Spain works to lure visitors from beaches to shops

Sun, sea, sand ... but what about the shopping?

Orchestrated to overcome

While Zhong Huile's sense of sight is impaired, his sense for sound is superb.

Expat from Malaysia savors the art of speech

When 38-year-old Chinese-Malaysian Gu Chian-peow arrived in China for the first time in 1999, he was excited to hear numerous people around him speak so naturally a language that his ancestors had fought so hard to pass down.

Kevin Spacey helps aspiring Arab actors

Kevin Spacey skipped the Screen Actors Guild awards, which handed him a win for his wildly popular role on House of Cards, to watch 34 young actors from across the Arab world perform a play as part of his foundation's Home Grown initiative supporting local talent.

Putting it together

When Michael Chow appeared at a public talk in Beijing on Jan 22, the owner of the Mr Chow restaurant chain didn't say a word about his catering empire. Rather, he spoke about his paintings and the enlightenment he has gotten from his father, Zhou Xinfang (1895-1975), the Peking Opera legend.

Prince Kung's Mansion sets up shop online

A luxurious two-century-old residence in Beijing is getting the public's attention with a new effort to spread its message and goods via cyberspace, just in time for the Spring Festival.

Michael Jackson dances again

Three wax figures of Michael Jackson at various stages of his career made a splash last week at Madame Tussauds Beijing, as Chinese fans celebrated their idol.

Short wait

Busy Chinese restaurants are using smartphone apps to cut down on long lines, making customers happy, Chen Nan reports. Chen Nan

Fun before you dine

Shop owners going with the grain for breakfast

An old adage suggests people should eat like a king at breakfast, the most important meal of the day for overall health and good nutrition. Yet many city dwellers live at a fast pace and often skip breakfast, or simply grab a snack.

Passion of past love

A Chinese director and scriptwriter embraces the story of an old flame desperate to be rekindled, Chen Nan reports.

Ballet master draws on her family roots

Most people who catch their mothers stealing from them feel hurt and even angry, but most people aren't Laura Alonso.