Get a fix on the latest customized bikes

In a city with an estimated 9 million bicycles, it is hardly surprising that one of Beijing’s fastest growing street trends is riding fixed-gear bikes. These gears are as old as the bicycle itself. When the rear wheel of a fixed-gear bike moves, the pedals do too. In other words there is no freewheeling or coasting on a fixed – you have to pedal constantly while moving, and stop pedaling to halt the bike.

Volunteer army makes TV speak Chinese

Every week, Internet forums are abuzz with users swapping subtitle files for the latest episodes of foreign TV series. Fansubbing groups, loose organizations of hobbyists who collaborate to create subtitles to new shows, have helped keep the Internet’s couch potatoes planted in their seats for the past few years.

Move over Batman, we’re breaking camp

People around the country are proving it’s not just super heroes who spend their nights perched atop metropolitan high rises.The curious practice of pitching a tent atop a rotting factory or high-rise apartment has been gaining popularity in the last two years.

Seven trends to remake your winter wardrobe

Fashion week is not just a boisterous festival for designers, models and celebrities: it also gives a sneak peak into your fall shopping options.
China Fashion Week’s 09/10 Autumn and Winter Collections brought to the forefront the works of local designers in 20 shows last week. Designers and fashion editors picked out seven new elements sure to shake this year’s lineup.

Breaking down the music barrier

“Hi Phil, I’ve attached a new clip with this mail. Hope it plays.These correspondences are commonplace when Chinese and American musicians work across the Pacific Ocean to develop new songs.
New technology has not only made communication easier, but it is creating new outlets for new bands to promote themselves.The new generation of young musicians and fans is also less hindered by the language barrier.

Youngsters cut their teeth on finance game

Renting an apartment requires money. Dating requires money. Getting married requires a lot of money. In this economic climate, a new financial management game has become popular with young people. For many, the game is a rehearsal for real-life financial planning.

Shop smart stay fashionable during the recession

A recessionista knows fashion trends and big-name designers, but cannot or will not spend the excessive amount of money needed to possess luxury clothing and accessories. So here we come to the “recession chic.”

Cut and create a paper fantasy

By Wang Yu
Most young people made paper toys like cars, ships or animals in kindergarten, but few continue the time-honored grade school hobby into their adult lives.
Some hobbyists are just hung up on toy robots and swords. But others, especially designers, have revived the medium as a way to express themselves after a hard day’s [...]