Author: Yiying Fan

Chinese traveler with a western mindset interested in cultural difference.
Education

In China’s Dance Schools, a Dangerous Obsession With Weight Loss


SHENZHEN — When 12-year-old Ziqi won a place at a specialist art school in April, it was a proud moment for her family. The school has one of the most competitive dance programs in the country: Thousands of students apply each year, but only 30 are admitted. Training there would allow Ziqi to achieve her life’s ambition of becoming a professional dance teacher. “We were … Continue reading In China’s Dance Schools, a Dangerous Obsession With Weight Loss

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Culture

Stooping Takes China by Storm as Zoomers Scour the Streets for Junk


SHANGHAI — After darkness falls, Zhou Yuxian hops on his bicycle and cruises the streets of downtown Shanghai. It’s not just for exercise. He’s out hunting for “treasure,” he says. The 27-year-old is among China’s early adopters of “stooping” — a subculture where people leave unwanted items on the street for others to pick up and take home. Zhou’s apartment is covered with random objects … Continue reading Stooping Takes China by Storm as Zoomers Scour the Streets for Junk

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animal, Business

How a Chinese Town Made a Fortune From the World’s Lockdown Pets


ZHEJIANG, East China — On a cavernous factory floor, workers dressed in blue overalls are sorting through giant piles of dog chews molded into the shape of candy canes. The workers carefully inspect and weigh each item, before bagging it ready for shipment. In a month or two, the festive dog treats will begin their long journey to the West, where they’ll hit supermarket shelves … Continue reading How a Chinese Town Made a Fortune From the World’s Lockdown Pets

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aging

China’s Solution for a Growing Senior Care Crisis: Millions of Robots


SHANGHAI — Inside a senior care center in downtown Shanghai, Gao Hongjun is busy preparing the day’s entertainment: a singing robot named Duobao, or “many treasures.” The machine — a squat white companion robot — often performs for the elderly residents, usually rousing revolutionary songs from the Mao era. The seniors love it, Gao says, and it also gives the staff a much-needed break. “As … Continue reading China’s Solution for a Growing Senior Care Crisis: Millions of Robots

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Music

‘The Phantom of the Opera’ is Here — in Chinese


SHANGHAI – From “Romeo and Juliet” to “The Count of Monte Cristo,” Lisa Jia claims to have watched almost every Chinese version of foreign musicals. Having often been disappointed by poor translations, she was naturally nervous about seeing the Chinese version of the legendary musical “The Phantom of the Opera,” which opened at the Shanghai Grand Theater on May 2. The result, it turns out, … Continue reading ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ is Here — in Chinese

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