This is the Bird's Nest Olympic stadium, and in the distance Panggu Plaza, which is built to represent a dragon. To the rear of this tall block - you can just see the edge of a roof here - are a series of lower buildings that represent the dragon's back. The screens on the side of th… more »
Riots have broken out in Guizhou after the death of a 17-year old girl, Li Shufen. As far as I understand, Li’s body was found in a river. Police said it was a case of drowning, but her family believes she was raped and killed by relatives of local officials. When police insisted that a prelim… more »
This happened a few weeks ago, and before the Sichuan earthquake. For one reason and another, I didn’t post this blog then. Now, however, I am in Scotland on holiday, and so this can serve as archive material to fill the gaping void. It gives a small taste of how patriotism and culture interse… more »
A couple of hundred yards from our home is the Rosedale Hotel. Suddenly, a couple of days ago, a kiosk landed, like the tardis, on the pavement outside. We have all inspected the kiosk, which so far remains locked and - apparently - unoccupied. On the outside there are pictures of a few … more »
This blog entry has nothing to do with China or with smog. I've stumbled across the most amazing website, and it has lit the light of obsession in my eye. I think everyone should know about it. It is called www.ted.com - the acronym has something to do with technology and design. Apparentl… more »
This just in from the great website www.danwei.org
Featured Video
The official Olympic cheer
Posted by Joel Martinsen, June 5, 2008 11:42 AM
This segment from CCTV's Network News introduces an authoritative, four-part Olympic Cheer. Go Olympics! Go Beijing! See below for detailed inst… more »
I'm in a Dickens mood. My son, Alistair, is taking part in a performance of Oliver! later this week (Thursday to Saturday evenings, plus Saturday matinee - purchase your tickets soon to avoid disappointment) at the People's Liberation Army Opera House way across the other side o… more »
James has returned from the earthquake zone. He is impressed by the survivors' stoicism, by the efficiency of the relief effort, and by the openness to press coverage. I hear this from many people. Everyone here is an expert. After all, for three days there was quite literally nothing on the te… more »
Sirens have just wailed eerily across Beijing for three minutes, and car horns sounded as people fell silent and only birds continued to sing. Exactly a week after the earthquake, China is officially entering three days of mourning. Flags are at half mast, cinemas, nightclubs and bars … more »
I was sitting on a particularly wobbly stool yesterday afternoon when things got even wobblier. I looked out of the window, but couldn't see buildings swaying, and after a minute the strange sensation passed. I thought nothing more of it until, a few minutes later, James texted me to say, Did y… more »