Chinasplaining |

“The Wandering Earth”: Propaganda, Ratings Wars, and the Future of Chinese Sci-Fi

Feb 26, 2019 / Chinasplaining /

The Liu Cixin adaptation just became China's #2 all-time highest grossing film. What does it mean for the genre's future? Read More

How Peppa and China’s ‘Little Miss Piggys’ Are Redefining Cool

Feb 5, 2019 / Chinasplaining /

In honor of the Year of the Pig, a look back at how these pudgy farm animals became avatars of urban Chinese life. Read More

The Latest Hot Celebrity Endorsement: Chinese Imperial History

Jan 31, 2019 / Chinasplaining /

China’s cultural promotion efforts are nothing new, but the emergence of these shows and their progeny demonstrates the nation’s desire to shape a national conversation around its own history — and its willingness to take to new forms of media to do so. Read More

NBA China Ad Featuring Male Singer Reignites Masculinity Debate

Jan 25, 2019 / Chinasplaining /

Some netizens call pop star Cai Xukun’s association with the basketball league ‘garbage,’ while others argue that he could help attract more female fans. Read More

Knights in Ancient Armor Fight to Save Chinese Culture

Jan 24, 2019 / Chinasplaining /

After decades of being stuck in the dark ages, China's historical military re-enactment scene is in the midst of a renaissance. Read More

Shamanic Rituals and Shaking Shoes: Here’s What Censors Are Looking For on China’s Short Video Apps

Jan 16, 2019 / Chinasplaining /

Thanks to a document recently published by the China Netcasting Services Association (CNSA), we have more of an idea about the form and categories of content that the government wishes to keep off of China’s rapidly multiplying short video platforms. Read More