In Conversation

Beyond ‘Under the Dome’ – What’s not on Weibo

When pollution-themed documentary “Under the Dome” by former CCTV reporter Chai Jing became a trending topic on China’s social media platforms, it was blocked by censors. Expert on China’s environment Fishjourner: “It’s a confusing time for China in terms of environmental issues.”

Published

12 years ago

March 25, 2015

Manya Koetse

This interview with environmental expert Fishjourner was conducted and condensed by Manya Koetse in Beijing in March 2015.

Environmental issues have been the talk of Beijing for the past month. As air quality levels reached 400 again, the pollution-themed documentary “Under the Dome” (“穹顶之下”) by former CCTV reporter Chai Jing (柴静) became a trending topic on China’s social media platforms and media at large. On Sina Weibo alone, there were 280 million posts…

Related Topics:china environment china interview

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Manya Koetse

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 the Eye on Digital China newsletter. Learn more at manyakoetse.com or follow her on X, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

Chinese New Year

Inside Chunwan 2026: China’s Spring Festival Gala

Watch the CGM Spring Festival Gala with us. It’s that special annual evening show that captures millions of viewers on the night of the Chinese New Year. Loved by many, hated by some, it always generates social media buzz.

Published

7 months ago

February 16, 2026

Manya Koetse

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China and Covid19

CCTV New Year’s Gala 2020: Highlights and Must-Knows (Liveblog)

What is Chinese New Year without the CCTV Spring Gala? What’s on Weibo reports the must-knows of the 2020 ‘Chunwan.’

Published

7 years ago

January 24, 2020

What's on Weibo Team

WHAT’S ON WEIBO ARCHIVE | PREMIUM CONTENT ARTICLE

Chinese social media is dominated by two topics today: the CCTV New Year Gala (Chunwan) and the outbreak of the coronavirus. Watch the livestream of the CCTV Gala here, and we will keep you updated with tonight’s highlights and must-knows as we will add more information to this post throughout the night. (This liveblog is now closed.)

As the Year of the Rat is just around…