The first revolutionary opera in North Korea, Sea of Blood, premiered in 1971 and has remained largely inaccessible to foreign photographers until Matjaž Tančič's recent project. With the help of Koryo Studio, Tančič negotiated for two years to gain permission to photograph the opera, ultimately succeeding in capturing this unique art form. The project highlights the challenges of accessing and documenting North Korean culture, particularly art forms closely associated with the country's leaders, Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il.

Shanghai remains divided as millions of residents face renewed lockdown measures despite low daily COVID-19 cases. The city's stringent policies, driven by the Chinese government's zero-COVID strategy, have led to widespread fear, economic hardship, and psychological distress among residents. Many distrust the government's assurances, recalling the chaos and brutality of previous lockdowns. The ongoing restrictions have severely disrupted daily life and economic activities, prompting some to temporarily relocate to avoid further lockdowns.

Läderach, a Swiss chocolate manufacturer, faced significant disruptions in its China business due to the Shanghai lockdown, with a loss of nearly 300,000 Swiss Francs worth of chocolate that could not be sold fresh. Despite the pandemic, Läderach pursued its expansion into the Chinese market, opening its first store in Shanghai and selling online through platforms like Alibaba's T-Mall. The logistics of keeping chocolate fresh from production to consumption within 84 days is a major challenge, exacerbated by strict Chinese customs regulations during the pandemic. The lockdown caused a complete halt in sales in April, but the company is hopeful for recovery and potential government support. Danny Qi, who leads the China business, acknowledges the cost of China's zero-Covid policy but believes the government will not sacrifice the economy for it.

Despite rising tensions between China and the U.S., China and California are fostering deep and interdependent relationships across various sectors, including film, TV, housing, and development. Matt Sheehan explores these dynamics in his new book, 'The Transpacific Experiment: How China and California Collaborate and Compete for our Future.'

The C-Space Project, a multimillion-yuan venture simulating life on Mars, has been constructed near Ningyuan, a village in Gansu, China, with the aim of attracting tourists and filmmakers. Despite local officials' hopes for a tourism boom, villagers have mixed feelings, with some fearing exclusion and insufficient compensation for the demolition of their homes for expansion. The project, funded by Huasheng Zhihai Cultural Communication Co. Ltd. and supported by local government investment, is not yet suited for scientific research but has potential for future development. Meanwhile, efforts to restore Ningyuan's rich historical sites have been stalled by financial constraints, leaving the village's future uncertain.

Hainan, China's southern subtropical island province, is becoming a hub for surfing, spurred by the sport's inclusion in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The local surf scene, which began around ten years ago, has seen a shift from a laid-back lifestyle to a more competitive environment due to government investment. Authorities have built a new surf centre, funded living and training costs for recruits, and hired foreign coaches like Michael Weaver and Peter Townsend. The original 'soul surfer' community, represented by individuals like Li Jing, has experienced changes, including the relocation of the Jalenboo Surf Club. Despite the rapid development, there is skepticism about China's chances of winning medals at the Olympics, but there is hope for a cultural victory as the two surfing factions coexist and influence each other.

Hey Tea, a beverage company in Beijing, has become a sensation with its signature cheese tea, a cold tea topped with a frothy cheesy layer. Founded in 2012 and rebranded in 2016, the company's two Beijing branches see customers waiting up to three hours for the drink. The tea's popularity is partly attributed to its social media presence, with customers sharing photos of their drinks and the queues. The cheese tea, priced between 25 and 30 yuan, is described as delicious, with a subtle cheese flavor made from a blend of New Zealand's Anchor cheese, milk, cream, and salt. The phenomenon reflects a broader trend of food and drink experiences being shared as social achievements online.

Hey Tea's cheese tea has become a major trend in Beijing, with people waiting in line for hours to try the unique beverage. The drink, which combines cold tea with a frothy cheese layer, has gained immense popularity, driven by social media and the novelty of the combination. Customers see the long wait as an achievement, and the brand's aesthetic appeal contributes to its success. Despite mixed reviews on the taste, the social media buzz and sense of accomplishment keep the queues long.

Xinjiang, China's far west region, is ethnically diverse and culturally distinct from the rest of China. Urumqi, a historically significant city on the ancient Silk Road, is known for its remote location and cultural richness. The region has experienced unrest and terrorist attacks, leading to a heavy police and army presence. Cultural and religious practices, such as wearing beards and face veils, are restricted. The area is also noted for its delicious lamb-based cuisine, vibrant street markets, and friendly people.

Lianzhou Photo Festival, one of China's largest photo festivals, celebrated its 10th anniversary with exhibitions from notable photographers like Peter Hugo, Carlos Spottorno, Jacques Henri Lartigue, Yann Mingard, and Thomas Sauvin. The festival, held in unique venues such as an old granary, shoe factory, and candy factory, offered interesting shows, talks, and networking opportunities, making it a worthwhile event to attend.