RTCPODS - China English Podcast Hub

Over twelve million college graduates are entering the job market this summer. But behind the numbers is a more personal, yet collective question: Where do I want to build my life? From bustling metropolises to up-and-coming smaller cities, young people are sizing up options, and cities are sizing them up right back. We explore what it means for a city to truly welcome young people, not just with perks, but with purpose. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

It's that time of year again—cities grow quieter, families hold their breath, and more than 13 million students pour their hearts into the gaokao, China's national college entrance exam. As one of the most pivotal milestones in a student's life, the gaokao shapes futures and opens doors. So, what's different this year? From key exam reforms to 29 brand-new college programs, there's plenty to keep an eye on. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yang Guang

In China's cutthroat e-commerce battleground, every 'Add to Cart' triggers a cascade of costs—layered, opaque, and ever-changing. But who ultimately pays the price? We unravel the hidden world of platform fees and decode what China's draft regulations mean for merchants, marketplaces, and the millions of shoppers caught in the crossfire. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Hey lovebirds and romantics! It's May 20th—China's sweetest unofficial Valentine's Day, '520,' where the numbers literally sound like 'I love you' in Chinese. Whether you're coupled up or flying solo, today we dive into all things about love—from heartfelt romance to live action roleplay (LARP) adventures based on intriguing love-themed scripts! Ready to feel the love? Let's get started! / Peel-apart film. Retro trend or FOMO trap (16:25)? On the show: Heyang, Yushan & Jason Smith

Private gardens in high-rises? China's 'fourth-generation housing' has arrived. With bigger balconies, shared green spaces, and the villa vibes, these new homes are attracting attention, and naturally, selling at a premium. Reflecting China's move toward higher living standards and better home quality, what does this mean for you and where we will live in the future? On the show: Heyang, Jason Smith & Yushan

Heated seats, adaptive cruise—your car has it all… until the subscription ends. Welcome to the age of locked features, where convenience comes with recurring bills. Drivers are realizing: today's 'smart' car might just be a clever way to keep you paying. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Move over, milk tea—this summer belongs to crisp, tropical coconut water. Gym-goers, office workers, and wellness seekers are all chasing that hydrating glow. But is it truly a health essential, or just another overhyped trend? We crack open the truth behind the craze. / Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to roundtablepodcast@qq.com (14:01). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Move over, minimalism—there's a new aesthetic taking over Chinese homes, and it's steel cold. Dubbed “Prison-core,” the trend embraces stainless steel everything—walls, shelves, even furniture—channeling stark, industrial vibes straight out of a professional kitchen. Sleek, ultra-modern, and effortlessly low-maintenance, it's a hit with young urbanites. So why are millennials and Gen Z trading warm woods for cellblock chic? / Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to roundtablepodcast@qq.com (18:46). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Ding Heng

Over twelve million college graduates are entering the job market this summer. But behind the numbers is a more personal, yet collective question: Where do I want to build my life? From bustling metropolises to up-and-coming smaller cities, young people are sizing up options, and cities are sizing them up right back. We explore what it means for a city to truly welcome young people, not just with perks, but with purpose. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

It's that time of year again—cities grow quieter, families hold their breath, and more than 13 million students pour their hearts into the gaokao, China's national college entrance exam. As one of the most pivotal milestones in a student's life, the gaokao shapes futures and opens doors. So, what's different this year? From key exam reforms to 29 brand-new college programs, there's plenty to keep an eye on. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yang Guang

In China's cutthroat e-commerce battleground, every 'Add to Cart' triggers a cascade of costs—layered, opaque, and ever-changing. But who ultimately pays the price? We unravel the hidden world of platform fees and decode what China's draft regulations mean for merchants, marketplaces, and the millions of shoppers caught in the crossfire. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Hey lovebirds and romantics! It's May 20th—China's sweetest unofficial Valentine's Day, '520,' where the numbers literally sound like 'I love you' in Chinese. Whether you're coupled up or flying solo, today we dive into all things about love—from heartfelt romance to live action roleplay (LARP) adventures based on intriguing love-themed scripts! Ready to feel the love? Let's get started! / Peel-apart film. Retro trend or FOMO trap (16:25)? On the show: Heyang, Yushan & Jason Smith

Private gardens in high-rises? China's 'fourth-generation housing' has arrived. With bigger balconies, shared green spaces, and the villa vibes, these new homes are attracting attention, and naturally, selling at a premium. Reflecting China's move toward higher living standards and better home quality, what does this mean for you and where we will live in the future? On the show: Heyang, Jason Smith & Yushan

Heated seats, adaptive cruise—your car has it all… until the subscription ends. Welcome to the age of locked features, where convenience comes with recurring bills. Drivers are realizing: today's 'smart' car might just be a clever way to keep you paying. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Move over, milk tea—this summer belongs to crisp, tropical coconut water. Gym-goers, office workers, and wellness seekers are all chasing that hydrating glow. But is it truly a health essential, or just another overhyped trend? We crack open the truth behind the craze. / Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to roundtablepodcast@qq.com (14:01). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Move over, minimalism—there's a new aesthetic taking over Chinese homes, and it's steel cold. Dubbed “Prison-core,” the trend embraces stainless steel everything—walls, shelves, even furniture—channeling stark, industrial vibes straight out of a professional kitchen. Sleek, ultra-modern, and effortlessly low-maintenance, it's a hit with young urbanites. So why are millennials and Gen Z trading warm woods for cellblock chic? / Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to roundtablepodcast@qq.com (18:46). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Ding Heng

Why has the snake, often feared, been revered in Chinese culture and become one of the 12 zodiac animals? How is it portrayed in artifacts, and what does it symbolize in China compared to other cultures? In this episode, we explore the serpent's evolving meanings in Chinese civilization. Special Thanks: Liu Yanfeng

Like the finest wines, the best inspiration for poetry is brewed and vivified, if served in the right vessel. In this episode, we present a phoenix-headed tricolor ceramic wine vessel from the Tang Dynasty, some 1200 years ago. In what ways did it influence the development of Chinese poetry at the height of its glory? Special thanks: The Gansu Provincial Museum Liu Zhihua Liu Yanfeng

How did the water dropper help artists enter the right creative mindset for traditional Chinese calligraphy and painting using the color of black only? In this episode, we present the "Yandi" from the Yuan Dynasty about 900 years ago. How did Chinese green ware gain world recognition between the mid-10th and 17th centuries? Special thanks: The Zhejiang Provincial Museum Jiang Yu Liu Yanfeng

What role did jade play in ancient Chinese rituals? In this episode, we delve into an artifact that embodied authority and order in the Yangtze River Delta 5000 years ago and explore its connection to urban planning and state governance in early Chinese society. Special Thanks: Zhejiang Provincial Museum Wu Sihe Liu Yanfeng

What did owls symbolize 3,000 years ago in China? How were they linked to an ancient woman known as the goddess of war and a female politician of vision at that time? In this episode, we uncover the story of Queen Fu Hao, from the Shang Dynasty, through the bronze owl vessels found in her tomb. Special Thanks: Henan Museum Wang Zichen Liu Yanfeng

Why did the upper-classes of the Hexi Corridor about 1800 years ago enjoy an affluent lifestyle while the rest of China suffered from political upheaval? In this episode, we present tomb paintings from this era to get a glimpse of their delicacies and entertainment at lavish banquets, and the way food and drink were prepared and served. Special thanks: The Gansu Provincial Museum Liu Zhihua Liu Yanfeng

Why did a team of master artisans take a decade to make a bridal sedan chair? In this episode, we'll delve into the story of the Wan Gong Sedan Chair from the Qing Dynasty about 200 years ago, a dazzling moving palace like the one for Britain's Princess of Wales and a remarkable example of craftsmanship and cultural tradition. Special thanks: The Zhejiang Provincial Museum Liu Yanfeng

In this episode, we explore the journey of Evandro Menezes de Carvalho, a Brazilian scholar and professor of international law with a deep passion for China studies. Since his first visit to China in 2013, Evandro has immersed himself in research and teaching, building bridges between China and Brazil. In recognition of his commitment to fostering cross-cultural dialogue, he was awarded the prestigious Chinese Government Friendship Award in 2023. Join us as he shares the story of his experiences and the special bond he has developed with China over the past decade.

Known as the world's capital of small commodities, Yiwu in eastern China attracts hundreds of thousands of sellers and buyers from home and abroad every day. In this episode of our Makin' it in China series, Harold Mori, a young Peruvian man, shares his story of how he started his trading business from scratch right here in Yiwu.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Brazil. In this edition, we welcome Vitor Moura, a young Brazilian entrepreneur who has spent nearly a decade in China. As the co-founder of Lantau and the marketing director at Bracham, Vitor is committed to enhancing cross-border trade between these two nations. Join our conversation with Vitor as he shares his journey and insights.

For Egyptian Hany Sobhy Makary Guirguis Hanna, coming to China was totally accidental. But staying here for ten years has definitely been a deliberate choice for him. So, what’s it like when an Egyptian ventures to the Middle Kingdom? And what happens when he tries to follow in the footsteps of his ancestors and grow his trade business in China? Join us for the business adventures of Hany Sobhy, in our latest episode of Makin’ it in China series.

In this episode, we are joined by Neeraj Punhani, an Indian entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in the textile industry. Punhani has established his own company in Shaoxing, located in Zhejiang Province, east China. Join us as we explore his journey of working and living in China.

In this episode, we delve into the journey of Ehsan Doostmohammadi, an Iranian researcher at Southwest University in Chongqing, southwest China. With a profound passion for traditional Chinese medicine and culture, Ehsan is dedicated to translating classic Chinese texts into Persian, opening the door for Iranian readers to engage with Chinese heritage.

Joshua Dominick, affectionately known as "Lao Tan" in Chinese, has spent more than two decades in Beijing. Originally from the U.S., Josh speaks fluent Chinese and has become a familiar face in the local community. A decade ago, he founded Krankin' Thru China, an organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to engage in outdoor sports across the country.

Taicang, a small city in Jiangsu Province, eastern China, is known for its deep connections with German enterprises. Home to over 500 German-invested companies, the city has grown to become a prime destination for German entrepreneurs. Among them, Erwin Gerber stands out with his thriving bakery. In this episode, we'll explore how Erwin has crafted his path to success in Taicang, blending German tradition with Chinese opportunity.

China in America

China in America

Further West

Further West

Westernization

Westernization

Imperial Civil Examination

Imperial Civil Examination

Sun Tzu’s war theories are built on information and espionage. He believed a spy-master had to be very smart indeed, to sniff out the truth from mission reports. He also had to be highly thorough: when a military operation is mapped out, efforts must be made to gain knowledge about the opposing commander, his staff members, his aides-de-camp, his gatekeepers and his guards.

Sun Tzu clearly preferred fire to water in military tactics, and he developed quite a comprehensive theory on the use of fire. But if read between the lines, the arsonist's manual reveals much more on opportunities.

Sun Tzu studied the state of mind of soldiers. He noticed that they tend to grow stronger in solidarity as they venture deeper into enemy territory. When they're surrounded, they offer an obstinate resistance; when they're given no choice, they put up the toughest of fights; and in moments of desperation, they take to orders like thunder follows lightening.

Sun Tzu in his science of war also relied on observation to read the enemy’s movement, the meticulous and exhaustive approach with which he tried to gain information about the enemy can still be inspiring.

For a military commander, there are roads he doesn’t have to take; there are enemies he doesn’t have to fight; there are cities he doesn’t have to attack; there is territory he doesn’t have to occupy; and there are king’s orders he doesn’t have to follow. A commander must know he always has other choices and must make up his mind based on the situation at hand.

A commander must choose the battleground to his advantage and led his forces to the right spot before the enemy shows up. Good communication is required for troops assemble and split up as the situation requires. Commanders to stay clear of the enemy when they’re at their best, and attack only when the opponent is tired and hungry.

A commander must shape his army like water. Water shuns the high rocks and flows in the shallow valleys. Like water, a commander must direct his army away from the enemy’s strong points and strike at their weaknesses. Water takes various shapes according to the terrain; an army must adapt its strategies according to its enemy.

In Chinese, zheng refers to something that is fundamental; while ji means something odd or extraordinary. Sun Tzu believed that to be successful in war, there needs to be a balance between these two.