Tradition meets transcendence

Though influenced by his father, noted Chinese oil painter Yigu Zhang Li developed his own skills and art form.

The hunt is on for number nine

Jon Bon Jovi said, "Success is falling nine times and getting up 10."

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Changing lives on celluloid

Juliette Binoche has reached a point in her career, she says, when she wants to choose roles carefully. She has never been afraid to say no, famously turning down Steven Spielberg three times (for Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park and Schindler's List) and walking away from the first Mission: Impossible film because she didn't like the script. For her the director is crucial, but so is the message.

Beijing tourism with a healthy touch

For visitors to Beijing, a trip to the Great Wall now can be so much more than simple sightseeing. They can practise tai chi, an ancient form of exercise and meditation, on the wall as part of a package that combines traditional tourism with traditional Chinese healthcare.

Tcm fact box

Traditional Chinese medicine has been used for more than 2,000 years to prevent, diagnose and cure illness. It includes various forms of herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage, exercise and dietary therapy.

Museum depicts the long history of Chinese healing

From a venue for professional exchanges to popular tourist destination, Yushengtang Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum in Beijing has witnessed the spreading popularity of traditional Chinese medicine overseas.

Freeing the qi and force of life

The lift glides noiselessly to the top floor of a 10-storey residential building in Beijing and I step toward my appointment with the same anticipation I came with last time. I am hoping Master Liu Qing will beat me with a stick. Two sticks, in fact.

Eton headmaster warns: 'Don't put British children in a Chinese straitjacket'

British schools should not seek to emulate China's academic system because it is wrong "to confuse league-table success with a good education", the headmaster of Eton has said.

Dear headmaster, there's much to be learnt from how China teaches math

What proponents say

UK minister says schools should adopt Chinese-style system

The proposal