Paid leave a ‘luxury’ – China ranks last with fewest paid vacation days

Who has the most vacation days? Many look to the Americans and British. But a recent survey finds that Brazilians come out on top, while China ranks last, with 21 days. For many office workers, China is a nation lacking the vacation concept.

Weighty problems – China getting fatter, but not like the US

Chinese people are starting to look a lot more like Americans these days, as the waistlines of urban children and adolescents grow. However, a deeper look says something else is happening.

Boiling dumplings? Lack of swimming pools hiders sport

Being boiled like dumplings is the popular slang for Chinese being in crowded swimming pools. But that frenzy isn’t because of a love of exercise. For most Chinese, pools are only a place to cool off in the summer heat.

Farewell, Yao Ming – What legacy will Yao leave beyond basketball?

Chinese basketball is about to suffer a big loss: Yao Ming is preparing to retire. Though the 31-year-old Houston Rockets center has not made a formal announcement, his plan to retire was leaked to the media and stirred frenzy among fans.

Language crisis? – Experts warn about slip in Chinese language standards

Many college entrance exam graders are complaining that they keep seeing online slang being used in papers, which is not acceptable.

Anger mounts over oil spill

(AFP) – Media and green groups on Wednesday slammed the National Offshore Oil Corporation for keeping an oil spill hidden from the public.

Liu seeks another Asian athletics title

(AP) – Former Olympic gold medalist Liu Xiang will be aiming for his fourth continental title at the Asian Athletics Championships starting Thursday, as the region’s top athletes build up toward August’s world championships.

Spider-Man creator eyes Chinese fans

(AP) – Stan Lee wants to see the likes of Spider-Man and X-Men weaving between skyscrapers in Shanghai and battling enemies on the Great Wall.

Engine of growth – Beijing-Shanghai high-speed to boost local economy

There are supporters and opponents, as well as countless questions about safety, profitability, speed, threat to airlines and corruption surrounding the launch of the new Shanghai-Beijing high-speed train.

Waiting game – Professional queuers may mark end of scalping

Time is money, and businessmen know it: an emerging business of paotui, paid professional queuers, has spread recently, helping people save time from waiting in lines. Many believe the business will also put an end to the notorious huangniu, China’s professional scalpers.