Youthful audience warms to studies

Students are increasingly being drawn to Sinology to rediscover Chinese culture.

Reunion Moon

For millions of Chinese around the world, Mid-Autumn Festival is the second most important traditional festival after the Chinese New Year. Falling on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, which is usually in September or early October, the festival gets its name because it marks the mid-point of the autumn season. Chinese people have been celebrating this festival at least since Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907). It is a joyful occasion as the big, bright full moon on this festive day is seen as a symbol of family reunion. Therefore the day is also known as "Reunion Day". Moon cakes are regarded as an indispensable delicacy for the Mid-Autumn Festival. A baked food with various fillings and different artistic patterns on the surface, they are usually round, as the Chinese word for "round" has a similar pronunciation to the words for "reunion" and "perfect". Moon cakes are traditionally given as gifts to relatives and friends as they represent good wishes. People also present them to the moon as offerings and pray to the Chinese moon goddess for a child, a happy marriage or a bumper harvest next year. Besides moon cakes, Mid-Autumn Festival features other traditional folk customs including playing with lanterns and watching tidal bores. In 2008, Mid-Autumn Festival became a public holiday in the country, and it is a popular time for weddings and sight-seeing.

Introducing the not-so-loudspeaker

A prototype high-tech amplifier designed by a group of college students may spell an end to quarrels and fights between elderly dancing enthusiasts and their annoyed neighbors.

News website staff face extortion probe

Police in Shanghai are investigating eight people, including senior editors of news website 21cbh.com, on suspicion of extortion.

Mooncake sales devastated by anti-corruption drive

Sales of mooncakes in Guangdong province have plummeted after the country's top anti-graft body banned the use of public funds to purchase the Mid-Autumn Festival delicacy.

Awards for expats who give support to Shanghai

Fifty expats from 22 countries were recognized by Shanghai's municipal government for their efforts in promoting the city's development.

Turkey feast honors China-US relations

Kung pao turkey breast, a mixture of Chinese cooking and traditional US food, was the perfect dish to serve at a banquet on Thursday night to commemorate China-US diplomatic ties.

Online improvements to streamline notary services

China will strengthen notary technology in cooperation with other Asian countries to improve efficiency in the handling of legal certificates as economic globalization expands, a Ministry of Justice official said.

IN BRIEF (Page 4)

Campaign seeks 1-minute readings

WeChat initiative aims to create audiobooks for visually impaired

Charities in china make difference

Recent charity drives that have made a splash in China:

What they say

"The majority of users on social media like Weibo and WeChat are easily influenced by the sad experiences of vulnerable groups. Thus, they are more willing to participate and help them. This is why it's important to create cooperation between charity campaigns and social media,"