From the pall of pollution, issues of survival and lifestyle arise.
Recent research has found that Chinese are now spending more time reading digital material than books and magazines. An adult reads 40 minutes a day on WeChat, and on average people read 4.6 books last year, the research by the Chinese Academy of Press and Publication found.
It was clear right away it was a tuna swimming past because of the distinctive bumps along its back that lead to its angular tail. And what a whopper.
The last time I was in Liverpool, 40 years ago, the city was synonymous with the Beatles. But on a trip there this year, I decided to avoid the Fab Four commerce that has swelled since my last visit and helped the city shed some of its grittiness.
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo brought visitors from around the world in one place to see the return of King Tut's golden mask.
Those who market tequila see a great future for it in China - with or without margaritas.
A woman of Dong ethnic group makes cotton yarns used for weaving traditional Dong cloth in Lexiang Village of Rongjiang county, Southwest China's Guizhou province, Dec 19, 2015.
In viewing Yang Ming's works, you need to read between the lines
"May the Force be with you" vs. "Live Long and Prosper", lightsabers vs. phasers, warp drive vs. hyperdrive. The fan debate over which story, technology, space ships and characters are superior started a long time ago.
Shadow puppets have role in bridging old and new technologies.
Asceticism and silence reign for modern-day lodgers of the Buddhist Eiheiji temple
It is that time of the year again - when family, decorations, turkey, the advent calendar, gifts, Christmas trees and Santa Claus take centerstage.