The world beckons

The world wants China to visit. Over 450 exhibitors from about 70 countries and regions joined the recent annual China Outbound Travel and Tourism Market expo in Beijing.

In Cuba, the pace of life continues to remain unhurried

HAVANA - In Cuba, it sometimes seems time stopped in the 1960s.

The Kunqu advocate

When he was a student at the folk opera school at Shanghai Culture Square, Zhang Jun often snuck out of classes to watch films at the New Shanghai Theater across street.

Chinese arts group performs electrifying show in Namibia

The Jiangsu Performing Arts Group, a Chinese performance arts group gave an electrifying performance in Namibian Capital, Windhoek last Friday evening. Performance acts included traditional Chinese opera such as Peking Opera and Kunqu Opera, Pipa (a Chinese musical instrument), acrobatics, and dance, among others.

Brand on the move

It is not easy to gain a foothold in the world of haute couture, but Ralph & Russo, a British couture house, has managed to do so in merely a decade. The rising couture house recently held a special event in Beijing in collaboration with fashion boutique Lane Crawford.

Tapping affordable luxury during tough times

The fashion industry in general might be having a challenging time, but some brands are thriving thanks to the sweet spot called accessible luxury, where luxury meets affordability.

Posh on a budget: Victoria Beckham teams up with Target

NEW YORK - The Victoria Beckham clothing range for Target is flying off the shelves, the latest high-fashion, high-street collaboration seeking to widen market appeal - even if not everyone is impressed.

IN BRIEF (Page 18)

Fight smog at dinner?

Sometimes, all I need is the air that I breathe - and to love mackerel.

Sweets to entice the Easter bunny

Sunday's religious holiday is a feast day in the most delicious sense. Easter, in fact, may be the biggest brunch day of the year. Here in China, your favorite posh hotel or Western restaurant will surely offer a nice brunch spread or Easter afternoon tea. Beijing's Conrad hotel does both, with brunch on Sunday and afternoon tea through April 19. The latter is 198 yuan ($29) per person plus service charge, and it includes a cup of coffee or tea with chocolate eggs and bunnies, traditional Easter cakes and beautiful meringues that will entice sweet-toothed nibblers of any age.

Marmite may be brain food, study says

PARIS - In a world bitterly divided into pro - and anti-Marmite factions, lovers of the tangy British spread have found support from an unexpected quarter: brain science.

Story of change

James Stent insists China is not heading for a banking or financial crisis any time soon. The 71-year-old veteran banker says those who argue this underestimate the ability of China's financial managers to deal with the current pressing issues.