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Sixth Tone

@sixthtone.bsky.social
1.1K followers 1 following 393 posts

Fresh voices from today's China — news, features & commentary from a human perspective. Also on Facebook, Instagram, WeChat, & YouTube. Website: www.sixthtone.com

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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Domestic tourists in China made 6.5 billion trips and spent 6.3 trillion yuan (US$930 billion) in 2025, both record highs.
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Researchers found that levels of a gene expression regulator rose in the spleens of middle-aged female mice, contributing to cellular demise and potentially explaining why men and women age differently. ow.ly/vO9150ZQULj
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
From life on the streets at 15 to smashing the record for racing 330 kilometers through the Alps, champion runner Zhao Jiaju reflects on his long road to greatness. ow.ly/92V950ZQskX
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
China’s men’s basketball team has suffered its second-worst defeat in its history at the Asian Games, calling into question the coach’s abilities and the team’s training methods. ow.ly/zHmq50ZQ4Q4
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
After slashing prices to survive, a small-town business attracts strugglers from far and wide seeking a low-to-no-cost lifestyle. www.sixthtone.com/news/1018854
sixthtone.com
Check in, Log on, Stay for Months: Life at China’s 9-Cent Internet Café
After slashing prices to survive, a small-town business attracts strugglers from far and wide seeking a low-to-no-cost lifestyle.
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
After a mushroom grew from an apple, researchers turned online curiosity into a two-year breeding project with help from samples sent in from across China. www.sixthtone.com/news/1018995
sixthtone.com
How a Rotten Apple Brought China’s Internet Into a Mushroom Lab
After a mushroom grew from an apple, researchers turned online curiosity into a two-year breeding project with help from samples sent in from across China.
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
China’s immersive productions have grown ever larger and more spectacular. Their next challenge is turning audience participation into genuine understanding. www.sixthtone.com/news/1018941
sixthtone.com
After ‘Sleep No More,’ What’s Next for Chinese Immersive Theater?
China’s immersive productions have grown ever larger and more spectacular. Their next challenge is turning audience participation into genuine understanding.
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
After once leaving rural China behind, two filmmakers returned to document the farmers and workers whose stories are fading from view as the countryside changes. ow.ly/Tcjl50ZPoYa
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Two Filmmakers, 1,100 Villages, and a Race to Record Rural China
After once leaving rural China behind, two filmmakers returned to document the farmers and workers whose stories are fading from view as the countryside changes.
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
For China’s army of part-time couriers, retirement remains an abstract concept — surviving today is the priority. www.sixthtone.com/news/1019030
sixthtone.com
Pension Paradox: China’s Delivery Riders on a Rocky Road to Retirement
For China’s army of part-time couriers, retirement remains an abstract concept — surviving today is the priority.
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Chinese academics, writers, and journalists are expected to do everything. As the Zhuge Yiyang controversy shows, many wind up with nothing. www.sixthtone.com/news/1018996
sixthtone.com
When China’s Star Intellectuals Fly Too Close to the Sun
Chinese academics, writers, and journalists are expected to do everything. As the Zhuge Yiyang controversy shows, many wind up with nothing.
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
As opportunities to get ahead seem increasingly limited, Chinese audiences are finding more to relate to in culture’s supporting characters. www.sixthtone.com/news/1018999
sixthtone.com
From Monkey Kings to Little Demons: China’s New Age of the Supporting Character
As opportunities to get ahead seem increasingly limited, Chinese audiences are finding more to relate to in culture’s supporting characters.
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
An incident at a Shanghai stand-up show in which customers who bought tickets through unofficial channels were denied entry because of the venue’s ticket identity-verification requirements has sparked public debate over China’s ticket scalping market. www.sixthtone.com/news/1019041
sixthtone.com
Ticket to Trouble: Scalping Row Disrupts Shanghai Comedy Show
Police placed three ticket scalpers in custody, and three others received administrative penalties after attendees who had purchased tickets through unofficial channels were denied entry to the venue.
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
U.S. startup founder Ken Chester entered China’s first rural hackathon in a remote village in Fujian province. Then, he took the idea back to Michigan. www.sixthtone.com/news/1019015
sixthtone.com
How I Brought China’s Vibe-Coding Revolution to Rural America
U.S. startup founder Ken Chester entered China’s first rural hackathon in a remote village in Fujian province. Then, he took the idea back to Michigan.
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
China aims to grow its innovative drug market by more than 20% a year through 2030, under a plan that also calls for listed pharmaceutical companies to spend more than 10% of their revenue on research and development.
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
The new municipal government program uses AI token consumption to help assess tech companies seeking loans, offering another route to financing for companies that struggle to secure conventional credit. www.sixthtone.com/news/1019029
sixthtone.com
Token of Trust: Beijing Links AI Usage to Company Loans
The new municipal government program uses AI token consumption to help assess tech companies seeking loans, offering another route to financing for companies that struggle to secure conventional credit.
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
China’s surveyed urban unemployment rate averaged 5.2% in the first eight months of 2026, unchanged from a year earlier.
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
As opportunities to get ahead seem increasingly limited, Chinese audiences are finding more to relate to in culture’s supporting characters. www.sixthtone.com/news/1018999
sixthtone.com
From Monkey Kings to Little Demons: China’s New Age of the Supporting Character
As opportunities to get ahead seem increasingly limited, Chinese audiences are finding more to relate to in culture’s supporting characters.
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
China has approved the weight-loss drug Wegovy, a brand name for the medication semaglutide, to treat a severe form of fatty liver disease, making it the country’s first and only glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drug approved for the condition. ow.ly/PLA450ZNbSP
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China Approves Obesity Drug for Severe Fatty Liver Disease
The approval follows increased competition among pharmaceutical companies pushing to attain weight-loss medication approval to treat a wider range of illnesses.
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
China’s annual AI token consumption is projected to rise from 100 quadrillion tokens in 2026 to more than 35 quintillion by 2030.
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
A growing number of Chinese students studying abroad are turning cooking videos into viral hits across Chinese social media. On Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, the hashtag “international students hunong cooking” — using the term “to do something halfheartedly” — has amassed 2.1 billion views.
sixthtone.com
Pizza Bao, Spaghetti Stir-Fry: Chinese Students Hack Home Cooking Abroad
To save money and recall nostalgic flavors from home, Chinese students abroad are increasingly posting videos online of themselves making Chinese classic dishes, with some innovative, low-budget takes.
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
The mobile game, popular since 2018, features a frog who holidays across China. Users say they can’t bear to delete it. ow.ly/lU4E50ZMuC7
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
A literature undergrad’s AI tool made a near-perfect Mandarin version of Haruki Murakami’s new novel in just four hours. What might this mean for translators and copyright holders? www.sixthtone.com/news/1018966
sixthtone.com
Did AI Find Murakami’s Voice? Student’s $2 Experiment Divides China’s Literati
A literature undergrad’s AI tool made a near-perfect Mandarin version of Haruki Murakami’s new novel in just four hours. What might this mean for translators and copyright holders?
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
At Dunhuang, new technologies are opening up the Mogao Grottoes while helping protect the fragile art that has survived there for more than a thousand years. www.sixthtone.com/news/1018985
sixthtone.com
Can VR Capture the Power of China’s Ancient Caves?
At Dunhuang, new technologies are opening up the Mogao Grottoes while helping protect the fragile art that has survived there for more than a thousand years.
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
After nearly a decade in Shanghai, the immersive theater production “Sleep No More” has closed, ending a run that drew some fans back hundreds of times for its shifting storylines, favorite performers, and private one-on-one encounters. www.sixthtone.com/news/1019008
sixthtone.com
One Last Night With Shanghai’s ‘Sleep No More’ Superfans
After nearly a decade in Shanghai, the immersive theater production “Sleep No More” has closed, ending a run that drew some fans back hundreds of times for its shifting storylines, favorite performers, and private one-on-one encounters.
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
A proposed amendment to the nation’s national traffic law distinguishes between autonomous driving vehicles and driver assistance functions, as well as allocates responsibility in the event of traffic violations. ow.ly/j5lq50ZKl2L
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China Moves to Address Self-Driving Cars in National Law
A proposed amendment to the nation’s national traffic law distinguishes between autonomous driving vehicles and driver assistance functions, as well as allocates responsibility in the event of traffic violations.
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
A literature undergrad’s AI tool made a near-perfect Mandarin version of Haruki Murakami’s new novel in just four hours. What might this mean for translators and copyright holders?
sixthtone.com
Did AI Find Murakami’s Voice? Student’s $2 Experiment Divides China’s Literati
A literature undergrad’s AI tool made a near-perfect Mandarin version of Haruki Murakami’s new novel in just four hours. What might this mean for translators and copyright holders?
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
One of China’s hottest idols is a 1,700-year-old emperor. Another is his dad. China’s “history fangirls” are chasing celebrities through bookstores and tomb complexes nationwide. www.sixthtone.com/news/1018940
sixthtone.com
Underground No More: China’s ‘History Fangirls’ Stand Up
One of China’s hottest idols is a 1,700-year-old emperor. Another is his dad. China’s “history fangirls” are chasing celebrities through bookstores and tomb complexes nationwide.
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
In the remote mountains of China’s Sichuan province, viral online soccer star Jifu Lama is spreading his love of the game to help ‘left behind’ Yi ethnic children find a sense of purpose. www.sixthtone.com/news/1018881
sixthtone.com
1,300 Meters Up, a Sichuan Soccer Hero Brings the Game Home
In the remote mountains of China’s Sichuan province, viral online soccer star Jifu Lama is spreading his love of the game to help ‘left behind’ Yi ethnic children find a sense of purpose.
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
At Dunhuang, new technologies are opening up the Mogao Grottoes while helping protect the fragile art that has survived there for more than a thousand years. www.sixthtone.com/news/1018985
sixthtone.com
Can VR Capture the Power of China’s Ancient Caves?
At Dunhuang, new technologies are opening up the Mogao Grottoes while helping protect the fragile art that has survived there for more than a thousand years.
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
Former animators, cinematographers, and VFX artists are helping build AI systems that can script, storyboard, generate, and revise short dramas with unprecedented speed. www.sixthtone.com/news/1018935
sixthtone.com
Inside the Chinese AI Studio Shrinking Short-Drama Crews to One
Former animators, cinematographers, and VFX artists are helping build AI systems that can script, storyboard, generate, and revise short dramas with unprecedented speed.
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
After a central government policy that banned AI services “that lead to emotional dependence” went into effect in July, some users say they feel an “emotional void.” www.sixthtone.com/news/1018959
sixthtone.com
China’s Chatbot Users Are Grieving the Loss of Their AI Partners
After a central government policy that banned AI services “that lead to emotional dependence” went into effect in July, some users say they feel an “emotional void.”
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
As summer heat waves send global orders for cooling solutions soaring, one Suzhou plant shows how China’s SMEs are absorbing the pressure. www.sixthtone.com/news/1018916
sixthtone.com
Cold Comfort: What Europe’s Heat Wave Means for Chinese Factories
As summer heat waves send global orders for cooling solutions soaring, one Suzhou plant shows how China’s SMEs are absorbing the pressure.
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
“Once Upon a Time in the Middle East” is something new in China: a film about the outside world that treats its location as more than just a backdrop. www.sixthtone.com/news/1018970
sixthtone.com
Chinese Cinema Turns Its Lens Outward
“Once Upon a Time in the Middle East” is something new in China: a film about the outside world that treats its location as more than just a backdrop.
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
At Dunhuang, new technologies are opening up the Mogao Grottoes while helping protect the fragile art that has survived there for more than a thousand years. www.sixthtone.com/news/1018985
sixthtone.com
Can VR Capture the Power of China’s Ancient Caves?
At Dunhuang, new technologies are opening up the Mogao Grottoes while helping protect the fragile art that has survived there for more than a thousand years.
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
After once leaving rural China behind, two filmmakers returned to document the farmers and workers whose stories are fading from view as the countryside changes.
sixthtone.com
Two Filmmakers, 1,100 Villages, and a Race to Record Rural China
After once leaving rural China behind, two filmmakers returned to document the farmers and workers whose stories are fading from view as the countryside changes.
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
China’s National Social Security Fund earned 390.7 billion yuan ($58 billion) from investments in 2025, posting a 13.22% return. Its assets totaled 3.8 trillion yuan at year-end.
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
“Once Upon a Time in the Middle East” is something new in China: a film about the outside world that treats its location as more than just a backdrop.
sixthtone.com
Chinese Cinema Turns Its Lens Outward
“Once Upon a Time in the Middle East” is something new in China: a film about the outside world that treats its location as more than just a backdrop.
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
After a central government policy that banned AI services “that lead to emotional dependence” went into effect in July, some users say they feel an “emotional void.” www.sixthtone.com/news/1018959
sixthtone.com
China’s Chatbot Users Are Grieving the Loss of Their AI Partners
After a central government policy that banned AI services “that lead to emotional dependence” went into effect in July, some users say they feel an “emotional void.”
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Why do we need immersion? China’s immersive productions have grown ever larger and more spectacular. Their next challenge is turning audience participation into genuine understanding. www.sixthtone.com/news/1018941
sixthtone.com
After ‘Sleep No More,’ What’s Next for Chinese Immersive Theater?
China’s immersive productions have grown ever larger and more spectacular. Their next challenge is turning audience participation into genuine understanding.
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Chinese robot Tiangong Ultra won the 100-meter race at the World Humanoid Robot Games in 8.64 seconds, nearly a second faster than Usain Bolt’s 9.58-second world record.
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
One of China’s hottest idols is a 1,700-year-old emperor. Another is his dad. China’s “history fangirls” are chasing celebrities through bookstores and tomb complexes nationwide. ow.ly/ETJV50ZFGEn
ow.ly
Underground No More: China’s ‘History Fangirls’ Stand Up
One of China’s hottest idols is a 1,700-year-old emperor. Another is his dad. China’s “history fangirls” are chasing celebrities through bookstores and tomb complexes nationwide.
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
A growing number of Chinese universities are allowing student pets both on campus and in university dormitories, drawing online support and sparking sharp debate over the safety, equity, and cost of campus pet ownership. www.sixthtone.com/news/1018948
sixthtone.com
Who Let the Dogs In? Chinese Universities Open Dorms to Pets
At least seven universities around the country now permit students to have pets, with some institutions creating animal-friendly dorms.
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
After slashing prices to survive, a small-town business attracts strugglers from far and wide seeking a low-to-no-cost lifestyle. www.sixthtone.com/news/1018854
sixthtone.com
Check in, Log on, Stay for Months: Life at China’s 9-Cent Internet Café
After slashing prices to survive, a small-town business attracts strugglers from far and wide seeking a low-to-no-cost lifestyle.
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Thomas Sauvin’s archive of discarded family negatives captures an era when 36 photos could document years of birthdays, travel, and everyday life. www.sixthtone.com/news/1018921
sixthtone.com
China Before the Infinite Camera Roll
Thomas Sauvin’s archive of discarded family negatives captures an era when 36 photos could document years of birthdays, travel, and everyday life.
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
“Once Upon a Time in the Middle East,” one of China’s top-grossing films this summer, centers on a Chinese restaurant owner who saves local orphans during a war in the region. www.sixthtone.com/news/1018894
sixthtone.com
A Chef Caught in a Middle East War Is China’s Latest Hit
“Once Upon a Time in the Middle East,” one of China’s top-grossing films this summer, centers on a Chinese restaurant owner who saves local orphans during a war in the region.
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
Young Chinese are being sold a dream of a time before malls and chain restaurants. Read more: ow.ly/8uIz50ZCjC8
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Young Chinese are being sold a dream of a time before malls and chain restaurants. www.sixthtone.com/news/1018914
sixthtone.com
What Happens When Chinese Dreamcore Meets the Real World?
Young Chinese are being sold a dream of a time before malls and chain restaurants.
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
As summer heat waves send global orders for cooling solutions soaring, one Suzhou plant shows how China’s SMEs are absorbing the pressure. ow.ly/nOI950ZBQOL
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Chinese supermarket chain Pangdonglai has announced the recruitment of former convicts for the second year in a row, expanding its hiring scope to employees who have spent at least five years in prison.
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Chinese Supermarket Chain Recruits Ex-Cons for 2nd Consecutive Year
Pangdonglai, known for its comparatively healthy working conditions and benefits, has announced it will recruit 20 former convicts who have served at least five years in prison.
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Sixth Tone @sixthtone.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
A court in Shenzhen, southern China’s Guangdong province, on Thursday sentenced Xu Jiayin, founder of Evergrande Group, to life in prison after convicting him of multiple crimes. The court also fined Evergrande Group 8.82 billion yuan ($1.3 billion) and Evergrande Real Estate Group 7 billion yuan.
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