The Wall Dancers: Searching for Freedom and Connection on the Chinese Internet

China is home to one of the world’s most iconic architectural feats, the ancient Great Wall, built to guard its borders. Today, it is also known for the “Great Firewall,” the vast digital system that regulates and restricts online activity within the country. This modern wall limits access to many social media platforms and international websites, and posts are monitored and often deleted if deemed politically sensitive. How do Chinese citizens use and navigate the web within these constraints? Are there cracks in this wall?

Join NCTA seminar leader Tese Wintz Neighbor to explore new subcultures and tech innovations that have sprouted up behind the Great Firewall. We will discuss Yi-Ling Liu’s 2026 book, "The Wall Dancers: Searching for Freedom and Connection on the Chinese Internet." As the author weaves together the stories of artists, activists, and entrepreneurs, the reader experiences their “dance” between freedom and control in 21st century China.

• • Starts:
  • April 21, 2026
• • Ends:
  • April 22, 2026
• • Time Detail:
  • 4-6pm (PT)
• • Learning Format:
  • Online
• • Type of Course:
  • Book Study
• • Offered to:
  • All States
• • Registration and Info:

  • Participants will receive a free copy of the book.

    This book study will be held over Zoom. Participants commit to reading this book, completing a short assignment, and participating in the two-hour book club with video camera on. Participants will be assigned to one session, group 1 on April 21 or group 2 on April 22. Space is limited to 20 participants per session.