Blind bites

When was the last time you struck up a conversation with strangers, let alone shared a meal or made friends with them? For many young people, this has become an increasingly common experience thanks to a rising trend known as "blind dining".

The concept is simple: participants pay a registration fee ranging from 39 to 59 yuan ($5.64 to $8.54), then split the cost of the meal afterward. The dining location is revealed on the day of the event, and the conversation unfolds from there.

This intriguing trend is gaining momentum in major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, as well as in emerging first — and second-tier cities. By March 2026, more than 16,000 people — mostly in their 20s and 30s — had signed up, according to Shanghai Observer.

The appeal of blind dining lies in its unpredictability. A single meal can bring together people from diverse industries, ranging from finance to academia. Some bond over shared interests like travel or marathon running, while others gain new perspectives by dining with foreigners and exchanging cultural insights.

For many young city dwellers, the fleeting nature of these one-time social encounters feels more manageable than maintaining long-term connections in the fast-paced world of modern life.

Despite the quick pace, this unpredictability often leads to surprisingly meaningful exchanges. "Our discussion naturally deepened," said Xiao Ming, speaking to Oh! Youth, a lifestyle media outlet. "I left feeling unexpectedly fulfilled. It was the kind of conversation you don't often have, even with close friends."

Jade goes global

A butcher and a disgraced noble are capturing hearts around the world.

Since its premiere on March 6, the Chinese costume drama Pursuit of Jade has quickly garnered enthusiastic praise from viewers across Southeast Asia, East Asia, and even Latin America, changing the way Chinese dramas are perceived internationally.

Released simultaneously on Netflix, WeTV, and iQIYI International, the drama tells the fate-driven story of Fan Changyu, an orphaned butcher girl determined to support her family, and Xie Zheng, a fallen marquis in hiding, seeking revenge for a blood feud. What begins as a marriage of convenience gradually transforms into true love, tested by bloody wars and forced separations.

One of the series' biggest draws is the authentic romance between the two protagonists. Unlike typical, commercially driven love stories, the male lead conceals his true identity, which adds depth and intrigue to their relationship.

The show's representation of Song Dynasty (960-1279) aesthetics and its integration of intangible cultural heritage — such as kesi weaving and jade pendants — has also sparked widespread discussion among international audiences.

"There are many aspects that reflect ancient Chinese culture, so you'll definitely enjoy it," another Japanese netizen shared on X.