Breakdancing in Urumqi

Summer evenings in Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang in China, are full of people singing, playing games, strolling around… and breakdancing. . Watch on Youtube or Youku

Xinjiang Philharmonic Orchestra Performs Peony

Founded in 1996, the Xinjiang Philharmonic Orchestra is made up of many ethnic groups, including over 30 Han Chinese, 18 Uyghurs, 4 Hui, one Kazak, one Tajik and five Xibe. It specialises in turning folk music into symphonies, such as the one featured in this video: Peony. . Watch on Youtube or Youku

12 Weeks to learn how to fight – can these girls do it?

Beijing is soon to host a fight tournament with a difference. They call it ‘White Collar Boxing’. All contestants – both men and women – are amateurs, some of whom have never fought before in their life. A rigorous 12 week training schedule aims to prepare them for the ring. Dominic Swire drops in on […]

A Rare Chance to See China’s CPPCC

Contrary to popular belief, China is not a one party state. The country’s home to several political parties in addition to the Communist party. They’re represented in the CPPCC, or the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. But what is this organisation, and how does it work? . We attempt to answer these questions in a […]

Vertical runners take racing in China to a whole new level

Over 600 racers from China and beyond enter China’s first ever Vertical Run. In this sport runners have to reach the top of the building without taking a lift. The official Vertical Running Circuit includes the Empire State Building in New York, Taiwan’s Taipei 101 tower, and now Beijing’s tallest skyscraper. . Watch on Youtube […]

Sound and Food of Xinjiang’s Hui People

The Hui people make up one of 55 ethnic minority groups living in China. Many of them live in Changji prefecture in Xinjiang. Dominic Swire recently visited to sample the sound and food of the area. . Watch on Youtube or Youku

Stepping up for Beijing’s First Vertical Run

. They say taking the stairs is healthy. Some people like the activity so much they turned it into a sport – which is now coming to Beijing. Dominic Swire has more. . For more information about the Vertical run race, you can go to www.verticalrun.cn . Watch on Youtube or Youku

Enter the Dragon – a New Chinese Superhero?

You may have heard Spider-Man creator Stan Lee plans to introduce the world to the Annihilator, a new Chinese superhero. . Well, Mr Lee (who’s not Asian), may have a fight on his hands – he’s not the only one with the idea. . Summer 2013 will see the release of Dragon Resurrection, a graphic […]