UNDP and Bank of China spear heard promotion of ethnic minority culture

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Bank of China signed an agreement last Thursday to promote in 2009 and 2010 culture-based development for the nation’s ethnic minorities.

Thailand extends visa-free entry period

To lure more tourists to Thailand, the country plans to extend its visa-free entry period up to the end of the year.

US embassy plans bigger visa office to cope with applicants

The US embassy moved to a larger compound only half a year ago, but its visa office is already getting cramped with the rapidly growing number of Chinese applicants.

Beijing sees first cotton kite-flying event

Kite flying is a familiar sight in China, but not many people have flown kites made of cotton. To celebrate Wednesday’s World Earth Day, the Cotton Council International and Cotton Incorporated from the US sponsored the country’s first cotton kite-flying event in Chaoyang Park last weekend. Hundreds of cotton kites adorned with original creative designs dotted the sky, creating a unique city view.

Canada Tourism warms up for 2010 Winter Olympics

The Canadian Tourism Commission’s (CTC) road show in China ended last weekend, but the organization’s efforts to draw more Chinese visitors to Canada is just getting started.

Extravaganza to showcase European culture

European culture will be on display at Chaoyang Park on May 23 to 24 as the EU Extravaganza presents highlights of the continent’s food and music.

300 Guangdong youngsters willing victims of human trafficking

A duo trafficking teenagers to Costa Rica using fake visas has been uncovered by the Beijing and Guangdong police and the suspects have been arrested.

Greece donates statue to Beijing museum

The Greek Ministry of Culture has donated a replica of an ancient marble statue to a Beijing museum slated to open in October.

New Zealand’s first Asian Minister welcomes more Chinese students

New Zealand prime minister John Key together with the country’s first Asian minister visited Beijing University on Wednesday to invite more Chinese nationals to study in the country.

France begins construction of new Beijing embassy

The French government began construction in Beijing last week of what is to be its largest embassy. According to international law firm Gide Loyrette Nouel (GLN), an advisor to the project, the embassy will form part of a new campus that will concentrate all French diplomatic services in Beijing in a single location by 2010.