Shandong Special - Chinadaily.com.cn

Shandong Special

Spreading the message

[2011-06-01 08:24]

The successful hosting of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing dispelled notions that many foreigners like Mark Surman had about China. Surman, who has been studying political science at Peking University for the last two years, is one of the 40 million foreigners who are studying Chinese now. "The Olympics exposure has shown the world what China can do," says the 27-year-old Briton. "China's influence on the world is spreading faster and wider than ever."

Time Line

[2011-06-01 08:24]

November 2004: The first Confucius Institute is set up in Seoul, South Korea.

Speaking for themselves

[2011-06-01 08:24]

When it comes to speaking in public, Chinese often hesitate. Not because we do not want to express ourselves, but because we are not used to speaking in public.

Smart, soft and subtle

[2011-06-01 08:24]

While the US public diplomacy apparatus works to persuade the world of its benevolent "smart power", China is quietly reshaping the global village with the effectiveness of its "subtle power".

County stays active through fun and games

[2011-06-01 08:24]

Located no more than 10 kilometers southwest of Chengdu, capital city of Sichuan province, Shuangliu county's economy ranks number one among all the counties in West China, and is one of the top 30 nationwide.

Farmers rent their land to city folk so they can stay and work on it

[2011-06-01 08:24]

The farmers of Wenjiang have found some new ways to make money, other than just working the land, thanks to new district policies that benefit rural people.

Harmonious combination of modernity and heritage

[2011-06-01 08:24]

The Wenjiang district, which lies to the west of downtown Chengdu, Sichuan province's capital, is seen by locals as a model of how to build a new socialist countryside.

Hong Kong ink art breaks boundaries

[2010-07-23 08:10]

Ink art doesn't always mean grayish paintings of mountains, rivers and forests. It can also be cool sculptures of shining metal, installations with bright neon and multimedia artwork. That's the theme of Ink Art Vs. Ink Art, a new exhibition at Shanghai Art Museum.