angeles to Jakarta to maintain their dominance? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

An ancient herbal syrup is captivating the global wellness scene, journeying from the apothecaries of Beijing to the shelves of New York. This surge of curiosity represents a broader movement as Traditional Chinese Medicine (or TCM) steps into the international spotlight. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun.

Let's teleport you to Xizang Autonomous Region, otherwise known as Tibet, in southwest China, where the air is thin, the winds are fierce, and the land is unforgiving. Farming there has always been a test of human will. Yet a team of farmers from Shandong Province, in the eastern part of the country, crossed mountains and storms to help local villagers build greenhouses on the plateau. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun.

Travel photography first became a dream service for newlyweds almost a decade ago. Over time, it's also grown popular with families with kids and individuals who want portraits taken in stunning, real-world locations. But behind the glossy images lie hidden fees, logistical chaos, and fierce competition. We explore the industry's rise and the turbulence facing industry giants. / Dad nursery rooms in shopping malls (11:25). On the show: Heyang, Steve & Yushan

Before we call our closest friends, many of us now post online. In an age when social media timelines feel like extensions of ourselves, they have become the place where grief lives, spreads, and is witnessed. This digital impulse is influencing how we process pain together. / Social media live location? Why the backlash? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan.