Round Table China
Society & Culture
About
Round Table is a premier English radio/podcast show, straight from Beijing. Hear what's buzzing on the Internet and the main streets, see the latest lifestyle trends, and feel the pulse of life in China, Round Table is your golden ticket. With dynamic cultural exchanges between hosts from diverse backgrounds, we take you on a journey deep into modern China.We invite you to join our conversation! Shoot us an email or a voice memo at ezfmroundtable@foxmail.com. Let the fun begin!
Episodes
- Encore: Singing across borders
The Yale Whiffenpoofs, a student singing group, toured China in March, using music as a way to connect across cultures. Three members shared their experiences and the stories from their journey.
- Encore: Why does a loving boyfriend take ugly photos?
This episode discusses the concept of 'boyfriend photography,' where partners attempt to improve their photo-taking skills. Despite teaching them about angles and lighting, the results are often still blurry, prompting a discussion on why…
- Silicon heartbreak: AI love crisis
This episode discusses the emotional distress users experience when virtual companions are lost due to software updates or company bankruptcy. It raises questions about control in intimate digital relationships, with users mourning the los…
- When public life goes live
This episode explores the ethical and legal questions surrounding being featured in livestreams or viral videos without explicit permission, questioning the extent to which public presence relinquishes rights to one's image.
- Is your unpaid internship worth it?
The episode questions the value of unpaid internships, noting they have shifted from valuable opportunities to financial burdens for students who pay rent in expensive cities while working for free.
- Encore: Beijing's plan to save the Great Wall
New regulations and advanced technology are being implemented in Beijing to protect the Great Wall from the impacts of its own popularity, following centuries of resilience against natural and military threats.
- Encore: Tradition's tricky digital rebirth
China's heritage brands are undergoing a digital transformation, utilizing livestreams to reach new audiences and boost sales. This shift involves navigating the complexities of digital talent acquisition and algorithmic demands.
- Listening-to-advice marketing
This episode discusses how brands are increasingly listening to and acting on consumer feedback, transforming the buyer-seller relationship. It also touches on the topic of memorable childhood umbrellas.
- Navigating China's new college majors
Chinese universities are introducing new majors such as agricultural robotics and brain-computer interfaces to prepare students for a rapidly evolving world. Guests Niu Honglin, Fei Fei, and Xingyu discuss this shift.
- Why does a loving boyfriend take ugly photos?
This episode discusses 'boyfriend photography,' a trend where partners attempt to take better photos. Despite coaching on angles and lighting, the results are often unsatisfactory. Niu Honglin, Fei Fei, and Yushun explore the reasons behin…
- May Day holiday travel snapshot
The May Day holiday offers a glimpse into travel trends, leisure activities, and spending habits. In 2026, the focus shifts to experiential tourism, including concerts, sports, and immersive performances, which are reshaping urban tourism…
- Your past or your privacy?
This episode discusses the tension between thorough background checks and personal privacy in the hiring process. Guests Niu Honglin, Fei Fei, and Yushun explore where reasonable checks end and privacy invasion begins, and the implications…
- Generation Global: Navigating a Changing World, Ep. 5
The Yale Whiffenpoofs acappella choir embarked on a tour across China. Three members shared their experiences and the stories they gathered during their journey, highlighting how they connected with people through singing.
- The Soapbox: Village fashion show
This episode of Round Table China discusses village fashion shows in China, where the focus shifts from high fashion to everyday items, using cauliflower as an example.
- Generation Global: Navigating a Changing World, Ep. 4
On China's Youth Day, Round Table's Yushun spoke with Tsinghua University AI professor Alex Lamb. They discussed how young people are currently engaging with artificial intelligence.
- How AI is rewriting the rules of work
This episode of Round Table China discusses the future of careers amidst AI and automation. It questions the value of human skills versus digital capabilities, suggesting that uniquely human traits offer a lasting advantage.
- Radio Drama: Bathing
This radio drama, titled "Bathing," follows a 24-year-old tech worker who leaves her job to wash strangers. It highlights unseen labor and the universal need for dignity.
- Imperfect is the new perfect
This episode discusses a Chinese reality show that embraces imperfection, featuring unfiltered authenticity. The hosts, Steve, Fei Fei, and Yushan, explore the societal shift away from valuing perfection towards embracing relatable qualiti…
- May Day travel isn't what it used to be
This episode discusses the shift in May Day holiday travel, noting that booking trends and flight maps show a different picture this year. The hosts, Steve, Fei Fei, and Yushan, explore how new safety nets are enabling people to travel and…
- The mid-week work break
The episode discusses the changing nature of work-life balance, highlighting the new trend of professionals taking mid-week breaks. It also touches upon the topic of viral diets and their potential risks.
- Zero tariffs, big opportunities
China is removing tariffs on imports from 53 African countries. This move signals openness and partnership in global supply chains, with guests Niu Honglin, Steve, and Gao Junya discussing the implications.
- Can staying apart keep you together?
This episode of Round Table China discusses relationships where partners live apart, questioning if planned distance maintains their bond or signifies a gradual separation. It touches on the idea of weekend intimacy and asks if listeners w…
- Auto China 2026: where the future hits the road
Auto China 2026 in Beijing showcases nearly 1,500 vehicles and over 180 premieres, highlighting China's advancements in automotive technology like next-generation batteries and assisted driving.
- The Soapbox: the sleeping employee
A young woman in southern China sparked controversy by posting about taking a five-hour nap at her company to protest her salary. Online reactions were largely unsupportive. The hosts discuss the incident.
- When the sea becomes the stadium
The Sixth Asian Beach Games in Sanya utilized the natural environment, with wind and waves becoming integral to the games. The episode discusses how the city was transformed into the main stage for these unique sporting events.
- Bonus Ep: Turning pages, opening stories
In a special episode concluding the World Book Day series, Round Table features authors Lu Min and Di An reading from their works "Dinner for Six" and "Dear Fengmi".
- Global demand fueling Chinese online literature growth
China's online literature sector is experiencing substantial growth, fueled by international demand and recognized as a notable economic contributor. Writer Ren He is featured, discussing a book that holds personal significance.
- AI ride-hailing reinvents the way we move
AI is revolutionizing ride-hailing in China by enabling users to book rides with natural language commands, accommodating specific needs such as pet or child accommodations.
- The Why: AEDs in Cars
An AED from a car was used by a stranger to save a life. The episode discusses the rarity of AEDs despite their life-saving potential, with Steve, Fei Fei, and Yushun.
- Where history, technology, and storytelling meet
The Fifth National Reading Conference in Nanchang celebrated reading by creating experiences that merged history, poetry, and technology. The episode includes a book recommendation from writer Lu Min.
- When a child teaches grown-ups how to love
This episode features writer Di An discussing her novel "Dear Fengmi," which explores themes of love and life through the eyes of a child. The conversation touches on societal views of love and relationships.
- Tree parenting 101
The podcast episode discusses the evolution of environmental action, moving beyond just planting trees to focus on maintaining existing ones, particularly in urban settings. This has led to the concept of 'adopting' trees.
- Technology's promise, humanity's price
This episode of Round Table China features sci-fi writer Chen Qiufan discussing his book “Ocean Break,” which portrays an AI-powered utopia with underlying societal sacrifices and a reliance on technology. This is part two of a series on C…
- How AI is redefining the teacher
AI is actively changing the role of teachers in Chinese classrooms, moving them from knowledge dispensers to ethical guides for a digital age. The episode discusses how teachers are being retrained to adapt to this evolving landscape. Gues…
- Read, then roam
This episode of Round Table China celebrates World Book Day with a series featuring Chinese writers. The first guest, Qi Jinnian, discusses her book "Wandering the Hengduan Mountains". The episode also includes a segment called "The Soapbo…
- Beijing's robot race: fun or future?
Robots recently raced in a Beijing half marathon, prompting discussion on whether the event is merely entertainment or a significant indicator of future technological advancements and the integration of humans and machines.
- It's time for looted art to come home
France's new policy on returning looted colonial artifacts raises questions for China regarding its own lost relics. The episode also includes a travel segment discussing the film "The Grandmaster".
- Can cheaper parking fix congestion?
Several Chinese cities are revising parking regulations, including reducing fees and extending free parking periods, aiming to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce costs for drivers. The episode explores the potential effectiveness and…
- SBTI: The "unhinged" personality test
The SBTI Test, a viral personality quiz that assigns four-letter labels, is discussed on Round Table China. Hosts Niu Honglin, Steve, and Yushun explore its humorous and shareable nature.
- Inside the 16th Beijing International Film Festival
The 16th Beijing International Film Festival transforms films into invitations, encouraging viewers to explore destinations. Hosts Niu Honglin, Steve & Yushun discuss this theme and highlight the films "All the Good Eyes" and "Ky Nam Inn".
- Bonus Ep: Travel China through film
This bonus episode from Round Table China, presented for the Beijing International Film Festival, pairs the film "Crossing a Dawn" with a real travel destination. Hosts Fei Fei, Steve Hatherly, and Yangyang discuss how film can transport v…
- The rise of living anywhere
The podcast discusses the shift away from traditional life paths towards a more flexible approach to 'home.' It also briefly mentions China's first barbecue university.
- Navigating the AI actor controversy
The episode discusses the rise of AI actors, digital performers with distinct personalities and social media presence, and the ongoing debate about their impact on creativity and jobs.
- Encore: Is your grandma a gamer?
The episode discusses the
- Encore: What makes a house a good house?
Round Table China discusses the evolution of China's housing market, moving beyond 'how many' to 'how good.' The episode explores the search for homes that offer more than just space, aiming to be the foundation for a good life.
- Does greatness require suffering?
The episode questions the traditional belief that greatness necessitates suffering and struggle, introducing new evidence that challenges this notion and probes the distinction between rigorous effort and harmful actions.
- The 6th China International Consumer Products Expo
The 6th China International Consumer Products Expo in Hainan showcased advanced technology like AI translation glasses and robots, alongside green energy and smart logistics. The episode discusses the implications of these trends for China…
- Are you seeing more mosquitoes earlier this year?
Mosquitoes are appearing earlier this year in China, prompting concerns from scientists about potential links to longer disease transmission seasons and expanding insect habitats. The episode features Niu Honglin, Fei Fei, and Yushun discu…
- China's next phase of E-commerce
China is implementing new e-commerce policies focused on supporting the real economy through improved global logistics, AI utilization, and integrating digital platforms with offline businesses. The episode features insights from Niu Hongl…
- From classrooms to kickoffs
The Class Super League initiative aims to get children outdoors through sports contests. The episode explores whether football can teach valuable life lessons like resilience and also touches upon the trend of 24/7 livestreams for pets.