'Super-agers' study may reveal secrets to staying young

Mary Helen Abbott, 77, paints her lips bright pink, still smokes the occasional cigarette, keeps up on all the gossip at the retirement home and wears a short skirt to fitness class.

Determined to be original

As a veteran tattooist who used to work with Paul Booth - a world renowned tattoo master from the United States - Shen Weiguo has established himself as one of the best in Shanghai with his bold and exquisite designs.

Finding joy in jewelry

A Beijing exhibition showcases new styles in alternative pieces, Sun Yuanqing reports.

Shoe show draws inspiration from Silk Road

The ancient Silk Road has inspired all kinds of art. Chinese luxury footwear brand Sheme recently presented a collection of women's shoes inspired by it, paying tribute to Chinese traditional culture.

Fashion briefs

Lebanon revisted

Emerging from renovation, a Middle Eastern eatery reopens in Sanlitun with a well-remembered menu and a few new additions, including a famous wine from the Bekaa Valley. Mike Peters reports.

Dining with locals on a visit to Japan

Some of my most treasured travel memories involve food. Like the time my husband and I went to what was billed as New Delhi's best rumali roti stall, where we turned the hood of a car into a table so that the extravagantly thin and succulent flatbread could be wolfed down before it cooled. Or the time I introduced my in-laws to a Johannesburg street vendor's vetkoeks, slightly sweet, slightly sour dollops of fried dough.

Eat beat

BEIJING

Duck in a bun

Adelaide calling

The Australian city's festival center has just inked a deal with the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing. Chen Jie asks the artistic director about what to expect.

Malaysian voices find favor with Chinese fans

With many Chinese mainland singers pursuing their careers in Hong Kong, Taiwan and abroad, many foreign singers have begun eyeing the Chinese market, namely from Malaysia.

Pianist eager to make classical music concerts fresh and engaging

Pianist Conrad Tao has played in top concert halls from an early age but after the release of his latest album, he chose to perform for a casual crowd in a crypt under a New York church.