Location: Mainland China

Zhong Xun

Zhongxun is a Chinese-language blog platform that provides commentary and analysis on political, cultural, human rights and social issues within China. It aims to offer insights and perspectives that may not be widely reported in mainstream media.

Southern Weekly

Southern Weekly, founded in 1984, is also part of the Nanfang Media Group and was before Xi’s era one of China’s most liberal and outspoken media outlets, known for publishing investigations exposing government wrongdoing and annual editorials advocating for constitutional reform despite censorship and government pressure.

Southern Metropolis Daily

Southern Metropolis Daily, created in 1997, is part of the Nanfang Media Group and is known as one of the few independent, critical newspapers remaining in operation in China. Thanks to its many investigative reports on political and social issues, it has won multiple awards such as the World Press Freedom Prize in 2005.

Little Universe Podcast

Little Universe is a platform dedicated to podcasts and audio content, focusing on a variety of topics such as culture, education, and lifestyle. It offers a wide range of programmes and discussions in Mandarin Chinese.

guanguan

This YouTube channel started in 2018 features video on social, environmental and political issues in China, including personal accounts and recordings of people such as in the Uyghur region.

Civil Rights & Livelihood Watch

Civil Rights & Livelihood Watch is a Chinese-language platform for independent journalism and commentary. It provides insights and analysis on a wide range of topics including politics, current affairs, human rights and societal issues within China and globally.

Charter 08

Charter 08 is a blog that provides commentary and analysis on human rights and social issues, politics, freedom of the press and freedom of expression. It refers to Charter 08, a manifesto signed by 303 Chinese dissident intellectuals including Nobel Peace Prize Liu Xiaobo, who called for democratic reforms in China.

Caixin

Founded by journalist Hu Shuli in 2010, Caixin is one of the few privately-funded Chinese media outlets that continues to publish critical investigative reports within China, and provides insights into China’s economy, policy developments, and societal trends.

64 Tianwang

Created by human rights activist Huang Qi in 1998, this platform is China’s first human rights news website. It notably focuses on ethnic minorities, Falun Gong practitioners, and social rights.