Celebrities drive demand for luxury-bag brand

Celebrities and internet personalities often have a dramatic influence on the consumption patterns of Chinese fashionistas. A good example is the Italian luxury-bag and accessories brand Valextra. It was relatively unknown before it opened its first China store in Shanghai in January.

IN BRIEF (Page 18)

Making pizzas fly

How does somebody grow up and become famous for throwing giant pizzas in the air?

Eating chocolate may benefit heart

LONDON - Eating chocolate on a regular basis may be associated to a lower risk of heart disease, according to a new study published online by Heart on Tuesday. Researchers have discovered a link between moderate chocolate intake and a lowered risk for atrial fibrillation or flutter (AF), the irregular heartbeat that can lead to stroke, heart failure and other serious problems.

In a tech world

Before his Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind became a phenomenon around the globe, Israeli historian Yuval Noah Harari probably did not imagine he would become a celebrity.

Historic bookstore chain turns 80

Xinhua Bookstore, the country's largest book-circulation and - distribution network, is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year.

Greek port grows along with Belt and Road Initiative

When President Xi Jinping and Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras met in Beijing in May, the Greek city of Piraeus came up during their discussions.

Terror in space

A Swedish film called Life - a Nordic version of the 1979 space thriller Alien is making waves on China's screens.

Cruise ready for Top Gun 2

LOS ANGELES - Tom Cruise, still feeling the need for speed, said in an interview that a sequel to his 1986 military action film Top Gun is "definitely happening".

Cannes fetes itself with massive 70th anniversary bash

CANNES, France - The Cannes Film Festival threw a star-studded celebration on Tuesday for its 70th anniversary, drawing mobs of celebrities and a dozen former Palme d'Or winners to commemorate the illustrious French Riviera festival's birthday.

Poetry in motion

Contemporary American dancer-choreographer Carolyn Carlson will premiere her work Seed (Back to the Land) in China on Saturday at the ongoing 17th Meet in Beijing Arts Festival, a major annual cultural event in the capital.

China launches its first national youth orchestra

The first National Youth Orchestra of China announced its establishment and upcoming national tour in Shanghai earlier this month.