Trending in China

About Trending in China

“Trending in China” is a podcast which dives into the latest buzz around Chinese economy and beyond.

Publisher

PekingEnsight

Category

business

Language

zh

Explicit

No

First episode

31 Mar 2024

Latest episode

19 Sept 2025

Latest episodes

27 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   19 Sept 2025

   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." “我卖掉了所有家当，孤注一掷来到景德镇。”凭着这份决心，美国陶瓷艺术家迈克尔・梅（Michael May）在一年半前离开家乡，选择在中国"瓷都"景德镇落脚。这位曾走遍近20个国家的艺术家，最终在这座以陶瓷闻名的城市找到了归宿。 在本期《潮动中国》节目中，迈克尔向主播Yolanda Lu和Belinda Chen讲述了他从俄克拉何马城到景德镇的特别经历。凭借扎实的传统陶艺功底和创新热情，他将3D打印技术与手工陶艺完美结合，创作出既实用又美观的作品。 他沉浸于这座城市独特的协作氛围，向那些用一生磨练技艺的老匠人学习，并在日益壮大的"洋景漂"群体中找到了归属感。迈克尔还谈到，这种对技艺的执着追求如何不断推动他突破自我。“对陶艺家来说，这里就是最好、最理想的地方。”他说。 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)

2. 

   29 Aug 2025

   Hangzhou: When Poets Meet Engineers

   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. 在本期《潮动中国》节目中，我们与来自印度的评论员Anil和来自杭州的记者Emma一同深入杭州，探索这座古典与现代交织的智慧之城。 从诗意盎然的西湖到引领创新的科技巨头，杭州打破了千年古城的刻板印象，蜕变为孕育科技“六小龙”的摇篮。我们深入探讨了杭州的独特基因：其深厚的文化底蕴、政府“园丁”般的培育模式、以及敢为人先的创业精神。 Anil分享了他对这座城市从“真实”到“卓越”的印象转变，而Emma则用“诗意（Poetic）”、“创新（Innovation）”与“包容（Inclusiveness）”三个词定义了杭州的灵魂。无论是寻求短居还是长留，杭州都能让人产生“此心安处是吾乡”的归属感。跟随我们，看杭州如何在新纪元中谱写一首传统与未来共鸣的数字诗篇。 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

3. 

   15 Aug 2025

   Su Chao: Amateur league's rise as China's cultural hit

   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. 今夏，当六万球迷涌入南京球场为业余比赛呐喊时，他们欢呼的对象并非球星——而是代表家乡出战的外卖员、教师和鱼贩。本期节目，主播Yolanda Lu深入中国夏日现象级事件：江苏「苏超」联赛，揭秘这场席卷13座城市的草根狂欢。特邀南非体育记者Andre与江苏本土媒体人Eric，为您解码： 破圈密码：110亿播放量 + 全城露天观赛热潮 经济奇观：单场比赛如何引爆消费浪潮 德比情结：无锡“水蜜桃战队”VS南京“盐水鸭军团” 平民英雄：为什么兼职球员诠释着真正的体育精神 少年力量：中学生球员如何改写足球未来 “球迷呐喊的不只是进球，”Eric坦言，“更是城市灵魂的共鸣。” 看这场 全民球场 如何重塑中国体育基因。 Highlights: 03:40 League Essence: Amateur 13-city tournament format explained 05:09 Stadium Frenzy: 60k crowd in Nanjing-Suzhou showdown 05:45 Viral Tsunami: 11B+ short-video views across platforms 07:10 Public Energy: "Human waves" in stadiums & city screenings 08:33 Derby Fuel: Local rivalries ignite civic pride 11:49 Core Appeal: Joy beyond winning/losing 14:07 Hidden Roots: China’s deep-seated football passion 17:32 Everyday Heroes: Teachers/delivery drivers as players 18:57 Fan First: ￥5-20 tickets & heatwave suspensions 20:22 Provincial Pride: 90%+ awareness across Jiangsu 22:16 Economic Spark: Restaurants/tourism riding matchdays 26:30 Sportsmanship Alive: Rival fans get 30% BBQ discount 32:04 Teen Talent: High school stars shine on field 42:37 City Symbols: Wuxi’s peaches vs Nanjing’s ducks 48:48 ￥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)

Contact Trending in China

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.