opinion

I’m not a big fan of zoos, seeing animals caged up or living in concrete enclosures is depressing, so I wasn’t looking forward to visiting Beijing Zoo. But as it is the oldest zoo in China and a major tourist attraction, I need to see it myself.

As Spring festival approaches, it reminds me of last year when news of Covid19 suddenly broke. I knew nothing then, in 12 months we've all learned the new language of lock down; but have we learned anything else?

This year, Chinese authorities have reportedly cracked down on the celebration of Christmas. But with all the westeners stuck in the country and the money it generates, its not going away soon.

Making a simple video for fun becomes a target of censorship, and thereby elevates it to an example of insecurity.

Searching for a taste of home I find the only thing available is nostalgia.

Now I've got my visa renewed for another year, it's probably ok to write about life in a security clampdown. But I'd feel better if it didn't have my name on it.

The Great Wall is an ever present symbol and metaphor for China.

The Chinese attitude to the environment is shaped by their history of hunger, their love of order and external appearance.

Moving around the crowded city of Beijing is tough. What's it like for the old and less able.