Hello TWOC readers!
This summer’s box office in China has been anything but predictable. Low-budget horror films like Obsession and Backrooms seem to have brought back the glory days of the niche genre, inspiring memes and discussion online. The classic Hollywood heavyweights aren’t missing out either, with Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey and the superhero franchise Spider-Man: Brand New Day rolling out full promotional campaigns, including cast visits to China and fan events. Yet it’s domestic films that are leading at the box office, with Stephen Chow’s Kung Fu Soccer and All Wishes Come True!, a fresh twist on a classic Chinese folk tale, ruling the charts. And what’s gone most viral is a terribly made 86-minute animation that has netizens around the world calling out “Mama.”
With a total box office of 11.6 billion yuan and counting at the time of writing, and over 100 titles hitting the big screen, here are some of TWOC’s top picks:
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8 Must-Watch Chinese Films Dominating the Summer Box Office
From a poorly made animation by a mother-son duo that became an international sensation to a Chinese take on an anti-war comedy set in the Middle East that took a dark turn, this summer’s Chinese cinema has been full of surprises. Read More
Why Exercise Is Winning Out Among China’s Young Urbanites
For China’s urban youth, exercise has become a popular post-work pursuit, offering personal growth and social connection. But with new workout trends constantly vying for attention, will the fitness boom actually make them healthier? Read more
Can China’s Gelato Craze Stay Cool?
As gelato grows popular in China, many are pondering whether the seasonal treat can follow coffee and milk tea to become an everyday indulgence. Read more
What’s in the News
For decades, diners across China have turned to Lanzhou Lamian outlets for an affordable yet reliably filling bowl of hand-pulled noodles. Few, however, know that these noodles have little connection to the city of Lanzhou itself, and a recent rebranding campaign is trying to bring their true origins to light. Read more
Chinese History You Need
How Qipao Came to Signify Female Emancipation in China
From the billowing robes of the Qing dynasty to the body-skimming silhouettes of the Republican era, the evolution of the “qipao,” a signature of Chinese dress, mirrors the story of Chinese women finding their place in the modern world, while a new generation is reclaiming it with fresh pride. Read more
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China’s humanoid robotics industry is growing fast. As the world’s largest robot producer, the country has seen these machines explode in popularity over the past two years, becoming ubiquitous at events, from live concerts to marathon races, and drawing crowds with their flashy moves. Yet many wonder why they remain largely confined to the stage rather than performing real work in factories and homes. In this issue, we speak with industry insiders to examine their current applications and what still stands in the way of their use in practical, everyday tasks. Support on-the-ground reporting from China—get your copy today!