Justice for Snakes!
Uncover the true history behind the most misunderstood zodiac animal, explore how climate change is impacting China’s hairy crab industry, and more in this month’s newsletter
Hello TWOC readers!
With the Lunar New Year just around the corner, we wish you a prosperous Year of the Snake, filled with happiness and good health or 蛇年吉祥，幸福安康 (Shénián jíxiáng, xìngfú ānkāng)!
You’ve probably noticed that snakes have a bit of a reputation problem. Not only are they linked to evil in Western biblical tales, but Chinese idioms like “heart of a snake and scorpion” (蛇蝎心肠 shéxiē xīncháng) also give serpents a bad rap. This causes major headaches for artists trying to design cute, cuddly merchandise featuring this zodiac animal during Chinese New Year. But judging by the snake’s prominent spot in the Chinese zodiac, things weren’t always so bleak. Read more about ancient snake symbolism here.
The festive vibes are already in full swing here in China. This week, we kicked things off by celebrating the Little New Year, a cheerful tradition where we honor the Kitchen God and wish for blessings in the year ahead.
Hairy crab is also a must-have for the big New Year’s Eve reunion dinner in many regions. But finding the authentic Yangchenghu hairy crab on the market is no easy task—it’s like playing the crab lottery! Why is snagging the real deal so tricky? Read on to find out:
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Murky Waters and Muddy Deals: Inside China’s Hairy Crab Industry
Complaints and reports of scams related to this delicacy have been on the rise, particularly when it comes to crabs cultivated in the renowned Yangcheng Lake, which can cost more than 300 yuan apiece. As demand for the delicacy continues to grow in the country, customers are forced to become more discerning, while merchants, who strive to make an honest living, work hard to shed their reputation as scammers. Click here for some crab-buying tips
Can a Famous Photography Festival Win Over the Locals?
The Jimei × Arles International Photo Festival celebrated its 10th anniversary in Xiamen earlier this month, yet local audiences remain disengaged due to the festival’s limited outreach and increasingly esoteric content that feels detached from everyday life. Although organizers have introduced initiatives to better engage locals in recent years, the journey toward fostering deeper community involvement and building a sustainable art culture remains uncertain. Read more
The Year in Her Words: China’s Top Feminist News of 2024
China has witnessed a significant cultural shift in feminist discourse in recent years. Young women are increasingly engaging with feminist thought, and the film industry has seen a rise in stories depicting women’s experiences. Previously taboo topics, from reproductive health to sexual autonomy, are now entering mainstream discussion. While these changes signal growing visibility for women’s voices, the path to true equality remains fraught with challenges. At TWOC, we remain committed to presenting stories from female perspectives. Here are some of the top feminist stories this year
What We’re Playing
The Fear Within: Can China’s Horror Game Developers Overcome Genre Malaise?
Evading strict censorship around religious and supernatural content, Chinese horror games have long used cultural elements like paper money, ancestral tablets, and red lanterns to evoke horror and tension—yet now, audiences are seeking deeper thrills. Click to find our horror game recommendations
What We’ve Been Chatting About
Internet Slang Quiz: The Ultimate 2024 Buzzword Challenge
As TikTok refugees flock to the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, many are picking up the viral slang Chinese netizens love to use. But have you mastered them? Take TWOC’s ultimate buzzword challenge to find out—just don’t peek at the answer sheet at the end!