Round Table China

Long considered a slow-paced game for older generations, snooker is shaking off its dusty image—thanks to stars like China's Zhao Xintong, whose electrifying victory at the 2025 World Snooker Championship has redefined the sport. With his rapid-fire breaks and charismatic flair, the 28-year-old isn't just winning titles; he's drawing a new, younger audience to the green baize. / Rethinking escalator etiquette (18:36). On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Laiming

The number of ATMs in China has collapsed to just 800,000, a 25% drop in five years, as mobile payments dominate daily life. While urbanites enjoy frictionless transactions, the decline of cash infrastructure threatens to exclude older and rural populations who rely on physical currency. Is China's financial future leaving vulnerable groups in the past? On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Laiming

Picture this: It's 2 PM on a Friday, and instead of staring at the clock, you're already free—heading home, meeting friends, or simply enjoying an early start to the weekend. Sound like a dream? For some in China, it's becoming reality. Several cities are now piloting a 2.5-day weekend, testing whether this bold shift could redefine work-life balance nationwide. Will it catch on? The experiment is underway—and for many, the hope is clear: more free time, less grind. / Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to roundtablepodcast@qq.com (17:08). On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushan

As China continues to prioritize education and family welfare, the idea of universal free preschool is gaining momentum. Could this be the next step in ensuring equal opportunities for every child? Supporters argue that early childhood education lays the foundation for lifelong success, while critics question funding and scalability. Should high-quality preschool be a right, not a privilege, for all of China's future generations? On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushan

Imagine designing your own commute. In Shanghai, a crowd-sourced platform now allows riders to propose and vote on new bus routes. With sufficient demand, your dream bus line could be operational in as little as three days! Could this innovation fundamentally reshape our approach to public transportation? / Our childhood “a bei bei” holds psychological power (17:05). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan.

China's credit blacklist system serves as a legal safety net targeting willful defaulters—those who can repay but refuse. But does it strike the right balance? The core challenge lies in enforcing repayment obligations without overreach: how to ensure accountability while still safeguarding the chance for redemption? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan.

While the world went big, a few phone developers kept things small—and now the tide might be turning. Slim, sleek, and surprisingly powerful, these small screen phones are winning fans who miss one-handed texting and non-bulky pockets. Is retro cool making a long-term return? / Motivational Monday (18:40)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Guess who are heading back to school? Retirees aged 55 and above, well endowed with time and curiosity. From China to the US, seniors are stepping back into the classroom. So, what are they really looking for from this second round of education? And what does it say about how we should reimagine our golden years? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

We often talk about careers, hustle, and performance. But here's a question we don't ask enough: What does work cost your body? Your sleep? Your peace of mind? Join Round Table today to explore what happens when work begins to hurt and how a major policy update might help. / Round Table's Happy Place (16:57)! On the show: Niu Honglin, Laiming & Yushan

For years, China's consumer power was synonymous with big cities like Shanghai and Beijing. But the new frontier is elsewhere. In 2025, smaller cities are growing faster, spending more, and attracting global brands. Could China's economic engine increasingly be running on small-city horsepower? On the show: Niu Honglin, Laiming & Yushan

"Conscious unbossing" is emerging as the new career mantra for Gen Z in both America and China. It defies conventional career wisdom where young employees are actively shying away from promotions. What's behind this shift in mindset? Join us to explore the values driving this change. / Internet earworms! The meme-ification of music (17:52). On the show: Heyang, Josh Cotterill & Yushun

In today's fast-changing job market, should universities be extending programs or speeding them up instead? With more programs lengthening in China, are we really raising the bar—or just the costs? We discuss who gains from the extra years in school… and who ends up paying the price. On the show: Heyang, Josh Cotterill & Yushun 

What if family wasn't about blood, and elderly care didn’t have to come from strangers? On Chinese social media, posts have surfaced about “认干亲养老”—a practice where young people form supportive, contract-like relationships with older adults. It echoes elements of godparenting and elder companionship in the West, but with key differences. Could this be a way to patch the cracks left by shrinking families and limited state support? Maybe—but it also carries serious risks. On the show: Heyang, Bob Jones & Yushun

Did you know the drink that comforted people in China 5,000 years ago is still soothing souls today? From humble teacups to Hong Kong Stock Exchange debuts, Chinese tea has come a long way. As we raise our cups this International Tea Day, let's dive into how this ancient brew is now powering billion-Yuan brand IPOs. On the show: Heyang, Bob Jones & Yushun

Hey lovebirds and romantics! It's May 20th—China's sweetest unofficial Valentine's Day, '520,' where the numbers literally sound like 'I love you' in Chinese. Whether you're coupled up or flying solo, today we dive into all things about love—from heartfelt romance to live action roleplay (LARP) adventures based on intriguing love-themed scripts! Ready to feel the love? Let's get started! / Peel-apart film. Retro trend or FOMO trap (16:25)? On the show: Heyang, Yushan & Jason Smith

Private gardens in high-rises? China's 'fourth-generation housing' has arrived. With bigger balconies, shared green spaces, and the villa vibes, these new homes are attracting attention, and naturally, selling at a premium. Reflecting China's move toward higher living standards and better home quality, what does this mean for you and where we will live in the future? On the show: Heyang, Jason Smith & Yushan

With an estimated 700 million people in China affected by nearsightedness, contact lenses have shifted from mere vision correction to a fashion essential. Eyeglasses are out, today's trendsetters are embracing sleek, comfortable, and even vibrantly colored lenses that blend function with flair. / Is their a best time of day to drink your daily cup of coffee (17:06)? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Lesson after lesson, you sit in class—eyes open but spirit asleep, as if school is just background noise in a life on pause. Even chasing top grades feels hollow, like running a race without knowing why. In the US, more teens show up to school but mentally check out. In China, a similar apathy is called 'hollow heart disorder'—a spiritual emptiness despite success. So why are teens losing their spark for learning? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

In an age of information overload where everything is a click away, museums are redefining themselves—not as static halls of artifacts but as living, breathing spaces where history meets innovation. This year's International Museum Day theme challenges us to ask: In a rapidly changing society, how can museums remain relevant—and even take the lead? On the show: Niu Honglin, Laiming, and Yushan.

Last time, we began a story that blurred the lines between memory and technology, grief and connection. We met Ranran, a young woman trying to reconnect with her late grandmother—and perhaps find peace in the present. Now, the search continues. Who is J? What did Ranran's grandmother really want to say? As we delve deeper, we begin to question how far we should go to complete someone else's story. On the show: Niu Honglin, Laiming, and Yushan.