One proved that passion can drive reinvention, while the other exemplified a life shaped by scarcity.
‘Deeply aggrieved’ coffee shop owner lays down law with notice outlawing ‘pungent feet’, ‘fake socialites’ and rowdy children.
From eavesdroppers in teahouses to ‘inner informants’ in royal palaces, scandal merchants peddled stories of adultery and divorce.
During the Qing dynasty (1644–1912), public toilets charged usage fees, and some even featured novels and advertisements to attract patrons.
Sprightly nonagenarian finds solace in beauty of nature after car crash wipes out his family; ‘this is the life I have chosen’, he says.
‘Deeply offensive’ pre-visit message to tourist with puppy leads to cancellation of booking; turns spotlight on animal protection laws.
Younger generation embrace notion of ‘wrecking yourself while saving yourself’ by drinking concoctions of booze and herbs.
Innovative public transport twist even sees some buses become hairdressing salons; fans say trend turns exhausting commute into adventure.
While the rich luxuriated using women, dogs, cats to fight off freezing temperatures, the poor slept in manure heaps and death was common.
Abandoned youngster tells returning mother that he is ‘a little man who can take care of himself’; cleaner who cared for him is left in tears.
Lonely, disconnected elderly women find social links, confidence and an army of online fans with their joyous online routines.
Tears flow as 3-decade search finally locates long-lost sibling who was starved, beaten and abused by human traffickers before being adopted.
Once the unexpected turn of events become known, the situation sparks renewed discussions online about misinformation and animal welfare.
Cardiac arrest kills educator with punishing work schedule who held controversial views on liberal arts study; was praised for pragmatism.
Ito begins by reshaping tofu into paddle boards, teardrops, stepping away from traditional moulds to give it a contemporary appeal.
Chinese law does not ban consumption of dog meat, although Shenzhen was one of the first mainland cities to ban eating cats, dogs in 2020.
Farmer wakes at 4.30am every day to prepare meals for beloved wife, holds her hand by side of bed and reminisces about their life together.
Zhang Rongming, who built underwear empire, admits: ‘I never paid attention to what type of lingerie my wife wore’.
Efficiency-driven bosses record everything from length of toilet breaks to sitting posture and browsing activity, ‘alarm’ employees.
Crossing boundaries debate rages as new treatment sees partially clothed stressed-out clients hugged, touched with feathers.
Banquet and firecrackers greet woman as she meets real family who plan to visit her adoptive Dutch parents this summer.
While being plump had a place in China’s history, extreme diets, constricting clothes formed part of nation’s centuries-old desire for slimness.
Jane Zhang concert, Art Week Shenzhen and French musical Don Juan also coming to Shenzhen, Macau and Guangzhou in March, April and May 2026.
Entrepreneurial youngster juggles schoolwork with mapping out business strategies, dealing with suppliers; online observers tip her for the top.
Poised, confident senior officer adopts role of ‘evil instructor’ on board; is also known for her ‘caring’ attitude towards crew members.
Story of kitten in a pet carrier containing clean food bowls left by owner no longer physically able to care for it moves millions online.
Globe trotting, ‘clear-minded, confident’ 9-year-old faces down equestrian coaches; says she has recorded evidence to prove mounts are dangerous.
‘Cheerful’ centenarian with sharp eyesight, nimble hands still mend shoes and socks; values family harmony above all else.
Oscar-nominated Hollywood star charms fans on promotional trip by sampling spicy hotpot, enjoying Chinese tea.
Liu Huiping rents his home instead of buying as he believes his wealth should not be inherited by his descendants.