15 killed in north China bus plunge

Photo taken on Feb. 25, 2012 shows the wreckage of a tourist bus in a ravine after it veered off from a section of the State Highway 207 in the county-level city of Gaoping, administered by Jincheng City, north China's Shanxi Province. Fifteen people have been confirmed dead after the tourist bus plunged into a ravine Saturday morning in Shanxi, said local authorities.

Fifteen people have been confirmed dead after a tourist bus plunged into a ravine Saturday morning in north China's Shanxi Province, said local authorities.

The accident happened at 9:25 am at a section of the State Highway 207 in the county of Zezhou, administered by Jincheng City, according to the provincial traffic police authorities.

The 35-seat bus, carrying 34 people, was en route to Jinzheng City in Shanxi Province from neighboring Henan Province, said the authorities.

Nineteen people, including the driver and eighteen passengers, who were injured in the accident, had been sent to two local hospitals for treatment, said local authorities.

Among the injured, two were in critical conditions, 12 seriously injured and 5 slightly injured, according to local authorities.

All the passengers were tourists from the city of Yima in Henan Province, a survivor named Zhao Qini told Xinhua.

The bus is operated by the Transportation Corporation of Sanmenxia City in Henan.

The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

(Xinhua)

Chocolate Great Wall & Terracotta Warriors!

An alignment of miniature chocolate sculpture of some 560 terracotta warriors of Emperor Qingshihuang is on display at the World Chocolate Dream Park inside the Beijing Olympic Park, in Beijing, Jan. 14, 2010. A batch of elaborate chocolate sculptures, including the miniature replicas of Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors, and traditional Chinese painting of Panorama Along the Upper River During the Qingming Festival in the same size to the original, are exhibited to visitors.

Two visitors watch an alignment of miniature cholocate sculpture of some 560 terracotta warriors of Emperor Qingshihuang on display at the World Chocolate Dream Park inside the Beijing Olympic Park, in Beijing, Jan. 14, 2010. A batch of elaborate chocolate sculptures, including the miniature replicas of Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors, and traditional Chinese painting of Panorama Along the Upper River During the Qingming Festival in the same size to the original, are exhibited to visitors.

Two craftsmen are engaged in building up a 12-meter-long miniature chocolate sculpture of the Great Wall, at the World Chocolate Dream Park inside the Beijing Olympic Park, in Beijing, Jan. 14, 2010. A batch of elaborate chocolate sculptures, including the miniature replicas of Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors, and traditional Chinese painting of Panorama Along the Upper River During the Qingming Festival in the same size to the original, are exhibited to visitors.

Two craftsmen are engaged in building up a 12-meter-long miniature chocolate sculpture of the Great Wall, at the World Chocolate Dream Park inside the Beijing Olympic Park, in Beijing, Jan. 14, 2010. A batch of elaborate chocolate sculptures, including the miniature replicas of Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors, and traditional Chinese painting of Panorama Along the Upper River During the Qingming Festival in the same size to the original, are exhibited to visitors.
(Xinhua)

China conducts test on ground-based midcourse missile interception

On January 11, 2010, China conducted a test on ground-based midcourse missile interception technology within its territory. The test has achieved the expected objective. The test is defensive in nature and is not targeted at any country.

BEIJING, Jan. 11 -- On January 11, 2010, China conducted a test on ground-based midcourse missile interception technology within its territory. The test has achieved the expected objective. The test is defensive in nature and is not targeted at any country.

On January 11, 2010, China conducted a test on ground-based midcourse missile interception technology within its territory. The test has achieved the expected objective. The test is defensive in nature and is not targeted at any country.

On January 11, 2010, China conducted a test on ground-based midcourse missile interception technology within its territory. The test has achieved the expected objective. The test is defensive in nature and is not targeted at any country. The file photo shows China's HQ-9 medium and long-range air-defense system.

On January 11, 2010, China conducted a test on ground-based midcourse missile interception technology within its territory. The test has achieved the expected objective. The test is defensive in nature and is not targeted at any country. The file photo shows China's HQ-12 air-defense missile system.

On January 11, 2010, China conducted a test on ground-based midcourse missile interception technology within its territory. The test has achieved the expected objective. The test is defensive in nature and is not targeted at any country.
(Source: CCTV)

Expo Axis on trial illumination

Photo taken on Jan. 7, 2010 shows the brillant cable-membrane structure of the Expo Axis during a trial illumination in Shanghai, east China. The Expo Axis is a large, integrated commercial and traffic complex, which also serves as the main entrance to the World Expo 2010 site.

Photo taken on Jan. 7, 2010 shows the brillant cable-membrane structure of the Expo Axis against the China Pavilion during a trial illumination in Shanghai, east China. The Expo Axis is a large, integrated commercial and traffic complex, which also serves as the main entrance to the World Expo 2010 site.

Photo taken on Jan. 7, 2010 shows the brillant cable-membrane structure of the Expo Axis during a trial illumination in Shanghai, east China. The Expo Axis is a large, integrated commercial and traffic complex, which also serves as the main entrance to the World Expo 2010 site.

Photo taken on Jan. 7, 2010 shows the brillant cable-membrane structure of the Expo Axis during a trial illumination in Shanghai, east China. The Expo Axis is a large, integrated commercial and traffic complex, which also serves as the main entrance to the World Expo 2010 site.
(Xinhua)

Biggest fashion show in Asia to be held in HK

Model display costumes during the pre-show of World Boutique, Hong Kong in Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, south China, Jan. 5, 2010. The show, believed to be the biggest fashion show in Asia consists of Hong Kong Fashion Week and World Boutique Hong Kong, will be held on Jan. 18 - 21, 2010.

A model displays shoes during the pre-show of World Boutique, Hong Kong in Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, south China, Jan. 5, 2010.

A model displays costume during the pre-show of World Boutique, Hong Kong in Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, south China, Jan. 5, 2010.

Model display costumes during the pre-show of World Boutique, Hong Kong in Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, south China, Jan. 5, 2010.

A model displays costumes during the pre-show of World Boutique, Hong Kong in Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, south China, Jan. 5, 2010.

A model displays costumes during the pre-show of World Boutique, Hong Kong in Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, south China, Jan. 5, 2010.

Model display costumes during the pre-show of World Boutique, Hong Kong in Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, south China, Jan. 5, 2010.

A model displays costumes during the pre-show of World Boutique, Hong Kong in Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, south China, Jan. 5, 2010.
(Xinhua)

Snow-covered National Centre for Performing Arts

The National Centre for the Performing Arts is seen covered with snow in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 3, 2010. Beijing witnessed a heavy snow on Sunday.

A man takes photos of the National Centre for the Performing Arts covered with snow in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 3, 2010. Beijing witnessed a heavy snow on Sunday.

People take photos of the National Centre for the Performing Arts covered with snow in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 3, 2010. Beijing witnessed a heavy snow on Sunday.

The National Centre for the Performing Arts is seen covered with snow in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 3, 2010. Beijing witnessed a heavy snow on Sunday.
(Xinhua)

Illumination of Shanghai Expo Park set on trial

Photo taken on Dec. 30, 2009 shows the Informations and Communications Pavilion inside the Puxi zone of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo Park, part of the main buildings of 2010 Shanghai World Expo Park, being set on trial adjustment of overall illumination, in Shanghai, east China's Metropolis.

taken on Dec. 30, 2009 shows the China Pavilion (C) and the Sunshine Valley, part of the main buildings of 2010 Shanghai World Expo Park, being set on trial readjustment of overall illumination, in Shanghai, east China's Metropolis.

taken on Dec. 30, 2009 shows the China Pavilion (C) and the Sunshine Valley, part of the main buildings of 2010 Shanghai World Expo Park, being set on trial readjustment of overall illumination, in Shanghai, east China's Metropolis.

Photo taken on Dec. 30, 2009 shows the Pavilion of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) inside the Puxi zone of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo Park being set on trial readjustment of overall illumination, in Shanghai, east China's Metropolis.
(Xinhua)

Fantastic ice and snow Disneyland in N China

Tourists walk around in the Ice and Snow Disneyland during its preview in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 24, 2009.

Tourists walk in the Ice and Snow Disneyland during its preview in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 24, 2009.
(Xinhua)

Boxing on floating ice

Two boxers exchange punches on a floating piece of ice during a boxing performance in Haerbin, Heilongjiang province, December 28, 2009.

A referee (C) declares a TKO during a boxing performance in Haerbin, Heilongjiang province, December 28, 2009.
[CFP]

High-speed train debutes on Wuhan-Guangzhou railway

A high-speed train runs into Wuhan Railway Station, in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province, Dec. 26, 2009. The Wuhan-Guangzhou high-speed railway, which boasts of the world's fastest train journey with a 350-km-per-hour average speed, is debuted on Saturday.

A high-speed train stops at the high-speed railway maintenance base in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province, Dec. 26, 2009.

A driver operates a high-speed train at the high-speed railway maintenance base in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province, Dec. 26, 2009.

A high-speed train stops at the high-speed railway maintenance base in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province, Dec. 26, 2009.

A high-speed train runs into Wuhan Railway Station, in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province, Dec. 26, 2009.

A high-speed train runs out of the high-speed railway maintenance base, in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province, Dec. 26, 2009.
(Xinhua)

Dab hand makes amazing paper sculpture

The artwork of paper sculpture artist Peter Callesen.

BEIJING, Dec. 25 -- Artist Peter Callesen proves he is a cut above the rest with these dainty models made using glue, a scalpel - and just one sheet of A4 paper.

Peter, 41, cuts intricate patterns from a white sheet of paper and uses the cutout to fold breathtaking designs such as skeletons, insects and buildings.

The precision work transforms a piece of paper worth only a few pence into a piece of art that sells for 2,800 pounds (4,474.68 U.S. dollars).

Each model takes up to two weeks to sketch, cut and fold.

The artwork of paper sculpture artist Peter Callesen.

If Peter makes a wrong cut or realises he is unable to achieve the fold he wanted he has to rethink his design and start the painstaking work again.

Peter likes his models to tell a story and believes transforming a flat piece of paper into a three-dimension model is a "magical process".

Others again are turning the inside out, or letting the front and the back of the paper meet - dealing with impossibility, illusions, and reflections.

Peter, from Copenhagen, Denmark, likes to use A4 paper in his work because people use it widely in the home and office and can easily relate to it.

Peter has held a number of exhibitions around the world including London, New York and Seoul.

He is represented by the Perry Rubenstein Gallery in New York, United States, and the Helene Nyborg Contemporary in Copenhagen, Denmark. (1 pound = 1.5981 U.S. dollars)

The artwork of paper sculpture artist Peter Callesen.

The artwork of paper sculpture artist Peter Callesen.

The artwork of paper sculpture artist Peter Callesen.

The artwork of paper sculpture artist Peter Callesen in 2006: The Short Distance Between Time and Shadow.

The artwork of paper sculpture artist Peter Callesen.

The artwork of paper sculpture artist Peter Callesen in 2005: Butterflies Trying to Escape Their Shadow.
(cctv.com)

Tourist products presented in SW China's Guizhou

A folk artist shows the wooden Dixi Opera mask at the tourist products fair held in Guiyang, capital of southwest China's Guizhou Province, Nov. 27, 2009. The 2009 "Colorful Guizhou" tourist products fair kicked off on Friday. Dozens of handicraftsmen presented their stunts at the fair.

Girls of Miao ethnic group shows handmade embroideries at the tourist products fair held in Guiyang, capital of southwest China's Guizhou Province, Nov. 27, 2009.

Women of Miao ethnic group show the handmade silver decorations at the tourist products fair held in Guiyang, capital of southwest China's Guizhou Province, Nov. 27, 2009.

A girl of Miao ethnic group shows handmade embroideries at the tourist products fair held in Guiyang, capital of southwest China's Guizhou Province, Nov. 27, 2009.

A folk artist carves a wooden handicraft at the tourist products fair held in Guiyang, capital of southwest China's Guizhou Province, Nov. 27, 2009.
(Xinhua/Peng Nian)