

- Tea, Travel & Tales: Timeless Fujian-S2E6
Dive into the heart of Fujian, China's captivating southeastern coastal province, rich in ancient culture, profound history, and vibrant traditions! In this episode of Trending in China, host Yolanda Lu sits down with two unique perspectives: Andre Bloem, a South African editor experiencing Fujian for the very first time, and Diego Yao, a Fuzhou native and seasoned journalist steeped in local wisdom. Hear Andre's fresh insights as a cultural explorer: What surprised and delighted him? How does Quanzhou and Xiamen resonate through foreign eyes? Then, journey deep with Yao as your local guide, uncovering hidden gems, age-old traditions, and the exciting new trends shaping Fujian today. Whether you're planning a trip or simply fascinated by Chinese regional culture, this compelling conversation offers a rich, multi-layered look into the soul of Fujian. Tune in and unlock the secrets of Fujian! S2E6 一盏福建:茶香里的山海故事 福建,中国东南沿海的瑰宝,以其深厚的文化、悠远的历史和独特的传统吸引着世界目光。在本期 Trending in China 潮动中国」中,主持人 Yolanda Lu 邀请到两位视角迥异的嘉宾:首次踏足福建的南非编辑 Andre Bloem 和土生土长于福州、经验丰富的资深记者 Diego Yao。 Andre 将带来他作为“文化探险者”的新鲜洞察:走进厦门、泉州,哪些福建元素让他惊艳?作为外国人的他如何解读这里的风土人情?而 Yao则化身“本地向导”,分享那些唯有在地人才知晓的秘辛、历史传承的故事以及正在悄然兴起的新潮流。 无论您是计划探索这片迷人土地,还是单纯沉醉于其独特的文化魅力,这场充满碰撞与深度的对话,都将为您打开一扇了解真实、立体、鲜活福建的窗口。 Highlights: 06:13 Fujian's tea-drinking culture 07:45 Mazu culture in Fujian and how it has influenced the world 19:21 Why Xiamen University is the most beautiful university in China 22:42 Food culture in Fujian and how it's connected to the rest of the world 28:01 How small businesses in Fujian thrive in harmony with nature 39:47 Traditions in Fujian/Quanzhou puppet show 50:05 Tips of traveling to Fujian/Be aware of the snakes! 57:35 Quiz time! Test your knowledge of Fujian This podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube, among many platforms.You are also more than welcome to check our newsletter where you can find more in-depth sharings around Chinese economy: pekingensight.substack.com
- Young entrepreneur chases dream in rural China (Part II)S2E6
In this episode of Trending in China, Guo Shanqiuyun 郭山秋韵, an overseas returnee and the honorary village head of Tangjiazhuang Village in east China’s Anhui Province, continues to share her story. Often called "Village CEO," Guo is also the founder of rural tourism projects in Anhui and Yunnan provinces. This episode is co-hosed by Zhao Jinzheng 赵金正, a reporter based in Anhui, who loves to share on-the-ground insights from the province. S2E6 对话郭山秋韵:海归村庄运营师筑梦中国乡村(下) 本集Trending in China 「潮动中国」继续对话郭山秋韵,一位筑梦黄山村庄的海归创业青年。她如何与黄山汤家庄村结下不解之缘?作为一名乡村运营师,又对乡村振兴怎么看?本期亦有特邀主播、坐标安徽的一线记者赵金正,带我们一道感受年轻人带来的乡村发展新活力。 Part II digs deeper into Tangjiazhuang’s evolution. From profit-driven models to preserving cultural roots, hear how this village is writing its own story of rural development and rural revitalization — and why “taste” might be a secret weapon against social media homogenization. This podcast, recorded on April 20, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube, among many platforms.You are also more than welcome to check our newsletter where you can find more in-depth sharings around Chinese economy: pekingensight.substack.com
- Young entrepreneur chases dream in rural China (Part I)-S2E5
In this episode of Trending in China, host Zhang Yiyi is joined by Guo Shanqiuyun 郭山秋韵, an overseas returnee and the honorary village head of Tangjiazhuang Village in east China’s Anhui Province. Often called "Village CEO," Guo is also the founder of rural tourism projects in Anhui and Yunnan provinces. This episode is co-hosed by Zhao Jinzheng 赵金正, a reporter based in Anhui, who loves to share on-the-ground insights from the province. S2E5 对话郭山秋韵:海归村庄运营师筑梦中国乡村(上) 本集Trending in China 「潮动中国」对话郭山秋韵,一位筑梦黄山村庄的海归创业青年。她如何与黄山汤家庄村结下不解之缘?作为一名乡村运营师,又对乡村振兴怎么看?本期亦有特邀主播、坐标安徽的一线记者赵金正,带我们一道感受年轻人带来的乡村发展新活力。 In Part I, Guo shares her journey from studying abroad to diving headfirst into rural development in Huangshan’s Tangjiazhuang Village. Discover how youthful energy, creative collaborations and national policies are breathing new life into quiet villages. Highlights: 03:47 Guo's life abroad and key observations 09:06 Past and present: how are rural life different at home and abroad 14:17 Why Huangshan: national policy meets action 23:11 From empty houses to community hostels—early steps in Tangjiazhuang village renewal. 29:35 A village CEO's understanding of rural revitalization 33:36 Refreshed impressions of the Chinese village This podcast, recorded on April 20, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube, among many platforms.You are also more than welcome to check our newsletter where you can find more in-depth sharings around Chinese economy: pekingensight.substack.com
- Rethinking the Game from Global South Financiers Forum--S2E4
In this episode, host Zhang Yiyi brings you to the 2025 Global South Financiers Forum held in Beijing. Its theme, Illuminating Global South, highlights the growing influence of emerging economies and their efforts to reshape the global financial order. The Global South now accounts for 80% of global economic growth and 40% of the world’s GDP, yet financial governance structures still favor the Global North. At this forum, policymakers, economists, and business leaders gathered to explore alternative financing, debt sustainability, and currency diversification. In this episode, you will hear expert perspectives from Jiao Jie from Tsinghua University on how the Global South’s economic rise is reshaping global finance. Also Insightful conversations with: David Sumual, chief economist of Bank Central Asia on the role of alternative financing and China’s impact on South-South cooperation; Marc Uzan, executive director of Reinventing Bretton Woods Committee on the need for financial reform, and China’s role in financial institutions. Highlights: * 06:30 - Jiao Jie on the economic transformation of the Global South * 10:45 - David Sumual on Alternative Financing: How new funding models are reshaping global financial cooperation * 21:50 - Marc Uzan on Financial Reform: Challenges facing the Global South in the Bretton Woods system * 34:00 -The future of financial governance in an increasingly multipolar world This podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube. You are also more than welcome to check our newsletter where you can find more in-depth sharings around Chinese economy: pekingensight.substack.com Music Credits: * Lesion x - Discovery * Alex Productions - Christmas Magic * Pyrosion - Take a Moment
- How IKEA Blends Festive Traditions with Home Trends-S2E3
Spring Wonders | How IKEA Blends Festive Traditions with Home Trends The Year of the Snake is approaching! 春节chūn jié, the Spring Festival, also known as the Chinese New Year, is one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture. This year, it has been officially added to UNESCO’s representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In this special Spring Festival episode, host Zhang Yiyi is joined by three special guests. They are: Carmen Xiao肖疆, IKEA Product Design Developer Lian Zhelin 连哲林, IKEA Designer Qian Jing 钱菁, IKEA Designer They explore how the globally recognized Swedish home furnishing brand, celebrates the Spring Festival. The guests share their unique insights into their Chinese New Year designs and how they bring tradition and innovation together in IKEA products. The conversation also touches on their observation of the Chinese market, including evolution of consumer behavior and home decoration trends. Highlights: 02:25 IKEA's journey in celebrating Spring Festival 10:30 Warm drinks on the go: even thermos are taken into consideration 10:55 Design challenges: balancing festive colors with everyday usability 14:49 Key motifs and cultural elements in IKEA’s 2025 Spring Festival Collection (FÖSSTA) 18:26 Incorporating Chinese aesthetics into modern ceramics 21:11 How IKEA's Spring Festival collections have influenced Chinese families and global consumers, reconnecting with traditional customs through tangible designs. 25:36 Evolution of consumer behavior and home decoration trends in the Chinese market 29:03 Incorporating cultural elements to a wider landscape This podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube. You are also more than welcome to check our newsletter where you can find more in-depth sharings around Chinese economy: pekingensight.substack.com
- LEGO Designer: Cultural Journey in Bricks-S2E2
Spring Wonders | LEGO Designer: Fantastic Cultural Journey in LEGO Bricks The Year of the Snake is approaching! 春节chūn jié, the Spring Festival, also known as the Chinese New Year, is one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture. This year, it has been officially added to UNESCO’s representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In this special Spring Festival episode, host Zhang Yiyi is joined by Wen Xiaodong 温笑冬, senior concept designer at the LEGO Group, also the first designer from Chinese mainland to join the headquarters of the global toy giant. Wen shares his experiences in integrating Chinese culture into LEGO sets, also the challenges and rewards of representing a diverse culture through toys. The designer walks us through highlights of the LEGO Group’s efforts to incorporate Spring Festival traditions into their products, and also the features of the 2025 series. He also reflects on his journey to becoming a LEGO designer, the process of designing culturally significant LEGO sets, and his pride in contributing to the spread of Chinese culture internationally. Highlights: 03:26 Celebrating Spring Festival overseas: sharing unique cultural experiences 04:57 The LEGO Group's journey in embracing Chinese New Year Culture 08:57 Extensive brainstorming and consumer feedback sessions across China to create unique festival sets 11:38 Rewards and challenges: design process details for Spring Festival-themed sets 19:15 Spring Festival: a gateway to Chinese culture 20:38 From concept artist to LEGO designer: an unexpected journey 26:30 Inspiration behind the Monkey Kids Series 32:24 LEGO aspirations for cultural relevance in China This podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube. You are also more than welcome to check our newsletter where you can find more in-depth sharings around Chinese economy: pekingensight.substack.com
- Pop Mart and Gen Z: Emotional Economy in China - S2E1
Starting this season, we are bringing you new content from tech trends to culture and consumption, with a focus on what's making waves in China's fast-paced society. In this episode of Trending in China, host Zhang Yiyi is joined by Lucas Zhang, a frequent blind box buyer and art toy collector. They dive into the fascinating world of China’s rapidly expanding art toy market, with a particular focus on Pop Mart and its viral blind boxes, where Lucas shares insights into how these toys transcend their function as simple playthings and instead serve as cultural ambassadors, offering emotional fulfillment and self-expression for Gen Z consumers. They explore the growing trend of emotional consumption, where younger generations prioritize products that connect with their individuality and offer a deeper emotional resonance, rather than just fulfilling material needs. The conversation also touches on the role of intellectual property (IP) in shaping art toys, how these toys reflect not just a consumer trend but a shift towards self-expression and community-building, and also the consumption upgrades taking place in China. This episode was recorded in December 2024. Highlights: 4:47 Adults also need to play with toys 10:08 Art toys like Pop Mart make art more approachable 13:00 Labubu storms Southeast Asia 16:21 When we talk about IPs, what are we talking about? 20:00 Huge market reflected by growth of Pop Mart and Gen Z’s growing purchasing power 25:16 What makes them buy: emotional value 26:06 Shopping malls in Beijing are providing services different from the past 28:39 China is shifting from a production-driven to a consumer-driven society 29:40 Gen Z consumers are spending money to buy happiness and please themselves 34:25 Purchases of art toy blind boxes is not about escapism but shows confidence of GenZ consumers 36:36 How brands should adapt to the evolving market landscape to attract the younger generation of consumers This podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube. You are also more than welcome to check our newsletter where you can find more in-depth sharings around Chinese economy: https://pekingensight.substack.com/
- EP14-Fantastic beasts and where to find them -- in China
Check out China's thriving innovative enterprises in this episode! What are gazelles and unicorns? Why are dynamic enterprises like these driving China's national policy? And what are the country's strategies to better support them? Let's take a look at those fantastic beasts in China and see where to find them!😜
- EP13-An official Q&A book on China's reform & six watchwords
What's the meaning of the debut economy? What is patient capital really about? What are the priorities of China's new reform master plan? Here are six buzzwords of China's ongoing reforms that may offer you some clues. 01:31 Debut economy 03:56 Industries of the future 05:57 Patient capital 08:15 New forms of employment 10:11 Childbirth-friendly society 12:15 Silver economy
- EP12-Meet China's best city clusters
🚗🚝🌳A 15min tour of the best of Chinese city clusters!😜
- EP11-From lottery stores to new consumption scenarios
In this episode, come and join us to visit lottery stores, where youngsters gather to buy excitement of anticipation, to stroll around a supermarket to shop for unique experiences, and to look through new policies to cultivate new consumption drivers.
- EP10-Museums, Yue Opera fever, and new Chinese style tourism
This week, Mike and Sylvia are off on a "Culture Express," diving into the world of new Chinese style travel, museums, and Yue Opera. 01:24 New Chinese style travel 06:05Chinese museums greet more young people 11:16 Yue Opera fever
- EP9-The unhappy American way to a green future
This week, join Mike and Sylvia to explore why America is "unhappy" about China's strong new energy capacity. This episode is produced by Trending in China, with additional help from Allen Zhu.
- EP8-Latest buzz: From visa-free cruises to Xinjiang wonders
In this episode, come and explore new policies allowing visa-free entries to China, the bike boom in bustling cities, and a miniseries that leads us "to the wonder" of Altay, Xinjiang! 00:55 New policy to facilitate foreign cruise ship trips 04:35 Bicycles become symbols of tech and fashion 07:30 "To the Wonder" ignites a strong desire among viewers to visit Altay
- EP7-Latest buzz: From audiobooks to meme tourism
Back to latest economic trends in China! In this episode we look at new reading habits among the young, thriving pet-related businesses, memes gone viral during the May Day holiday tourism boom, and how "world's supermarket" welcomes the Paris Olympic Games. 00:45 "Listening to" books becomes popular among young people 06:04 China's pet industry and related new jobs 07:49 New trend on social media -- Selfies? No. Memes?Yes! 11:15 Yiwu & Paris Olympic Games