A few days ago we brought you the story of the Fujian fishermen whose lake was polluted from toxic waste originating from a nearby copper smelter. Now, as Andrew Livingstone reports, media attention has forced government to act decisively in fixing the issue.

While clubs, nun chunks, knives, swords and other assorted weapons may be more traditionally associated with the martial arts, a more delicate, but equally deadly weapon, is enjoying something of a revival in southern China … nothing less than the dainty fan!

But what might appear to be a mere lady’s accessory at first sight, can - in the hands of a master – be every bit as lethal as the sharpest sword. For added heft, martial artists opt for fans made of copper, for greater impact - and a blow from a fan like this can be lethal.

One store which makes and sells this unlikely weapon is in Guangzhou. They’re helping to keep the copper arts and crafts alive, some of which date back to the Ming dynasty.

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