China's economy has famously grown by leaps and bounds over the last thirty years. And that huge economic transformation has affected every aspect of life. Chinese streets capes today bear little resemblance to those of a generation ago.
And the change in appearance of the people walking those streets is just as striking; from the Mao-suited uniformity of the 1970s to the anything goes variety of today - BON's Matt Schrader now takes a look at China's flirtation with fashion - from the haute couture to Beijing's rag trade markets.
Earlier this month BON News reported on the government's decision to close all county-level and most city-level lobbying offices in Beijing within six months, unless a rigorous vetting process proves that an office is necessary. But provincial offices won't be shut down.
It's the third time in China's history that there's been a ban on local lobbying offices in Beijing. In 1962, though, not one office was shut, despite the government edict. Four years later as the Cultural Revolution began, many lobbying offices were closed due to fears they were spying on Beijing.
They were then reopened in 1978 following the reform and opening up policy. Chinese web portal sohu.com carried out a survey asking respondents what they think of the government's decision to close thousands of lobbying offices in Beijing.
Caitlin Rhodes explores the topic of cross-cultural relationships. Discover the day-to-day challenges couples face, and the highs and lows of multi-cultural family relations.
Caitlin Rhodes explores the topic of cross-cultural relationships. Discover the day-to-day challenges couples face, and the highs and lows of multi-cultural family relations.