Everyday China
How a parcel finds its way into a village
China Post and Cainiao’s rural delivery cooperation shows why sorting a parcel requires compatible labels, shared facilities and a final local handover.
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Everyday China
Why sing behind a closed door?
A private karaoke room changes who has to be brave enough to sing.
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Everyday China
Rice, fish and ducks in one working field
In Congjiang, Guizhou, a rice–fish–duck system depends on local varieties, carefully timed introductions and shared water management.
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Chinese food
Why do flowers meet tea at night?
Fuzhou jasmine tea depends on the timing of flowers as well as tea leaves.
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Everyday China
The fish pond behind a piece of silk
In Huzhou, mulberry trees, silkworms and fish ponds are connected by leaves, nutrients, water and carefully timed work.
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Chinese food
Why is a teahouse more than a café?
In Chengdu, the history of the teahouse is also a history of people meeting, talking and hearing news.
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Everyday China
Was “Chinese wallpaper” made for Chinese walls?
Some Chinese wallpaper was painted for European rooms. The name tells only half the story.
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Everyday China
Why is porcelain called “china”?
One ordinary English word still points to the place from which prized ceramics once travelled.
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Everyday China
Which British garden plants travelled from China?
The flowers outside a British front door might have a much longer travel story than the family inside.
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Chinese food
Why does British tea have a Chinese beginning?
The most British-looking cup in the house carries a journey much longer than your walk to the kettle.
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Everyday China
Inside Beijing Planetarium’s artificial sky
A 23-metre dome, optical star projection and digital theatres give Beijing Planetarium several ways to explain the real sky.
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Everyday China
Is a student flea market a treasure hunt?
Student flea markets in China can give books and clothes another life. A bargain is only good if you know what you are buying.
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