Shangri-La helps Shenyang become more foreigner friendly

Liaoning University sophomore student Xing Yuxin won the chance to work for a day with Raymond Teo, general manager of the Shangri-La Hotel in Shenyang.

Roundup

Daniel Metcalfe (left), commercial director of Tennis Australia's Asia operations, is greeted by John O'Shea, general manager of the Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi.

Hotel puts art at core of program

Most upscale hotels today have artworks displayed in their public spaces, as a brand highlight or just part of the decor. The Peninsula Beijing also offers visitors art displays, but the hotel does more than that.

Sun officially rises on Kempinski hotel

Sunrise Kempinski Hotel, Beijing, a new landmark in the capital, had its official opening on Monday, marking the completion of Kempinski's largest development in China.

Round up

Maria Grueter, a German national, was appointed general manager of Kempinski Hotel Harbin recently. Prior to her new role, she was hotel manager at Hotel Adlon Kempinski in Berlin, Germany.

IS silent as deadline for swap passes

Japan, Jordan continue cooperation as they seek information on captives held by Islamic State

Chaos follows hospital blast

Inside the maternity hospital on the western edge of Mexico City, concern quickly turned to panic as the sour smell of propane seeped in and a vapor cloud grew at the emergency room's entrance.

Israel plans West Bank homes

Israel's government issued tenders on Friday to build 450 new housing units in Jewish settlements in the Palestinian West Bank, according to the Israel Lands Administration.

Militant group claims responsibility for Sinai attacks on army, police

An Egyptian militant organization affiliated with the Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for simultaneous attacks that struck more than a dozen army and police targets in three towns in the Sinai Peninsula, killing at least 26 security officers.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Internet to 'disappear', Google boss tells Davos

Major tech leaders say connectivity creates jobs and promotes greater global equality

Survivors relive atrocities, 70 years on

The piercing screams of a woman electrocuted on a barbed wire fence, children sent to the gas chambers and the constant threat of death: Auschwitz survivors recall life in the world's most notorious death camp with remarkable clarity.