Social Media

[Video] Dear You: How grassroots authenticity wins over Chinese filmgoers

A small Chaoshan dialect film, made on a tight budget with no celebrities and minimal marketing, went on to gross over 1.6 billion RMB at the box office, outperforming a wave of expensive, star-studded blockbusters. Chinese audiences shared positive word-of-mouth on social media, describing it as a “slow-cooked” film that offers a sincere and understated portrayal of ordinary lives. ThinkChina’s Yi Jina explores the factors behind Dear You’s strong resonance with viewers.

Yi Jina

17 Jun 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

How a Chinese film sparked cognitive warfare on Singapore

A heartfelt film about a Teochew grandmother unexpectedly triggered heated debate about culture and politics. Han Yong May, deputy editor-in-chief of SPH’s Chinese Media Group, takes a look at the cognitive warfare campaign targeting Singapore’s multiracial identity.

Han Yong May

16 Jun 2026

China is everywhere at the World Cup except on the field

Despite the ambitions of Chinese President Xi Jinping for China to be in the World Cup, China has only qualified for the finals once before, and will not feature in this year’s edition — except in supporting roles. Lianhe Zaobao associate China news editor Sim Tze Wei notes that football is a grassroots activity and can only thrive if allowed to grow organically.

Sim Tze Wei

11 Jun 2026

Complaints against teachers in China: How much is too much?

A recent case where a Fudan University associate professor was accused of being unprofessional has thrown the spotlight on the larger issue of complaints  — founded and unfounded — against teachers in China. Lianhe Zaobao associate China news editor Chen Jing gives her take and explores where to draw the line.

Chen Jing

04 Jun 2026

China’s political debate finds a new home on YouTube

China’s political debate finds a new home on YouTube, where overseas-based commentators build a parallel public sphere still widely accessed in China via VPN, even as some voices remain on the ground. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Zhang Guanghui explores the shift.

Zhang Guanghui

12 May 2026

Why China’s youth are swapping luxury for local brands

With young consumers in China looking beyond established Western luxury brands, homegrown brands are increasingly winning people over with their designs and quality. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Liu Liu finds out more.

Liu Liu

29 Apr 2026

[Big read] China’s rural officials are performing for attention online, with Xi’s blessing

China’s village officials are turning to livestreams, dances and short-form videos to sell rural products and boost local economies, citing President Xi Jinping’s emphasis on e-commerce to justify the shift, though it sits uneasily with expectations that officials keep a low profile. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Zhang Guanghui reports.

Zhang Guanghui

24 Apr 2026

Fighting cigarettes hits the state’s wallet: Can China crack down on smoking?

Chinese netizens are waging an online war against secondhand smoke, but with tobacco contributing billions to state coffers, can authorities truly crack down on smoking? Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Li Kang looks into the issue.

Li Kang

09 Apr 2026

[Big read] From river mahjong to viral food: How influencers put Chongqing on the map

Chongqing has gained a reputation for being a city of layers — in every sense — just waiting to be discovered and savoured. In this era of social media, many influencers have played a part in boosting Chongqing’s popularity. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Liu Liu explores the charm of the city.

Liu Liu

19 Mar 2026

When tech writes the story, do we still need the press?

Newsrooms in China are increasingly feeling the squeeze with the advent of AI-generated content (AIGC). This not only calls into question job functions, but the overwhelming influence of deep tech and tech giants, and an erosion of the agenda-setting role of the media. Chinese media commentator Ni Tao discusses the issue.

Ni Tao

13 Mar 2026

[Vox pop] ‘Not all Chinese, but always Chinese?’ How Chinese tourists are seen overseas

Chinese tourists often spark debate in global travel circles: admired for their spending power, yet frequently criticised online for behaviour such as cutting queues or littering. ThinkChina’s Yi Jina and Lu Lingming speak with foreign travellers and mainland Chinese tourists about how these images are formed and how fair they are.

Yi Jina, Lu Lingming

13 Feb 2026