Chinese boom town thriving on Russian trade

The fact Chinese President Xi Jingping chose Russia as his first foreign visit is no surprise to some. The two countries have been strengthening ties for many years. . Tourism’s growing, there’s talk of increasing energy cooperation, and in 2011 trade volume between the two topped 80 billion dollars, a figure expected to double in […]

Chinese Zoo Struggles to be a Roaring Success

Illegal poaching remains a serious threat to wild tigers in Asia, according to a new report from the World Wide Fund for Nature. It says the number of seizures of illegal tiger products across the region is rising, with China accounting for around 9 percent. . Meanwhile the battle of maintaining captive tigers is also […]

Ice Swimming – the key to eternal youth?

It’s supposed to increase vigor, strengthen the immune system and improve your mood. At least, that’s what fans of the sport say. Taking a dip in temperatures as low as -30°C may not be everyone’s cup of tea. But for a group of pensioners in northern China’s Heihe city, it’s a way of life. . […]

Heroes of Ice

The Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival has been pulling in crowds since the 1980s. Preparing for the event is a huge task and is carried out by China’s unsung hero: the migrant worker. . Watch on Youtube or Youku

Can Snow Polo Attract China’s Super Rich?

So, you’re building a two billion dollar property development and need to attract the super rich to fill it. How to get the word out? One solution is to hold the largest polo tournament in the world – on snow. (Photo: Courtesy of Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club) . Watch on Youtube or Youku

Chillin’ in Harbin (literally)

If you think the weather’s getting cold, spare a thought for the local residents of Harbin city in northeast China. Each winter they have to endure temperatures around minus twenty degrees centigrade. But despite the freezing weather the city is a fascinating place to visit, as CRI’s Dominic Swire finds out. . Watch on YouTube […]

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