China ‘996’ work culture dates back 2,200 years, shows work-life balance struggles through the ages

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by Zoey ZhangMarch 10, 2026 at 02:00 AM

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A recent article highlights the historical roots of China's controversial "996" work culture, where employees work 9am to 9pm, six days a week. While the modern debate around 996, particularly within the technology sector, began in 2019 and is seen by some as exploitative, the article suggests that long working hours are not a new phenomenon in China. Evidence indicates that merchants in ancient times worked long hours, and historical records show officials during the Warring States period (475-221 BC) also endured demanding schedules. Despite current labor laws limiting work hours, the article implies that the pressure to overwork has persisted throughout Chinese history.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Dong He 40% Microsoft 50% GitHub 60% China ×290%

Keywords

996 work culture 100% work-life balance 80% overwork 70% china 70% labor law 60% technology workers 50% health problems 40% warring states period 40%

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Negative

Score: -0.20

Source Transparency

Source

South China Morning Post

Political Lean

Center-Right (0.50)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

China

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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996 work culture work-life balance overwork china labor law technology workers health problems warring states period

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