Trending in China

An American Ceramist in Jingdezhen: Code, Clay and Community

"I sold everything... I was all in. I put in all my chips." With this leap of faith, American ceramic artist Michael May left behind his life in the United States and arrived in Jingdezhen, China's porcelain capital, a year and a half ago. Having traveled to nearly 20 countries, the seasoned artist ultimately chose Jingdezhen as his creative base. In the latest episode of "Trending in China", Michael shares his unique journey from Oklahoma City to Jingdezhen with host Yolanda Lu and co-host Belinda Chen. With a background in traditional techniques and a passion for innovation, he now blends 3D printing technology with traditional pottery, creating works that marry form with function. He delves into the city's collaborative spirit, learning from master craftsmen who spend lifetimes perfecting their art, and finding his tribe among the growing community of "Yang Jing Piao" (foreign expats living in Jingdezhen). Michael explains why this relentless pursuit of craftsmanship drives him to become better and why he believes "this is so far the best and the smartest place for a potter to be." Highlights: 00:03:03 - Michael's journey from Oklahoma to Jingdezhen 00:04:12 - First impressions of the city and its pottery culture 00:07:10 - Traveled to nearly 20 countries before settling here 00:10:07 - Contrasts convenience in Asian cities vs. American life 00:11:21 - How ceramics connect people across the globe 00:14:00 - Jingdezhen: a small city with a growing "Yang Jing Piao" community 00:15:25 - Reflections on whether Jingdezhen feels like home 00:19:40 - The paradox of Jingdezhen: small city yet international hub 00:29:16 - Why Jingdezhen is ideal for pottery business 00:34:23 - Learning traditional techniques from local masters 00:40:00 - Initially thought clay 3D printing was "the dumbest" 00:42:01 - Decided to go "100% in" on clay printing 00:47:05 - Using his foreign identity as a marketing advantage 00:51:50 - How Chinese craftsmanship continues to amaze him 01:01:18 - Describes Jingdezhen as "happy, beautiful, and old" 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 [https://podcaster.xiaoyuzhoufm.com/podcasts/65d9c03a63850acbf46cba1e/681379446970cc7b4d454bfe/pekingensight.substack.com] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pekingensight.substack.com [https://pekingensight.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

When Poets Meet Engineers：Hangzhou's Dance of Code and Classics

In this episode of "Trending in China," we explore Hangzhou—a city where classical charm and cutting-edge innovation intertwine. Joined by commentator Anil from India and local reporter Emma, we delve into how this ancient capital, famed for the poetic West Lake, has transformed into a cradle for "Six Dragons" like DeepSeek and Game Science. We unpack Hangzhou's unique DNA: its rich cultural heritage, a government that acts as a "patient gardener," and a pioneering entrepreneurial spirit. Anil shares his impression of the city evolving from "real" to "remarkable," while Emma defines its soul with three words: "Poetic," "Innovation," and "Inclusiveness." Discover why everyone, from newcomers to long-term residents, feels a sense of belonging that "this city belongs to me." Join us to see how Hangzhou composes a digital symphony where tradition and future resonate in harmony. Highlights: 00:01:32: From West Lake to Tech Hub: A City's Evolution 00:03:50: 3 Words for Hangzhou: Poetic, Innovative, Inclusive 00:08:34: Tech Demo: Experiencing 3D Body Scanning 00:10:50: Meet the "Six Tech Dragons" of Hangzhou 00:13:35: Smart Benches: Tech Infused in Daily Life 00:19:51: Government's Role: The "Patient Gardener" 00:23:45: Local DNA: Confidence & Entrepreneurial Spirit 00:29:30: Work-Life Balance: Nature & Tech in Harmony 00:35:13: Final Take: Innovation Needs Roots This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pekingensight.substack.com [https://pekingensight.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Su Chao Fever: How an amateur football league became China’s cultural blockbuster

When 60,000 fans packed a stadium in Nanjing this July for an amateur match, it wasn't superstars they cheered for – but teachers, delivery drivers, and fishmongers representing their hometowns. In this episode, host Yolanda Lu is joined by South African sports journalist Andre and Jiangsu-based reporter Eric to explore China’s surprise summer obsession: Su Super League (苏超), where 13 Jiangsu cities battle in a cultural-defining tournament. Together, we uncover: * Why it went viral: 11B+ views and city-wide public screenings * Economic alchemy: How matchdays fuel local spending surges * Derby magic: Wuxi’s "honey peach" mascots vs Nanjing’s "salted duck" warriors * Everyday heroes: Why part-time players embody China’s sports spirit * The teen revolution: High-school stars rewriting football’s future "People don’t just cheer for goals," says Eric. "They cheer for their city’s soul." Discover how fishmongers became idols – and why this people’s pitch might change Chinese sports forever. Highlights: 03:40 League Essence: Amateur 13-city tournament format explained05:09 Stadium Frenzy: 60k crowd in Nanjing-Suzhou showdown05:45 Viral Tsunami: 11B+ short-video views across platforms07:10 Public Energy: "Human waves" in stadiums & city screenings08:33 Derby Fuel: Local rivalries ignite civic pride11:49 Core Appeal: Joy beyond winning/losing14:07 Hidden Roots: China’s deep-seated football passion17:32 Everyday Heroes: Teachers/delivery drivers as players18:57 Fan First: ￥5-20 tickets & heatwave suspensions20:22 Provincial Pride: 90%+ awareness across Jiangsu22:16 Economic Spark: Restaurants/tourism riding matchdays26:30 Sportsmanship Alive: Rival fans get 30% BBQ discount32:04 Teen Talent: High school stars shine on field42:37 City Symbols: Wuxi’s peaches vs Nanjing’s ducks48:48 ￥340M Boom: Single matchday spending surge 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 [https://podcaster.xiaoyuzhoufm.com/podcasts/65d9c03a63850acbf46cba1e/681379446970cc7b4d454bfe/pekingensight.substack.com] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pekingensight.substack.com [https://pekingensight.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Jensen Huang in Beijing: Key Messages from Nvidia's CEO

In this episode of Trending in China, Host Yolanda Lu in Beijing and reporter Merry Wu unpack Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang's recent Beijing visit. In 20 minutes, we decipher: why China's tech ecosystem left him in awe? Why AI's future demands global collaboration? Fresh off Nvidia's historic $4 trillion milestone, Huang arrived not for victory laps but to champion a radical idea: "AI is the greatest equalizer of anything we have ever done." We unpack his whirlwind agenda: from donning a Tang suit at the China International Supply Chain Expo to open talks with media. Why open-source models like China’s DeepSeek-R1 electrify him? How Chinese EVs became“rolling living rooms"? What's next for Nvidia in China? And how Jensen Huang uses AI? Tune in to Trending in China, where we dive into the latest buzz of the Chinese economy and beyond. Special thanks to Zachary Huang for the interview audio. 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 [https://podcaster.xiaoyuzhoufm.com/podcasts/65d9c03a63850acbf46cba1e/681379446970cc7b4d454bfe/pekingensight.substack.com] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pekingensight.substack.com [https://pekingensight.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

The Fermented Road: An Irish Chef's Unlikely Love Affair with Anhui

In the latest episode of "Trending in China", Irish chef Curt Evans reveals his unexpected journey in Anhui. Arriving in Hefei seven years ago for a university exchange program, he planned to stay 10 months but fell for the province’s authenticity. "Anhui is super real--the people are genuine, and it feels like the real China. I didn’t choose Anhui; it chose me." With Michelin kitchen experience, Curt now runs food consulting ventures and restaurants bridging Irish and Huizhou cuisines. He delves into iconic dishes like stinky mandarin fish (臭鳜鱼), born from ancient merchants’ preservation techniques, and hairy tofu (毛豆腐), a frugality-driven innovation: "These stories show how food conveys love when words fail." He finds deep parallels between Anhui and Irish food culture: "Both turned scarcity into creativity—fermenting, curing, and sharing meals as acts of resilience." Tune in to discover Anhui beyond the guidebooks. 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 [https://podcaster.xiaoyuzhoufm.com/podcasts/65d9c03a63850acbf46cba1e/681379446970cc7b4d454bfe/pekingensight.substack.com] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pekingensight.substack.com [https://pekingensight.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]