The Last Dance, directed by renowned Hong Kong filmmaker Anselm Chan, has made waves in the local film industry, breaking records and captivating audiences with its heartfelt and humorous exploration of life, death, and the intricacies of the funeral industry. Released on November 9, 2024, the film smashed local records for the biggest opening day for a Hong Kong movie, setting a new benchmark for the city’s film industry. Then, this past Saturday, November 16, the film broke Hong Kong’s box office record for single day earnings, collecting 8.61 million HKD.
The story follows Dominic (played by Dayo Wong, a renowned comedian and actor), a debt-ridden wedding planner whose career takes an unexpected turn when he inherits a funeral planning business from its retiring co-owner. Armed with unconventional and creative funeral ideas, Dominic finds surprising success in his new role. However, he faces his greatest challenge in winning the respect of his new business partner, Master Man (played by legendary comedian Michael Hui), a traditional and stern Daoist priest. Through a series of unusual funerals, Dominic comes to understand Man’s deep code of ethics and the profound meaning behind each final farewell.
Wong and Hui’s reunion 32 years after starring in the 1992 comedy Magic Touch is a cinematic highlight, with their comedic chemistry and emotional depth bringing the film’s narrative to life. Critics have commended their ability to balance humor with the film’s existential themes. Supporting them is a stellar cast, including acclaimed Hong Kong actresses and actors Michelle Wai, Catherine Chau, and Chu Pak-hong, who add complexity and nuance to the narrative.
The film, which had its world premiere at the 44th Hawaii International Film Festival and was the opening film for the 21st Hong Kong Asian Film Festival, also screened at the 37th Tokyo International Film Festival. These prestigious events highlight its international appeal, setting the stage for its critical and commercial success.
Chu Pak-hong in The Last Dance. Image via Emperor Motion Pictures.
The Last Dance has already garnered significant global attention, with audiences from diverse backgrounds eagerly anticipating its release. “I really want to see it,” commented ttisagoodchild, a Hong Kong student studying in Thailand, on an Instagram post. Similarly, another Instagram user, letiziakun, also expressed his excitement towards the film’s release dates by commenting, “Taiwan needs to see!! Long awaited.” Such enthusiasm underscores the film’s universal themes and emotional resonance, captivating viewers across borders.
At its core, The Last Dance is more than a tale of professional reinvention; it delves into universal questions of legacy, grief, and the meaning of life. The humor woven throughout the narrative offers a refreshing perspective on these heavy topics, while the film also examines the darker, often-overlooked business side of funerals. Moreover, it thoughtfully navigates the interplay between tradition and modernity, especially in the realm of religion. Michelle Wai’s role as Man’s paramedic daughter stands out as a symbol of female empowerment, showcasing a modern woman navigating a male-dominated industry. Her character challenges long-standing norms, expressing frustration with gender limitations in the Daoist priesthood, as captured in her powerful line in the released trailer, “Only men can be Taoist priests. That’s tradition. I’d do it if I could.” This highlights the underlying societal barriers women face and adds a poignant layer to the film’s exploration of ethical and cultural dilemmas.
Michelle Wai in The Last Dance. Image via Emperor Motion Pictures.
With its blend of humor, drama, and cultural resonance, The Last Dance is not just a commercial triumph but also a cultural milestone. The film has redefined the scope of Hong Kong cinema while celebrating the beauty and brevity of life.
Renowned Chinese contemporary artist Cai Guo-Qiang, celebrated worldwide for his mesmerizing pyrotechnic artworks, announced in a recently published article that he will light up the skies of hometown of Quanzhou once again this December.
Known for his memorable spectacle at the 2008 Beijing Olympics’ opening ceremony, Cai has since continued to push the boundaries of art by using gunpowder as a medium — evolving his craft into a form of cultural storytelling. In recent years, he has turned his focus back to his hometown of Quanzhou, aiming to create firework shows that evoke local heritage and reflect on his childhood memories.
Video from RADII’s “Stories on Canvas” collaboration with East West Bank.
Following a Quanzhou Cultural and Tourism Development Headquarters meeting on November 8, rumors have been swirling about the upcoming show’s exact date. In 2023, Cai’s show in Quanzhou was staged on December 8 — marking this as a potential date for this year’s event as well.
Cai’s recent projects have often celebrated underrepresented voices and stories. In this case, Cai has stated the upcoming firework performance will honor the women of Quanzhou. While further details of the tribute remain under wraps, some social media users have speculated that Cao may pay tribute to the women of Xunpu (a fishing village near Quanzhou), who are known for their unique floral headpieces.
With Chinese New Year just around the corner in January 2025, it’s also possible that the event will reference aspects of the traditional holiday.
Cai on-site at his recent project WE ARE: Explosion Event for PST ART, held in Los Angeles in September. Photo by Philip Cheung, via Cai Studio.
Cai’s dedication to his hometown runs deep, and he has plans to open an art museum, the Quanzhou Museum of Contemporary Art (QMoCA), there in the future, hoping to make it into a creative hub and destination for art lovers worldwide. His firework show last December served as both a cornerstone ceremony for the new Frank Gehry-designed museum and a tribute to modernist Chinese thinker Hong Yi (born Li Shutong), who was a formative early influence for the artist.
As we wait for the official date to be announced, one thing is certain: this December, the skies of Quanzhou will become a canvas for one of China’s most celebrated contemporary artists — bridging the past and the present with vibrant and polychromatic bursts of light.
Banner image via Cai Studio. Image shows Cai’s 2023 Quanzhou performance, Mirage.
Since its release earlier this year, Black Myth: Wukong has dazzled audiences with its stunning visuals and rich storytelling based on the Chinese classic Journey To The West. But the frenzy doesn’t and shouldn’t stop there! In fact, the Chinese gaming landscape is still bursting with a slate of equally thrilling upcoming titles.
According to Reuters, there were around 700 million Chinese gamers in 2023 — nearly half of the nation’s population. When it comes to gaming, China is a cultural powerhouse where games are more than simply entertainment; they’re a way of life. From bustling internet cafés to vibrant e-sports communities, the gaming culture is dynamic and ever-evolving. In terms of gaming revenue, mobile games continue to dominate, with 75% of the market share in 2023. That being said, games in the computer and console sectors are also thriving with innovation.
Here at RADII, we chose 10 upcoming Chinese video games that showcase the creativity and excitement found in the industry, each offering unique experiences that will captivate new and seasoned gamers alike.
Delta Force: Hawk Ops
Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox, and PC
Developed by TiMi Studio Group — a Tencent subsidiary known for its work on the Call of Duty franchise — Delta Force: Hawk Ops marks the return of the iconic Delta Force franchise after over a decade. This first-person shooter features intense tactical gameplay in both single-player and multiplayer modes.
Set in the year 2035, players take on elite soldier roles in high-stakes missions, including a campaign inspired by the war film, Black Hawk Down. With strategic combat and diverse classes, the game aims to revitalize the series for modern audiences. Currently only available in the Chinese mainland, this game is set for international release in December 2024.
Honor of Kings: World
Platforms: Phone (Android and iOS)
The Honor of Kings franchise is the most popular title amongst Chinese gamers. In the third quarter of 2024 alone, it garnered an average of around 133 million monthly active users (MAUs) in China alone. This multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game features a rich selection of heroes inspired by Chinese mythology and history such as Monkey King’s rival Nezha (哪吒) and historical general Zhang Fei (張飛).
Players can engage in intense 5v5 battles, strategizing with their teammates to vanquish opponents. With its vibrant graphics and engaging gameplay, Honor of Kings: World offers a thrilling experience that keeps players coming back for more.
Developed by Chinese developer 17ZHE Studio, this open world action game is set during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) and offers a philosophical journey through a visually stunning, post-apocalyptic world. Players, as the Master of Varietas, navigate a chaotic environment where reality and illusion blur, using unique abilities to uncover hidden truths.
The game challenges players with thought-provoking themes and innovative mechanics, allowing them to consolidate diverse beliefs into masks for fierce battles. With its emotional and intellectual depth, Project: The Perceiver promises to be a must-play for those seeking a profound gaming experience.
Although an exact date is unconfirmed, this game is expected to be released in 2025.
Where Winds Meet
Platforms: PC and PS5
An action-adventure game set in ancient China, Where Winds Meet allows players to take on the role of a mysterious sword master. Explore a stunning open world filled with diverse foes and points of interest while engaging in deep RPG mechanics using a unique Eastern combat system inspired by wuxia(武俠)—Chinese tales of martial arts and chivalry.
Gamers can customize their characters with various weapons and skills, and enjoy a rich narrative-driven experience solo or with friends. Promising over 100 hours of gameplay, Where Winds Meet is set to release at an undetermined date in 2025 and will support online play for up to 10 players.
Assassin’s Creed Jade
Platforms: Phone (Android and iOS)
Remember Ezio di Auditore from the very first game in the Assassin’s Creed franchise back in 2007? Yes, now there’s a Chinese-themed version on the horizon. Assassin’s Creed Jade takes players on an epic journey set in ancient China, where they will explore a vast open world, engage in thrilling combat, and uncover the mysteries surrounding their character’s identity.
Developed by Chinese developer Tencent’s Level Infinite in partnership with its French counterpart at Ubisoft, the game has been delayed to 2025 due to a strategic pivot at Tencent, which is reallocating “hundreds of people” to focus on another game, DreamStar. This delay reflects Tencent’s commitment to optimizing development efforts and ensuring a polished experience for players.
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers
Platforms: PS5, Xbox, and PC
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is a dark and fantastical Soulslike action RPG set in the chaotic final years of China’s Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 CE). Players step into the shoes of Wuchang, a female pirate suffering from amnesia in a land plagued by monstrous mutations and an epidemic known as Feathering. As she battles twisted enemies using a mix of combat styles and ancient weaponry, the protagonist seeks to uncover the truth hidden beneath the chaos.
The game is set to release in 2025, promising an immersive experience filled with intricate combat and breathtaking environments.
Lost Soul Aside
Platforms: PS4, PS5, and PC
Inspired by award-winning video game franchise Final Fantasy, Lost Soul Aside is an action RPG that features fast-paced combat reminiscent of the similar series Devil May Cry. Developed by solo creator Bing Yang of Chinese game development studio UltiZero Games, this visually stunning game combines epic storytelling with dynamic gameplay. Players will embark on a thrilling journey through a beautifully crafted world filled with intense battles and rich lore.
Expected to be released sometime in 2025, Lost Soul Aside promises to deliver an unforgettable gaming experience.
FragPunk
Platforms: Xbox and PC
FragPunk is a 5v5 hero shooter game that features dynamic gameplay with rule-changing cards, immersing players in intense matches where strategy and teamwork are crucial. Players can choose from a diverse roster of heroes, each with unique abilities that can dramatically alter the course of a battle. The game encourages tactical play, allowing players to customize their strategies through various card combinations, creating a unique experience in every match.
Following the first Closed Alpha Test release earlier this summer, a second Closed Beta Test later took place in October. Players who tested out the game were required to pre-register via Steam or the Xbox Insider Program. A concrete release date is yet to be announced.
Arknights: Endfield
Platforms: PS5, PC, and Phone (Android & iOS)
Dive into the captivating world of Arknights: Endfield, a real-time 3D RPG game that combines strategic gameplay with an intriguing storyline. On a mysterious world called Talos-II, players assume the role of an enigmatic character named The Endministrator, who navigates a landscape filled with legends and crises. As gamers uncover the secrets of the Endfield Industries team, they will encounter unique operators and face thrilling challenges that put their tactical skills to the test.
Although unconfirmed, this game will likely be released mid-2025.
Phantom Blade Zero
Platforms: PC and PS5
Inspired by traditional Chinese culture and mythology, this AAA game combines fast-paced combat with beautifully-crafted environments. Players take on the role of Soul, an elite assassin framed for the murder of his organization’s patriarch. After being gravely injured, he is saved by a mystic healer, but the cure he receives will only last for 66 days. With time running out, Soul must battle powerful foes and uncover the mastermind behind his betrayal, all while navigating a dark and fantastical realm filled with intrigue.
While there is no confirmed date yet, it’s thought that Phantom Blade Zero will eventually be released in 2026.
As the gaming industry evolves, Chinese developers continue to set new standards. While games like Black Myth: Wukong and Genshin Impact have already captured global attention, the rich tapestry of upcoming titles showcases the depth and creativity coming from China’s video game and mobile game scenes. China’s long-term impact on the industry promises to not only be visually astounding and fun, but here to stay.
People living in Chinese cities have recently fallen in love with a new outdoorsy trend: jiǎn qiū (捡秋), which directly translates to “picking up autumn.” This activity has quickly become a social media sensation, with hashtags like “Why are all the workers picking up autumn on weekends?” (打工人为何周末都去捡秋) and “Reverse tourism: picking up autumn” (有种反向旅游叫捡秋) gathering over 10 million views on Weibo and other social media platforms.
So, what exactly are people picking up? Traditionally, jiǎn qiū referred to the act of farmers collecting leftover crops from fields. But today, the phrase has taken on new meaning as an outdoor activity for city dwellers. As temperatures cool, people are heading to parks and other outdoor areas to gather fallen leaves, fruits, and other natural objects, as a way to reconnect with nature, experience the changing of seasons, and preserve memories of autumn.
“The first barbecue skewer of autumn” has become a popular format for jiǎn qiū posts. Image via Xiaohongshu.
While for some jiǎn qiū can be as simple as searching for dried leaves in a local park, others are taking it more seriously. Science bloggers have made long form videos to introduce common plant species people might encounter outdoors, while also spreading awareness about the potential dangers of touching or eating toxic species. Comparable to rising interest in adventure sports but significantly more relaxed, this trend encourages people to escape crowded urban areas, with families using the time outside to teach children about nature in ways they might not otherwise experience.
After collecting leaves and more, urbanites get creative with how they present their findings. Some are getting into a crafting spirit and repurposing other everyday objects like coffee cups, sticks, ropes, grass, and fabric scraps to make bouquets and frames for their collections. Meanwhile, others are taking a more scientific approach, researching plant species, categorizing finds, and saving specimens for documentation.
An impressive frame for a jiǎn qiū leaf collection. Image via via Xiaohongshu.
The popularity of jiǎn qiū has even boosted local tourism, with bureaus of culture and tourism and their affiliated institutions, for example Nanjing’s museum administration organization, promoting parks and gardens, which are often overlooked by young urbanites in favor of flashier destinations. Lifestyle platforms like Xiaohongshu are encouraging users to post their own autumn collections as well. While only time will tell if jiǎn qiū attains the popularity of “city walks,” it’s fast becoming a popular way for people to embrace nature and enjoy a breath of fresh air away from the digital world.
My first experience with natural wines was, like most people’s, an intriguing and eye-opening one. The wine was French and had a strikingly warm amber hue, in between orange and yellow. The smell was funky, almost yogurt-like, and the taste rich with notes reminiscent of cantaloupe and apple pie. It was unlike any other wine I’d tasted before. While there isn’t a universally accepted definition of natural wine (ask a sommelier or enthusiast and expect discourse), it’s generally agreed that the natural wine philosophy is to make wines without intervention and additives, from the initial stages of harvesting to the end product.
Although conventional wines continue to be mainstays at dinner parties, weddings, and times when you need a pick-me-up without breaking the bank, natural wines, or “natties,” are picking up steam in Malaysia’s capital city of Kuala Lumpur (KL), buoyed by a new wave of adventurous drinkers. After our previous list covering KL’s burgeoning cocktail scene, we take a detour to the world of natural wines in KL. Though Malaysia’s tropical climate precludes making natural wine here, the new wave of hip wine bars in KL speaks to a broader trend that’s gathering steam around Asia. Experiments from China’s new independent winemakers haven’t quite reached Malaysia yet, but bottles from Japanese producers, like the Yamagata-based Grape Republic, have surfaced around town.
Gentle Giants
Housed within the rustic walls of the Zhongshan Building is Gentle Giants, a natural wine bar and bottle shop. In this small and intimate space, a long communal table commands attention as candles melting over used wine bottles are strewn over a lengthy table runner. The labels run the gamut from hyperlocal Italian orange wines and fizzy pét-nat to hard-to-find French reds. Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations or talk shop about all things natty with the knowledgeable owners. Cheese and chips are available for you to snack on, but feel free to bring your dinner and supper here if you want something more substantial to go with your wines. Plus point: Cute shop dog!
The name may be refreshingly self-aware, but the spread at Basic Wine Store is far from, well, anything basic. The bistro offers a curated selection of natural and boutique wines including biodynamic and organic bottles from boutique producers worldwide. Have your glass alongside European-inspired comfort fare like pasta with pork ragu and calamari with chickpeas, or tinned seafood with pickles and toast. Whether you sit al-fresco or indoors by floor-to-ceiling windows to people-watch, the store’s ambiance is warm and ideal for intimate dates, casual chats, or just a boozy get-together with some buddies.
An early purveyor of low-intervention (a term synonymous with natural wines) wines in KL, Unwined sits at the corner of APW Bangsar, a former printing factory turned creative industrial space. The interior combines industrial elements with warm wood accents and subtle lighting, while an open-air seating area further enhances the community-focused vibe. The wine selection here varies widely but the sourcing ethos reflects traditional, organic, and biodynamic methods. Whether it’s a funky Austrian orange wine or a refreshing German riesling, you’ll be spoiled for choice. The bar doesn’t come with a food menu, though you can order from neighboring businesses for a bite.
A recent addition to REXKL’s ensemble of vibrant emerging F&B entrepreneurs, fafaba is a unique bottle shop and fermentation bar specializing in gut-friendly tipples, with a meticulously curated menu featuring natural wines, an array of artisanal kombuchas, and Japanese sake. The interior has a semi-open layout with bright orange metalwork, moody drop-lights, and bar stools, seamlessly blending REXKL’s eclectic atmosphere with the sophistication of an intimate bar.
Located in the quiet suburb of Bangsar, just a short drive from KL city center, Juno is chic, casual, and colorful. With wine bottles and vibrant artworks serving as a backdrop against the overall modern aesthetic of the place, Juno toes the line between a wine bar and a restaurant. Here you can drink from a curated list of classic Champagne or Barolo alongside creative small-batch makers from Japan and New Zealand. A one-page menu offers enough for a full-course meal, but keep your eyes peeled for pop-ups with local chefs.
In a city as vibrant and diverse as KL, the natural wine scene offers a refreshing, unfiltered glimpse into the world of winemaking. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a curious newcomer, these bars invite you to explore bold flavors and thoughtful pairings that redefine the wine experience.
Last weekend, the phenomenon of Chinese college students biking nearly 50 kilometers between two relatively obscure cities unexpectedly attracted international attention. Students in Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan province in central China, have been gathering together in the middle of the night to ride shared bicycles eastward along Zhengkai Avenue to the ancient city of Kaifeng and eat guàn tāng bāo (灌汤包), a local variety of soup dumplings. What began as a spontaneous adventure for four college students turned into a full-blown trend, with the night of November 8 witnessing a massive crowd of cyclists hitting the road. The sight of Zhengkai Avenue transformed into a sea of riders turned the trend into a media spectacle, and sparked debate across China.
In fact, at first the nocturnal bike rides received a uniformly positive response, even from state media. Articles in outlets like People’s Daily Onlineframed the rides as “a symbol of youthful energy and the joy of shared experiences.” The rides were celebrated with the hashtag “The Night Ride to Kaifeng: Youth is priceless, enjoy it in time,” which received positive coverage from China’s state broadcaster, China Media Group.
The trend was enabled by the convenience and popularity of bike-sharing systems in China. With bikes accessible at virtually every street corner, cities across the country are equipped for effortless, affordable mobility. Platforms like Meituan, Hellobike, and Ofo have pioneered the shared economy in transportation, making it easy for users to pick up and drop off bicycles at their convenience. While biking between cities on shared bikes is somewhat unusual, it speaks to the popularity of this affordable transportation tool amongst young people, as well as the growing trend towards more physically active, adventurous forms of tourism.
However, after the number of night riders reportedly reached a hundred thousand on November 8, authorities began to grow more concerned about the night ride’s potential safety implications. As the young cyclists filled up Zhengkai Avenue’s multiple lanes, there were fears that they could cause traffic accidents or prevent emergency responders from reaching others in need of assistance. On Saturday November 9, the provincial police announced that the road would be closed to non-motorized vehicles until noon on Sunday.
In light of the restrictions, it remains to be seen whether the bike riders will return for dumplings next weekend. Overall, last week’s events speak to the difficulties China faces encouraging tourism to some of its less developed and less well-known areas (as exemplified by the brief craze for Zibo barbecue last year) and fostering a wholesome youth culture — the rapid rise of a certain destination or activity can make it the victim of its own success.
