https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/rss/508149/feed en https://assets-v2.i-scmp.com/production/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg Fran Lu Fran Lu A newlywed Chinese couple has gone viral on social media because they share exactly the same name, written with the same Chinese characters, and work in the same industry. The coincidence has caused a few practical complications, but many people see it as pure fate. On October 6, the groom, 33, and the bride, 28, both named Zhu Xiaocong, held their wedding in Zhejiang province, eastern China. Someone shared their wedding poster online, which showed that the couple had exactly the same name,... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3370890/pure-fate-china-newlyweds-share-identical-names-face-endless-glitches-life-situations?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3370890/pure-fate-china-newlyweds-share-identical-names-face-endless-glitches-life-situations?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 14 Oct 2026 10:49:52 +0000 Zoey Zhang Zoey Zhang Across China, a new breed of freelance “robot trainers” are wearing motion-capture gear to turn everyday household chores – picking up cups, opening bottle caps and washing dishes – into data that will teach tomorrow’s machines. The data is later converted into training sets to help robots work in settings ranging from kitchens and factories to supermarkets. Such roles are increasingly advertised on mainland social media and job platforms. They reportedly pay trainers between 4,000 yuan and... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3370792/china-robot-trainers-fold-clothes-wash-dishes-200-times-day-us900-month?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3370792/china-robot-trainers-fold-clothes-wash-dishes-200-times-day-us900-month?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 14 Oct 2026 02:00:16 +0000 Fran Lu Fran Lu A dance move known as the “flash step” recently went viral on Chinese social media, inspiring countless imitations, memes and creative merchandise, including keychains. In September, Chinese netizens jumped on the bandwagon, copying moves from a dance tutorial video made in the 1990s. They were especially taken with three moves featured in the video: the “flash step”, “prodigal kicking the ball” and “black bear shaking fur”. As its name vividly suggests, the flash step is a rapid, side-to-side... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3370745/doctors-warn-physical-limits-china-viral-flash-step-dance-sends-imitators-hospital?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3370745/doctors-warn-physical-limits-china-viral-flash-step-dance-sends-imitators-hospital?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 Oct 2026 10:05:32 +0000 Fran Lu Fran Lu A Chinese centenarian leads a happy, healthy life despite a habit generally considered “unhealthy”, prompting curious reactions online. A 101-year-old great-grandfather in eastern China’s Zhejiang province recently went viral for his love of drinking large amounts of Coca-Cola and Sprite. While young people in China embrace healthy lifestyles – eating foods inspired by traditional Chinese medicine, following low-sugar diets and taking daily footbaths – Lu Shizeng defies these practices yet... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3370629/chinese-great-grandfather-101-defies-ageing-daily-diet-coke-sprite-seafood?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3370629/chinese-great-grandfather-101-defies-ageing-daily-diet-coke-sprite-seafood?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 Oct 2026 02:00:23 +0000 Zoey Zhang Zoey Zhang Police in southwestern China have debunked a terrifying rumour after an alarmed homeowner was told by a neighbour that bones found on her rooftop belonged to a buried young boy. On October 5, a woman surnamed Li from Chengdu, Sichuan province, told local media outlet Sichuan Observation that she had found what appeared to be a grave on the rooftop above her flat. Li bought the second-hand flat on the seventh floor in 2017 and had rented it out ever since. A neighbour recently told her that the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3370597/chinese-man-arrested-after-fabricating-rooftop-child-grave-hoax-above-residential-flat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3370597/chinese-man-arrested-after-fabricating-rooftop-child-grave-hoax-above-residential-flat?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 Oct 2026 10:00:08 +0000 Alice Yan Alice Yan A grassroots singer in China rose to fame after standing in for Hong Kong singer Hacken Lee, giving an impromptu two-hour set after Lee was delayed. On the evening of September 26, the touring concert Hear Yourself, featuring six acclaimed singers from Hong Kong and Taiwan, was held in Baotou, Inner Mongolia, in northern China, Shenzhen TV reported. Lee was scheduled to give the grand finale performance. But he did not arrive in time because his flight, originally bound for the nearby city of... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3370519/china-grass-roots-singer-shoots-fame-after-saving-delayed-hacken-lee-concert-2-hour-set?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3370519/china-grass-roots-singer-shoots-fame-after-saving-delayed-hacken-lee-concert-2-hour-set?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 Oct 2026 02:00:33 +0000 Alice Yan Alice Yan A woman from southwestern China has climbed five famous mountains in five provinces in five days, earning widespread admiration on social media. The climber, surnamed Peng, began her journey in her hometown of Guiyang, Guizhou province, on September 23, the Xiaoxiang Morning Herald reported. She climbed Mount Hua in northwestern Shaanxi province the following day, then Mount Heng in neighbouring Shanxi province on September 25, Mount Tai in eastern Shandong province on September 26, Mount Song... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/environment/article/3370493/special-forces-travel-chinese-woman-wins-admiration-after-climbing-5-famous-peaks-5-days?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/environment/article/3370493/special-forces-travel-chinese-woman-wins-admiration-after-climbing-5-famous-peaks-5-days?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 11 Oct 2026 10:00:15 +0000 Alice Yan Alice Yan After spending all her savings on a month-long trip to Antarctica following a cancer diagnosis, a woman from southwestern China discovered that her tumour had shrunk. Wang Ying, 67, is an amateur wildlife photographer who has photographed more than 1,200 bird species. In 2013, as she was preparing to retire from her job as an administrator at a school in Kunming, the capital of southwestern China’s Yunnan province, Wang was diagnosed with a form of thyroid cancer. Doctors urged her to undergo... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3370469/chinese-retiree-devotes-life-photography-after-tumour-shrinks-post-bucket-list-trip?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3370469/chinese-retiree-devotes-life-photography-after-tumour-shrinks-post-bucket-list-trip?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 11 Oct 2026 03:20:43 +0000 Zoey Zhang Zoey Zhang A former Chinese Olympic diving champion’s quest for independence has struck a chord online, after her mother’s controlling behaviour drew widespread criticism following their appearance on a reality TV show. Zhang Jiaqi, 22, grew up in a modest Beijing family and went on to win gold in the women’s synchronised 10-metre platform event at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. Her youthful charm and exceptional talent have also attracted 3.3 million followers on Douyin. Zhang began diving at six, won her... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3370440/retired-china-olympic-champion-diver-sparks-debate-after-reality-show-reveals-toxic-parenting?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3370440/retired-china-olympic-champion-diver-sparks-debate-after-reality-show-reveals-toxic-parenting?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 10 Oct 2026 10:00:15 +0000 Fran Lu Fran Lu Police in eastern China recently dismantled a cross-border drug-trafficking gang that allegedly involved a retired chemistry professor and a master’s degree holder in producing narcotics. The case went viral in China, where social media users dubbed it “China’s Breaking Bad,” after the American crime drama that aired from 2008 to 2013. The series is widely regarded as one of the greatest TV shows of all time. In China, all five seasons scored above 9 out of 10 on the country’s best-known ratings... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3370405/chinese-police-crack-real-life-breaking-bad-drug-lab-arresting-ex-chemistry-professor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3370405/chinese-police-crack-real-life-breaking-bad-drug-lab-arresting-ex-chemistry-professor?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 10 Oct 2026 02:00:17 +0000 Zoey Zhang Zoey Zhang A video of a ride-hailing driver in southwestern China reassuring a blind passenger about his appearance has gone viral, touching hearts across mainland social media. The driver, surnamed Wang, recently picked up a visually impaired passenger in Chengdu, Sichuan province, and helped him into the car after the platform flagged the booking as requiring accessible service. Wang later clarified that passengers who register with disability certificates have their bookings automatically marked as... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3370386/youre-not-ugly-chinese-drivers-kindness-blind-passenger-wins-millions-hearts-online?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3370386/youre-not-ugly-chinese-drivers-kindness-blind-passenger-wins-millions-hearts-online?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:11:55 +0000 Fran Lu Fran Lu In ancient China, royal families washed elephants to pray for good fortune – until one elephant went rogue and brought the tradition to an end. Elephants had been spotted and documented in China as early as 4000 BC. They are believed to have once been familiar animals in the Central Plains before gradually migrating south to more remote regions. From the Han dynasty (202 BC–220), elephants were presented as tribute to the royal court. They carried deeply auspicious meanings: the Chinese word for... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3370261/sacred-splashes-ancient-chinese-ritual-elephant-washing-good-fortune?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3370261/sacred-splashes-ancient-chinese-ritual-elephant-washing-good-fortune?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 Oct 2026 02:50:31 +0000 Fran Lu Fran Lu Age calculation in China is probably one of the most confusing aspects of Chinese culture, even for Chinese people themselves, because two systems are used. One system is the international standard: a person’s age is calculated from their date of birth. The other, the traditional nominal-age system, or xu sui, adds a year at the start of each lunisolar year. Under the xu sui system, a person’s nominal age can be up to two years greater than their actual age. The system is more commonly used in... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3370216/why-traditional-chinese-practice-nominal-age-makes-people-2-years-older?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3370216/why-traditional-chinese-practice-nominal-age-makes-people-2-years-older?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 08 Oct 2026 12:08:19 +0000 Alice Yan Alice Yan A restaurant boss in China has received widespread online admiration for gifting brand-new BMWs to her top-performing employees because she hated seeing them brave harsh weather on electric bikes during their commutes. Ma Yanli, owner of a beef hotpot chain headquartered in Jiaozuo, in central Henan province, took some of her workers to collect their new BMWs on September 24. The cars, each priced at 300,000 yuan (US$45,000), had been bought by Ma two weeks earlier with full payment, Henan TV... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3370117/china-boss-gifts-top-employees-new-bmws-protect-them-harsh-weather-commutes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3370117/china-boss-gifts-top-employees-new-bmws-protect-them-harsh-weather-commutes?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 08 Oct 2026 02:33:10 +0000 Fran Lu Fran Lu A Chinese father-and-son duo established a home laboratory to create miniature models of China’s significant national strategic hardware, captivating many online with their skill and passion. Duan Yanjuan, a 13-year-old second-year junior secondary school student in Shanghai, has already replicated turbojet engines, pulse detonation engines, and an electromagnetic aircraft launch system, with assistance from his father, Duan Changzhi. The inspiration for replicating the electromagnetic aircraft... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3370062/father-son-chinese-duo-build-mini-national-engineering-marvels-home-lab?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3370062/father-son-chinese-duo-build-mini-national-engineering-marvels-home-lab?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 Oct 2026 10:14:28 +0000 Alice Yan Alice Yan A woman in central China invested 14 million yuan (US$2 million) to acquire 196 parking spaces in a residential community, later selling them at a significant mark-up, which led to furious residents suing her. The lawsuit centred around a residential block, the name of which was not disclosed, located in Changsha, Hunan province. The property project was completed and put on the market in 2018. At the time, many were sceptical about the community’s prospects due to a lack of essential public... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3369958/chinese-woman-snaps-nearly-200-parking-spaces-flip-neighbours-profit?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3369958/chinese-woman-snaps-nearly-200-parking-spaces-flip-neighbours-profit?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 Oct 2026 02:00:10 +0000 Zoey Zhang Zoey Zhang The death of a 30-year-old nurse in southwestern China from a brain haemorrhage while on duty sparked outrage after authorities refused to classify her death as work-related. Chen Jiajia, a supervising nurse in the medical imaging department at Guizhou Maotai Hospital in Zunyi, experienced a severe headache and began vomiting while working on August 4, according to Dafeng News. Her colleagues swiftly rushed her for emergency treatment, and she subsequently underwent a craniotomy after being... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3369926/public-outcry-china-nurse-dies-after-duty-brain-bleed-death-ruled-not-work-related?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3369926/public-outcry-china-nurse-dies-after-duty-brain-bleed-death-ruled-not-work-related?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Oct 2026 10:00:40 +0000 Zoey Zhang Zoey Zhang From a humble working-class family in northeast China to becoming a celebrated actress on the Hollywood stage, 53-year-old Li Bingbing’s ascent has never been a solo journey. At the heart of her decades-long career is her younger sister, Li Xue, 51, who transitioned from journalism to become Li Bingbing’s manager. Together, they co-founded Hesong Entertainment, a talent company that has represented performers across generations. The sisters have long been recognised as one of China’s most... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3369820/chinese-actress-li-bingbing-credits-success-younger-sister-who-acts-manager-confidante?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3369820/chinese-actress-li-bingbing-credits-success-younger-sister-who-acts-manager-confidante?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Oct 2026 02:00:07 +0000 Alice Yan Alice Yan An 86-year-old grandmother in China has become a social media sensation for operating a coffee shop for over a decade – a business she took over from her son in 2015, despite having no experience with coffee at the time. Zhao Qiying, affectionately known as the “Coffee Grandma,” revealed that the shop, located in downtown Qingdao in eastern China’s Shandong province, was nearly bankrupt due to her son’s lack of business acumen, according to the Peninsular Metropolis News. At that time, Zhao was... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3369741/chinese-coffee-grandma-learns-brewing-save-sons-cafe-inspires-female-independence?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3369741/chinese-coffee-grandma-learns-brewing-save-sons-cafe-inspires-female-independence?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 05 Oct 2026 10:00:07 +0000 Alice Yan Alice Yan An elderly man in central China, who has spent the past 21 years making ends meet as a scavenger, experienced a remarkable stroke of luck when he discovered that his pension fund contained over 420,000 yuan (US$63,000). In late September, the 71-year-old man, surnamed Ru, received a bank card linked to his pension account, which revealed a balance of 424,204 yuan, as reported by Changde Daily. Completely unaware of his entitlement to pensions over the decades, Ru sobbed as he spoke to the media:... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3369739/chinese-man-71-discovers-hidden-us63000-fortune-after-scavenging-21-years?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3369739/chinese-man-71-discovers-hidden-us63000-fortune-after-scavenging-21-years?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 05 Oct 2026 02:00:34 +0000 Kevin McSpadden Kevin McSpadden It is no secret that Chinese emperors had many women in their lives, and the imperial concubine system was a significant feature of feudal social structures. Ming-era (1368–1644) emperors could have upwards of 9,000 consorts, ostensibly to ensure an heir. Unfortunately, these women often existed in gilded prisons, barred from leaving the palace grounds and frequently subject to the wrath of a cruel emperor. However, one leader stands out for doing just the opposite; the Hongzhi Emperor (r.... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3369702/chinas-only-monogamous-emperor-why-hongzhi-refused-harem-remained-dedicated-wife?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3369702/chinas-only-monogamous-emperor-why-hongzhi-refused-harem-remained-dedicated-wife?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 Oct 2026 10:30:22 +0000 Zoey Zhang Zoey Zhang From cooking and attending hospital visits to doing the actual quarrelling, paid “life stand-ins” are stepping in to manage these tasks, along with errands and awkward moments that many young Chinese would rather avoid. This trend, known as the “stand-in economy,” is gaining traction among time-strapped consumers who are willing to pay for convenience when daily responsibilities exceed their time, patience, or expertise. First widely reported by mainland media in 2024, the movement has since... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3369676/young-chinese-hire-life-stand-ins-cook-and-care-elderly-parents-amid-booming-trend?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3369676/young-chinese-hire-life-stand-ins-cook-and-care-elderly-parents-amid-booming-trend?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 Oct 2026 02:20:53 +0000 Alice Yan Alice Yan A 60-year-old woman in China has captured attention on social media for giving birth to a baby girl, just two years after welcoming a son. She made the decision to have children at a later stage in life after enduring the loss of her only child four years ago, as reported by the Red Star News. The infant girl, weighing 2.8kg, was born on September 17 through caesarean section at Zhumadian Central Hospital in Henan province, central China. Her mother, identified by the surname Zhang, expressed... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3368970/chinese-woman-60-gives-birth-second-child-2-years-sparking-debate?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3368970/chinese-woman-60-gives-birth-second-child-2-years-sparking-debate?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 03 Oct 2026 10:00:06 +0000 Fran Lu Fran Lu A video of a nine-month-old baby climbing steps at a mountain tourist site has gone viral, igniting heated debates about his family’s parenting style. Filmed at a mountain resort in central China’s Hubei province, the clip has garnered 200,000 likes and 17,000 comments on a popular short video platform. Footage shows the baby’s mother closely accompanying him, while he wears kneecaps for protection as he enjoys the outdoor activity. Some viewers expressed shock at the video, questioning whether... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3369625/viral-video-9-month-old-chinese-baby-climbing-mountain-steps-sparks-safety-concerns?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3369625/viral-video-9-month-old-chinese-baby-climbing-mountain-steps-sparks-safety-concerns?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 03 Oct 2026 02:00:17 +0000 Alice Yan Alice Yan A 60-year-old woman in southern China has defied public stereotypes surrounding senior citizens by becoming a popular e-game live-streamer. Zhong Juanjuan, affectionately known as Auntie Juan by internet users, has amassed 527,000 followers on social media. She hosts two daily live-streaming sessions, each typically attracting around 10,000 viewers, as reported by Beijing News. Zhong, who lives in a suburban area of Meizhou in Guangdong province, only began playing computer games six years ago.... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3369504/chinese-woman-60-becomes-gaming-streamer-after-playing-understand-sons-addiction?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3369504/chinese-woman-60-becomes-gaming-streamer-after-playing-understand-sons-addiction?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Oct 2026 10:00:07 +0000 Zoey Zhang Zoey Zhang China’s veteran filmmaker Zhang Jizhong, 75, and his 44-year-old wife, Du Xinglin, ignited online debate after announcing they are contemplating having a fifth child. The Beijing-born director and producer is renowned for his adaptations of celebrated television versions of classic Chinese novels, including Water Margin and Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils. Du, who studied in France, holds a doctorate in intellectual property law. The couple married in 2017 and have since welcomed a son and two... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3369481/surrounded-total-love-china-director-75-criticised-5th-child-plan-wife?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3369481/surrounded-total-love-china-director-75-criticised-5th-child-plan-wife?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Oct 2026 02:00:21 +0000 Fran Lu Fran Lu While China’s iconic silk embroidery is world-renowned for its exquisite detail and painterly effects, an even more meticulous traditional technique surpasses it. Originating in Dongtai, located in eastern China’s Jiangsu province, during the Tang dynasty (618–907), hair embroidery relies on the incredibly fragile medium of human hair. With a rich history spanning over 1,000 years, a single intricate piece can take skilled artisans anywhere from several months to multiple years to complete. It... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3369383/chinese-hair-embroidery-uses-human-hair-instead-silk-thread-create-ultra-fine-portraits?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3369383/chinese-hair-embroidery-uses-human-hair-instead-silk-thread-create-ultra-fine-portraits?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 Oct 2026 10:00:06 +0000 Zoey Zhang Zoey Zhang A growing number of young Chinese women are paying for romantic photo shoots with male models, seeking a brief taste of love through a novel form of emotional companionship. This trend has gained significant traction on mainland social media, with customers spending up to 8,000 yuan (US$1,200) for an hour-long session featuring couple-style poses, including hand-holding, embraces, staged kisses, and even touching the models’ abdominal muscles. In July, lifestyle blogger Xue Dinge spent 4,520... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3369378/chinese-women-spend-top-dollar-male-model-shoots-turning-staged-romance-viral-trend?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3369378/chinese-women-spend-top-dollar-male-model-shoots-turning-staged-romance-viral-trend?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 Oct 2026 02:00:08 +0000 Alice Yan Alice Yan While travelling in Kunming, southwestern China’s Yunnan province, a Chinese-Malaysian woman unexpectedly came across photos of her late grandfather showcased in a public exhibit. The display celebrated the historical contributions of overseas Chinese machinists who played a vital role in supporting the nation during World War II. The woman’s Chinese name is Zhang Huiqing, although she uses the handle @Huiching on social media. In mid-September, she released a video revealing that during her... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3369341/chinese-malaysian-woman-proud-find-grandad-honoured-china-secret-wwii-sacrifice?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3369341/chinese-malaysian-woman-proud-find-grandad-honoured-china-secret-wwii-sacrifice?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 30 Sep 2026 10:00:10 +0000 Fran Lu Fran Lu Local Chinese authorities have issued warnings and demerits to 11 officials and dismissed the entire kitchen staff at a kindergarten following a teacher’s revelation about unsanitary practices, including washing dirty mops in cooking pots. On June 30, several children at the Affiliated Kindergarten of Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology in Jiangsu province exhibited symptoms such as nausea and vomiting during and after lunch. Parents had been inquiring about the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3369151/china-warns-officials-fires-kindergarten-principal-over-mops-cooking-pots-scandal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3369151/china-warns-officials-fires-kindergarten-principal-over-mops-cooking-pots-scandal?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 30 Sep 2026 02:00:10 +0000 Fran Lu Fran Lu Renowned Chinese singer and songwriter Liu Huan passed away in Shanghai on September 25 at the age of 63 due to illness, prompting widespread mourning among the mainland public. The University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, where Liu taught the History of Western Music for three decades, issued an obituary but did not disclose details about the illness. His death saddened many, as Liu was a beloved figure across China. As one of the country’s most famous and respected male... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3369199/china-mourns-death-music-legend-liu-huan-voice-2008-beijing-olympic-theme-song?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3369199/china-mourns-death-music-legend-liu-huan-voice-2008-beijing-olympic-theme-song?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 29 Sep 2026 10:00:23 +0000 Fran Lu Fran Lu A young Chinese wife selflessly donated her kidney to her husband suffering from uraemia because she “did not want to lose him,” despite the success rate being less than 10 per cent. In September, Liang, 25, donated her left kidney to her husband, Chung, at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University. Chung, 33, has congenital megaureter, a condition present from birth that involves an abnormally enlarged ureter. He underwent regular treatment for his condition, which... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3368965/china-wife-donates-kidney-husband-defying-sub-10-match-rate-non-blood-relatives?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3368965/china-wife-donates-kidney-husband-defying-sub-10-match-rate-non-blood-relatives?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 29 Sep 2026 02:00:12 +0000 Zoey Zhang Zoey Zhang A viral interview with Chinese professor-influencer Liang Yongan has reignited the debate over China’s evolving marriage norms after he argued that at least one-third of people in the country are ill-suited for marriage. Liang, 72, a professor of Chinese language and literature at Fudan University in Shanghai, has emerged as a significant voice on mainland social media, attracting nearly one million followers with his candid observations on youth culture, relationships, and social change. The... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3368944/china-professor-sparks-debate-claiming-one-third-youth-are-unsuitable-marriage?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3368944/china-professor-sparks-debate-claiming-one-third-youth-are-unsuitable-marriage?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 28 Sep 2026 10:00:26 +0000 Zoey Zhang Zoey Zhang An elderly resident in southern China sparked online outrage after cutting a high-altitude worker’s safety rope to use it as a washing line. The incident occurred when Liu, a worker from Foshan, Guangdong province, was repairing the exterior wall of a high-rise building on September 17. After descending from the 30th floor to a platform on the second floor, he discovered that one of his safety ropes had been cut, with part of the rope left on the platform. Fortunately, no workers were using the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3368945/elderly-resident-sparks-fury-china-after-cutting-workers-safety-rope-hang-laundry?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3368945/elderly-resident-sparks-fury-china-after-cutting-workers-safety-rope-hang-laundry?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 28 Sep 2026 02:00:19 +0000 Kevin McSpadden Kevin McSpadden Rice may be the most universal ingredient in the world, serving as a cornerstone of the diet for billions in Asia. However, for much of Chinese history, rice faced a serious competitor, and entire cultures developed around a different cereal grain, one that has since diminished in significance: millet. Millet is a cereal grain that behaves and tastes similarly to rice but has a rounder form. It is often used in porridge, stir-fries, or even fritters. In certain regions of China, millet is... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3368942/other-crop-built-china-how-millet-became-foundation-chinese-civilisation?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3368942/other-crop-built-china-how-millet-became-foundation-chinese-civilisation?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 27 Sep 2026 10:00:14 +0000 Alice Yan Alice Yan A 20-year-old woman who collects and sorts rubbish in eastern China gained online fame after her modelling talents were discovered by the renowned self-made “village supermodel” Lu Xianren, who shares a similar childhood background. Identified by her alias Chaoren Leng (translated as “Superman Leng” in English), the woman assists her boyfriend’s father in managing his rubbish collection business in Taizhou, Zhejiang province, as reported by Shenzhen TV. Born Leng Minghui in a village in Fuyang,... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3368927/chinese-rubbish-station-worker-scouted-striking-looks-refuses-full-time-modelling?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3368927/chinese-rubbish-station-worker-scouted-striking-looks-refuses-full-time-modelling?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 27 Sep 2026 02:14:32 +0000 Fran Lu Fran Lu A Chinese doctoral graduate in medicine left her promising hospital job to embrace a “less meritocratic” lifestyle as a part-time freelancer. Liu Zihan, 31, delivers food, performs at a pub, sells breakfast, and explores a variety of part-time jobs that captivate her interests while providing for her living expenses. Before leaving her full-time employment in February, Liu served as a psychiatrist and postdoctoral researcher at a Grade 3A hospital in Zhuhai, in southern China’s Guangdong... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3368901/chinese-doctor-phd-leaves-medical-career-deliver-food-pursue-music-part-time?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3368901/chinese-doctor-phd-leaves-medical-career-deliver-food-pursue-music-part-time?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 26 Sep 2026 10:05:08 +0000 Alice Yan Alice Yan A middle-aged couple in rural China has recently trended on social media for having 13 children. The family, living in a village in Qinzhou in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, stands out in mainland China, particularly in light of the country’s declining birth rate. This situation has prompted authorities to implement various policies encouraging marriage and larger families. According to Jiupai News, the 49-year-old man, surnamed Huang, and his 42-year-old wife have welcomed 13 children –... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3368855/china-couple-have-13-kids-avoid-village-bullying-elderly-loneliness-dividing-public-opinion?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3368855/china-couple-have-13-kids-avoid-village-bullying-elderly-loneliness-dividing-public-opinion?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 26 Sep 2026 02:00:21 +0000 Zoey Zhang Zoey Zhang Frustrated by low-quality materials, careless craftsmanship, and escalating prices, some young women in China are taking matters into their own hands by learning to sew their own underwear, accessories, and handbags. This summer, a surge of sewing enthusiasts flocked to RedNote to showcase their handmade creations. Many beginners embarked on their journey with underwear, assuming it would be a straightforward first project due to its minimal fabric requirements. However, they quickly encountered... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3368831/young-chinese-women-sew-own-underwear-clothes-amid-frustration-fast-fashion?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3368831/young-chinese-women-sew-own-underwear-clothes-amid-frustration-fast-fashion?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 25 Sep 2026 10:37:24 +0000 He Huifeng He Huifeng Mooncakes, a sweet staple for China’s annual Mid-Autumn Festival, are not just for people any more. Humans are pulling back, but dogs are digging in. So are cats. Pet mooncakes are popping up across China, from major retailers such as Sam’s Club to online stores and small bakeries. And many are quickly selling out. In the southwestern metropolis of Chengdu, a pack of pet mooncakes selling online for about 50 yuan (US$8) has racked up thousands of sales, news outlet thecover.cn reported. In the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/economy/china-economy/article/3368747/mooncakes-dog-how-china-reinventing-its-iconic-festive-snack?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/economy/china-economy/article/3368747/mooncakes-dog-how-china-reinventing-its-iconic-festive-snack?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 25 Sep 2026 06:00:26 +0000 Alice Yan Alice Yan A young seal gained widespread attention on social media in China after swimming 200km to return to an island where it had lived for months following its release into the wild. This two-year-old seal marks its second return to a human-inhabited area after being freed into open seas. Internet users were touched by videos showcasing the seal, affectionately named Nana, as it returned to the shores of Dachangshan Island in northeastern China’s Liaoning province. Nana was released into the ocean on... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3368734/china-seal-touches-hearts-swimming-200km-back-island-after-missing-humans?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3368734/china-seal-touches-hearts-swimming-200km-back-island-after-missing-humans?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 25 Sep 2026 02:08:45 +0000 Fran Lu Fran Lu Retail tycoon Yu Donglai, widely known as China’s “most conscientious” boss, recently triggered public controversy with a proposal to sign only a four-year “training initiative” contract with future new hires, without renewing it. Yu has been nationally acclaimed for the many unconventionally humanistic rules he set up for Pangdonglai, a supermarket chain he founded in central China’s Henan province in 1995. Yu, for example, once said his 8,000 employees’ after-tax monthly salaries average 9,000... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3368684/chinese-retail-chain-faces-rare-backlash-limiting-new-hires-4-year-contracts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3368684/chinese-retail-chain-faces-rare-backlash-limiting-new-hires-4-year-contracts?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 24 Sep 2026 11:19:21 +0000 Kevin McSpadden Kevin McSpadden When the weather turns warm around June, people all across China gather for the annual Dragon Boat Festival, and one of the most famous dishes from the celebration is the zongzi. Zongzi is a rice dumpling with a delicious filling, wrapped in bamboo leaves before being cooked. The leaves add aroma and flavour to the rice. In mid-August, a group of scientists from China announced they had discovered an ancient ancestor of zongzi made around 2,200 years ago. However, Yong Ge, a study author from... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3368584/chinese-archaeologists-find-2200-year-old-ancestor-dragon-boat-festival-treat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3368584/chinese-archaeologists-find-2200-year-old-ancestor-dragon-boat-festival-treat?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 24 Sep 2026 02:45:21 +0000 Zoey Zhang Zoey Zhang A South Korean dating reality show exploring human-AI romance has triggered curiosity and attention in China over how artificial intelligence could reshape people’s understanding of intimacy and love. In August, Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS) launched My AI Partner: Strange Love, the country’s first dating reality show focused on human-AI relationships. The programme follows three participants – a cartoonist, a television host and an actress – as they form emotional connections with AI... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3368509/korean-dating-show-featuring-ai-and-human-contestants-sparks-fascination-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3368509/korean-dating-show-featuring-ai-and-human-contestants-sparks-fascination-china?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 23 Sep 2026 10:00:09 +0000 Fran Lu Fran Lu The Qing dynasty’s Empress Dowager Cixi is renowned as a cosplay enthusiast, leaving behind photographs and paintings of herself embodying the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, Guanyin. However, she was not the first to engage in such role-playing while on the throne. Long before Cixi (1835–1908), the Qing dynasty’s emperors Yongzheng (1678–1735) and his son, Qianlong (1711–1799), indulged in role-playing, as evidenced in numerous paintings. Yongzheng, whose reign lasted 13 years, was known as a strict... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3368391/artworks-reveal-chinese-rulers-and-cixi-loved-role-playing-long-modern-cosplay?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3368391/artworks-reveal-chinese-rulers-and-cixi-loved-role-playing-long-modern-cosplay?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 23 Sep 2026 02:00:05 +0000 Zoey Zhang Zoey Zhang A man in northern China created a poignant record of his mother’s final 14 days, documenting her rapid decline from a vibrant woman to her last moments. Gao, hailing from the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, shared that his mother travelled to his city for medical treatment after developing a fever and a persistent cough. On August 29, he captured her arrival at the railway station. Dressed in her favourite red coat, she appeared energetic and in good spirits, walking with confidence and a... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3368371/chinese-sons-video-mums-final-14-days-sudden-leukaemia-death-moves-hearts-online?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3368371/chinese-sons-video-mums-final-14-days-sudden-leukaemia-death-moves-hearts-online?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 22 Sep 2026 10:00:20 +0000 Alice Yan Alice Yan A woman in China, who dedicated over two decades to her career as a doctor, made a surprising choice three years ago to leave her profession and open a steamed stuffed bun store. As time passed, her store not only survived but flourished in the competitive food industry, prompting her to launch a second outlet in July. “When I was a doctor, the thought of quitting often crossed my mind. Now, running a bun shop keeps me busy and tired, but I am so happy that I can’t stop,” said Dong Min, 48, in... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3368333/chinese-doctor-quits-20-year-medical-career-open-steamed-bun-shop-mental-health-relief?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3368333/chinese-doctor-quits-20-year-medical-career-open-steamed-bun-shop-mental-health-relief?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 22 Sep 2026 05:00:40 +0000 Fran Lu Fran Lu A 65-year-old Chinese woman used artificial intelligence (AI) to impersonate both a young doctor and her mother, successfully scamming 170,000 yuan (US$25,000) from a man. Liu Hui, a resident of Shanghai, connected with a woman named Yu Xiuzhen on a social media platform in 2021. Yu asserted that she was a 29-year-old doctor at a prestigious Grade 3A hospital in Shanghai, claiming influence over her hospital’s property engineering projects. Over the past five years, Yu frequently shared details... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3368264/chinese-woman-65-plays-dual-roles-beautiful-doctor-and-mum-con-man-out-us25000?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3368264/chinese-woman-65-plays-dual-roles-beautiful-doctor-and-mum-con-man-out-us25000?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 21 Sep 2026 10:16:27 +0000 Zoey Zhang Zoey Zhang A woman in her 70s in northern China briefly exhibited signs of life after being placed in a coffin, but ultimately died two days later. The woman, from Hebei province, had been suffering from cerebral thrombosis for decades and was also battling cancer, according to reports from mainland sources. After doctors concluded that her cancer was no longer treatable, her family brought her home for end-of-life care. On September 8, relatives found no apparent signs of life and placed her in a... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3368184/chinese-woman-her-70s-wakes-coffin-dying-good-2-days-later?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3368184/chinese-woman-her-70s-wakes-coffin-dying-good-2-days-later?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 21 Sep 2026 02:00:48 +0000 Fran Lu Fran Lu Online community in China is heart-wrenched over a driver’s goodwill in pulling a rope across a road as a warning sign, which ultimately took the life of a passer-by. The case emerged after the driver, surnamed Xie, was arrested for manslaughter in central China’s Henan province on September 11. While driving along a dirt road in a village, the concrete mixer truck driver noticed potholes that caused a bumpy ride. With some leftover concrete mix in his truck, Xie volunteered to fix the road... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3368138/chinese-good-samaritan-arrested-manslaughter-after-kindness-leads-fatal-accident?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3368138/chinese-good-samaritan-arrested-manslaughter-after-kindness-leads-fatal-accident?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 20 Sep 2026 10:00:08 +0000