The lives of Africans in Guangzhou have been adversely impacted by China's stringent visa and residency regulations, as well as police oversight. This includes direct visa checks that could result in deportation, and indirect monitoring in shopping malls where Africans conduct business, the hotels they occupy, and the community committees in their residential areas. The majority of African importers possess thirty-day tourist visas or visitor visas that last one to two months, which are inadequate for placing orders, waiting for factory deliveries, and managing shipping processes. Only a small percentage have managed to secure longer residency permits (up to one year) to operate cargo businesses or stores in China. Some individuals are residing there illegally, either on fraudulent visas (sometimes issued by deceitful visa agencies) or by overstaying due to a lack of funds to purchase a return ticket.
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In April 2024, Nymphia Wind, a drag queen from Taiwan, made history as the first East Asian winner of RuPaul's Drag Race. Clips of her in a shimmering golden outfit gained widespread attention online, bringing Taiwan into the global media spotlight and establishing her as a kind of queer representative for Taiwanese authenticity to the world. As she humorously noted, this role can be compared to a wai jiao guan 外焦官 – ‘external banana official’, a play on words with the term for 'ambassador' 外交官.
In April 2024, the Taiwan Constitutional Court conducted a hearing regarding the potential violation of constitutional human rights guarantees by the death penalty. On September 20, it decided to maintain the death penalty, introducing some new safeguards for its application. Although a coalition of abolitionist non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and research institutions, spearheaded by the Taiwan Alliance to End the Death Penalty (TAEDP), has spent twenty years campaigning for its abolition, numerous polls have consistently shown significant public resistance to eliminating the death penalty.
China boasts a significant level of linguistic diversity, with 281 languages belonging to nine different language families. However, the distribution of speakers among these languages is highly uneven. Of its total population exceeding 1.4 billion, 91.11 percent are Han Chinese who communicate in Putonghua and/or other Sinitic languages; the remaining 8.89 percent comprises non-Han Chinese or minority ethnic groups who speak an additional 200 languages.
China's social credit initiatives originated twenty-five years ago, as officials and companies aimed to address issues such as the prevalence of counterfeit goods, triangular debt situations—where A lends to B, B lends to C, and C lends back to A, resulting in a stalemate of problematic debts that jeopardize financial stability—and a general lack of respect for the nation's laws and regulations. As a result, the central government and multiple ministries dedicated many years to creating data-sharing frameworks among typically segmented governmental bodies, along with establishing blacklists to penalize substantial offenders and incentives to encourage 'trustworthy' conduct.
Chinese digital nationalism is experiencing a notable rise. A significant indication of this is the increasing public interest in cultural heritage across the nation, particularly among younger generations. They showcase their passion through the enthusiastic purchase of heritage items, such as traditional Hanfu 汉服 fashion, which includes the classic skirt known as mamianqun 马面裙 and the cheongsam, a widely recognized women's dress style from the early 20th century, also referred to as qipao. As reported by Alibaba’s digital marketing platform, in January 2024, sales of mamianqun rose by nearly 25 percent, while cheongsam sales increased by over 31 percent.
Although our Veggie Burger Cup is still taking place, we have an update for those of you who are fans of meaty burgers!
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Still undecided about your weekend plans? Here's some inspiration for you!
MULU launches NASI AH MA in Sanlitun, a new Texas BBQ spot opens near WAB, there's a fresh bar in 798, and several other items on our To Try List this week.
Assist in determining the inaugural Veggie Burger Cup Champion.
Yes, it's warm. However, the locals have their ways to stay cool.
We begin this rooftop series by exploring Sanlitun and Gongti.
Our local theater group is stirring things up onstage for the upcoming fall.
The list features 142 restaurants from Beijing, among which 21 offer international cuisine.
Welcome to our blog dedicated to China—a captivating nation where centuries-old traditions coexist with cutting-edge innovation. Here, you’ll discover immersive articles on Chinese culture, cuisine, iconic landmarks, and everyday life in both sprawling metropolises and peaceful rural regions. Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or simply curious about this remarkable country, we aim to provide fresh insights and practical guidance.
Our blog covers a wide range of topics, from travel tips—such as navigating the visa process and planning your itinerary—to exploring must-see destinations like the Great Wall, the Terracotta Army, and dynamic cities like Beijing and Shanghai. Food enthusiasts will enjoy our deep dive into Chinese gastronomy, sampling everything from savory street snacks to timeless classics like Peking duck.
We also shine a spotlight on modern China, examining its fast-paced technological advancements, burgeoning e-commerce, and forward-thinking architecture. Through firsthand experiences and expert commentary, we hope to bring you closer to the real China—its festivals, customs, and vibrant energy. Join us on this journey, and uncover the fascinating layers of history, innovation, and cultural diversity that make China truly unforgettable!