Get away to a tropical island paradise

Hainan is China's largest ocean island and smallest province, with a population of 8 million, among which there are one million ethnic minority people. Located at the south end of China and on the same latitude as Hawaii, the island has more than 300 sunny days in a year and is the perfect place to escape the cold months on the mainland. The best time to visit is between October and May.

Summer of sax appeal

Yalong Bay in the southernmost tip of the Hainan Island used to be known as the Hawaii of China, thanks to its unspoiled waters, powdery sands and ever-glowing sun. Now rich jazz rhythms are adding more charm to the island paradise. In late April three major hotels on the Sanya strip initiated the first Yalong Bay Jazz Festival along a two-kilometer strip of beach.

Europe Day Special

Secret of BASF's success lies in huge innovative power

"It is through innovations that BASF has become the world's leading chemical company. And even today, innovations are our most important job," said BASF Board Chairman Jrgen Hambrecht at the China Development Forum held in Beijing on March 17.

Seeking fair playing field

The European Union (EU) remained China's top trading partner last year.

Life Style

Dragon the chain

SHANGHAI: As one of only a handful of Chinese fashion designers working in Europe, Wang Wei is often asked why his works don't contain Chinese elements.

Sub-continent's golden appetite insatiable as ever

ALLAHABAD, India: Gold. It's the ultimate luxury gift and nowhere more so than in India where brides are draped in gold from dowries laden with jewelry.

Fusion Muslim chic hits Europe's streets

PARIS/ROTTERDAM: Clad in skinny jeans, wrap dresses and carefully sculpted headscarves, a generation of young Muslim women is making its mark on Europe's urban street culture, and influencing mainstream fashion.

Life Travel

10 tips for visiting Vancouver

NEW YORK: Unlike New Yorkers, Vancouverites don't grow up knowing they live in the best city on Earth; that is something they discover.

Blast from the past

PEENEMUENDE, Germany: The site where German scientists developed the notorious V2 rocket during World War II has become one of the country's most popular tourist attractions.