Articles by Zeng Shi

[Big read] From singing bowls to forest therapy: China’s 10-trillion-RMB healing economy

China’s healing economy is booming as consumers spend on emotional wellbeing, from singing bowls and forest therapy to trendy toys. But as healing becomes big business, concerns over commercialisation and misleading claims are growing. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Zeng Shi finds out.

Zeng Shi

10 Sep 2026

[Big read] Why China’s viral cities rise fast and fade faster

As local governments in China bank on becoming the next viral sensation to revive local economies, experts warn that turning short-term internet hype into sustainable growth is a steep climb. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Zeng Shi tells us more.

Zeng Shi

17 Jun 2026

[Big read] China’s ‘fur kids’ fuel a billion-dollar pet boom

China’s growing love for pets has created a billion-dollar industry, with smart devices, AI services and full life-cycle care. Local governments are also backing the trend to boost domestic consumption. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Zeng Shi speaks to industry players to find out more about the shift in social attitudes and policies that have led to this growth.

Zeng Shi

30 Mar 2026

[Big read] Tiny steps, big change: How everyday efforts are building an inclusive Guangzhou

Every week, volunteers like Feifei travel across Guangzhou to teach skills to visually impaired residents. These small acts — training, apps, accessible facilities — are just the beginning of building a truly inclusive society, with much more still to be done. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Zeng Shi reports.

Zeng Shi

18 Nov 2025

[Big read] Why China’s funniest women are also its most controversial

As Chinese female stand-up comedians challenge deep-rooted gender norms, critics accuse them of fuelling gender divides. But comedy is only exposing what has long festered across film, gaming, and public life. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Zeng Shi finds out more.

Zeng Shi

15 Sep 2025

[Big read] From manufacturing giant to AI leader: Can Guangzhou make the leap?

Guangzhou is setting its sights on becoming China’s next hub for applied AI innovation, says Lianhe Zaobao journalist Zeng Shi. However, competition is stiff, and some experts say that Guangzhou still has a long way to go before it can overtake cities like Shenzhen.

Zeng Shi

26 Jun 2025

[Big read] Chinese games rake in 100 billion RMB from overseas users

Lianhe Zaobao journalist Zeng Shi looks at the Chinese gaming industry and the hit games it has exported overseas in the last decade, including the recent popular title Black Myth: Wukong. While intense competition makes it difficult for gaming companies to survive, heading overseas might be the way to go.

Zeng Shi

06 Nov 2024

[Big read] Cash-strapped Chinese metros turn to personal ads: A win-win? 

Lianhe Zaobao journalist Zeng Shi observes that China’s metros are opening up their advertisement spaces to the public. Even as it gives people a novel way of putting up resumes or marriage proposals, it helps China’s metros generate a new income stream.

Zeng Shi

16 Aug 2024

[Big read] Chinese sellers embrace TikTok despite US ban fears

Lianhe Zaobao journalist Zeng Shi notes that with the rise of the social media e-commerce business model, TikTok has rapidly expanded its global e-commerce footprint in recent years. Chinese sellers have flocked to the platform to sell their products directly to the world through short videos and livestreams. However, the looming threat of a US ban casts a shadow over their prospects.

Zeng Shi

05 Jun 2024

How the football craze revitalised a city in Guangdong

Wuhua county in Meizhou, Guangdong, has made a name for itself as the "hometown of football", evidenced by developments in the town surrounding the sport. After Meizhou set out on the path of promoting the sport as a calling card for the city, football has been an ever-present part of the people's lives at all levels. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Zeng Shi gives us a deeper look at how football has affected the city.

Zeng Shi

01 Apr 2024

[Big read] Young people in China unwilling to settle, not inclined to marry

Even as Chinese parents and the Chinese government are encouraging - and pressuring - young people to get married and have children, an increasing number of young people are more aware of themselves and what they want to get out of relationships, and are saying no to simply getting married for the sake of it.

Zeng Shi

08 Jan 2024

[Big read] Guangzhou remains at the forefront of the nascent autonomous car industry

Guangzhou's open policies towards the development of intelligent connected vehicles have created a favourable business environment to boost the industry. However, autonomous driving for robobuses and robotaxis is still largely in the research and development stage, with small steps in commercial trials. It will be difficult for companies to achieve economic balance in the short term. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Zeng Shi speaks with industry insiders to learn more about this nascent sector.

Zeng Shi

30 Oct 2023