Instrument has potential to make lasting impression on the global stage

The erhu and violin don't have much in common, except that both are stringed instruments and are played using a bow. However, for Chinese erhu player Guo Gan, the similarities between the two instruments don't end there. He says that like the violin, the erhu can be enjoyed by audiences worldwide.

Suzhou's eden

It's like walking into a traditional Chinese painting of a traditional Chinese garden.

After all, horticulture is both an art and a science.

Alberta answers Canada's call to Chinese

A new direct flight from Beijing to Calgary in Alberta, Canada, will cater to growing demand from Chinese visitors.

Full picture

Arthur R. Kroeber believes the debate about the Chinese economy is almost always polarized.

Her Again tells how Streep became famous

The book describes Streep's reign as homecoming queen in her suburban New Jersey high school, highlights her deep love of the theater, provides an intimate look into her love affair with actor John Cazale and her marriage to sculptor Don Gummer, and details a dozen leading-lady roles that catapulted Streep to her first Oscar.

People's Literature adds Japanese to its multilingual editions

Izumi Miyazaki, a Japanese expert with Tsinghua University, is drawn to well-translated contemporary Chinese writing.

Reworking ancient ideas

Gan Erke is not someone who agrees that Japan is the last word when it comes to lacquerware.

Less is more for China stall at world fair

When working on construction projects in suburban Beijing some years ago, Chinese architect Liang Jingyu was intrigued by the ground-breaking ceremonies at which people would clang gongs or beat drums.

White delights

You could forgive a Chinese farmer for not being too impressed with white asparagus.

Eat like a VIP at this South Korean restaurant

Not every restaurant would be comfortable describing one of its leading menu offerings as "stone steak". But VIPS Steak & Salad Bar, a popular South Korean restaurant chain owned by that nation's CJ Group, does so with pride.

Yan says he's glad to serve as a cultural ambassador

Martin Yan is a household name in the United States. Born in China's southern Guangdong province, he gained fame by teaching Americans how to cook Chinese food.

History on canvas

Chinese painter Shen Yaoyi has made the Long March the subject of his work over the past four decades.