When China begin their quest to extend their Olympic table tennis domination at the Tokyo Games, they will be following a path forged by tragic trailblazer Rong Guotuan.
Peter Stebbings
Asia-Pacific sports coordinator for Agence France-Presse (AFP) in Hong Kong.
Chinese Paralympian Survived 28 Hours Buried in Quake Rubble
Tang Xuemei was just a teenager when her school dormitory began shaking violently before the floor crumbled in a powerful earthquake, sending her spiralling into a dark void.
‘Not Perfect Enough’: China’s Growing Problem of Eating Disorders
At the height of her eating disorder Zhang Qinwen was the weight of a child. Her hair fell out, she was unable to walk and she could barely see.
Chinese Monk Who Saved 8,000 Strays is Dog’s Best Friend
His bald head glistening with sweat, Zhi Xiang peers into the eyes of a stray dog whose coat has become matted in heavy rain and says soothingly: “Let me cut your hair, cutie.”
China Wheelchair Users Dodge Traffic on Rough Road to Recognition
Cars, scooters and bicycles wait impatiently at traffic lights ready to zip across one of Shanghai’s main roads. In the thick of them sits an old man in an electric wheelchair.
Documentary Tells ‘Unknown’ Story of Titanic’s Chinese Survivors
A new documentary film has revealed the “completely unknown” story of six Chinese men who survived the sinking of the Titanic and adds a new chapter to the history of the world’s most famous ship.
Oscars Set to Flop in China as Hollywood and Politics Collide
The Oscars are the glitziest night of the year in Hollywood and millions across the globe tune in, but they threaten to be a dud in China after the nomination of a Hong Kong protest documentary.
How Table Tennis Changed the World, 50 Years On
It was 50 years ago but Zhang Xielin still remembers vividly how a shaggy-haired American table tennis player stepped onto the Chinese team’s bus, a chance encounter which would shape history.
Yan the ‘Pitbull’ to Show ‘Power of Chinese Women’ with UFC Title Fight
Yan Xiaonan once sold furry toys at a market but the woman described as a “pit bull” is now charging towards a historic all-Chinese UFC title fight.
How China’s 1981 Women’s Volleyballers ‘Inspired a Billion’
On November 16, 1981, millions of people across China crowded around radios and televisions with flickering signals for a women’s volleyball match whose significance went far beyond sport.
Tear-Jerker Chinese Film ‘Hi Mom’ Proves Massive Box-Office Success
Audiences are cramming into Chinese cinemas to watch a sentimental comedy that has rapidly become one of the most popular films of all time in the country and marks a triumphant debut for its female director.
US-Born Chinese ‘Frog Princess’ Could Reign over Beijing 2022
Born in California and representing the United States before switching to China, teenager Eileen Gu looks destined to be one of the faces of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.
How Shanghai Saved Thousands of Jews from the Holocaust
As an infant Kurt Wick escaped almost certain death in a Nazi concentration camp by taking refuge in Shanghai, a little-known sanctuary for thousands of Jews fleeing the Holocaust.
Yan Bingtao: China Snooker Prodigy Whose Family Risked it All
Yan Bingtao has risen from a poor working-class background and playing to support his cancer-stricken mother to become China’s latest sporting prodigy.
Female Bodybuilder with One Leg Captures Hearts in China
Tears fill Gui Yuna’s eyes as she describes losing her right leg in a road accident aged seven and school bullies kicking away her crutch to make her fall.
Inspired by Mao, Wuhan River Swimmers ‘Reborn’ after Virus Lockdown
Standing beside a large picture of Mao Zedong, Shen Peihua recalls the moment she resumed her daily swim in the Yangtze River in Wuhan after the Chinese city’s long coronavirus lockdown.
Beating the Odds, Wuhan Horse Racing Gallops Beyond Virus
Blue cushions are up for grabs as masked spectators cheer horses galloping to the finish in Wuhan, ground zero for the pandemic but also a major centre for racing in China.
Can-Do Attitude: Wuhan Virus Lockdown Captured in Craft Beer
When the coronavirus emerged in Wuhan and the Chinese city went into a strict 76-day lockdown, Wang Fan resolved to commemorate the turbulent period in the way he knew best — through beer.
Inspired Teixeira Drags Jiangsu to First Chinese Super League Title
Brazilian forward Alex Teixeira starred as Jiangsu Suning won their first Chinese Super League title with a 2-1 victory over Fabio Cannavaro’s 10-man Guangzhou Evergrande on Thursday.
Millions Online, 6,000 Live See Koreans Win Top eSports Title
More than 6,000 mostly young spectators watched at a Shanghai stadium and millions tuned in online to see Damwon Gaming win the League of Legends world championship on Saturday.