Tobias

Taobao Instant Delivery and Meituan engaged in an intense delivery war, offering deep discounts and subsidies. This aggressive competition led to a surge in orders for both platforms, benefiting merchants and delivery personnel. While stock prices saw initial dips, the overall impact suggests a dynamic market where new entrants can challenge established players. The rivalry highlights strategic differences, with Meituan focusing on food delivery and Taobao aiming for broader integration of online shopping and instant retail.

Hotel soundproofing often disappoints due to relaxed building codes, cost-saving construction methods like lightweight walls, and lenient standards for doors and windows. Locations in noisy urban areas, internal noise from HVAC and appliances, and plumbing layouts further contribute to the issue. Travelers may also be more sensitive to noise in unfamiliar surroundings. Tips for a quieter stay include choosing higher floors, rooms away from noisesources, and bringing earplugs.

Tsinghua University has integrated its campus shuttle bus routes into the Gaode Maps navigation system. This collaboration enhances mobility by providing real-time bus locations, estimated arrival times, and route planning for students, faculty, and visitors. Users can now seamlessly navigate both on and off-campus journeys via the popular mapping app.

CCTV reports expose sophisticated scams targeting aspiring live streamers. Companies lure individuals with promises of income and training, then provide no support, leading to zero viewership. When streamers try to leave, they face fabricated contract breaches and demands for massive penalties. One streamer was threatened with a ¥500,000 penalty after seven days of no viewers. Victims often pay smaller fees to terminate contracts due to legal threats. Aspiring streamers are urged to scrutinize contracts and verify company backgrounds.

A sophisticated scam targeting ride-hailing drivers is circulating in China, as exposed by an automotive influencer. The “cash-for-damage” scheme involves staged accidents where drivers are deliberately caused to collide with other vehicles. Victims are then later sued for lost income and vehicle downtime, costs not usually covered by insurance. Perpetrators exploit traffic laws and delayed lawsuits to maximize fraudulent claims, making the scam highly effective. Drivers are advised to avoid admitting fault and insist on footage review by traffic police.

Alibaba and Meituan ignited a fierce food delivery price war with deep discounts, driving massive user traffic and causing temporary outages for Meituan. Goldman Sachs projects this competition to peak in September, potentially leading to significant losses for major players but a strategic gain in user engagement for cross-selling. Pinduoduo is positioned as an opportunistic winner by abstaining from the promotion war.

A student’s ¥2 bubble tea taken by a stranger led to a swift Shanghai police response, resolving the issue in 14 minutes with the stranger compensating ¥10. While some questioned police involvement in such a minor dispute, many praised the efficient handling and the message of upholding even small rights. The incident also serves as a reminder that small transgressions can escalate into larger problems.

Jay Chou’s Instagram post featuring a reunion with Edison Chen, referencing their “Initial D” collaboration, sparked fan nostalgia. A fan’s comment about photo quality led to Chou’s blunt “I don’t have time” reply, which went viral. Fans defended his response, noting his busy schedule composing music and performing, despite health issues.

Peking University Professor Qian Liqun advises young people to think critically, take breaks when needed, and forge their own paths. He encourages them to collaborate and not blindly follow mentors. While acknowledging survival challenges, he believes educated youth will ultimately find their way, emphasizing collective exploration and rest as valid steps forward.

Dianping has responded to allegations of facilitating review manipulation, stating its “notes” feature is for genuine user experiences. The platform claims that content deviating from actual visits doesn’t affect star ratings. Dianping’s rules prohibit “cloud exploration” and require “Daren” to visit establishments. The company admitted a “small number of merchants” incentivized fake reviews during promotions, leading to their removal and penalties. Dianping vows to improve its mechanisms to prevent future incidents.