Visitors Service
With the arrival of the Shanghai Shopping Festival (running until Oct 7), many department stores and malls in the city have taken advantage of the occasion to hold activities and promotions to attract customers. According to organizers, 500 activities will be held in 18 districts across the city over the 28 days of the event. Here are some of the more interesting ones. Meanwhile, outlets in these areas have plenty of bargains on offer during the festival.
I was quite taken by a comment I heard a couple of weeks ago on TV from an American filmmaker who made a documentary about Expo 2010 Shanghai. He told his host, referring to the significance of this Expo: "Expo 2010 will transform Shanghai, Shanghai will transform China and China will end-up transforming the world."
Some of Shanghai's best eateries are hidden away, but are well worth the hunt, Xu Junqian tracks them down.
Still trying to figure out where to go for a break during the Mid-autumn Festival and National Day holidays? You might think about heading to Caishiji Scenic Park in Anhui province, a 660,000-square-meter area renowned for its peaceful environment and beautiful scenery.
Zeng Fanzhi has become so successful that the media has become as fascinated with the record-breaking auction prices of his paintings as much as his preference for cigars and luxury brands.
A bilingual guide to Australian fine arts and prominent galleries has been published for Chinese connoisseurs and art collectors. A launch ceremony was held on Saturday at the Australia Pavilion.
Individual visitors are expected to enjoy some privileges at the World Expo, such as free bus transit and discount dining coupons between September 2 and 17 if they make tour reservations.
Glittering new five-star hotels continue to sprout in Shanghai as the city becomes more appealing for both business and tourism. On the other hand, grand historical buildings are providing accommodation to travelers who want to experience the glorious past of the city in style. Even if you are not to spend a night at one of these historical gems, you can still take a look inside and learn about the stories behind them.
Of all the ancient towns and villages in Zhejiang province, the most impressive to many is Yuyuan - the only village in China with a layout based on the principles of tai chi and Taoist astrology.
Czech cuisine shares some similarities to Chinese food - except for the beer, Yu Ran reports.
