Co-op makes shabby court shine

A housing project in Hegezhuang village called "Real Life", which begun in 2007, is transforming broken-down homes to benefit the local community and meet the demand from renters who want to live the lifestyle of an old-fashioned courtyard house.

Expats get taste of authentic courtyard life

Luca Parigi, marketing manager of Real Life Community, shares with METRO her view of the project.

Youths worst hit by H1N1

Children and teenagers are the hardest hit from a spike in A(H1N1) flu cases across the capital, doctors say.

Longer, warmer autumn leads to increased flu risk

This autumn has been longer and warmer than previous years, prompting doctors to warn that it could lead to a rapid spread of flu infections.

Campus crimes soar 150%

There has been a 150 percent increase in the rate of violent crime on university campuses in just under two years, the Beijing No 1 Intermediate Court said.

IN BRIEF (Page 25)

City officials score last but one in efficiency

Beijing ranks second-to-last in government staff efficiency among 273 cities surveyed in China, a 2009 city management efficiency report shows.

Pirated Windows 7 on sale

Software vendors in Beijing are already selling pirated versions of the Windows 7 operating system after its official China release on Oct 23.

Direct subway to link stations

A new underground rail service will shuttle between two of the city's major train terminals by 2012.

Cars putting squeeze on bikes

For many foreigners, the roads in Beijing are very dangerous with fast moving traffic, abrupt braking, and notorious drunken driving.

Beijing bites

Tourists flock to Beijing

Sight and sound

In Alva Noto's work, music and visual art complement each other, often blurring boundaries to create new perspectives.