Headphones have become something of a sanctuary in today’s world. No matter where you turn – be it home, parks, streets, subways, buses and offices – you'll find people donning headphones.
According to a research report by eMarketer, the number of podcast listeners in China surged to 86 million in 2021. iResearch forecast this number will surpass 120 million by 2023.
So what are the people in China listening to? As podcasts delve into every topic about Chinese culture, which programs have emerged as success in the country?
Let's check out a few.
[Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
China Daily podcast
Produced by: China Daily
Podcast channels: Apple Podcasts, Ximalaya
Language: English
China Daily podcast provides news and insight about China with a wealth of information about Chinese culture, politics and economics. When it comes to Chinese culture, the podcast delves into an array of subjects, including Chinese cultural heritage, cuisine, lifestyle, tourism, traditional festivals and more, delivering a comprehensive look at China's cultural charm of past and present.
[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
How to Read Chinese Poetry
Produced by: Zong-qi Cai (Lingnan University of Hong Kong; University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign) and other experts
Podcast channels: Apple Podcasts, Ximalaya
Language: English
This podcast presents highlights from the book "How to Read Chinese Poetry: A Guided Anthology" by Columbia University Press to a broad general audience. The podcast consists of 52 episodes, covering the major genres of classical Chinese poetry. A team of well-known experts from home and abroad host the program. Poems are read aloud in English and Mandarin, and in Cantonese for Tang and Song poetry, with classical Chinese qin music in the background.
[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Talking Literature (跳岛FM)
Produced by: CITIC Press
Podcast channels: Apple Podcasts, Ximalaya, Xiaoyuzhou FM, NetEase Cloud Music, Qingting FM
Language: Chinese
CITIC Press positions the podcast as "an audible literary magazine." The podcast often starts with book introductions and explores related ideologies and discussions in society. It features discussions among writers, commentators, scholars, book reviewers and others.
[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Vistopia Roundtable (看理想圆桌)
Produced by: Vistopia
Podcast channels: Apple Podcasts, Ximalaya, Xiaoyuzhou FM
Language: Chinese
This podcast is produced by Vistopia, a developer of cultural video, audio, and other content. Vistopia Roundtable focuses on different aspects of modern Chinese society. It features interviews with interesting people who share their stories.
[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The Turn of the Screw (螺丝在拧紧)
Produced by: One Way Street magazine
Podcast channels: Apple Podcasts, Ximalaya, Xiaoyuzhou FM, Qingting FM
Language: Chinese
The Turn of the Screw is a podcast hosted by Wu Qi, the editor-in-chief of One Way Street magazine, a quarterly literary journal publishing essays, fiction, poetry, art, and criticism by emerging writers and artists from around the world. Each episode invites one or two guests from different fields to discuss their personal interests, academic research and work experiences.
[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Talk Sanlian （Talk三联）
Produced by: Sanlian Lifeweek magazine
Podcast channels: Apple Podcasts, Ximalaya, Xiaoyuzhou FM
Language: Chinese
Talk Sanlian is a cultural podcast produced by Sanlian Lifeweek, a Chinese lifestyle magazine. Based on the magazine's cover stories and major reports, it invites journalists and other guests to share the stories behind the reports.
