Tobias

A Weibo discussion analyzing China’s 12306 railway ticketing system has gone viral. The analysis focuses on maximizing revenue per available seat-kilometer (RASK). It suggests the waitlist (houbu) isn’t a passive queue but informs capacity allocation, much like ride-hailing requests. The system prioritizes filling entire routes, potentially making segmented tickets unavailable. Waitlist usage benefits both passengers (fairness) and the railway (data-driven capacity adjustments). Timely waitlist submissions optimize operations and increase ticket booking probability.

Xiaomi’s YU7 electric SUV has garnered over 240,000 pre-orders within 18 hours of launch, signaling a shift in China’s economic outlook. Defying expectations of a price war, Xiaomi focused on innovation and user experience with both the SU7 and YU7 models. Experts suggest Chinese consumers are willing to invest in domestic EVs that meet their needs and demonstrate quality, driving companies toward increased R&D investment. Ford CEO Jim Farley acknowledged China’s advanced EV technology, further highlighting Xiaomi’s potential as a major consumer brand in the automotive sector.

Chinese social media influencer “Dai Dai Yang” has died at 22 after battling bone cancer for 1,610 days, diagnosed at age 17. She shared a poignant farewell message, expressing gratitude to her followers for enriching her life and encouraging them to cherish each other and live well. She asked them to enjoy life’s simple pleasures on her behalf. Bone cancer’s early symptom is pain, initially mild but intensifying as the disease progresses. Her journey highlights the need for continued research and support in fighting bone cancer.

Liu Xiao Ling Tong, famed for his portrayal of the Monkey King in the 1986 “Journey to the West” TV series, made a surprise appearance at China Monkey Mountain. He was observed guiding performers on wielding Sun Wukong’s Golden Cudgel. The appearance sparked nostalgia online, with many praising Liu’s iconic and definitive interpretation of the character which remains the most memorable Sun Wukong for many despite newer adaptations.

A recent investigation reveals that some restaurants are offering different food quality for dine-in and delivery orders, using fresher ingredients for in-house customers and cheaper alternatives for takeout. High commission rates charged by delivery platforms are allegedly squeezing restaurant profits, incentivizing this “two-tiered” system. This practice risks a downward spiral in the food delivery industry. Experts urge delivery platforms to embrace transparent fee structures and restaurants to prioritize integrity to ensure consistent quality and ethical operations.

The trending “Free Bubble Tea is Gone” hashtag on Weibo signals a potential shift in China’s food delivery market. Intense subsidy wars between giants like Meituan and Ele.me led to rock-bottom prices, but the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) has intervened, urging a more sustainable competitive approach. Experts question the long-term viability of aggressive discounts, suggesting that neither platforms nor merchants can indefinitely bear the financial burden of these “delivery wars,” which aim to dominate China’s local services market.

Nearly expired bottles of Nongfu Spring’s “Scream” energy drink are being sold at surprisingly high prices (up to $12 USD) on Chinese secondhand online marketplaces. This price surge for a soon-to-expire product, despite its reputation as one of China’s “worst-tasting” beverages, sparks questions about market dynamics and consumer behavior. The red variant of “Scream” aims to replenish electrolytes lost during exercise, a function crucial for athletic performance and mitigating dehydration.

Deep Robotics, a leader in embodied intelligence, has established a “Zhejiang Province Postdoctoral Research Station,” approved by the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Human Resources and Social Security. In partnership with Zhejiang University, the station offers premier research resources, a dual-mentor system, and a full-chain system for technology industrialization. This signifies a new phase in Deep Robotics’ R&D and talent development, with the first postdoctoral researcher already on board, and solidifying the company’s commitment to bridging research and industry.

The 2025 China Unicom Partner Conference in Shanghai focused on “Synergy for Real-World Impact.” Qualcomm highlighted its collaboration with China Unicom, receiving an award for contributions to the terminal ecosystem. Qualcomm showcased 5G Advanced and AI innovations across devices, emphasizing on-device AI’s growth and its impact on industries. The partnership between Qualcomm and China Unicom drives advancements in 5G-A and AI integration, enabling a robust digital ecosystem. They demonstrated AI applications, 5G-A Gigabit network capabilities, and XR experiences, paving the way for intelligent connectivity and new quality productivity.

Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and CHRO Kristin Carbo are on leave pending an investigation after being filmed in a public embrace at a Coldplay concert. The incident, captured on video and shared widely online, is reportedly under board review. Both Byron and Carbo are married. Byron has apologized for the incident, which garnered attention including a reaction from Elon Musk. The concert venue displayed the couple on its large screens, prompting commentary from Coldplay frontman Chris Martin.