The parental school volunteering trap

Millions of parents across China stand outside schools in vests, directing traffic with no training, no authority, and no real choice. What began as voluntary has become mandatory. When schools shift responsibilities onto families, who is protecting whom, and how do we rebuild a system where helping doesn't cost trust or well being? On the show: Fei Fei, Niu Honglin & Steve

China is rolling out what some call its "sixth social insurance": long-term care insurance. The cost is just 0.3 percent of income, but the ambition is vast. It aims to move care from unpaid family labor to a professional home based system. On the show: Fei Fei, Niu Honglin & Steve

It was a day of remembrance, when people across China honor their departed loved ones in different ways. Over the weekend, the country marked another Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day. A central tradition of the occasion is just that—visiting gravesites to clean and tend to the tombs of those who have passed. Today, we'll explore these long-standing customs, and how they're evolving in modern times. On the show: Fei Fei, Niu Honglin & Steve

In 2025, China averaged 49 hours a week. Laws exist. Awareness exists. So why nothing changing? Today we ask: who actually benefits from your long hours—and what would it take to stop? On the show: Fei Fei, Niu Honglin & Steve

Forget the teenage gamers—the newest power users are your grandparents. From chasing flash sales at midnight to becoming viral influencers, seniors are taking over the internet. But with that connection comes a new danger: digital addiction. We explore the rise of the silver netizen and the fight to make the web age-friendly. On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yangyang

Move over, Gen Z trends. The latest identity young people are claiming for themselves is "old-school human." It's a deliberate step back from the hyper-digital world—but what does it actually look like? Today, we're exploring why a generation is choosing to slow down. / Is your water pump trying to kill you (13:12)? On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yangyang

Over the past decade, the rise of pet-friendly cafés, restaurants, and shopping malls has reflected a broader change in urban culture. Pets are no longer just companions at home. But recently, some businesses have begun reversing course by tightening rules or removing pet-friendly labels altogether. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushan

For centuries, tea was a staple, the quiet ceremonial background note to Chinese life. But in 2026, the spring harvest has transformed into a high‑stakes economic engine, triggering a massive mobilization of labor, capital, and live‑streamed commerce. Have you ever considered making your next trip tea‑themed? On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushan

When people traded wired headphones for their wireless cousins, the decision was driven by style and convenience. But when it comes to the mind, priorities have shifted. Now, many are rewinding time and plugging back in. / Are China's apples the best apples (13:02)? On the show: Steve, Yushun & Xingyu

The sound of students reading aloud at dawn has echoed through Chinese schools for generations. Not anymore. Schools are now scrapping those early morning sessions and letting kids sleep in. Supporters call it a win for rest and focus. Critics fear grades could suffer. Does earlier actually mean better? On the show: Steve, Yushun & Xingyu