Nature

A Taiwanese boy named Thomas and the faith he made his own

Taiwanese art historian Chiang Hsun reflects on his spiritual journey, from youthful devotion to quiet estrangement, contemplating the place of Catholic faith in modern life in the wake of Pope Francis’s passing.

Chiang Hsun

When Chinese mining meets weak governance in Africa — who pays?

The Lubumbashi dam collapse exposes the human and environmental toll of Chinese mining in Africa. Weak oversight leaves communities and forests at risk — a warning spotlighted at COP30. Researcher Genevieve Donnellon-May unpacks the stakes.

Genevieve Donnellon-May

[Photos] The Yellow Land: From Dunhuang to Heidu Mountain

From ancient dunes to deserted oil fields, photographer Zhang Kechun captures the raw beauty of the desert — a landscape where nature’s grandeur meets the enduring marks of human presence.

Zhang Kechun

From Mao to livestreams: The new face of China’s collective living 

Chinese vloggers who have set up communal living arrangements, or “shared homelands”, have been trending online, claiming to offer a new type of home where one eats and lives for free. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Li Kang finds out if they are sustainable and if there are any strings attached.

Li Kang

From lion’s mane to porcinis: The wild flavours of China’s mushrooms

Stir-fried with oyster sauce; cooked in stock with ham and a mature hen; simmered in Pu’er tea broth, oyster sauce, rock sugar, cloves and other seasonings; sliced thin and blanched briefly in clear chicken broth — these are just some of the ways to enjoy the abundant variety of mushrooms found in China. Writer Shen Jialu shares the wonderful flavours of the wild one can taste from them.

Shen Jialu

The new rural dream: China’s urbanites seek greener pastures

Push factors from the hustle and bustle of cities and pull factors from the idyllic countryside are driving young urbanites to seek career opportunities in rural villages. Lianhe Zaobao news correspondent Yush Chau speaks with these “new villagers” to find out more about their motivations to pursue life outside big cities.

Yush Chau

Chengdu, where the everyday becomes art [Eye on Sichuan series]

Chengdu is a metropolis interwoven with tradition and modernity, embodying the paradoxical yet balanced relationship between “nature” and “construction”. Sichuan academic Zhang Jinyao takes us on a walk along the picturesque ancient alleys and streets of Chengdu, exploring how the everyday has shaped the city’s life, art and architecture.

Zhang Jinyao

Taiwanese art historian: What do Su Shi, Mao Zedong and Jesus have in common?

Defamed by villains, ostracised by the imperial court and repeatedly demoted to barren lands — was Song dynasty poet and essayist Su Shi’s dire fate truly dictated by the stars of Capricorn? Taiwanese art historian Chiang Hsun muses on the rumblings and trivialities in Su Shi’s life.

Chiang Hsun

[Photos] Northern Xinjiang: A kaleidoscope of vivid colours and rich culture

A trip to northern Xinjiang in the fall is an unforgettable experience, replete with captivating scenery, lush nature, a vibrant cultural heritage and delicious cuisine. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Hedy Yang and photojournalist Ngoh Shian Bang give us a glimpse of the region’s beauty and appeal.

Hedy Yang

Water towns of Jiangnan: An architectural perspective [Eye on JiangZheHu series]

Architecture professor Ho Puay Peng points out the unique charm of water towns in Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai — a testament to centuries of creative endeavours as many an artist or writer strolled past their waterways, seeking inspiration.

Ho Puay Peng

Remembering Xiaohei, the Capricorn dog of Taipei [Part 2]

Taiwanese art historian Chiang Hsun remembers the dog that he dubbed Xiaohei, or Little Black. From walks to feeding to encounters with other dogs (including potential suitors), to the day she disappeared with her puppies, Xiaohei was a stray, and yet not a stray.

Chiang Hsun

Remembering Xiaohei, the Capricorn dog of Taipei [Part 1]

Taiwanese art historian Chiang Hsun remembers long walks in New York City, Paris, and along the river in Taipei, where he came across a little puppy that he dubbed Xiaohei, or Little Black. Despite a conscious effort to walk away and not get attached, perhaps it was destiny that brought them together?

Chiang Hsun