Debate on how to keep the purity of Chinese language

Recently, the government ordered TV and broadcasting hosts as well as journalists not to use foreign words or abbreviations on their programs. For instance, "NBA" should be translated as "American National Basketball Association". WTO, GDP or CPI cannot be used any more either.

Quotation of the day

Slang phrase guide speaks volumes about language

It's the type of book that would make sailors blush, but don't go buying it for grandma. Welcome to the book of Chinese slang.

Kunqu Opera explores love with a twist

Under the tutelage of a noted Hong Kong film director, a Kunqu opera of an ancient Chinese lesbian story will be staged next month in the capital.

What's on

Stage

Classical hip-hop cellist takes a bow

METRO's Todd Balazovic talks to 21-year-old American musician

Bookseller bound to love of literature and city's markets

It was a chilly early spring Saturday morning. Arriving at 4 am with his tricycle, Hu Tong wrapped himself in a dark blue overcoat, waiting in front of the closed doors to the Panjiayuan Antiques Market with a flashlight in his pocket.

Locals fear traffic chaos as snow covers city again

Many Beijingers called for adjusted Monday work hours after the arrival of heavy snow, hoping to avoid the rush-hour frustration caused by an overloaded public transportation system.

Positive posts make money for crisis firms

An underground business, that charges companies high fees to delete negative news or posts against them, has been flourishing in the run-up to World Consumer Rights Day today, normally regarded as the most important day to highlight a company's good reputation.

New plot twist in Avatar battle

Zhou Shaomou, the Chinese writer who says the script for the sci-fi epic Avatar was lifted from his novel and who had a 1-billion-yuan plagiarism claim rejected by a Beijing court, is now trying to get in touch with the film's creator, James Cameron.

Studies in Hong Kong hot

More than 400 parents of high school juniors attended the consultation meeting of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University for prospective students on Sunday.

Overseas universities begin tour

The 15th China International Education Exhibition Tour, an annual official fair introducing overseas high schools and colleges to Chinese students, was held on Saturday and Sunday in Beijing ahead of a predicted "good year for the industry".