Rural Taobao brings e-commerce to the countryside

Almost half of China's 1.3 billion population still live in rural areas. While incomes are growing, some rural residents still lack the employment opportunities and everyday products and services that city dwellers take for granted.

Insurance protects a family's 'economic backbone'

More than 290,000 rural families living in poverty across China have been included in a free health insurance program that protects the main breadwinner.

The dying craft of dyeing cloth

One of the first things that catches the eye upon entering Wuzhen from its Xiazha entrance are the long pieces of indigo textiles with white patterns that gently sway from tall poles.

Lighting up people's lives

In the day, the view of Wuzhen is dominated by white walls and brown wooden doors, but this scene changes spectacularly in the night when the different lights in the water town create a stunning kaleidoscope of colors against the black sky.

Famous local produce to look out for

Silk quilts

Chinese facing up to online visa services

More and more Chinese tourists are completing their visa applications using mobile terminals, and going outdoors to take visa photos has become history among the new generation of Chinese outbound tourists, said a market insider.

Shanghai-based budget carrier aims to innovate travel payments through its smartphone app

Shen Wenhao is about to pay the final installment of his air ticket that brought him from his home of Qingdao, Shandong province, during the National Day holiday in October.

Tourism hints at growth

The investment volume in China's tourism market exceeded 1 trillion yuan ($151.5 billion) last year, with turnover totaling 4.69 trillion yuan.

Innovation heralds a new online era

Cybersecurity to be further strengthened

Cybersecurity has been beefed up since tough new regulations were rolled out in the summer.

Industry body underlines emergency response mechanism

A surge of internet attacks across the world has highlighted the role of cybersecurity.

Wuzhen: A water town like no other

Unlike its counterparts, the riverside tourist attraction has harmoniously interwoven the old and new and offers a tastefully curated selection of goods and services for both residents and visitors. Alywin Chew reports.