Penang, the island famous for its vibrant food, heritage attractions, and photogenic buildings, is experiencing a significant increase in direct flights to and from China. Airlines are expanding their services to meet the growing demand for travel between these regions.
Shanghai Airlines, for instance, increased its direct flights from Shanghai to Penang from three times a week to daily flights starting December 19 last year, responding to positive feedback on the route. Additionally, Penang welcomed its maiden direct flight from Xi’an in December 2024, operated by Hangzhou-based Loong Air. The Xi’an-Penang route features two flights per week using an Airbus A320, with a capacity of 168 seats.
The 132-year-old Kek Lok Si Temple is one of Penang’s most prominent landmarks. Image via On Penang.
Malaysia’s leading low-cost carrier, AirAsia, has also launched four-time weekly direct flights between Penang and Shenzhen.
The strategic move to increase routes to Penang comes amidst the loosening of visa restrictions in China for visiting Malaysians. Currently, Malaysians can enter and remain in China without a visa for up to 30 days for business, travel, and transiting purposes.
The increased connectivity has led to a substantial rise in Chinese tourist arrivals. In the first half of 2024, the number of Chinese tourists flying directly to Penang surged by 244.21%, with 44,847 visitors, compared to 13,029 during the same period in 2023. This expansion reflects the rising interest among Chinese travelers in Penang’s unique offerings.
A quintessential plate of Penang char kuey teow. Image via Michelin.
Several factors contribute to Penang’s attractiveness to Chinese tourists. The island’s rich cultural heritage is exemplified by the UNESCO-listed capital city of George Town, a coastal enclave of age-old temples, pastel-painted alleyways, British colonial architecture, and Michelin-recognized food that ranges from local delicacies like nasi kandar (steamed rice with assorted curry gravies, proteins, and vegetables) to Chinese-inspired dishes such as char kuey teow (wok-fried flat noodles served with seasoned garnish).
Language accessibility also enhances the travel experience for Chinese travelers. With a significant Chinese-speaking population, communication is seamless and services such as guided tours in Mandarin are readily available, so that tourists from China can immerse themselves in the local culture without language barriers.
The surge in flight connectivity and tourist arrivals is poised to strengthen Penang’s tourism sector and foster deeper economic ties with China. Local stakeholders, including hoteliers and small businesses, are optimistic about the positive ripple effects on the local economy. As Penang charms growing numbers of Chinese travelers, the island continues to solidify its position as a must-visit destination in Southeast Asia.
And with that another year in the Chinese music scene wraps up! December has brought a number of new releases from hardworking veterans of the scene, whether refining what they do best (for example, Shanghai post rockers 21 Grams) or venturing into new territories (see Chinese Football guitarist Wang Bo‘s rambunctious, eclectic pop as 温柔D·BOY, or YEHAIYAHAN’s multiculti electronic project WildRide). But there’s fresh blood too: check out emerging producer 444theGod’s ambient album for Genome 6.66Mbp, a welcome local release by a label that has recently been focusing on international artists — Editor.
温柔D•BOY – 游戏房间
Wang Bo, known to most as the guitarist for Chinese Football, shows off his audio toy collection on his side project 温柔D•BOY’s latest LP, 游戏房间 (Game Room). Inspired, playful, and expertly assembled, there’s a Beck-esque versatility in the production here. D•BOY gleefully mashes up chiptune, funk, electronica, rap, rock and more like a kid in a toy store. Unfolding like a Shibuya-kei fever dream inside a brightly-lit arcade emporium, it moves at a staggering pace, switching gears unrulily yet seamlessly, its rotating sonic plates never once collapsing. Some of the most fun you’ll have listening to a record this year.
Dizkar – Tell Me, Woman 请问
The latest from Kunming-raised artist Dizkar, whose penchant for neo-soul, hip hop, and R&B has made him one of the most sought-after producers in China today, is scrumptiously retro piece of breezy soulful pop straight from the 1970s. Neon-soaked, glitzy with just the right amount of grain, the music video for “Tell Me, Woman” is pastiche in full force, with special attention paid to costume design and that smeared Vaseline soft focus. This attention to detail extends to the whole production of his new LP Fake Soul Music, released via Chengdu label Mintone Records — he even went as far as recording on a reel-to-reel tape machine from the 1970s.
Bad Sweetheart – Much Adon’t 你在窗帘睡着了
Wuhan’s Bad Sweetheart return with their full-length LP, Much Adon’t 你在窗帘睡着了, solidifying them as one of the indie pop scene’s finest. The band has that woozy Britpop swagger that makes them stand out from a lot of indie bands of their ilk, and the album is refined in its production yet scrappy in its demeanor, coasting on pulpy charm and instrumental chops. Its ballads don’t always hit their mark, but for every cloying ballad there’s an uproarious jangle-filled jam à la “Nature Nature’ and “I Do What I Wanna Do.” But “Rowing Race” might be the album’s true highlight, a perfect match for the band’s poetic lyricism.
WildRide – What A Wild Ride
Guizhou singer and producer YEHAIYAHAN (aka ChaCha), who has dabbled in everything — R&B, trip hop, reggae, and avant-garde witch house — over the past decade, teams up with two other musical nomads, the electronic duo Taiga, composed of Xi Leilei from Xinjiang and Husile from Mongolia. The supergroup, dubbed WildRide, presents a feverish blend of dub, psytrance, world music, ambient, and broken beats, all crisscrossed with ethnic music of China. It’s a nomadic migration across sonic borders that shows YEHAIYAHAN’s voice reach deeper into her roots, then pulls them straight onto the dance floor.
CHILLGOGOG – Motivations TO-GO
Shanghai production duo CHILLGOGOG — consisting of LATENINE6 and FunkeeCookee — bring their animated and stimulating brew of electronica to full fruition on their debut LP, Motivations TO-GO. Sewn together by a fusion of ideas and styles both old and new, it relishes the building blocks of electronic music, as one flourish after another weaves its way into each track, turning seemingly simple jams into full-blown block parties. And with samples that range from nursery school rhymes to SpongeBob SquarePants, CHILLGOGOG never loses track of their idiosyncratic selves, giving their brand of alternative dance music a quirky IDM verve. A heck of a good time.
21 Grams – The Day You Have is Better 勝昔
Shanghai post rock torchbearers 21 Grams bring an elegant maturity to their sound on their new album The Day You Have is Better, which features four of the band’s most cherished compositions, which they’ve been refining since 2017. Evocative and sincere, every song unfolds like a worn-in story, one that deepens with every retelling. While 21 Grams’ brand of post rock is lean and old school, stylistically they cover a lot of ground, from the spacey playful riff on “Memory Boy Will Be A New Toy” to the heartfelt proclamation of “Hana & Alice (I Love You Goodbye),” always managing to find the light at the end of the tunnel.
The Swan and Blossoms – World Below the Moon
Neo folk supergroup The Swan and Blossoms, a motley crew of musicians scattered geographically across China and beyond, but centered around Beijing-based guitarist and songwriter Zhou Jian and Chengdu singer Yuan Tian (violinist Jia Zi and woodwind player Qing Xi are other key players), bring their poetic touch, lush orchestration and rich storytelling to their latest LP, World Below the Moon, released on Merrie Records. Akin to the changing seasons, their sound is both graceful and compelling, riding a gust of swelling violins, pounding drums, and piano one moment and gliding gently into a delicate melody the next. This is a full-bodied album with top-notch production and an atmospheric pull that grabs hold of you and doesn’t let go.
Guzz – Botanical Garden of the Soul
Shanghai-based electronic producer Guzz, returns with another dazzling piece of Asian wanderlust — Botanical Garden of the Soul — self-described as a sonic “sanctuary” of “spiritual liberation.” Further expanding on his narratively lush Fantasia in the Wind from last year, while at the same time reaching back to his Do Hits roots, the artist casts a delicate spell over his tracks, lulling you into its luminous greenhouse as one makes their way through its serene and ornamental audial agriculture. Dreamlike with a smooth jazzy undertone, it washes over you.
444theGod – El Poema Inacabado
DJ and producer 444theGod steps back from the dance floor and turns inward on his album El Poema Inacabado, released on Genome 6.66Mbp. A collection of intriguingly unfinished-sounding pieces that lean toward the darker, grander, and more abstract corners of electronic music, on the album 444theGod uses soft piano and synthesizers to conjure an atmosphere that’s at once sedate and fraught with tension. Distorted vocals, white noise, heady drones, and unsettling glitch effects pull listeners into a “shadowy dream” of IDM, ambient, and deconstructed club.
inactive committee 不行动 – inactive committee 不行动
Founded in 2021 and resurrected in 2024, inactive committee out of Beijing impress on their debut. Math rock, psychedelic rock, and some jazz for good measure — this evokes some of the indie highs of The Gar or a more rootsy version of Gatsby in a Daze (both bands share the same bassist). Its bleeding heart sentimentality elevate its brash bold instrumentation as its ear-catching riffs and prodding rhythms leading the charge. It doesn’t always come together — with singer Sun Muyuan’s vocals taking things a bridge too far at times — but at its core there’s a sincerity to the band’s rustic veneer that’ll stick with you.
In 2024, Chinese film and television played host to a wealth of talent. Following up on our list of five standout actresses of the year a few weeks ago, here are five male actors who enjoyed success in 2024. While young actors like Xu Kai, Li Xian, Ding Xi, and Lin Yi got hearts throbbing for their roles in romance and costume dramas, the slightly more experienced Lei Jiayin also had a great year in film, playing the male leads in critical and commercial hits YOLO and Article 20.
Xu Kai
The extremely fresh-faced Xu Kai. Image via 许凯 王鹤棣 on Twitter.
Xu Kai continued to shine as one of China’s most versatile actors in 2024, delivering standout performances in the dramas As Beautiful As You, Best Choice Ever, and Sword and Fairy. Known for his striking looks and ability to convey deep emotional range, Xu excelled in portraying complex characters. In As Beautiful As You, he brought to life a sensitive yet resilient protagonist navigating love and loss, earning him critical acclaim. While fans were initially worried that Xu’s roles this year would be repetitive — he played CEO characters in both Best Choice Ever and As Beautiful As You — they were pleased with how he differentiated between the two characters. This versatility extended to Sword and Fairy, where he returned to the fantasy genre, proving once again his mastery of action-packed, visually stunning epics.
Li Xian
Li Xian in Will Love in Spring. Image via Youtube.
Li Xian charmed viewers with his performances in Shooting Stars and Will Love in Spring. Renowned for his relatable boy-next-door persona, Li brought warmth and authenticity to both roles. In Shooting Stars, set during the Republican Era, Li played the scion of a wealthy family who puts aside his plans to become a navy officer and instead joins the police to fight injustice. Meanwhile, the Quanzhou-set Will Love in Spring explored themes of romance and ambition, with the twist of being set in a smaller city. Li’s portrayal of a reformed bad boy helped fuel the show’s popularity, which led to a wave of tourism in Quanzhou. Finally, Li capped off the year by being recognized with a nomination for best actor at the Golden Eagle Awards (China’s TV awards) for his role in Meet Yourself, which premiered in 2023.
Lei Jiayin
Lei Jianyin as Han Ming in Article 20. Image via Far East Films.
Although Lei Jiayin might not qualify as “little fresh meat” in the same way as other actors on this list, he nevertheless had a very successful year thanks to lead performances in two films that balanced box office receipts with positive critical notices. Lei’s performances in YOLO and Article 20 showcased his incredible range and mastery of complex roles. In boxing dramedy YOLO, Lei brought humor and introspection to the role of Hao Kun, a boxing coach and the romantic interest of protagonist Du Leying, played by the film’s director, Jia Ling. His portrayal of the morally conflicted prosecutor Han Ming in legendary director Zhang Yimou’s Article 20 was equally compelling, with critics lauding his ability to bring authenticity and relatability to deeply flawed individuals. Lei’s expressive eyes and subtle acting style have made him a favorite among audiences and critics alike, with this year’s roles further cementing his reputation as one of China’s most skilled and versatile actors. Indeed, in October, he received the best actor award at the Golden Rooster Awards for his performance in Article 20.
Ding Yuxi
Ding Yuxi’s looks in Love Game in Eastern Fantasy. Image via C.Drama Club.
Ding Yuxi wowed audiences with his performance as Mu Sheng in Love Game in Eastern Fantasy, a role that transformed perceptions of his suitability for period dramas. His undeniable good looks and captivating performance silenced critics who had previously questioned his ability to excel in historical roles. Beyond his looks, Ding Yuxi’s exceptional acting skills further solidified his reputation. As noted by a university student fan of his on Xiaohongshu, “Before shooting, I really didn’t expect Ding Yuxi to be so handsome… He’s really a very sympathetic actor who can enter the role in a second.” Whether through his striking features or his nuanced expressions and movements, Ding Yuxi has proven himself a versatile and charismatic talent capable of captivating audiences across genres.
Lin Yi delivered unforgettable performances in Everyone Loves Me, Angels Fall Sometimes, and Smile Code, showcasing his versatility and talent. In Angels Fall Sometimes, he took on the challenging role of a character with ALS, delivering a deeply moving and authentic portrayal that earned widespread acclaim. Fans praised his ability to convey the pain and helplessness of his character, with one MyDramaList user, ryoato, writing, “Lin Yi brilliantly plays these scenes in the dark so well, and it’s moving and heartbreaking to watch him realize that he can’t move even though he knows how to.” Xiaohongshu user Patrick Star派大星, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Lin Yi gave Lin Tuo life and soul, which made us truly feel the pain and helplessness of patients with ALS.”
In romantic comedy drama Smile Code, Lin explored themes of resilience and self-discovery, resonating with viewers, while his lighthearted portrayal of the protagonist in new-graduates romance Everyone Loves Me charmed viewers as he navigated the chaos of unexpected fame. Lin even had a guest role in hit drama The Tale of Rose, opposite one of RADII’s actresses of the year, Liu Yifei.
In the vast sea of Chinese social media, a new wave of creativity has emerged, centered around the animated film The Summer of Mermaid (美人鱼的夏天). This independently-produced movie, crafted by the husband-and-wife team of Shen Xiaoyang and Xiao Xiaoyue, was released in November, and since then has sparked a deluge of humorous responses on Chinese social media platforms including Xiaohongshu. Though the film represents an accomplishment for independent animation in China, much of the content it has generated online is in response to perceived shortcomings in its production quality.
Shen and Xiaoyue spent an astounding seven years bringing their vision to life, showcasing their dedication to the craft. Their work is speaks to the burgeoning animation industry in Xiamen. The coastal city’s supportive policies and the annual Xiamen International Animation Festival have fueled the growth of animation studios there, contributing to an industry that generated over 10 billion RMB in annual revenue.
Shen Xiaoyang (left) and Xiao Xiaoyue (right), the couple behind the film. Image via The Paper.
The film tells the story of a rebellious mermaid who finds herself stranded on a small island, caught between the allure of the human world and the call of the deep sea. As she navigates her newfound surroundings, she encounters an elderly mermaid who has long lived among humans and a young boy who captures her heart.
The film features a unique blend of 2D and 3D animation techniques, which showcase the beauty of Fujian province and Minnan (southern Fujianese) culture. The film features elements of local culture including Minnan red brick houses, traditional music, and Fujianese cuisine. In fact, Xiao reportedly spent two years researching and visiting the landscapes of southern Fujian province in preparation for the film. Beyond the film’s setting and animation, voice actors Lin Mingxuan and Li Xiang have also garnered attention for their roles.
However, despite the considerable effort that the filmmakers put into The Summer of Mermaid, what’s making the rounds on Xiaohongshu these days is parodies of scenes from the film, rather than praise for its plot or landscapes. Even after seven years of production, many viewers find the quality of the film to be lacking. Critiques have been aimed at the unnatural behavior of its characters, as well as the film’s stilted dialogue.
When a wig can’t be found, use some leeks. Image via 上啊！大奶罐 on Xiaohongshu.
In one post fitness influencer上啊！大奶罐 uses leeks to emulate the mermaid’s hairstyle while recreating a scene from the film in which she scares herself by accident. Another Xiaohongshu user, 唔苜唔苜, humorously captioned their attempt at re-enacting a scene where the male protagonist interacts with the female protagonist in her mermaid form: “I laughed for two hours before I was willing to send it out. The most confounding episode.”
The aforementioned scene where the protagonist gives herself a fright has even spawned a “scare yourself” challenge. Popular influencers such as American expat Bao Bao Xiong (who spawned the “city bù city a” catchphrase over the summer) and celebrities including Shen Xiaoting from K-pop girl group Kep1er have also gotten in on the fun.
Guo Xiwen and her friend showcase their acting chops. Images via 郭曦文GT on Xiaohongshu.
Social media users are also been playing around with the film’s dialogue, dubbing scenes with sometimes hilarious results. For example, Xiaohongshu content creator 小淘气鬼当家 made her version of the “scare yourself” scene with a Northeastern Mandarin accent. Other users shared their praise in comments, with 心之所项小姐 (好运版) describing the dubbed audio as very “suitable” and reacting with laughter.
Regrettably, some responses to the film have crossed the line from fun parody into cyberbullying, and Shen and Xiao have disappeared from social media. While it’s sad to see independent creatives treated this way, it’s also difficult not to get swept up by the infectious fun of some of the more well-meaning parodies.
Apple is reportedly in talks with Chinese tech giants Tencent and ByteDance to integrate their artificial intelligence (AI) models into iPhones sold in China. The discussions follow Apple’s earlier struggle to implement AI features in the country due to data security concerns raised during negotiations with Baidu.
The integration is expected to bring local generative AI services to Chinese users, complementing Apple’s global rollout of its in-house AI assistant, or Apple Intelligence, which features on the iPhone 16. However, upon the launch of the iPhone 16 in China in September 2024, those capabilities were notably absent, leading local consumers to voice their disappointment on Weibo. But despite the glaring omission, sales of the flagship model outperformed those of its predecessor, the iPhone 15, by 20% in the first three weeks.
In markets outside of China, the iPhone 16 range is built with Apple Intelligence. Image via Apple.
China remains a critical market for Apple and also its most competitive, according to CEO Tim Cook. The Cupertino company faces stiff competition from industry rivals like Huawei and Xiaomi. Huawei, for instance, recently launched the Mate 70 line, which has an improved homegrown chip and Android-free OS with advanced AI capabilities. Similarly, Xiaomi’s 15 series boasts AI-powered features including real-time translation and interpretation, as well as precise photo editing software.
As such, the potential introduction of generative AI could provide Apple with a competitive edge in the region’s fiercely contested smartphone market. By leveraging Tencent and ByteDance’s established AI frameworks, Apple can ensure compliance with Chinese data privacy laws while meeting the growing demand for AI-enabled devices. Tencent operates China’s ubiquitous WeChat app, which has an extensive ecosystem of in-app programs, while ByteDance runs TikTok and its Chinese counterpart, Douyin. Both companies possess advanced generative AI technologies tailored to Chinese users.
If successful, the partnership could allow iPhone users in China to access localized AI features, such as virtual assistants and content generation, seamlessly integrated into Apple’s broader ecosystem. As the company navigates regulatory hurdles, consumer expectations, and a challenging smartphone landscape, a collaboration with Chinese tech leaders could redefine the role of AI in the iPhone product universe. More importantly, this could be a pivotal step for Apple to maintain its foothold in China.
In a move to further boost tourism, China has significantly expanded its visa-free transit policy, permitting eligible travelers to stay longer in the country before leaving for their final destinations. The policy now permits travelers from 54 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Russia, to stay in China for up to 10 days (240 hours) without a visa, provided they are transiting to a third country. The policy is available at 60 ports of entry across 24 provinces.
Since opening borders after strict Covid-19 measures in 2023, China has been loosening travel restrictions to encourage visits to the country. As of November this year, a total of 38 countries were granted visa-free travel privileges, without the requirement of transiting to a third country. People from these countries, which include Australia, Malaysia and Japan, can stay in China for up to 30 days for tourism, family visits, and business purposes.
In the third quarter of 2024, China recorded 8.2 million inbound trips, marking a 48.8% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. Notably, more than half of these arrivals made use of visa-free policies, representing a 78.6% year-on-year increase.
Data shows China’s tourism is experiencing a spike since the implementation of visa-free initiatives. Image via Unsplash.
Further data underscores the effectiveness of the visa-free initiatives. Between January and November 2024, China welcomed nearly 29.22 million inbound foreign visits, an 86.2% increase year-on-year. Of these, 17.45 million entries were visa-free, reflecting a significant 123.3% growth compared to the previous year.
The policy’s success is also mirrored in the travel industry’s performance. Chinese online travel agency Qunar reported that bookings by foreign passport holders for domestic flights have nearly tripled compared to the same period in 2023. Additionally, over 10% of these international tourists were repeat visitors, indicating sustained interest in China’s diverse attractions.
China’s strategic expansion of visa-free access is part of a broader effort to rejuvenate its tourism industry and strengthen international ties. The positive trends in inbound tourism not only contribute to economic growth, but also enhance cultural exchange and mutual understanding between China and other nations.
As the global travel landscape continues to evolve after the coronavirus pandemic, China’s proactive measures in facilitating easier access for foreigners are poised to yield long-term benefits for its tourism sector and, potentially, overall international relations.
