Students score trip of a lifetime

For underprivileged American students who have never left North America, traveling more than 10,000 kilometers from home may seem like a far-fetched dream. But 10 top students from Oakland, California, learned earlier this month that they will be going to China this summer, for free.

Good wives worth their weight in gold

China is relaxing the policy of family planning of the past, which allows couples to have a second child if one spouse is an only child. For many, that is good news indeed, but for some, it has come a little too late, especially if the children are now of marriageable age.

What's new

Abundant happiness

Imagining China

In her debut novel River of Dust, Virginia Pye seems to agree with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Pearl S. Buck on at least one point: The missionaries who came to China in the early 20th century to spread the gospel were not necessarily needed.

Chinese reading habits stir new debate

Are Chinese reading well? Are they reading enough?

What books to read?

While members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference discussed changing reading habits at the two sessions in March, some of them also gave their book recommendations.

IN BRIEF (Page 22)

Giant panda scales Chengdu mall

Lawrence Argent is known for his giant public installations - a red rabbit leaping through an airport and a blue bear peeping into a convention center.

When shop sells 'art derivatives'

First-time visitors to Uupp may wonder if it is an art gallery or a home-decor store. Paintings and sculptures are on display, together with lamps, mirrors, tables, chairs, glasses, cups, books, towels and sunglasses.

Pervasive sense of inadequacy

Soap operas from South Korea have been popular in China for two decades now. So, it is not the first time domestic fare has paled in comparison. But this time, the one-two punch from The Heirs and My Love From the Star really hurts, ahem, our self-respect-to the point that it turned into a topic for chatter at the annual two sessions where policy-makers and top advisers usually discuss less fluffy issues.

Game mash-up fails to hit the mark

When two of the best franchises of video games and geekdom merge, greatness is the expected outcome. However, sadly for Shin Gundam Musou, that is not the case.

Twist of fortune

In cosmopolitan Shanghai, finding a restaurant that caters to nostalgic expat stomachs may not seem difficult. But how about those who grew up with Chinatown cuisine packed in takeout boxes with disposable chopsticks and fortune cookie?