IN BRIEF (Page 23)

China's Tour pioneer earns a rest

Ji looking forward to break after making history in this year's race

France reclaims former status

When the 2014 Tour de France started in Britain with a British reigning champion riding for a British team, in some quarters there was the feeling that a piece of French heritage was being dragged across the channel.

Humble Nibali living out his dream

As a teenager, Vincenzo Nibali uprooted himself from his home in Sicily to head for Tuscany - and a career on a bike.

Li's turning points

Guitarist Li Yanliang, 46, says there are two moments that were turning points in his life.

Art beat ... finger on the pulse

Beijing

A musical spoof of the Clinton years

The folks behind Clinton: The Musical are said to have invited the former first couple to attend a performance of what is coyly called a spoof of their eight years in the White House. Note to the box office: They're not likely to show up at the will-call window.

An uncomfortable new journey to the West

One of China's most loved literary characters will soon be reincarnated on US screens, and that's causing discomfort to quite a few Chinese.

Keeping it in the family after eight years in Beijing

I knew it'd be the last time I'd see him alive. He did, too.

Telling their story

After returning from visiting Syrian refugees in southern Lebanon in May, actress Yao Chen had a recurring nightmare.

Rich pimp their planes as jet market takes off

When a Chinese customer asked for the interior of his new Bombardier Challenger 850 jet to be covered with pricey black carbon fiber, the designer was shocked - but happy to oblige.

Collector pays $36 million for tea cup

Liu Yiqian has yet to announce when the chicken cup - worth $36 million - will go on display at his private Long Museum, but the public has already seen plenty of the valuable porcelain.