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.

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The article discusses the abrupt cancellation of the Chinese TV show 'Over the Sea I Come to You' amid the U.S.-China trade war, highlighting the broader implications for American actors and Hollywood. It details how Chinese film studios are preemptively blacklisting American actors due to fears of government-imposed restrictions, drawing parallels to past actions against South Korean interests. The piece underscores the financial and organizational turmoil within the Chinese TV industry and the potential long-term impact on U.S.-China cultural and business relations.

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 explores the phenomenon of Chinese men seeking romantic success through the teachings of seduction artists like Fei Ge, who offers advice on 'sexual assertiveness' and dating techniques. It highlights the cultural influence of Korean TV dramas on Chinese women and the growing industry of pickup artists in China, catering to men from various social classes. The narrative delves into the lengths to which men go, including significant financial investments, to find a suitable partner.

Many Chinese towns have developed economies based on single industries, with some turning to crime as a means of survival. Shisun village became notorious for a murder-for-profit scheme involving migrant miners, while other villages engage in drug production, internet fraud, and counterfeiting. The disparity between urban and rural China, minimal policing, and poverty contribute to these criminal activities. Local officials sometimes rely on crime for revenue, and traditional clan loyalty often overrides government authority. Scholars and commentators highlight the systemic issues and the complex social dynamics in these 'crime villages.'

The article explores the rise of pickup artist (PUA) culture in China, focusing on the activities of Puamap, a Chengdu-based organization that teaches men how to attract women using adapted Western techniques. It highlights the societal pressures faced by Chinese men, including skewed gender ratios and financial burdens associated with marriage. The text delves into the methods and ethics of PUA training, revealing a mix of confidence-building and controversial tactics. Key figures in the PUA community, such as Fei Ge and Nick Yang, are discussed, along with the broader social implications of this movement.

The article explores the influence of American right-wing conspiracy theories in China, particularly following Donald Trump's election. It highlights how Chinese social media platforms like WeChat and Weibo disseminate content from outlets like Breitbart and InfoWars, often without context or dissent. The spread of such theories is facilitated by China's censorship apparatus, which allows criticism of foreign entities while controlling domestic narratives. The article also discusses the broader implications of this phenomenon, including the reinforcement of nationalist sentiments and the mistrust of the U.S. political system among Chinese elites.

The article explores the influence of American right-wing conspiracy theories, particularly from outlets like Breitbart and InfoWars, on Chinese social media and public opinion. It highlights how these theories are translated and disseminated in China, often without context, and how they resonate with certain segments of the Chinese population, including educated elites. The piece also discusses the broader implications of this trend, including the role of Chinese state censorship and the spread of misinformation. The article underscores the complex interplay between domestic and foreign political commentary in China, suggesting that discussions about foreign politics often serve as veiled critiques of domestic issues.

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.

Playboy has shifted its strategy by removing nude content to focus on expanding its brand in China, where pornography is illegal. The company aims to appeal to a younger demographic and has signed a 10-year partnership to license its logo for various consumer products. Despite its diminished prestige, Playboy's brand remains profitable in China, leveraging its high name recognition. The company has faced challenges in maintaining a sophisticated image and combating counterfeit products. Attempts to introduce Playboy Clubs in China have largely failed due to regulatory and cultural barriers.

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.

The article explores the history and current state of Kep and Kampot, once part of Cambodia's 'Riviera' during the 1960s. It delves into the region's decline due to war and the Khmer Rouge regime, and its slow recovery marked by abandoned villas and a mix of nostalgia and neglect. The narrative highlights the efforts of individuals like Jef Moons to restore the area, while also noting the ongoing challenges and frenzied development that threaten its historical charm. The piece reflects on the complex relationship between the past and present in these coastal towns.

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.

China's fascination with amateur porn is explored through various scandals, including the Uniqlo tape, which highlights the tension between a conservative government and a sexually curious public. The article discusses the cultural and political implications of these scandals, noting the government's heavy-handed censorship and the public's growing interest in DIY porn as a form of rebellion. It also touches on the historical context of China's relationship with pornography and the impact of viral sex tapes on public figures and ordinary citizens alike.

China's fascination with amateur porn is driven by a combination of government censorship and a burgeoning internet culture. The article explores various sex scandals, including the Uniqlo incident, and the public's reaction to them. It highlights the tension between conservative government policies and the liberal attitudes of Chinese youth. The government's heavy-handed approach to censorship is criticized, and the article suggests that the allure of amateur porn is partly due to its transgressive nature. The piece also touches on the broader implications for Chinese society and its evolving attitudes towards sexuality.

The Righteous Path Farm Academy in Hebei province, founded by Han Deqiang, promotes a spiritual and ideological movement that rejects materialism and embraces communal living, simplicity, and hard work. The academy, supported by Maoist sympathizers, offers students an alternative to the competitive and materialistic mainstream society. The article explores the academy's ideological roots, its connection to Maoist principles, and the broader context of China's political and social landscape, including the legacy of the Cultural Revolution and the current political climate under President Xi Jinping.

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

Facebook removed a video of Tibetan monk Kalshang Yeshi's self-immolation from its platform, citing a lack of warning tools for graphic content. The deletion, which occurred after Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg's visit to Beijing, raised concerns about the company's compliance with Chinese censorship. Tibetan writer Tsering Woeser, who posted the video, and activist Hu Jia criticized the action. China's internet tsar Lu Wei made ambiguous comments about foreign companies operating in China, while human rights activists highlighted the suppression of Tibetan freedom and culture.

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.

A highly anticipated TV drama about China's first female emperor, Wu Zetian, has been pulled from Hunan TV after just one week, sparking speculation that its revealing costumes may have offended censors. The series, starring and produced by Fan Bingbing, faced scrutiny from China's State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, which has strict regulations on content. The show's cancellation highlights the unpredictable enforcement of censorship rules in China and the challenges faced by historical dramas in the country's media landscape.

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.

A Beijing court has ordered the Xinyu Piaoxiang clinic to compensate Peng Yanhui for using hypnosis and shock therapy to 'treat' his homosexuality, marking a significant victory for China's gay rights movement. The court ruled that homosexuality is not a disease and mandated the clinic to stop promoting 'homosexual therapy' and publish the verdict in major psychological journals. Although the court did not award damages, it required the clinic to pay Peng RMB3,500 yuan in costs. The case, hailed as historic by LGBT advocates, underscores the growing recognition of gay rights in China.

In Guangzhou, China, police arrested members of a notorious South China gang and uncovered a meth production operation led by a former plastics worker nicknamed 'Professor Xu,' similar to the 'Breaking Bad' character Heisenberg. Xu, whose real name is Liao, utilized his access to raw materials for meth production and evolved from a middleman to a meth-cooking mentor, charging for cooking classes and networking with gangs. His downfall was linked to a partnership with a gang leader known as 'Old A.' The U.S. meth supply is largely sourced from Mexican cartels using ingredients from China, where meth has become increasingly popular.

Dr. Ning Fanggang, a prominent Beijing surgeon, has challenged the efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) by offering a cash prize for proof of its diagnostic claims, specifically the ability to detect pregnancy through pulse reading. Despite the challenge, which has faced criticism and limited participation, the debate over TCM's scientific validity continues. The article highlights the historical and cultural significance of TCM, its economic impact, and the ongoing tension between traditional practices and modern medical science. Notable figures in the discussion include Ning, other TCM practitioners, and critics who emphasize the need for rigorous scientific testing.

The article explores the challenges and potential of stand-up comedy in China, focusing on the experiences of comedians Mark Rowswell and Joe Wong. It highlights the cultural and systemic barriers they face, such as the conservative nature of Chinese media and the historical dominance of crosstalk. Despite these challenges, both comedians are finding ways to connect with younger audiences and adapt their acts to the local context. The piece also touches on the broader implications of humor as a form of expression and rebellion in a tightly controlled society.

The article explores the widespread use of ketamine in South China, particularly in private karaoke rooms and nightclubs. It highlights the drug's popularity, its production and distribution, and the cultural attitudes towards its use. The narrative includes personal experiences, insights from law enforcement and health professionals, and statistical data on drug seizures and addiction treatment. The article also touches on the broader context of drug use in China, including the influence of neighboring regions and the challenges faced by authorities in combating drug trafficking and addiction.