54 h. ago China’s viral Labubu toy has an unlikely fan – the ruling Communist Party

As Chinese companies ponder how best to market their products internationally, the example set by Pop Mart – the Beijing-based brand behind the viral Labubu toy – has been praised by the country’s state media for the creativity that underlies its success. The wide-mouthed, bug-eyed toy’s global fan base is evidence of a shift in priorities for China as it transforms from a producer of low-value goods to a hub of innovation, Qiushi, the Communist Party’s top theoretical journal, said in a...

Politics

61 h. ago China’s fitness grandma, maths genius gets millions of fans: 5 trending stories

We have selected five Trending in China stories from the past seven days that resonated with our readers. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. ‘Age is just a number’: China grandma, 71, stars in fitness contest, shares tips A Chinese grandmother has inspired countless netizens after winning third place in a fitness competition, following four years of rigorous training. On June 1, 71-year-old Sun Minghui, who is originally from Ma’anshan in Anhui...

Sport

5 d. ago China maths genius opens first social media account, gains 23 million fans in 5 days

Chinese mathematics prodigy Wei Dongyi has recently launched his first social media account, capturing widespread attention due to concerns about his appearance and dental health, while amassing an impressive 23 million followers in just five days. The 33-year-old, originally from Shandong province in eastern China, serves as an assistant professor in the mathematics department at the esteemed Peking University. Despite his remarkable achievements, Wei prefers a life centred on research and...

Economics

6 d. ago China puts down strong grass roots in first steps to football superpower status

Ten years have passed since President Xi Jinping, who is reported to be a fan of the game, unveiled a plan to make China a “world football superpower” by 2050. Since then, the men’s national team has been overshadowed by its consistently excellent women’s counterpart, while falling in the world rankings from 2016’s 81st place to 94th in April. The scandal-stricken football sector has also become a focus of Xi’s anti-corruption campaign in recent years. Yet China has not missed all its...

Politics

8 d. ago Beijing to host WTT China Smash 2025 with enhanced fan engagement

Beijing to host WTT China Smash 2025 with enhanced fan engagement  Global Times

Politics

8 d. ago With kung fu kicks and dragon masks, pro wrestlers find new fans at fight night in China

With kung fu kicks and dragon masks, pro wrestlers find new fans at fight night in China  NBC News

Sport

1 week ago Taiwan influencer who ate cosmetics dies, fans fear poisoning or heart attack

A young beauty products influencer in Taiwan known for niche videos in which she “consumed” cosmetics has died suddenly. Her death has sparked speculation on mainland China social media that she may have died from poisoning. The 24-year-old, known online as Guava Beauty, had gained more than 12,000 followers on one social media platform. She was well known for her sweet, youthful image and for posting creative content, including “make-up mukbang” videos. The term “mukbang” generally refers to...

Events

2 w. ago Why is Prince Harry in China? Fumed Royal fans question overlapping timeline with King Charles' Canada visit

Why is Prince Harry in China? Fumed Royal fans question overlapping timeline with King Charles' Canada visit  Hindustan Times

Politics

2 w. ago Chinese fishing fan hangs big catch from car while driving, is slapped with fine

Proud angler ties 39.5kg whopper to his vehicle, drives around city with ‘trophy’ fish, says family ate whole thing on same day.

Transport

3 w. ago Who is Fan Daidi? New VP of top China university has net worth of US$6 billion

Who is Fan Daidi? New VP of top China university has net worth of US$6 billion  South China Morning Post

Economics

3 w. ago Have ticket, will travel? China’s concertgoers spur tourism spending spree

Eager fans are criss-crossing China to see their beloved stars – and spending while doing it, providing a much-needed consumption boost.

Politics

3 w. ago ‘Goodbye Fu Wa and Feng Yi!’: Malaysian panda fans bid an emotional farewell

‘Goodbye Fu Wa and Feng Yi!’: Malaysian panda fans bid an emotional farewell  South China Morning Post

Politics

4 w. ago China fans chase boy band on flight, ignore crew advice, take photos, disturb passengers

‘Pathetic’ female fans storm economy class cabin for vantage point to take photos of pop idols in business section.

Culture