分类： society

While television often glamorizes work as a path to social advancement, Chinese writer Hu Anyan’s memoir, *I Deliver Parcels in Beijing*, presents a starkly different narrative. Originally a viral lockdown blog post, the book chronicles Hu’s experiences in low-wage jobs, from courier to gas station attendant, offering an unfiltered glimpse into the gig economy’s harsh realities. Published in English, the memoir has sold nearly 2 million copies in China and secured translation rights in 20 countries, earning Hu recognition as one of China’s most remarkable literary talents by the *Financial Times*.

Hu’s intimate and witty storytelling, skillfully translated by Jack Hargreaves, delves into the grueling demands of gig work: sleepless nights, relentless shifts, and the dehumanizing pressures of platform capitalism. The book also sheds light on China’s internal migrants, a 300-million-strong workforce often denied social services in urban areas. Beyond its social commentary, *I Deliver Parcels in Beijing* captures the cultural nuances of contemporary China, from culinary traditions to rural life.

Hu’s memoir is more than a personal account; it’s a critique of late-stage capitalism and its impact on individual identity. As Hu navigates the bureaucratic maze of gig work, he reveals how the system reshapes personalities, fostering alienation and frustration. The book’s global resonance lies in its ability to humanize the often invisible labor force that powers modern economies, offering readers a poignant parallel to their own experiences in the digital age.

Two climbers have tragically lost their lives after falling from New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki, also known as Mount Cook. The incident occurred during an attempt to summit the 3,724-meter-high mountain, renowned for its treacherous terrain. The climbers were part of a group of four, with the other two members escaping unharmed. The survivors were rescued by helicopter early Tuesday morning after alerting emergency services the previous night. Authorities later discovered the bodies of the deceased climbers, still connected by their climbing harness, in a challenging alpine environment. Efforts are ongoing to recover the bodies amidst the difficult conditions. Mount Cook, which dominates the Southern Alps on New Zealand’s South Island, is notorious for its large crevasses and unpredictable weather, making it a perilous climb even for seasoned mountaineers. While the identities of the climbers have not been officially released, New Zealand media outlet Stuff reported that one of the victims was a well-known, internationally recognized mountain guide. This tragedy follows the disappearance of three climbers from the US and Canada nearly a year ago, who were declared dead after a prolonged search hampered by severe weather. According to ClimbNZ, the New Zealand alpine club, fatalities on Mount Cook are not uncommon, with hardly a climbing season passing without at least one death.

In the vibrant markets of Kabul, Afghanistan, an unexpected trend has emerged: the rise of Labubu, a whimsical Chinese collectible toy. These colorful figurines, characterized by their mischievous smiles and elf-like ears, have become a staple in local shops, symbolizing a significant shift in both the retail and cultural landscapes of the country.

Mostafa Seerat, a shop owner in Kabul, began selling Labubu just six months ago in response to growing customer demand. ‘The sales have been incredible. We now sell around 400 units a day,’ Seerat remarked, highlighting the toy’s rapid ascent to becoming one of his top-selling items.

The introduction of Labubu to Afghanistan was spearheaded by Tamim Behzad, a seasoned businessman with extensive experience in Yiwu, China’s small commodities hub. Recognizing the toy’s potential, Behzad took a calculated risk to bring it to Afghanistan, uncertain of its reception. ‘When we realized the speed of sales and the strong market demand for Labubu, we decided to take a risk,’ Behzad explained.

The popularity of Labubu is not just a commercial success but also a reflection of broader cultural changes in Afghanistan. Shafiqullah, a Labubu seller, noted that the country is undergoing modernization, with people increasingly embracing global brands. Traditionally dominated by local and regional products, Afghanistan’s consumer market is now expanding to include international goods, with Labubu often purchased as gifts for loved ones.

Moreover, Labubu’s success has opened new avenues for small-scale entrepreneurship. Erfan, an online retailer, started his business with a modest investment of $100 and has since grown his capital to between $5,000 and $6,000. ‘In Afghanistan, jobs are hard to come by, but with a small investment, you can start a business and watch it grow,’ Erfan shared.

The toy has also provided opportunities for women and young people. Erfan’s business employs three staff members, two of whom are women responsible for managing deliveries across Afghanistan. ‘This has been a positive development. It’s not just about making money; it’s about giving women an opportunity to work and grow professionally,’ Erfan emphasized.

In essence, Labubu’s rise in Afghanistan is more than just a retail phenomenon; it is a testament to the country’s evolving economic and cultural dynamics, offering new opportunities and reflecting a growing openness to global influences.

Saudi Arabia appears to have taken another step in relaxing its historically stringent alcohol restrictions, with reports indicating that certain foreign residents have successfully purchased alcohol from the kingdom’s sole liquor store. Initially opened in Riyadh in January 2024, the store was originally intended to serve only non-Muslim diplomats. However, premium visa holders have confirmed that the rules have been quietly adjusted to include them. One such resident shared, ‘I heard about it from friends who tried it. I went there two days ago and it actually worked. It saved me a lot of money rather than buying from the black market. Prices are reasonable, and we finally can buy alcohol.’ The premium resident status, introduced in 2019, is available to a select group of foreigners who meet specific criteria, including a one-time payment of 800,000 riyals ($213,000). While the Saudi government has not officially acknowledged this change, it signifies a notable shift in a country that has enforced a total alcohol ban since 1952. This ban was instituted following a tragic incident involving Prince Mishari bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and British diplomat Cyril Ousman, which led to the prince’s life imprisonment and the subsequent prohibition of alcohol. Under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has implemented several social reforms, including allowing women to drive, hosting public concerts, and opening cinemas. However, the loosening of alcohol restrictions may provoke backlash from conservative Muslims who view its consumption as forbidden by Islamic law. Historically, alcohol consumption in Saudi Arabia has been punishable by fines, imprisonment, public flogging, and deportation for foreigners. This latest development reflects the kingdom’s ongoing efforts to modernize its society while balancing traditional values.

A tragic mountaineering incident on Aoraki, New Zealand’s highest peak, has claimed the lives of two climbers, while two others from the same group were successfully rescued, authorities confirmed on Tuesday. The bodies of the deceased climbers were located in a challenging alpine environment, and specialized teams are working to recover them. Police Area Commander Inspector Vicki Walker stated that none of the climbers have been publicly identified at this time. According to Sgt. Kevin McErlain of The Timaru Herald, the two climbers who perished were roped together when they fell near the summit of Aoraki, also known as Mount Cook. The authorities were alerted late Monday night local time about the distress of four climbers on the mountain, located on New Zealand’s South Island. A helicopter rescue operation was launched in the early hours of Tuesday morning, successfully retrieving the two survivors, who were unharmed. Search teams in two helicopters scoured the area throughout the night, eventually locating the bodies of the other two climbers hours later. Aoraki, standing at 3,724 meters (12,218 feet), is part of the Southern Alps, a majestic yet treacherous mountain range that spans the length of the South Island. The peak is a popular destination for experienced climbers, but its terrain is notoriously challenging due to crevasses, avalanche risks, unpredictable weather, and glacier movements. Since the early 20th century, more than 240 deaths have been recorded on the mountain and in the surrounding national park, with dozens of climbers never found. This incident follows the disappearance of three climbers in December 2024, including two American alpine guides, Kurt Blair and Carlos Romero, whose belongings were discovered, leading authorities to conclude they had fallen to their deaths.

A recent report by the Department of Emergency Management of Guangdong Province has unveiled the causes behind the tragic collapse on the Shenzhen-Jiangmen railway line, which occurred on December 4 last year. The incident, which claimed 13 lives and caused direct financial losses of approximately 72.61 million yuan ($10.22 million), was attributed to severe regulatory violations by the construction contractor. The investigation revealed that the contractor failed to halt excavation or enhance support when tunneling through geologically unstable sections, leading to repeated collapses and ground subsidence. This negligence resulted in workers falling along with the collapsing ground, ultimately causing fatalities. The report also highlighted systemic failures across multiple entities, including construction, project management, design, and supervision units, all of which demonstrated lapses in risk management, emergency response, and on-site management. Additionally, safety supervision and industry regulatory bodies were found to have inadequately exercised their oversight duties. As a result, the responsible units will face administrative penalties and internal accountability measures, with evidence of suspected dereliction of duty by relevant personnel being transferred to disciplinary inspection and supervisory authorities.

The GX Foundation, a renowned Hong Kong-based international medical humanitarian organization, celebrated its 7th anniversary and inaugurated its global headquarters in Hong Kong on November 22, 2025. The event, held at the historic No. 4 Hospital Road in Mid-Levels West, was graced by prominent figures including Leung Chun-ying, Chairman of GX Foundation and Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, John Lee Ka-chiu, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Zhou Ji, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in HKSAR, and Li Yongsheng, Acting Commissioner of the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s office in HKSAR. The ceremony commenced with a performance by the Hong Kong Gaudeamus Dunhuang Ensemble, followed by video messages of congratulations from Chinese ambassadors worldwide. Over 100 distinguished guests, including government officials, overseas Chinese representatives, and diplomats from countries such as Cambodia, Laos, and Senegal, attended the event. In his speech, Leung highlighted the transformation of the century-old Grade II historic building, originally a shelter for street cleaners, into a hub for global humanitarian efforts. He emphasized the foundation’s commitment to advancing international medical cooperation and fostering ‘people-to-people connectivity.’ John Lee praised GX’s significant contributions, including over 25,000 free cataract surgeries and efforts to combat infectious diseases globally. Li Yongsheng underscored GX’s alignment with the Belt and Road Initiative’s principles of ‘extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits.’ The following day, GX opened its doors to the public, offering guided tours led by heritage conservation expert Caspar Yam Ming-ho. The foundation also launched its 2025-2026 Youth Ambassador Program, aimed at nurturing the next generation of humanitarian workers.