2024 in a nutshell (TWOC's version)
Things you might have forgotten from 2024: From China's "Disney" with just one ride to the race to become "Shawarma Legend"
Hello TWOC readers!
We hope you had a wonderful start to the New Year. As we look ahead, it’s also a perfect time to reflect on the highlights of 2024.
At TWOC, we made our first attempt at vlogging. Scroll down to discover the forgotten historical relics we came across in rural Shanxi province.
But that’s just one of many stories we delved into this past year. From powerful female-centered stories such as Like a Rolling Stone hitting the big screen, to compelling reads by expats and classic Chinese authors like Peter Hessler and Su Tong, and the funny, sometimes absurd viral moments that captured national attention (yes, the Chengdu Disney saga happened in 2024—not 2023!), TWOC has compiled the year’s most noteworthy events across industries.
What’s your most memorable moment from 2024—good or bad? Maybe these roundups can help jog your memory.
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The Year in Chinese Cinema: Movies of 2024
It has been a tough year for China’s film industry. The 2024 box office revenue saw a 20 percent drop compared to last year. However, several hits still managed to stand out both critically and commercially. Many of these films highlighted previously unexplored topics, such as the untold history of WWII, women-centered stories, flawed parenting across generations, and mental health issues among children. Take a look
The Year in Memes: China’s Viral Moments of 2024
Despite the challenges of a slowed economy, where many young Chinese face mounting pressures in the job market, humor remains a powerful escape. Memes have become a way for many to cope, celebrate shared struggles, and transform the mundane into moments of absurdity. Here’s our list of the viral moments of 2024. Check it out
The Year in Reads: Books of 2024
As 2024 draws to a close, we are glad to find more diverse works from Chinese authors reaching English-speaking audiences through translation, from literary icons like Su Tong to bestselling horror writers such as Xu Lei (better known as Nanpai Sanshu). This year also saw notable expat or former expat writers offering their insights into contemporary Chinese life, while diaspora writers delved into their personal and family histories. Read more
What We’re Watching
Off the Beaten Path: Uncovering Shanxi’s Hidden Ancient Treasures
Driven by the hype surrounding Black Myth: Wukong, China’s latest video game hit, we ventured deep into rural Shanxi, the region that inspired some of the game’s stunning visuals. What we discovered went far beyond the game’s influence: hidden architectural treasures, timeless local legends, and devoted villagers working tirelessly to preserve these histories and stories. Click through to watch the full video (no VPN needed)
Chinese You Need
Few things evoke as much excitement and nostalgia as the arrival of a new year. Click here to learn the essential Chinese chengyu to reflect on the passage of time.