Spring Legend, a mock-Alpine town near Beijing, faces a lack of permanent residents despite its picturesque European village design. The town, developed by Spring Legend Properties, is one of several themed towns in China, including Thames Town and Jackson Hole, which mimic foreign architectural styles. These developments are a response to the desire for serene living environments away from urban pollution and congestion. However, the trend of owning multiple homes and the preference for leaving properties vacant to retain value has led to low occupancy rates. The article discusses the broader context of China's real estate market, where property ownership is a status symbol and investment strategy, despite the high costs and risks associated with 'ghost towns.' The piece also touches on the cultural aspects of these developments, such as the disregard for feng shui and the eventual shift back to traditional Chinese architectural themes as national confidence grows.

The article compares the personalities and leadership styles of U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, highlighting their contrasting approaches to power and public image. It discusses Trump's tendency to revel in others' loss of face and Xi's obsession with maintaining dignity and control. The piece reflects on the challenges Beijing faces in understanding Trump's unpredictable behavior and the changing tone of Chinese officials who initially projected confidence in handling Trump but have since shown signs of bewilderment. The article also touches on the historical context of U.S.-China relations and the personal attributes of both leaders that influence their political conduct.

The article by Robert Foyle Hunwick provides an in-depth look at the nightlife in Pyongyang, North Korea, detailing the experiences of foreigners in various bars and nightclubs such as the Egyptian Palace and the Diplomatic Club. It describes the limited but growing options for entertainment, the increase in private car ownership, and the presence of mobile phones, indicating a slight easing of societal controls. The article also touches on the local drinking culture, mentioning the preference for strong liquor and the government's policy of keeping alcohol prices low. It discusses the Taedonggang brewery's use of British equipment and the general acceptance of social drinking in North Korea. The author shares anecdotes of interactions with locals during drinking sessions and notes the rarity of bar fights or excessive drunkenness. The article concludes with a personal story of a North Korean guide's hangover, highlighting the commonalities between North Koreans and Westerners despite cultural differences.

The article discusses the transformation of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) from a force that was once feared and resented after the Tiananmen Square crackdown to one that is now seen as a symbol of national pride and strength in China. The PLA's image has been rehabilitated through government policies, censorship, and propaganda, emphasizing its role in disaster relief and as a protector of the nation. President Xi Jinping's efforts to modernize the PLA and rid it of corruption are also highlighted. The article explores the complex relationship between the Chinese people and the PLA, noting the impact of patriotic education and propaganda on public perception. The author reflects on the nightly songs sung by PLA soldiers near his Beijing home, which serve as a reminder of China's communist identity and the PLA's evolving role in society.

The article discusses Playboy's strategic shift in China, where it has removed nudity from its magazine to comply with local laws against pornography. Playboy Enterprises has refocused on licensing its brand for non-pornographic products, such as clothing and fragrances, which has proven profitable despite the country's luxury slowdown. The brand's logo is recognized by 97% of Chinese consumers, outpacing luxury brands like Cartier and Louis Vuitton. However, the brand's image in China contrasts with its international reputation, often associated with lower-end consumer segments and knock-off products. Playboy's history in China includes battling associations with Western vulgarity and adapting to the market by emphasizing lifestyle over explicit content. The company's licensing strategy has been crucial for its survival, despite failed attempts to upscale the brand with ventures like Playboy Clubs in Shanghai and Macau.

The article discusses the trend of extravagant marriage proposals in China, where men are going to great lengths to impress potential brides in a highly competitive marriage market. This includes grand gestures like arranging luxury cars in the shape of a heart, offering unusual gifts such as 99 iPhones, and even a suitor setting himself on fire. The trend is partly a response to the gender imbalance caused by the one-child policy and the cultural preference for male heirs, which has resulted in a surplus of men. The article suggests that these proposals are not just about romance but also about demonstrating financial stability and status in a society where marriage is often seen as a business deal. Despite the grandeur of these proposals, they do not always guarantee success, as seen in the case of the man who was rejected despite offering 99 iPhones.

Guo Meimei, a socialite who became famous for flaunting her wealth on social media, was sentenced to five years in prison for running an illegal casino. Her case reflects a broader crackdown on corruption and ostentatious displays of wealth in China since President Xi Jinping took office. The trend among China's rich has shifted towards more discreet spending, coinciding with Xi's anti-corruption campaign. Guo's association with the Red Cross Society of China, which she claimed to work for, led to a significant drop in donations and public trust for the charity, despite their denial of any connection with her.

The article discusses the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall in China, which documents the atrocities committed by Japanese forces during their occupation in 1937. The museum is meticulously detailed, contrasting with the often sanitized official narratives of China's own history. The author explores the compulsory school visits to the museum and the presence of war-themed pornography in the gift shop. The article delves into the broader context of how wartime sadism is portrayed in Chinese media, with a focus on the sexual violence against women as a recurring theme. It examines the role of 'patriotic education' in shaping Chinese perceptions of Japan and the use of sexual atrocities in nationalistic propaganda. The piece also touches on the portrayal of Japanese in Chinese films and television, the popularity of Japanese pornography in China, and the complex relationship between historical grievances and contemporary cultural consumption. The author suggests that the intertwining of sexual imagery with nationalistic sentiment serves as a form of psychological revenge for historical humiliations.

Li Zhurun, a former Xinhua reporter, admitted to being duped by an April Fool's hoax from 1981 that claimed US cadets at West Point Military Academy were taught about Chinese model worker Lei Feng. The story, based on a United Press International wire, was believed due to unfamiliarity with Western April Fool's traditions. Despite Lei Feng being mostly an amusing anachronism in China and virtually unknown in the West, Chinese media have a history of reporting unsubstantiated stories of Chinese soft power abroad. Other instances include fake reports from The Onion being taken seriously by Chinese media, such as a satirical article about Kim Jong-un being named the

Traditional Chinese culinary traditions, including dishes like sheep’s head and quick-boiled tripe, are at risk following the death of a prominent supporter, the owner of Baodu restaurant with a 160-year history dating back to the Qing Dynasty. The restaurant and others like it, which were collectivized during government reforms in the late 1950s, saw a decline in traditional skills. A revival in the 1980s led by Mr. Feng faced challenges from commercialization and competition from fast-food chains like KFC and McDonald's. Despite the decline from 600 to under 30 traditional dishes, Mr. Feng's restaurant was recognized as one of Beijing's best. Mr. Feng passed away from a lung infection, and his restaurants closed briefly in his honor.

The article discusses how Christmas is celebrated in China, highlighting the cultural adaptations and commercialization of the festival. Despite being a Western religious holiday, Christmas has gained popularity among young Chinese, particularly due to the influence of students returning from abroad. Retailers have extended the spending season, and Christmas decorations and festivities are now common, though often without religious elements. The article also touches on the growing number of Christians in China, the government's ambiguous stance on Christmas, and the use of the holiday for both commercial and evangelistic purposes. It contrasts the festive and consumerist nature of Christmas in China with the more solemn traditional Chinese festivals and notes the irony of Christmas's popularity in a communist country.