While the Spring Festival may have concluded, the allure of Nianxiao flowers persists. These vibrant blooms, ranging from elegant orchids to cheerful 'emotional plants,' are now a staple in homes throughout China, enhancing both our spaces and spirits. We explore their increasing influence in the floral market. / Is leaving trash at the apartment door illegal (18:23)? On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Imagine a world where your local government is operated by robots—not the kind that seek to dominate humanity, but those that expedite the permit process. Welcome to Shenzhen's Futian District, where 70 AI 'employees' are enhancing efficiency and streamlining paperwork. How will these digital assistants reshape local governance? On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Heart to Heart - We answer your questions! Annoying strangers? Here's what to do! Plus, should I quit this job? Please send your audio questions to [email protected]. / "Knit-ffiti" is here, transforming everyday objects into vibrant works of art! Trees in Chinese cities have been yarn-bombed, giving the streets a cozy, colorful makeover. Have you spotted any trees in knitwear in your neighborhood? What are your thoughts on this woolly trend (20:55)? On the show: Heyang, Yushun & Yushan

Those fresh greens on your dinner plate didn't just grow there; they most likely traveled across China. We delve into how and why vegetable prices have remained affordable, even during the winter chill. On the show: Heyang, Yushun & Yushan

Otonomus, Las Vegas's new AI hotel, promises a personalized and intelligent guest experience. However, is AI-powered luxury what travelers truly desire, or is it merely a futuristic novelty that we don't necessarily need? / The "ick": The thing that disgusts you in dating (19:05). On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Laiming

China has launched specialized tourist train services designed specifically for the elderly, providing comfortable and accessible travel options to popular destinations. These trains are equipped with amenities that cater to the needs and preferences of older travelers. The initiative aims to promote senior tourism, enabling elderly citizens to explore the country's cultural and natural wonders in a safe and relaxing environment. But why is this initiative being introduced now? And how will these trains differ from regular trains? On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Laiming

Some college students express that university life feels more disconnected than ever. What if we could transform these 'familiar strangers' into meaningful connections? What is behind this trend, and does it truly require a solution? / Motivational Monday (24:49)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

What if we could harness the power of gravity to address one of the most significant challenges in renewable energy—storage? China is leading the way with an innovative gravity energy storage project. Could gravity batteries be the key to unlocking a cleaner and more reliable energy future? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

WeChat's new gift-giving feature lets you send gifts—but with a considerate twist: the recipient picks exactly what they want. In a culture where building connections is key, could this be a game-changer for gift-giving? Time to find out if this new feature is a hit or a miss! / Round Table's Happy Place (18:30)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Ten billion Yuan and counting! Ne Zha 2 isn't just a massive hit, it's rewriting history! Now, it's hitting cinemas overseas. Will it capture hearts worldwide? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

Have classrooms become battlegrounds? Anecdotal evidence indicates a concerning trend of increased behavioral issues among children returning to school after the disruptions caused by the pandemic. Are we witnessing the delayed effects of isolation, disrupted routines, and heightened anxieties manifesting in the classroom? Or are there additional factors contributing to what some teachers describe as a decline in classroom decorum and focus? / Charging your phone to 100%? You might be doing yourself a disservice (19:55). On the show: Steve Hatherly, Laiming & Fei Fei

Microplastics pose a significant threat to our environment. However, Chinese scientists have developed an intriguing biodegradable sponge to address this challenge. Crafted from unexpected, naturally sourced materials, this innovative creation presents a potential solution for filtering harmful particles from water and other sources. We discuss what this sponge is and the solutions it may provide. On the show: Steve Hatherly, Laiming & Fei Fei