Stories about China from January, 2014
China's Propaganda-Heavy New Year's Gala Fails to Impress Viewers
Known as Chunwan, the variety show regularly draws tens of millions of viewers every year and has become an essential part of Spring Festival celebrations. But its popularity is dwindling.
China: A Glass of Swine
“300 Shots at Greatness” introduced one of most distinctive alcohol in China. The distilled rice spirit, Yubingshao, has the taste of fat aroma as it is aged with jars filled...
Old Video of Official Slapping Chinese Tennis Star Li Na Goes Viral
China's sports system is notorious for its abuse of athletes.
WeChat Users Send Virtual Envelopes Worth Real Money for Chinese New Year
In China, it is tradition to give red envelopes containing money as gifts during the Lunar New Year holiday. The red color symbolizes good luck.
China Awards Tennis Champion Li Na With Six-Figure Prize
The Chinese local authorities’ decision to award 800,000 yuan to China's tennis superstar Li Na shortly after her triumph at the Australian Open has triggered criticism among Chinese netizens.
Alarm Bells Ringing (Again) Over China's Housing Bubble
Continuously jumping home prices has raised concerns again about real estate bubble in China as the government refrains from introducing more property curbs that would hinder economic growth.
China Sentences Citizens’ Movement Icon Xu Zhiyong to Four Years in Prison
His imprisonment is part of a crackdown by new Chinese Communist Party leadership under President Xi Jinping against political liberals who have been trying to advocate for constitutional reform.
Chinese-Style ‘Tiger’ Parenting Triggers Complaints Among Younger Generation
"[They] kill innocence during children's’ childhoods, kill our romance during adolescence and kill our will during our youth."
Chinese Billionaire Activist's Confession and Release
Chinese billionaire activist Wang Gongquan, who was arrested and detained for more than 4 months, was released on bail after making “confessions” that he and another citizen right activist Xu...
‘Steamed Buns Store’ Song in Ode to Chinese President Xi Jinping
A song praising Chinese president Xi Jinping’s everyman behavior has been composed in ode to his appearance at a small Beijing eatery late last year. The song will be officially released after...
Zhihu: A New Space for Questions and Discussion in China
Since China's crackdown on the most popular social media Sina Weibo, a new online platform Zhihu has become popular among public intellectuals as a space for rich discussion. Similar to...
China Arrests Ilham Tohti, Peaceful Advocate for Uyghur Minority
Chinese Communist Party mouthpiece Global Times accused university professor Ilham Tohti of being a separatist. His supporters maintain he opposes violence and independence for the Uyghur people.
Iran:Tehran Welcomes China's Help to Launch the National Internet
Iranian authorities in the Ministry of Information recently met with their Chinese counterparts and said they welcome China's experience to launch Iran's national internet.” Amin Sabeti tweeted: #China will help...
Lunar New Year Ad From A Desperate Chinese Mom
The letter said: To my son Peng, I’ve made many calls to you, but you never picked up. This ad is probably the only thing that can reach you. Mom...
Most Annoying Emoticons and Expressions in Chinese Online Communication
An online survey has revealed a list of the most objectionable expressions and emoticons in online communication of 2013. More from Nanfang insider.
Chinese Civil Servants Demand Higher Salaries
People's Congress representative from Guangdong province suggested the government to increase civil servants’ salaries. Indeed their basic salaries are low, but they enjoy huge benefits and subsidies. The proposal immediately...
One Million Yuan to Hire a Girlfriend for Chinese New Year
"I'm too busy with work, mom is pressuring me to get married, so I sincerely plan to hire a girlfriend to take home."
Photos: Chinese New Year Holiday Travel Rush
The Spring Festival, or lunar new year, is China's most important holiday for family reunions. According to The Ministry of Transportation, around 258 million train trips are estimated to be made...
Chinese Rock Star Cui Jian Refuses to Sing Under Censorship
Rocker Cui Jian, whose song “Nothing to My Name” became an anthem for Tiananmen Square protesters, won't perform at China’s spring gala if required to censor his lyrics.
Two Steps Forward, One Step Back for China's Stock Market Reforms
After only two weeks of letting market forces set companies' initial public offerings, China's stock market authorities rolled back some of their reforms.