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About Eye on Digital China — Powered by What’s on Weibo

 

 

Eye on Digital China is an independent publication by sinologist and China trend watcher Manya Koetse, offering analysis and reporting on China’s digital culture, media, and social trends. It builds on more than a decade of work at What’s on Weibo, the platform Manya founded in 2013 to track and explain developments on Chinese social media.

As China’s digital landscape has expanded from early microblogging to today’s AI-driven platforms and niche online communities, Eye on Digital China provides a broader look at the discussions, patterns, and dynamics shaping China’s online world. The newsletter is sent directly to subscribers and is co-published on Substack and on the What’s on Weibo platform, which also hosts the full archive of over twelve years of reporting.

Although Eye on Digital China—and earlier What’s on Weibo—is independently run by Manya Koetse, the work has been enriched by valuable contributions and ongoing conversations with others. For years, Miranda Barnes has been a daily sounding board whose ideas and discussions have helped spark new angles and deepen the analysis behind the site. Ruixin Zhang contributes thoughtful writing and fresh perspectives, and contributors such as Wendy Huang and others have added insights that help keep the coverage diverse and lively.

Our work has been featured or referenced in academic publications and by media outlets including BBC, CNN, The Guardian, The New York Times, South China Morning Post, The Washington Post, Newsweek, and many others. Prof. Liping Bai’s study in Perspectives described What’s on Weibo as a “bloglator” — a valuable bridge that helps China-related online stories move into the international news conversation.

The project is fully independent and not affiliated with Sina Weibo, any other Chinese social media platforms, political actors, or sponsors. This work is supported directly by readers.

To support this work, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Donations are also welcome to help maintain the full archive.

For tips, story ideas, consultancy, speaking engagements, or media inquiries, you’re welcome to get in touch. The publication is also open to op-eds and contributor pitches.

© What’s on Weibo / Eye on Digital China

 

Editor-in-Chief

 

Manya Koetse

Founder & Editor-in-chief

Manya Koetse is a sinologist, writer, and public speaker specializing in China’s social trends, digital culture, and online media ecosystems. She founded What’s on Weibo in 2013 and now runs Eye on Digital China. Her work is frequently cited in international media and academic research. Manya holds academic degrees in Literary Studies, China Studies, and Japanology, with a special interest in gender issues, popular culture, and the lasting impact of World War II on contemporary global affairs. Beyond her work on digital culture, she shares her love for hotpot — the spicier, the better — at Hotpot Ambassador.

Email:manya@whatsonweibo.com

 

Contributing Editor

 

Miranda Barnes

Assignment Editor

Miranda Barnes is a Chinese blogger, media watcher, and part-time translator. She has a strong interest in Chinese online media and culture, and has been What’s on Weibo’s assignment editor, selecting news events and feature stories, since the summer of 2017. Born in Shenyang, and having lived in Beijing, Barnes is now based in London together with her British husband. On www.abearandapig.com they share news of travels around Europe and Asia.

 

Contributing Researcher/Author

 

Ruixin Zhang

Contributor

Ruixin is a Leiden University graduate, specializing in China and Tibetan Studies. As a cultural researcher familiar with both sides of the ‘firewall’, she enjoys explaining the complexities of the Chinese internet to others.

 

Periodic Contributor

 

Wendy Huang

Contributor

Wendy Huang is a China-based Beijing Language and Culture University graduate who currently works for a Public Relations & Media software company. She believes that, despite the many obstacles, Chinese social media sites such as Weibo can help Chinese internet users to become more informed and open-minded regarding various social issues in present-day China. Check out her stories here.