Lessons in gift-giving

As one of millions of Chinese people studying or working abroad who meticulously selected presents before their trips home for the Chinese Lunar New Year, Cui Zishan, a young Chinese woman in Vancouver, Canada, had trouble picking out a suitable gift for her father.

Winter in Beijing

Many Chinese cities saw the warmest New Year holiday in six decades this year. In Beijing, the dry and rainless weather has lasted an unusually long time. As of Jan 28, China's capital saw nearly 100 days pass without rain, according to official statistics. The city's latest rainfall was on Oct 22 - and it was a light rain at that, with only 2.5 mm of precipitation. The irregular weather has not stopped people from stepping out to have fun this winter. Ski resorts in suburban Beijing are available for anyone who simply must have snow. The lakes in the downtown Shichahai scenic area are crowded with winter swimming enthusiasts. At Olympic Park, parents and children frequently can be observed flying kites. Or, closer to home, you can simply dress up your pet and go for a walk.

All is not rosy on China's silver screens

Large audience numbers at cinemas in both large and small cities show moviegoing is a popular pastime for people in China, now the world's second-largest film market.

Thai economy reels amid unrest

National image needs rebuilding after riots, says tourism official

Singaporean PM hits out at 'irresponsible' use of social media

Internet rules are necessary to restrain "pack behavior" in social media and ensure civility between users, Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in remarks released on Wednesday.

DPRK agrees to resume talks

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea's ambassador to China said on Jan 29 that the DPRK has agreed to resume the Six-Party Talks and has called on the United States to fulfill its obligations.

Ukraine protests go viral on social media

For every Ukrainian protester smashing in a window, throwing a Molotov cocktail or being hit by riot police, there will be several people standing nearby with their smartphones aloft livestreaming the event.

China calls for dialogue

China on Jan 29 called for dialogue among Ukraine's various parties after the government was dissolved to calm mass rallies that have turned to violence.

Australian PM lashes out at ABC coverage

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott launched a scathing attack on national broadcaster ABC on Jan 29, accusing it of taking "everyone's side but Australia's" in coverage of asylum-seekers and the Edward Snowden leaks.

IN BRIEF (Page 11)

Obama outlines foreign policies

US President Barack Obama explained key foreign policy positions in his fifth State of the Union address on Jan 28, expressing opposition to new sanctions against Iran while vowing to press ahead with the planned troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.

London goes all-out to ring in Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year has become increasingly popular in Britain as businesses and cultural groups prepare to celebrate the festival.