Advertisement
Fran Lu
Reporter, Culture
Fran has been a reporter since 2014, mainly covering social and cultural stories about China. She writes about lifestyle, social trends and youth culture.
Fran has been a reporter since 2014, mainly covering social and cultural stories about China. She writes about lifestyle, social trends and youth culture.
Areas of Expertise:
Society, culture, artLanguages Spoken:
English, Mandarin
Around 40 universities feature names inscribed by Mao Zedong, whose distinctive running script-style handwriting is widely recognised.
‘Sloppy and unhygienic’ looking grandfather gets cleaned up by nanny he met in shop; faces fight with his son over ownership of home.
Entrance to famous Beijing landmark holds centuries of traditional ritual belief, including that if women touch it they will be granted a son.
Stricken pair thought to be first in China to fall ill with debilitating condition at same time; disorder may have come from pet hamster.
Advertisement
Stylish 19-year-old attracts customers by striking a variety of poses as he works with his wok, dangles unlit cigarette from his mouth as gimmick.
A good night of shut eye is part of the human condition and ancient Chinese rules involving mirrors and sharp objects remain to this day.
Girl from poor family with debilitating illness weighs about half that of a healthy teenager; family thank kind strangers for cash donations.
Fortune-telling has become an appealing escape for youth, helping them navigate mounting pressures of education, career and relationships.
Good Samaritan street food stall boss saves life of 3-year-old stranger; actions inspire others to sign for donation programme.
Tradition had it that the colour meant the element earth, symbolising that ‘all land belongs to the king, and all people are his subjects’.
Woman makes formal complaint after tasting ‘tough’ granules in her drink; investigation clears shop of any wrongdoing.
Mainland youngsters reflect on ‘paid’ time spent caring for and keeping company with their parents, say it is not a panacea for tough job market.
According to Chinese tradition, the manner in which a person does their garment up can have consequences, from bad luck to taking a beating.
Pink heart with angel wings installation described as an ‘eyesore’ as criticism mounts over the spoiling of nation’s scenic sites.
Former infantryman confounds compound bosses with military skills, flees over mountains finally making safety of Chinese embassy.
Good Samaritan ride-hailing hero braves dense smoke driving at snail’s pace through 10km-long tunnel with injured man’s leg dangling from car.
When Qianlong came across paintings and calligraphy he admired, he would place his seals on those artworks multiple times.
Fame of shepherd with winning smile brings tourism boom to his hometown; keeps feet on ground, aims for wider success.
6-centimetre growth in youngster’s throat removed by doctors in risky operation; boy regains appetite, asks for steamed buns.
Youngster who describes himself as ‘rocket boy’ brushes off scepticism about the authenticity of his abilities; says he is not afraid to fail.
Expert medical team uses latest life-saving technique to bring patient back to life; doctors describe outcome as a ‘miracle’.
‘Handsome‘ actor faces wave of ‘pretty boy’ jibes after character in costume drama returns from battle looking fresh as a daisy.
Octogenarian spends 11 hours a day manning two landlines in busy tourist area of Shanghai, says the job staves off loneliness.
Overindulgent and spoiled lifestyles of second-generation rich make way for easy-going method of running businesses.
Sequel to hit Hollywood film accused of using ‘racist’ name reminiscent of xenophobic Western tropes of earlier times.
Police warn of injury risks as pole scaling craze turns to farce requiring delivery riders, families and passersby to save people taking part.
Sending festive messages in ancient times took time and often servants would deliver ‘flying letters’ from their masters to remote friends.
‘Tenacious’ youngster brushes off mum’s worries about training too much; hones skills, boosts fitness under watchful eye of her dad.
Other offensive sayings surface, like ‘a wife cannot be beaten to death and peppers cannot burn in the sun’, ignite online anger.
Deng Deng’s passing follows five joyful years in his new home, where he is fondly remembered on social media.
Related Topic
Trending in China