China's childcare subsidy program and phased free preschool education policy have been steadily implemented nationwide, effectively easing the financial burden on families.
China has introduced a nationwide childcare subsidy program starting in 2025, as part of broader efforts to support families and encourage childbirth. The program offers families 3,600 yuan (about 504 U.S. dollars) per year for each child under the age of three.
Applications for these subsidies are now accessible through both online and offline channels.
"The government is providing real financial support. My second child receives a monthly subsidy of 300 yuan, which is truly helpful," said Wen Xingying, a resident of Beichuan Qiang Autonomous County in Mianyang City of southwest China's Sichuan Province.
In addition to the subsidy program, the government has recently announced a phased exemption of care and education fees for children in their final year of kindergarten.
The policy will cover all children in their final year of kindergartens nationwide, benefiting around 12 million people this autumn semester. "We have received a reduction of 2,100 yuan for one semester, totaling 4,200 yuan for two semesters. This has significantly eased our financial burden," said Zhou Yan, resident of Wangjiang County in Anqing City of east China's Anhui Province.
As for the money saved from these education expenses, many families said they will reinvest them into their children's development.
"With the childcare fee for the final year of kindergarten no longer required, our family costs have decreased. The money saved allows me to purchase more picture books and educational toys for my child," said Yang Xue, a resident of Quxian County in Dazhou City of southwest China's Sichuan Province.
To address the reduction in kindergarten income due to these policy changes, the financial authorities will collaborate with the education department to provide subsidies to kindergartens, taking into account the factors such as the number of enrolled children and the actual per capita childcare fees in each area.
China's childcare subsides, phased free preschool education ease financial burden on families
A former television host from Taiwan, Zhai Xuan, has made a pivotal decision to leave mainstream broadcasting in order to create content that provides a better understanding of the Chinese mainland and cross-strait relations.
Zhai, a seasoned television host with over a decade of experience in Taiwan's media landscape, recently addressed an audience at an event in Beijing, where she revealed her complete transition into independent online media.
In her remarks, she articulated her aspiration to bridge what she perceives as a significant information gap between audiences on both sides of the Strait, highlighting her commitment to fostering a deeper understanding and connection through her new endeavors.
"I was really surprised by all the fake news. There were stories saying people on the mainland can't afford tea eggs or that they live in mud houses and in Taiwan, this was the main information many people received," said Zhai.
Zhai said she initially began producing online videos to challenge such perceptions while continuing her work as a television host.
In April 2025, she travelled to the mainland with her father to fulfill her late grandfather's wish to return to his hometown. The trip, which reunited family members separated since 1949, was recorded in a video series titled "Journey to Find Our Roots", drawing attention from viewers in both Taiwan and the mainland.
"Many people in Taiwan told me that after watching, they wanted to apply for a mainland travel permit immediately and go looking for their relatives. Some had long forgotten these things, but after seeing my story, they began thinking about their hometowns and family members they had never met and decided to search for their roots," Zhai shared her story at the event.
By mid-2025, Zhai said she began to feel increasing pressure amid rising political tensions and a tightening atmosphere around cross-Strait exchanges in Taiwan.
After more than 12 years in the industry, Zhai resigned from her position, believing it was the right thing to do.
"At that moment, I felt this was a major issue，not just for me, but for Chinese people on both sides of the Strait. If I backed down then, I wouldn’t be standing on the right side," said Zhai.
Since leaving television, Zhai has broadened her online programming to encompass a range of daily-life topics, including practical guidance on applying for a mainland travel permit and using commonly employed mobile applications, in addition to content that delves into historical memory and cultural connections across the Strait.
As the debate over cross-Strait relations continues in Taiwan, Zhai said she remains committed to her current path.
Former Taiwan TV host bridges cross-Strait divide via online media
