Qigong: the barely-working-out secret

The secret to a better morning might not be working out harder, but barely working out at all. Qigong, an ancient Chinese practice of slow, breath-led movement, is quietly replacing high-intensity routines across the West. Can clinical evidence cut through the wellness buzz, and can 10 mindful minutes really change your body and mind? On the show: Steve, Fei Fei & Yushan

Beijing is banning outsourced school lunches, and by 2027 every school in the city must run its own canteen, with food buying centralized at the district level. What difference will it make for students, parents, and schools, and does bringing cooking back in-house actually make meals safer and better? On the show: Steve, Fei Fei & Yushan

For many people, dogs are family members, not just pets. That makes it especially difficult when a city begins enforcing rules that could leave some dogs effectively confined to their homes. Hangzhou's regulations have led to discussion about fairness and practical solutions, with the goal of balancing the needs of residents, dog owners and the four-legged family members. On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun

China's outdoor adventure boom is shaping how people spend their free time, from weekend cycling groups and hiking trails to marathon runners chasing personal bests. That surge in demand is fueling a massive commercial opportunity across high-tech gear, tourism and sporting events. The industry now faces the challenge of sustaining growth while preserving the people, places and natural environments that make these activities possible. On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun 

Think fatigue, muscle weakness and constant achiness are just part of modern life? New research points to a hidden culprit most of us never check: vitamin D. Adults in China are overwhelmingly falling short, with younger people hit hardest by indoor lifestyles. / Is your prefrontal cortex attractive (17:42)? On the show: Steve, Fei Fei & Yushun

China's biggest online sales festival is in full swing, and the standout helper this year is artificial intelligence. AI is lending a hand at every turn, from shoppers weighing their options to courier firms bracing for a parcel avalanche, and it's even flying off the shelves itself. On the show: Steve, Fei Fei & Yushun

A time restriction in Guangzhou is catching subway riders off guard and sparking debate about extra fees for staying underground too long. The policy raises questions about whether public transit systems should charge passengers for the time they spend inside their stations. On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun

Bees pollinate one third of the global food supply, but shifting seasons and shrinking habitats are putting them at risk. Beekeepers in China are responding with smart hive technology and restored flower habitats. These efforts to protect pollinating insects are also creating new economic possibilities for rural communities. On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun

China's outdoor adventure boom is reshaping how people spend their free time, from weekend cycling groups and hiking trails to marathon runners chasing personal bests. That surge in demand is fueling a massive commercial opportunity across high-tech gear, tourism and sporting events. The industry now faces the challenge of sustaining growth while preserving the people, places and natural environments that make these activities possible. On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun

For many people, dogs are family members, not just pets. That makes it especially difficult when a city begins enforcing rules that could leave some dogs effectively confined to their homes. Hangzhou's regulations have led to discussion about fairness and practical solutions, with the goal of balancing the needs of residents, dog owners and the four-legged family members themselves. On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun