Round Table China

How far can a film take you? This week in Shanghai, the answer is: everywhere. The 27th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) is a vibrant celebration of global storytelling, where memory, culture, and imagination collide. With filmmakers from five continents coming together, we're reminded of cinema's unparalleled power—a universal language that transcends borders and speaks directly to the soul. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Climbing the Great Wall of China is a once-in-a-lifetime experience… unless your knees beg to differ. What if your spirit is willing, but your body's waving a white flag? Enter your new travel ally: the robotic exoskeleton—think Iron Man meets ancient wonder. Are we stepping into the era of "painless tourism", or are we too lazy to walk? / Motivational Monday (17:31)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

The lights dim, the screen expands, and the world applauds. Welcome to one of the most prestigious cinematic celebrations on the global stage—the 2025 Shanghai International Film Festival. From dazzling premieres to unforgettable moments, let's dive into the highlights of opening day and preview the cinematic magic lighting up Shanghai! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

China's booming 'child brain training' industry promises to unlock kids' potential—but experts question how much is science versus savvy marketing. As companies sell costly cognitive programs to eager parents, neuroscientists warn many claims lack evidence, leaving families to wonder if these tools are beneficial, or just exploiting hopes?/ Round Table's Happy Place (21:56)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

You've heard it before: 'There are no good jobs out there.’Yet employers insist: 'We can't find the right people!' This frustrating disconnect? It's called information asymmetry—and it's solvable. Enter the '15-minute employment service circle': a community-powered solution that brings job opportunities literally to your doorstep. By placing employment hubs within a short walk of every neighborhood, it bridges the gap between talent and demand. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun 

In Zheng'an County, Guizhou province, a thriving guitar manufacturing industry has emerged, supplying major international brands and providing thousands of jobs. In this episode, we meet the guitar-makers, the musicians, and the dreamers who've transformed an entire region by turning strings into stories.

Guizhou Province has long been known for its rugged landscapes and ethnic diversity, but today, it's making headlines for something else: the red hot chili peppers. Yes, Round Table is still in Guizhou province, and in this episode, we take you to see a city's fiery pepper boom!

What do spicy peppers, handmade guitars, and green cities have in common? Guizhou. In our new on-the-ground mini-series "ChinaHorizons", we invite you to join our trip to Guizhou province. For the first stop, we record our podcast in a traditional Miao people's village cluster to appreciate diversified cultures, intangible cultural heritage items and delicious local cuisines.

In Jiangsu's Football City League (Su Chao), it's not about stardom—it's about community. Students, shopkeepers, and everyday heroes battle on the pitch, drawing roaring crowds and boosting local tourism. This is grassroots football at its best: raw, passionate, and uniting entire cities. When local pride takes center stage, everyone wins. / Motivational Monday (18:56)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yang Guang

It's that time of year again—cities grow quieter, families hold their breath, and more than 13 million students pour their hearts into the gaokao, China's national college entrance exam. As one of the most pivotal milestones in a student's life, the gaokao shapes futures and opens doors. So, what's different this year? From key exam reforms to 29 brand-new college programs, there's plenty to keep an eye on. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yang Guang

Who knew two wheels could be this cool? The cycling scene in today's China is fierce, fashionable, and full of flex. Whether it's a high-performance bike built for both speed and swagger, or a neon-colored shared bike that gets the job done, the humble bicycle has officially leveled up. Get ready — we're spinning into a story where cool rides meet hot trends. / What's in a name (17:00)? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Gao Junya

On this Environment Day, China sets sail on an inspiring journey—to restore rivers and lakes from shore to source. What does it take to bring vitality back in a river? And how can the public ride the current of this transformation? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Gao Junya

Have you ever wondered why quirky plush toys like Labubu and Jellycat have taken the world by storm—especially among adults? These aren't just nostalgic childhood trinkets; they've evolved into coveted collectibles, stylish companions, and even cultural icons. So what's the secret behind their "ugly-cute" charm? / Plant identification apps! Your new nature guide (19:57)? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

We sleep with it, eat with it, panic if it goes missing for even five minutes. Let's face it—our smartphones are practically family. But the moment a shiny new model arrives? The old one gets ghosted, tossed in a drawer to gather dust. Love at first swipe, forgotten at first upgrade. So why is it so hard to recycle our old friend? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

That 'low-fat' meal seemed like a smart choice—clean, green, guilt-free. So why are your jeans tighter? Behind the wholesome packaging lies a harsh truth: Are these 'diet' dishes helping you slim down or selling empty promises? Let's rip off the marketing hype and see what's really inside! / Machine vs. air drying: Why do most Chinese people choose the latter (17:12)? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

In China's cutthroat e-commerce battleground, every 'Add to Cart' triggers a cascade of costs—layered, opaque, and ever-changing. But who ultimately pays the price? We unravel the hidden world of platform fees and decode what China's draft regulations mean for merchants, marketplaces, and the millions of shoppers caught in the crossfire. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Your boss isn't a fire-breathing dragon, but neither is he or she an all-knowing saint. Managing up is a strategic approach to understanding your manager's goals and communication style, enabling you to align your efforts and drive better business outcomes together. We discuss how exactly you would go about it. / No need to shower every day (14:35)? On the show: Heyang, Bob Jones & Yushun

Is a gap year simply taking a break from work? Think again. In China, taking time off can set off alarm bells with HR and turn a 'break' into a barrier. The good news? Knowing the challenges means you can prepare and come back stronger. We discuss how to navigate the gap year stigma, and how to reframe that time off not as a red flag, but as a unique edge in your career story. On the show: Heyang, Bob Jones & Yushun

More than just play, theater unlocks confidence, empathy, and self-expression—gifts that shape young hearts and minds far beyond the stage. As International Children's Day approaches, we spotlight how drama education across China isn't just inspiring bigger dreams, but nurturing deeper thinkers, collaborators, and storytellers of tomorrow. / The best way to rest (20:11). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Zongzi are steaming on the table, dragon boats are slicing through the water, and this long weekend just hits different—Duanwu Festival meets Children's Day! Some are jetting off for quick getaways, while others are leaning into the art of the staycation. We discuss the traditions we love and the trends shaping the season! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun