Culture shock hits hard

Before leaving home in America to come work in Beijing, I deliberately avoided seeking information about life in China. If I had known what to expect, my courage might have failed.

Movie carries message of Sino-US savior

Just like any other audience worldwide, I was stunned by the jaw-breaking visual impact how Los Angeles turns to ashes in the hands of Hollywood's disaster genius Roland Emmerich in his $200-million apocalyptic production 2012 released over the weekend.

New fuel pricing mechanism disappoints consumers

The National Development and Reform Commission decided to raise retail gasoline and diesel prices again from Nov 10.

What's on

Stage

It's better than California beach house

Last summer the McKean family and their two dogs finally moved into their dream home, a 400-sq-m four-bedroom courtyard house, or siheyuan, in northeast Beijing's Chaoyang district.

Co-op makes shabby court shine

A housing project in Hegezhuang village called "Real Life", which begun in 2007, is transforming broken-down homes to benefit the local community and meet the demand from renters who want to live the lifestyle of an old-fashioned courtyard house.

Expats get taste of authentic courtyard life

Luca Parigi, marketing manager of Real Life Community, shares with METRO her view of the project.

Youths worst hit by H1N1

Children and teenagers are the hardest hit from a spike in A(H1N1) flu cases across the capital, doctors say.

Longer, warmer autumn leads to increased flu risk

This autumn has been longer and warmer than previous years, prompting doctors to warn that it could lead to a rapid spread of flu infections.

Campus crimes soar 150%

There has been a 150 percent increase in the rate of violent crime on university campuses in just under two years, the Beijing No 1 Intermediate Court said.

IN BRIEF (Page 25)

City officials score last but one in efficiency

Beijing ranks second-to-last in government staff efficiency among 273 cities surveyed in China, a 2009 city management efficiency report shows.