Portraits of Cixi

2011-05-06 17:28:50

Two books about the Empress Dowager cast new light on the iconic ruler and controversial historical figure.

Classical twist

2011-05-06 17:19:07

An innovative take on Puccini's traditional opera Tosca will be staged in Beijing.

Keeping modern dance on its toes

2011-05-06 17:17:04

Modern dancers from all over China, both professional and amateur, are set to gather in Beijing to showcase their talents

Israeli artist to wrap up eight-city tour with Beijing concert

2011-05-06 17:13:37

Israeli performer and recording artist Achinoam Nini, also known as Noa, and her partner Israeli-Arab Mira Awad, will close their eight-city China tour at Beijing's Forbidden City Concert Hall on Monday.

What's on: events in Beijing and Shanghai

2011-05-06 17:12:31

Belgian pianist Peter Ritzen will present an interactive concert in the capital during the 2011 Meet in Beijing event.

A lake that thrills in any season, for every reason

2011-05-05 18:41:24

Poets and artists through the centuries have tried to capture the beauty of West Lake in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. The question becomes, "Which West Lake?" It is a constantly changeable feast for all the senses. It shows different aspects by day or night, summer or winter, filled with visitors or in the wee hours, a silent beauty.

Departure gate

2011-05-05 18:18:41

The annual peony festival is now on in the gardens of Guxian county, Shanxi province

Ancient jade still has magic to enthrall

2011-05-05 17:37:11

The Chinese have a special affection for yu, or jade in English, that foreigners cannot match. A jade exhibition at Beijing Art Museum traces this love back to its origin at the beginning of Chinese civilization.

Artist of a million cuts

2011-05-04 17:33:28

Legend says an emperor first thought of carving porcelain, but a modern craftsman has perfected the skill

High notes of life

2011-05-05 17:03:16

Young opera star combines her own passion with seven generations of family tradition. Unlike her peers who were born in the 1980s and are fascinated by modern Western pop music and soap operas, Tan Na focuses her mind on Peking opera, determined to learn and develop the traditional Chinese art.

Sailing to Yangzhou

2011-05-05 13:58:50

It's best to visit Yangzhou in spring, when the gardens and parks are blooming, even if the place is crowded.

True value of a mother's sacrifice

2011-05-05 13:54:31

I'm happy we have a day to recognize the women who always put family first. I was grinning ear to ear. Mrs Kellet, my all-time favorite teacher, had let me ride shotgun. Miss Roach, my second-grade and least favorite teacher rode in the back.