Shanghai
Society
[Video] Cosplay goes mainstream: China’s 2D subculture is now big business
The two-dimensional world is seeing a renaissance in China’s cultural landscape, especially as consumers shift from product consumption to emotional consumption. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Li Kang steps into the cosplaying world to find out more.
Li Kang
26 Aug 2025
Society
Bull market fever: China’s street traders are back
The first weekend after the Shanghai Composite Index broke through 3,800 points, Shanghai’s unofficial “street stock salon” on Guangdong Road came alive with everyday stock traders. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Li Kang took to the streets to find out more.
Li Kang
25 Aug 2025
Society
From Beijing to Shanghai: How China’s invisible migrants claim space through sports
The decision to support a football or basketball team might seem like a trivial matter, but master’s candidate Wang Yuchen says that it reveals deeper issues of urban identity and social integration in China. He explains how internal migrants in cities like Beijing and Shanghai express dissatisfaction and negotiate their identity through their support for hometown teams.
Wang Yuchen
07 Jul 2025
Culture
Inside a traditional Sichuan family restaurant [Eye on Sichuan series]
While Sichuan cuisine has always been one of the more well-known cuisines in China, in recent times, fad foods like Zibo barbecue have taken some of the attention away. But one homestyle restaurant in Shanghai seeks to preserve the traditional tastes of Sichuan. As Shanghai-based writer Kyle Muntz finds out, Sichuan cuisine is less about the spice and more about the freshness of ingredients.
Kyle Muntz
02 Jun 2025
Culture
[Photos] Xie Xin: The superstar bringing Chinese contemporary dance to the world
Shanghai-based writer Kyle Muntz speaks with Xie Xin, a star choreographer in China’s contemporary dance world. He learns about dancers’ commitment to their passion and a dance form that could be called the live equivalent of abstract painting.
Kyle Muntz
14 Mar 2025
Society
The expat bands transforming Shanghai’s independent music scene
It’s all about passion, says Shanghai-based writer Kyle Muntz, for Shanghai bands made up primarily of musicians born outside China. Acts like these are connecting with local audiences and sharing their love of rock, metal, electronica, jazz and much more.
Kyle Muntz
31 Jan 2025
Culture
Growing up with red packets: A Shanghai boy remembers [Eye on JiangZheHu series]
Red packets are not just cash; they are tiny bundles of nostalgia, family quirks and cultural pride. From the bustling chaos of childhood to the quiet satisfaction of giving, red packets have shaped his Chinese New Year memories in ways that money alone never could, says ThinkChina’s Lu Lingming.
Lu Lingming
27 Jan 2025
Culture
Jiangnan cuisine: How the ancient literati wrote about it [Eye on JiangZheHu series]
Jiangnan cuisine shot to literary prominence in the 11th and 12th centuries when Song dynasty elites moved from the capital of Bianliang to Lin’an, today’s Hangzhou. Since then, Jiangnan cuisine has captivated many literati epicures including Qing dynasty poet, Yuan Mei. Academic and food writer Thomas DuBois explores the gastronomical charm of that era.
Thomas DuBois
24 Jan 2025
Culture
Water towns of Jiangnan: An architectural perspective [Eye on JiangZheHu series]
Architecture professor Ho Puay Peng points out the unique charm of water towns in Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai — a testament to centuries of creative endeavours as many an artist or writer strolled past their waterways, seeking inspiration.
Ho Puay Peng
24 Jan 2025
Economy
China’s local provinces and cities set ambitious 2025 growth targets
China’s major cities and provinces are setting growth targets for 2025 around 5%, auguring a similar figure for the national target this year. But are these targets achievable amid adverse domestic conditions and global uncertainty? Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong discusses the issue.
Han Yong Hong
17 Jan 2025