China Insider

News.

What we're reading, writing, and arguing about — every week.

Culture

Why are these Chinese women wearing motorcycle helmets at banquets?

At banquets in Fujian, you might notice something unexpected: many women keep their motorcycle helmets on at the table.

Mar 201 min read
Fashion

This Chinese brand is challenging a luxury world long dominated by Western brands

When Bernard Arnault — the boss of LVMH — stopped by a Songmont store in Shanghai and bought two bags, people in China immediately knew this wasn’t just a rando

Mar 191 min read
Viral

This Chinese makeup artist goes viral recreating the internet’s memes 😂

A Chinese makeup artist is going viral online for turning internet memes into full-on makeup transformations — and the results are both hilarious and impressive

Mar 161 min read
Tech

China’s OpenClaw craze hits the streets: aunties line up as Tencent installs it for free in Shenzhen

If you thought AI hype only lived online, Shenzhen just proved otherwise.

Mar 121 min read
Entertainment

Famous American actor Timothée Chalamet spotted selling moldy tofu on a Chengdu street stall

A video of famous American actor Timothée Chalamet selling moldy tofu on a Chengdu street stall has gone viral online — mainly because the scene looked so bizar

Mar 101 min read
Society

A Shenzhen mall’s Women’s Day campaign tells women: be your own main character

This Women’s Day in Shenzhen, one shopping mall skipped the usual “goddess” marketing and told women something refreshingly simple: pin yourself first.

Mar 81 min read
Culture

Young people in China are reinventing dumplings — would you eat them?

In China, dumplings used to be the most predictable thing on the holiday table: classic fillings, neat pleats, vinegar on the side, end of story. Not anymore.

Mar 61 min read
Viral

A Milan clerk asked tourists to bring him one Chinese candy — and a global relay began

It all started with a crumpled candy wrapper. At Hotel Flora in Milan, a front-desk clerk named Karem surprised a Chinese guest during checkout.

Mar 41 min read
Fashion

Beijing’s “Black Puffer” Joke Just Turned Into a Real Beauty Pageant

If you’ve ever survived a Beijing winter, you already know the city has one official outfit: the black down jacket.

Mar 21 min read
Society

Chongqing Is Now Home to China’s Biggest Cat Rescue Park 😺

Chongqing is now home to China’s biggest cat rescue park — and this isn’t just a cute weekend attraction.

Feb 281 min read
Viral

This drink brand hired abs models as the God of Wealth for its annual party 💸

If you thought company annual parties were just awkward speeches and raffle draws… think again 💸🔥 Chinese herbal sparkling drink brand Hope Water just hosted wh

Feb 261 min read
Culture

McDonald’s China brings back mahjong for Chinese New Year — and it sells out again

Mahjong isn’t just a game in China — it’s basically the unofficial soundtrack of Chinese New Year 🀄 Four people, 144 tiles, dice rolling, aunties whispering str

Feb 251 min read