New texts published

Anger won’t accomplish anything – Yezi

Anger is a natural reaction when facing irrational or arbitrary setbacks – but what is its ultimate usefulness? This short piece advocates for a wiser, more balanced approach to life, and warns about the dangers of blind anger.

Zhengzhou – Wei Zhou

Part of a series of journeys across China, this piece by travel-writer Wei Zhou offers a tour through the Henan provincial capital. Where Zhengzhou’s long history, transport, and contemporary culture is described.

Chinese people’s fear of aging – Zhu Dake

Recent announcement that retirement age may shift to 65 caused great concern and resentment in China. Inadequate pension and health systems, added to the demographic consequences of the one-child policy, may explain the overall anxiety of today’s Chinese people when it comes to aging. But – the author contends – every age in China has to face their own fears.

New translations completed

Why not commit suicide – Li Yinhe

When your husband is having an extra-marital affair, how should you react? Recently, a Chinese woman decided that a suicide attempt would be the right way to go. Reflecting on this event, sociologist Li Yinhe proposes an ethical reflection on adultery, and the various forms it takes in contemporary China.

The death and birth of online literature – Jianhan Qiushui

A legacy from last year’s Marco Polo Festival of Digital Literature, this piece explores the current and future developments of internet literature in China – arguing that as media converge, the distinction between paper novels, TV series and internet literature diminishes – one story circulates across media.