In 'Other Rivers,' Peter Hessler chronicles his return to Chinese classrooms

This podcast episode provides a deep dive into the evolving landscape of education, politics, and societal expectations in China, as experienced by journalist Peter Hessler over three decades. Through insightful discussions with NPR's Emily Feng, Hessler shares his observations on the dramatic rise in access to higher education, the deep-rooted political challenges that persist in modern China, and the unique struggles faced by today's youth. The conversation reveals a generation grappling with intense societal competition, a sense of confusion about their futures, and the inherent difficulties in reporting on these subjects under China's increasingly restrictive political climate.