Chinarrative

Chinarrative explores diverse aspects of life in China through in-depth storytelling, touching on social issues, personal struggles, and cultural phenomena. Featuring first-person narratives and critical perspectives, it captures the complexities of Chinese society, including challenges in employment, healthcare, education, and personal freedoms.

Social Issues Personal Narratives Cultural Phenomena Employment Trends Healthcare Challenges Education System Personal Freedoms

The hottest Substack posts of Chinarrative

And their main takeaways

How I Landed My Dream Job in China Real Estate

19 implied HN points • 16 Jun 19
  1. The process of landing a dream job can involve challenges and unique interview scenarios.
  2. Preparation and investment in oneself, like buying a suit for interviews, can be key in pursuing career opportunities.
  3. Facing challenges, competing in a tough job market, and making tough decisions are all part of the journey towards a dream job.

Life after Love: a New Canadian’s Tale

19 implied HN points • 19 Apr 19
  1. Ruowei found herself trapped in a bad marriage in a new country, lonely and lacking support.
  2. Ruowei's upbringing and lack of flexibility affected her relationship dynamics with Zhijiang.
  3. Ruowei's realization about her toxic marriage led her to make a life-changing decision.

Chinese of Fifth Avenue: East Harlem

19 implied HN points • 12 Apr 19
  1. East Harlem in Manhattan has seen a growing Chinese population since the 1990s
  2. Chinese immigrants in East Harlem face challenges like lack of Chinese grocery stores and language services
  3. The community aims for growth and empowerment despite existing shortcomings

The Loneliness of Living with Hemorrhoids, Part 2

19 implied HN points • 05 Apr 19
  1. Living with hemorrhoids can be lonely and present various challenges, both physically and emotionally.
  2. Communication and understanding between patients and medical professionals are essential for effective treatment and recovery.
  3. Overcoming the stigma and shame associated with health conditions like hemorrhoids can lead to empowerment and better self-care.

Chinese of Fifth Avenue: The Surrogate Shopper

19 implied HN points • 29 Mar 19
  1. Surrogate shoppers in the Chinese market purchase overseas goods for clients in China, operating in a legal grey area.
  2. The rise of e-commerce, disposable incomes, and lowered tariffs may lead to the decline of daigou as a mainstay in Chinese overseas consumption.
  3. Chinese overseas personal shoppers, daigou, provide access to foreign luxury goods for Chinese consumers at more affordable prices.
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Chinese of Fifth Avenue: Street Artists' Tales

19 implied HN points • 01 Mar 19
  1. Chinese street artists in New York faced challenges but found ways to continue their art.
  2. Immigrant artists in New York had to navigate freedom and artistic expression while facing various struggles.
  3. The Chinese street artists' journey in New York reflects a mix of struggles, activism, and pursuit of artistic dreams.

Star Designer's Redo of Para Games Uniform

19 implied HN points • 14 Dec 18
  1. For the 2018 Asian Para Games opening ceremony, star designer Wang Peiyi created sleek and stylish uniforms for the Chinese para athletes.
  2. Designing uniforms for athletes with physical disabilities required careful consideration of functionality and detail, as well as customization for different body types.
  3. The story also highlights the challenges and growth of a teenager, Jiang Bo, as he navigates through decisions about his education and future career path.

Father Was His Gentlest on Road to Orphanage

19 implied HN points • 30 Nov 18
  1. The story highlights the challenges faced by disabled individuals in finding employment and how Alibaba's online customer service reps program has provided opportunities for them.
  2. Liu Xiang's personal journey shows resilience in the face of adversity, from being abandoned by her father to finding a sense of security and purpose through her work at Alibaba.
  3. Through initiatives like providing job opportunities for the disabled, Alibaba is making a positive impact on the lives of many individuals and contributing to the larger goal of reducing unemployment among the disabled population in China.

Postpartum Depression, Disaster Shrink, Killer Water Cellars

19 implied HN points • 15 Jun 18
  1. Chinarrative newsletter features stories by Chinese writers in their 30s and plans to include translations to reach wider audiences.
  2. Featured excerpt discusses postpartum depression among young Chinese moms.
  3. Additional stories highlight societal pressures, circus controversies, and post-disaster psychotherapy in China.

Welcome to Chinarrative!

19 implied HN points • 08 May 18
  1. Chinarrative shares compelling and lesser-known stories from and about China.
  2. The rise and fall of Lin Song, from failed cop to top drug dealer in China, is a captivating tale.
  3. Chinarrative aims to bring engaging narratives that entertain, inform, and offer insight into contemporary China.

Trained, Tamed, Coined: Decoding China Tech Corporate Gibberish

3 HN points • 05 Jul 21
  1. Chinese tech firms use complex corporate jargon to project their values and foster a sense of uniqueness.
  2. Employees in Chinese internet companies must learn and adapt to the obscure and rapidly evolving jargon to communicate effectively.
  3. The proliferation of internet company slang not only affects the tech industry but seeps into unrelated fields, becoming a common language in various sectors.

RESEND: Hu Line: A Journey Through China's Heartland + The Future of Chinarrative

0 implied HN points • 21 Jul 20
  1. The Hu Line in China highlights disparities in population, economy, and education between eastern and western China.
  2. Chinarrative is a newsletter showcasing long-form nonfiction stories from and about China.
  3. Chinarrative seeks reader support to maintain its content and potentially increase publication frequency.

I Grew Up on a Chinese College Campus

0 implied HN points • 19 May 19
  1. The author grew up on a unique Chinese college campus that felt like a city of its own with a distinct ecosystem and tight-knit community.
  2. Living in such an environment shaped the author's perspective on the world, leading to unique experiences and a sense of belonging.
  3. Despite having connections to various places, the author still grapples with questions of identity and belonging, reflecting on their journey and growth.

Rice Cake, with a Side of Lies

0 implied HN points • 10 May 19
  1. The story shares experiences of ordinary Chinese people through nonfiction stories.
  2. The challenges faced by a bisexual woman in navigating relationships and societal expectations.
  3. The complexities and dynamics of sham marriages in Chinese society, particularly between LGBT individuals.

Chinese of Fifth Avenue: Student Life

0 implied HN points • 26 Apr 19
  1. Chinese students in the US face challenges with emotional preparedness alongside academic readiness.
  2. Attending leading institutions in a vibrant city can help Chinese students discover more about themselves and become comfortable in their own skin.
  3. Chinese students studying in the US are changing the fashion industry conversation and benefiting from the freedom and inclusivity in American society.