HISTORY

Crowning Glory: China’s Floral Headdress Tradition

From the women of Xunpu to ancient emperors, the floral hairpin has been a cherished tradition among both men and women for centuries, serving as decorative ornaments and symbols of authority

BUSINESS

China’s Pet Psychics Promise to Bridge the Species Gap

Netizens are turning to “pet communicators” to improve their relationships with their furry friends, despite a lack of science behind these animal psychics

FILM

Three New Chinese Documentaries to Watch

Chinese films that impressed at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam this November

STREET TALK

The Toe-Curling World of Awkward Chinese Internet Slang

A guide to expressing embarrassment like a Chinese netizen

ANCIENT HISTORY

Ancient Snitches: How China’s Emperors Encouraged Informants

From Wu Zetian to Emperor Yongzheng, China’s imperial rulers were obsessed with people conspiring against the throne and came up with various systems to encourage informers

EDUCATION

Degrees of Disillusionment: What’s Driving China’s Certification Craze?

Young workers are turning to qualifications, exams, and certificates to stay ahead in a competitive job market and to feel productive in their spare time

BOOKS

Sci-Fi Luminary Chen Qiufan on AI and Chinese Literature Abroad

Renowned Chinese sci-fi writer Chen Qiufan discusses his book “AI 2041,” humanity’s AI future, and how he gets published overseas

FEMINISM

How a Rural Woman Found Solace in Poetry

How poetry helped Han Shimei endure a loveless marriage and a lifetime of hardship in rural China

SOCIETY

Canine Comrades: A Dog Attack Worries Pet Owners

China’s pet owners fear for their dogs after a rottweiler attack sparks a nationwide backlash

BUSINESS

12 Hours in the Lipstick King’s E-Commerce Empire

Amid the fervor of Singles Day, a 12-hour livestream with e-commerce luminary Li Jiaqi unveils his many talents beyond mere marketing savvy