The illusion of music festival success

When China’s top music festival celebrated its 10th anniversary this year, many painted a bright picture for the industry’s future. Even the most optimistic a decade ago would not have expected the 18 festivals held around the country last year.

Guanfu gift shops to save ailing museum

Lotus Lane, the cultural center of Houhai, has a new addition: a plain Chinese gift shop opened by Guanfu Classical Art Museum. The private museum – the first of its kind in China – is experimenting with a new business model as it prepares for its forced exit from Dashanzi.

Problems and prospects of residential community libraries

Two years ago, the municipal government appealed to all communities to set up their own libraries and encourage residents to donate books.

Counterfeit industry may crash antiques trade, experts warn

The heated debate over the legitimacy of Cao Cao’s tomb escalated this week when a Hubei-based scholar of cultural relics demonstrated that the relics ound within it were created using the same counterfeiting techniques as many shady dealers of dubious antiquities.

Problems and potential in community libraries

Two years ago, the municipal government appealed to all communities to set up their own libraries and encourage residents to donate books. But at many, management and staff say development has come to a screeching halt. Many are still searching for a sustainable model and new ways to attract readers.

SOS orphan village continues to hemorrhage moms

Beijing SOS Children’s Village put out the word last Monday that it is looking for new moms. The advertisement, posted on the Municipal Civil Affairs Bureau’s homepage, marks the seventh time the village has searched for new workers since opening one year ago.

Making it happen – Doctor drops hospital salary to serve African mission

Liu Chen-kun, an anesthesiologist and graduate of China Medical University in Taichung, Taiwan Province, joined Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in 2008.

Danxia a world heritage, but how to protect it?

With 40 world heritage sites, China ranks third in the world. Its first world heritage site was recognized in 1987, the year after the country became a signatory in the Convention concerning the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage.

Lost kingdom of bicycles – Revival of pedaling power faces dilemma

Twenty years ago, four out of five Beijingers pedaled around the city on some of the world’s best bicycle lanes. It was a “kingdom of bicycles.” Today is different as lanes are repainted for four-wheel traffic and the bicycle fleet is being abandoned for private cars.

New hope for migrants’ preschool

Being a parent on an average salary is tough in Beijing. Education fees become a burden starting from kindergarten, and rarely do they become any easier to bear.