#19874

Mentioned in 3 episodes

The Wall Dancers

Searching for Freedom and Connection on the Chinese Internet

Book • 1995

The Wall Dancers is a deeply reported narrative tracing the evolution of China's internet over the last three decades, from its emancipatory promise in the 1990s to the present era of intensified control behind the Great Firewall.

Through intimate stories of entrepreneurs, activists, artists, and ordinary citizens—known as 'wall dancers'—Yi-Ling Liu examines how individuals navigate surveillance, censorship, and opportunity, grappling with universal themes of dignity, resilience, connection, and hope amid technological and authoritarian constraints.

Mentioned by

Nicholas Gordon

Mentioned in 3 episodes

Mentioned by

Joe Weisenthal

as the title of Yiling Liu's new book about the Chinese Internet.

The Surprising Similarity Between the US and Chinese Internets

Recommended by

Kaiser Kuo

as a compelling book about lives and the Chinese internet.

Kyle Chan on the Great Reversal in Global Technology Flows

Mentioned by

Kaiser Kuo

as the book being discussed in the episode and authored by the guest.

Yi-Ling Liu on The Wall Dancers: China's Internet, Its Creative Spirits, and the Art of the Possible

Mentioned by

Morgan Sung

as

Yi-Ling Liu

's new book which discusses freedom and connection on the Chinese Internet.

Lessons for U.S. Netizens from Behind China’s Great Firewall

Mentioned by

Nicholas Gordon

as the book Yiling Liu wrote about China's internet.

Yi-Ling Liu, "The Wall Dancers: Searching for Freedom and Connection on the Chinese Internet" (Knopf, 2026)

Mentioned as

Yi-Ling Liu

charts the story of China's internet in her book with profiles of creators.

Yi-Ling Liu, "The Wall Dancers: Searching for Freedom and Connection on the Chinese Internet" (Knopf, 2026)

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