About What’s on Weibo
What’s on Weibo is an independently-run news site reporting on the trending topics on Chinese social media since 2013. To stay updated and get our newsletter, subscribe here. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or Linkedin.
What’s on Weibo is an independent news site reporting social trends in an ever-changing China. What’s on Weibo sheds light on Chinese social media, dynamic digital culture, and the key shifts shaping modern China.
With a strong focus on China’s online media environment, What’s on Weibo aims to explain the story behind the hashtag and in doing so, hopes to form a small bridge in the divide between western and Chinese online media spheres. It is meant for people and companies to create a deeper understanding of China today and the growing importance of the Internet, social media, digital developments, brands, and popular culture in the PRC.
What’s on Weibo is fully independent, and is not affiliated with Sina Weibo in any way. There’s no major news site backing us, no political parties supporting us, and no big brands sponsoring us.
What’s on Weibo articles have been featured and mentioned by different international media, including BBC, Buzzfeed, Business Insider, Caixin Global, Calcalist, China Daily, China Digital Times, CNBC, Daily Mail, Global Times, GeenStijl, Huffington Post, International Business Times, La Tribune, Munchies, New York Post, New York Times, Newsweek, NOS, NPR, Newsweek, Neue Zürcher Zeitung, Parool, Spiegel Online, South China Morning Post, Time (magazine), The Guardian, The Sun, The Week, That’s Mag, VICE Magazine, USA Today, Washington Post, 360 Magazine, 內幕雜誌 [Inside Magazine], 新浪 [Sina News], and many others.
Readers can become a What’s on Weibo (premium) member here, and can support our site by donating here. Do you want to become a contributor? Please contact us!
Editor-in-Chief

Manya Koetse
Founder & Editor-in-chiefManya Koetse is a China media watcher and the founder and editor-in-chief of whatsonweibo.com. She is a writer, public speaker, and researcher (Sinologist, MPhil) on social trends, digital developments, and new media in Mainland China, with a focus on Chinese society, pop culture, and gender issues. She shares her love for hotpot on www.hotpotambassador.com.
Manya founded What’s on Weibo in 2013 to provide societal, cultural, and historical insights into an ever-changing China through the lens of social media. What’s on Weibo is fully managed by Koetse, who has authored around a thousand articles on this site over the past decade.
For more about What’s on Weibo and its media coverage, see about What’s on Weibo. For more about Manya’s media appearances, from BBC World to CCTV, see Manya’s personal website.
Email:manya@whatsonweibo.com
Contributing Editor

Miranda Barnes
Assignment EditorMiranda 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.
Intern & Contributor

Zilan Qian
Intern | ContributorZilan Qian is a China-born undergraduate student at Barnard College majoring in Anthropology. She is interested in exploring different cultural phenomena, loves people-watching, and likes loitering in supermarkets and museums. Check out her stories here.
What’s on Weibo Contributors

Wendy Huang

Tucker Jiang

Contributor
Wendy Huang
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.

Contributor
Tucker Jiang
Tucker Jiang is a multimedia journalist with a passion for in-depth reportage. Formerly a member of Die Zeit’s China reporting team, she has extensive experience as a producer and researcher. Coming from a family of business people, Tucker brings a unique perspective to her work. Check her stories here.
