Bamboo - a flexible alternative

Bamboo is not only a highlight of some of China's forests but also an important part of the Expo 2010 Shanghai. National and Urban Best Practices Area (UBPA) pavilions use bamboo in innovative and environmentally friendly ways, encouraging builders and architects to use this fast-growing and readily available crop.

Less drive makes for cleaner city

Nestled in the many cases of the Urban Best Practices Area is the Malmo Case Pavilion. This small Swedish city, with a population of 300,000, has drastically reduced its carbon emissions by encouraging its residents to walk, cycle or use public transportation instead of private cars.

Fear, loathing and no common sense on offer at local post office

It's a mad world out there and people have all sorts of phobias.

Do you hutong? Yes, I do

When my friends arrive from the United States for a visit to Beijing this summer, I will not take them to Qianmen - a sun-baked patch of concrete and modern storefronts. I will take them to Guloudajie before it becomes the next ancient hutong dismantled to line the pockets of developers.

Time and money for white dolphins are signs of hope

The assessment report on the construction of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge has been published by the Ministry of Agriculture.

Quotation of the day

Calm oasis in the bustling city

Unusual scents and beverages made from a secret recipe add spice to a top city spa, Huang Yuli finds

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Grueling skincare regimen part of day

The life of most models may seem to involve a lot glamour and attention, but hand and foot models tend to work long, grueling hours in obscurity and must keep up complicated day-by-day hand and foot care.

Hand model grabs his big opportunity

When Zhang Xi walks into the interview room, the 24-year-old looks more like a gym teacher than a model, with his sleeves rolled up and his muscular arms showing.

Discrimination at hands of male managers rife in capital

My friend, a postgraduate student who studied human resources at a prestigious university, recently told me the tragic story of 'E', a classmate of hers.

Tianjin's eco-city is a model for Beijing

Despite being one of China's four provincial level cities, Tianjin has always been in Beijing's shadow. Residents of the capital often look down upon their neighbor city, viewing it as a hick town. Indeed, my Chinese friends in Beijing often say that Tianjin is the Middle Kingdom's "biggest village".