China biz news, industry analysis and government policy interpretation
pekingensight.substack.com (https://pekingensight.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast)
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)
29 Aug 2025
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)
15 Aug 2025
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)
Podcast Authority Score: 32 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
65
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
0
Contact Peking Ensight Podcast
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Peking Ensight Podcast?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
