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Listen to more on Beyond Beijing
[Metro & Sports]
- The Internet has played a larger role in the celebration during festivals, and during the Spring Festival this year, more young Chinese are sending online greetings to family members.
- China's Ministry of Railways said on Tuesday that it is requiring local branches nationwide to be ready for the post-holiday travel rush as rail passenger numbers usually rise sharply on and after the third day of the Lunar New Year.
- Reports say a record 6.3 million college graduates are anticipated to hit the Chinese job market this year.
- In the first appearance against former club Manchester United, David Beckham, the midfielder, started well before watching the English champions seize a 3-2 win at AC Milan.
- The Australians remain committed to sending a team to the Commonwealth Games in India this year despite a new terrorist threat against athletes.
[Chinese Stories] Sichuan- New Life Brings New Hope
The 8.0 magnitude earthquake in China's southwestern Sichuan province claimed many lives, and as a result, led to thousands of broken families. Since China implements a one-child policy nationwide, parents' losses of the only child in the family were compounded. Ever since the calamity, the family planning departments of Sichuan have been taking active action to help rebuild quake-shattered families.
[Cultural Voyage] Dragon Dance in Tong Liang
Chinese people have long held the belief that they are descendents of the dragon. Although dragons are usually regarded as a symbol of evil in western cultures, in China, the dragon is held in high esteem for its dignity and power for good. The most vibrant and spectacular way of expressing fondness for this magnificent mystical creature is the dragon dance. Over time, the dragon dance has become an indispensable performance during the Chinese Spring Festival. And today we'll introduce you to the dragon dance in Tong Liang County in China's southwestern province of Sichuan. Its distinguished character has made the local art form listed as an intangible culture heritage in China.
[Showbiz News]
- Glam pop artist Lady Gaga dominated the 30th BRITs on Tuesday, winning a trio of awards at the pop music industry's flagship ceremony, the first international act to do so for five years.
- As China celebrates the spring festival, a group of artists are traveling across the globe showcasing the countries rich culture.
- Actor Wan Chi-Keung, and boyfriend to veteran Hong Kong actress Michelle Yim, has died.
[Strange News]
- A Scottish brewery is reclaiming the title of the world's strongest beer from German rivals - with a 41% brew named Sink the Bismarck.
- A UK Surrey theme park is offering free dried insects as pick 'n' mix snacks to its visitors as a trial.
- A magician is in hospital suffering from severe frostbite after spending more than 64 hours as a human ice cube to break a world endurance record.
[Hangout] Bird's Nest Skiing
The Beijing Olympics spurred the construction of iconic buildings like the Water Cube and the Bird's Nest Stadium. But what happens when the Games are gone? Officials at the Bird's Nest have come up with a creative use for the stadium this winter. Thomas Rippe takes us to the Bird's Nest Winter Festival, where visitors can have some winter fun on the floor of the famous Olympic stadium.
[Flexible Segment] Movie - A Simple Noodle Story, 2009
At the end of 2009, China's most famous director, Zhang Yimou, released his first comedy film, "A Simple Noodle Story." The film collected China's most popular comedy stars, Zhao Benshan and his student, Xiao Shenyang, who swept the country overnight at the 2009 CCTV Spring Festival Gala. |