Yanwen’s blog

Friday, February 7, 2025

When I recently chatted with a friend about our daily routines, she shared her activities, which included exercise, practicing calligraphy and piano, cooking, reading, and writing. I shared mine as well, but what stuck with me was her comment: "A fulfilling life, with a sense of achievement from learning and writing." Her words reflected a life enriched by continuous learning and satisfaction that comes from writing and intellectual growth, and also by interactions like this.

On a different note, I was intrigued by the announcement at the end of July 2024 by China’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, which announced 19 new occupations and 28 new job types. These new roles, spanning various industries, can be grouped into three main categories: service-related jobs, those linked to cutting-edge technologies, and those focused on green, low-carbon, and clean energy.

In 2019, the median income of Chinese people is expected to exceed $10,000. From the experience of developed countries, once a society reaches this income threshold, wealth tends to shift from manufacturing to the service industry. In other words, people will spend more on services, making the service sector increasingly profitable. The service industry broadly encompasses all professions that involve direct interaction with people and create value through meaningful connections.

Take one service job for example, ski patrols (滑雪巡救员, huá xuě xún jiù yuán), belonging to the first category, life service job. As living standards rise in China, more people are enjoying and engaging in outdoor activities like skiing. Over the past two years, participation in skiing has surged, with 35.42 million people taking part, and the total number of ski visits reaching 54.82 million. Skiing is a high-risk sport, often joked about with the saying, "the end of the ski slope is orthopedics."

In the past, ski resort rescue teams were typically composed of ski instructors who lacked medical training in injury assessment or emergency care. This gap has created a demand for specialized ski patrols. Alongside ski patrols, other emerging roles in the skiing industry include snowmakers, snow-slope planners, and ski instructors.

This shift in the job market highlights more than just new occupations; it’s a reflection of China’s rising living standards. As more people have the means to engage in expensive outdoor activities like skiing, we see a broader cultural shift—one where leisure and personal well-being are becoming integral to everyday life. The growing demand for ski patrols, snowmakers, and ski instructors is just one example of how rising affluence is giving rise to new industries. As the economy continues to evolve, the connection between growing wealth and the diversification of work opportunities will only become more pronounced.

Continue tomorrow...

Thursday, February 6, 2025

Last month, a Bloomberg article titled "Why The China Bubble Hasn't Popped" caught my attention. It seems people are persistently disappointed, waiting for China’s economy to collapse, only to be met with a reality that doesn’t align with those expectations. Unfortunately for the doomsayers, China’s economy isn’t on the verge of collapse. It’s evolving, adapting to ongoing challenges.

This situation brings to mind a saying that captures the essence of Chinese thinking: "摸着石头过河" (Mó zhe shítou guò hé), which translates to "crossing the river by feeling the stones." Often attributed to Deng Xiaoping, this metaphor reflects a pragmatic, flexible approach to reform. It’s about moving forward cautiously, step by step, with each decision informed by real-time feedback and experience. The key lies in trial and error and trial again until it works.

In today’s uncertain world, the question shouldn’t be when China will collapse, but rather how it will continue to adapt, innovate, and shape its role and thrive in the global economy.

On another bigger issue, on January 10, 2025, many outlets reported that 2024 was the hottest year on record, with confirmation from sources like the UN, WMO, and NASA.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) stated, “We saw extraordinary land and sea surface temperatures, extreme ocean heat, and severe weather affecting many countries around the world—destroying lives, livelihoods, and dreams. We also witnessed the retreat of sea ice and glaciers. It was an extraordinary year.”

NASA also confirmed that 2024 was the warmest year on record. According to their analysis, Earth’s average surface temperature in 2024 surpassed all previous years.

California, in particular, has faced devastating wildfires in recent years, driven by rising temperatures, dry conditions, and shifting weather patterns.

Glaciers are melting at an accelerated pace, contributing to rising sea levels. This phenomenon has been closely tracked by NASA, NOAA, and other climate researchers for decades.

There is a pressing need for countries to transition from fossil fuels to clean energy, while simultaneously phasing out coal and other fossil fuel plants. 

Unfortunately, this transition is stalled in the U.S., where the current administration withdrew from the Paris Climate Accords and continues to prioritize the interests of the oil and gas industries. There's also a troubling lack of support for climate change action and clean energy solutions.

The situation is deeply disturbing, and it highlights the urgent reality of the climate crisis. The consequences are no longer future projections—they are happening now, in the form of raging wildfires, melting glaciers, and more extreme weather events.

It’s clear that simply expanding clean energy won’t be enough if we don’t also shut down existing fossil fuel infrastructure. 

Equally alarming is the lack of strong political and scientific leadership in the U.S. to confront climate change directly. Without this leadership, the world will inevitably look elsewhere for guidance in tackling climate issues.

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

My 93-year-old mother read about President Trump imposing tariffs on Canada and other countries. She asked me, "Why Canada, an ally?" The answer lies in oil—Canada supplies four million barrels per day to the U.S.

According to Reuters, in the week ending January 3, 2025, U.S. imports from Canada hit a record 4.42 million barrels per day. The Congressional Research Service confirms that Canada was the largest supplier of crude oil to the U.S. in 2023, accounting for nearly 60% of total imports.  

On January 27, 2025, I wrote about DeepSeek. Now that the initial hype has settled, the conversation around AI has shifted. Large language models (LLMs) like DeepSeek are no longer seen as the ultimate goal but rather as stepping stones to more impactful applications in robotics, automation, and predictive analytics. Here are a few thoughts:

1. The Diminishing Hype Around LLMs   While models like DeepSeek and GPT-4 remain groundbreaking, the field is moving toward smaller, more efficient AI models that run directly on devices—phones, AR glasses, and more—reducing dependence on cloud computing. That said, LLMs still play a critical role, especially in enterprise AI solutions, ensuring they remain valuable even as their revolutionary appeal fades.

2. Humanoid Robotics: The Next AI Frontier   The next major wave in AI will likely be robotics, with companies like Tesla (Optimus), Figure AI, and numerous Chinese firms investing heavily in this space.  Given China’s dominance in mass manufacturing and AI development, it is well-positioned to capitalize on this shift, especially as aging demographics create demand for eldercare robots.

3. The AI Race and Geopolitical Tensions   China is advancing rapidly in AI adoption, particularly in manufacturing and service industries. However, this acceleration could heighten geopolitical tensions, leading to an AI arms race.

Looking ahead, AI will move beyond chatbots and text generation into real-world applications like robotics and automation. LLMs, while still foundational, may become less revolutionary over time as AI integrates more deeply into everyday life.

The bigger question remains: will global powers collaborate on AI development, or will rivalry shape the next era of tech progress? Unfortunately, for now, competition seems to be prevailing over cooperation—because, get real, after all, we are human.

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

The day after I arrived in Beijing on January 22, 2025, I came across a surprising headline: "In 1st, Chinese Astronauts Produce Oxygen and Rocket Fuel Ingredients"—and it was reported from Istanbul. Imagine that!

China has achieved a major breakthrough by successfully producing oxygen and rocket fuel components aboard its space station for the first time.

According to the report, astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station conducted the world’s first in-orbit artificial photosynthesis experiments, generating oxygen and ethylene, a key ingredient in rocket fuel.

These 12 experiments are designed to support long-term space survival and China’s ambitious goal of sending a crewed mission to the moon by 2030.

Using semiconductor catalysts, they transformed carbon dioxide and water into oxygen, mimicking the natural photosynthesis process of plants.

This breakthrough holds profound implications for the sustainability of deep-space missions, reducing reliance on Earth-supplied resources. By generating essential materials in space, China is paving the way for longer missions—and perhaps one day, a journey to Mars.

Currently, there are two operational space stations in orbit: 1. International Space Station (ISS) – A multinational space station led by NASA, with contributions from Russia, Europe, Japan, and Canada, operational since 2000. 2. Tiangong Space Station – Operated by China National Space Administration (CNSA), it was completed in 2022 and is China’s fully independent modular space station.

Space technology and artificial photosynthesis are not things most people encounter daily. The key takeaway here is that Chinese astronauts have successfully created oxygen and rocket fuel in space—an important step for future deep-space missions.

The big picture is that this experiment helps astronauts reduce their dependence on Earth and stay in space longer. Science moves fast, but curiosity is what matters most!

Monday, February 3, 2025

While chatting with a young relative about online shopping, I mentioned that I had also shopped at 东京网站 (Dōngjīng Wǎngzhàn). Seeing where I was at, he quickly responded that he trusted 京东 (Jīngdōng) more than other sites. It was then that I realized my mistake. Such a simple slip-up might have invited mockery from some relatives, but instead of laughing, he gently corrected me by repeating the word correctly.  

Growing up with limited oral communication skills, I’ve often faced ridicule for making minor mistakes like this—so much so that I developed the habit of speaking slowly, carefully monitoring my words. But this young relative, instead of embarrassing me, chose kindness. His quiet correction, free of judgment, was a rare gesture in my experience—one that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

Last year, I stumbled upon videos of Chinese influencers donning traditional costumes while traveling abroad. Their goal was to promote an appreciation of Chinese culture. These influencers shared their experiences on Douyin, the Chinese equivalent of TikTok, and their videos often garnered massive attention, quickly going viral.

What struck me most was the confidence these young people exuded. They were not afraid to stand out in foreign settings, proudly showcasing their cultural heritage. Inspired by their enthusiasm, I decided to delve deeper into this phenomenon and explore its broader implications.

The revival of hanfu and other traditional attire among young Chinese people has evolved into something more than just a fashion trend. It’s deeply tied to cultural pride and a desire to reconnect with the past.

Social Media & Aesthetic Appeal  – Platforms like Douyin and Xiaohongshu have facilitated and fueled demand for visually striking outfits. Traditional attire has become an ideal choice for travel photography and social media content, thanks to its unique aesthetic appeal.

Cultural Reconnection – For many young Chinese, wearing hanfu is a way to celebrate their historical heritage, express national pride. It also represents an attempt to break free from the dominance of Western fashion trends and reclaim their cultural identity.

Economic Impact – The growing hanfu market demonstrates that this trend is more than a niche interest. For instance, the surge in sales of horse-face skirts (马面裙, mǎ miàn qún) during the Double 11 shopping festival reflects its mainstream appeal.

Local Tourism Boost – Cities like Xi’an and Beijing, home to rich cultural histories, have embraced this trend. Tourists can now explore ancient landmarks while dressed in hanfu, enhancing their cultural experience.

It’s fascinating to observe how this movement weaves together history, commerce, and digital culture, creating a vibrant fusion of the past and present.