Disabled Dutch woman brings Aikido spirit to Beijing

Martial arts are supposed to display the physical beauty of bodies in motion. Lydia La Rivière Zijdel, a disabled Dutch woman, is proving that this applies even for those in wheelchairs.

ringing traditional Chinese medicine to Western practitioners

Although it was introduced to the West a long time ago, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) remains an “alternative” solution for Western patients. But TCM has also captured many foreigners’ imaginations and lured them to China for further exploration and study.

On the tracks of giant pandas

When Nigel Marven, one of the most reputable British wildlife presenters and TV producers, arrived at Chengdu, Sichuan Province last April, he was not sure he would find wild giant pandas to film.

Romantic designer up in the air

China World Trade Center Tower 3, Beijing’s tallest business center, opened last week. The four restaurants and bars on the 80th floor are the city’s highest dining places, and their interior designs are the result of the vision of one man: artistic director Adam Tihany.

American couple adopts blind Chinese orphan

Last week the Bethel Training Center for the Blind in Fangshan District saw its 13th blind orphan adopted this time, by a couple from Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Big-name European galleries use China’s art expo as platform for new exposure

The 2010 Beijing International Art Expo, featuring high-end art pieces brought by hundreds of international and Chinese galleries, opened yesterday at the China World Trade Center.

Australian helps Water cube undergo magical makeover

Beijing’s famous Olympic swimming venue, the National Aquatic Center, has been transformed into a world-class indoor water park. Last Sunday it opened to the public as the Happy Magic Watercube Waterpark.

Austrian artist’s installation reflects need for free expression in city planning

A spatial installation called Blackboard: Beijing by Austrian artist Karl-Heinz Klopf will be on display at CU-Space Gallery in 798 through September 9. It challenges what we know about urbanization and how we think about urban Beijing.

Harvard professor offers advice to Chinese educators

Fernando M. Reimers, the Ford Foundation professor of international education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, said Beijing, as an emerging world city, should foster more global talent to support the country’s development.

Adopted twins seek their Chinese root

Peter Golder, an American professor, said adopting twins from China 11 years ago was the best thing he ever did. The girls have brought him and his family much happiness.