Scientist Marvels at Chinese-made New World Cup Ball

It’s been described as “horrible” by England’s David James, “rotten” by Spain’s Iker Casillas, and in danger of “ruining the world cup,” according to Italy’s Gianluigi Buffon. The world’s top goalkeepers were all referring to the new ball specifically designed for the world cup by Adidas and manufactured in China. CRI’s Dominic Swire spoke to […]

Great Wall Marathon

Saturday May 15 saw runners from across the world descend on China’s Great Wall to run a marathon across it. I was one of them and managed to record this report in between breaths: . http://www.box.net/shared/nezlh0rc7 . . And here’s an interview I made with Guo Feng, one of the main organisers of the marathon, […]

China’s Lifeline Express – An Eye Hospital on Wheels

According to government statistics there are around 4 million cataract sufferers in China. Although the condition can be cured with a simple operation, many sufferers, especially those living in rural areas, are unable to find the help they need. CRI’s Dominic Swire investigates one charity that addresses this problem by bringing the hospital to the […]

Austrian Ambassador: Chinese Relations Boosted after President’s Visit

. CRI’s Dominic Swire is in conversation with Austria’s Ambassador to China, Dr. Martin Sajdik. Ambassador Sajdik talks about the importance of Vienna’s relationship with Beijing, the outcomes of the Austrian president’s recent visit to China, and his country’s upcoming participation at the Shanghai Expo. . http://english.cri.cn/7146/2010/02/08/164s548650.htm

In conversation with China Central Television’s James Chau

. CRI’s Dominic Swire is in conversation with James Chau, one of the main anchors on CCTV9, China Central Television’s English language service. James explains how he made the journey from growing up in England to becoming a familiar face on Chinese TV, his charity work behind the scenes with the UN, and how to […]

British Travel Agent’s Love for North Korea

. After graduating in the UK as a landscape architect Nick Bonner first travelled to Beijing in 1993 as a university lecturer. Over 15 years later he is still here during which time he opened the city’s first live music venue, produced a couple of film documentaries, started his own travel agency and developed a […]

Nanshan Ski Village – a review

. A review of Beijing’s Nanshan Ski Villlage and a demonstration that there is more than one way to come down a ski slope… . Also published here: http://english.cri.cn/6566/2009/12/21/1881s536869.htm

Jundushan Ski Resort – a review

. The first thing that strikes you on a visit to Jundushan Ski Resort is the facilities: the main building is large, clean and modern, and their payment system is well organised. There is a long row of ticket kiosks just to the left of the entrance where you can pay for your ski pass […]

Grrr… Chinese New Year and The Year of the Tiger

. Quick report from me on how to travel economically during the Chinese New Year celebrations and what has been dubbed the world’s largest annual migration… . . …no, this does not entail riding around the country inside a giant tiger’s mouth. The solution? Simply get signed up to Couch Surfing. Click on the link […]

Shijinglong Ski Resort – a review

Shijinglong Ski Resort – a review. 80km north of Beijing is Shijinglong Ski Resort – the oldest and one of the largest ski resorts in the city. But how good is it? Let’s go and take a look… (This is embedded via Youtube, so it may not be possible to view in China)