China

China: Thousands of Dead Pigs Dumped in Shanghai’s Water Source

Date: March 13th, 2013 |

Water pollution is a major concern throughout China, but for many of Shanghai’s 23 million residents, a surge in the dumping of dead pigs has heightened their worries. Over a two-day period in early March, authorities retrieved 2,813 dead pigs from the Huangpu River—a primary source of city drinking water. Official reports stated that the [read more]

China: Three Tourists Die at Great Wall During Blizzard

Date: November 7th, 2012 |

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A blizzard took Beijing by surprise Nov. 4, dumping the heaviest snowfall the city has seen since 1951 and killing three elderly tourists who became trapped at the Great Wall of China. The three Japanese nationals who died were part of a small group touring an unrestored section of the Wall in Huailai province when [read more]

China: Beijing Floods Cause 37 Deaths, $1.5 Billion in Damages

Date: July 25th, 2012 |

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At least 37 people died and more than 60,000 were evacuated July 22 when the heaviest rainfall in 60 years caused severe flooding in parts of Beijing. Thousands more were stranded in transit hubs after hundreds of flights were cancelled and roads became impassable. The hills surrounding the city were hardest hit, and a tour [read more]

China: Foreign Embassies Must Stop Reporting on Air Pollution

Date: June 6th, 2012 |

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Beijing officials warned foreign embassies and consulates to refrain from publishing their own air pollution data, stating that only the Chinese government is authorized to release such information. The U.S. embassies in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou all monitor their local air quality and broadcast statistics via the internet and Twitter to provide health information for [read more]

China: Foreigner’s Death Spurs Better Security in Chongqing

Date: April 25th, 2012 |

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Chongqing municipal police have vowed to better protect foreigners after the recent death—believed to be a homicide—of a British national. Officials claim that outside of the recent scandal, there have been no cases of violent crimes against foreigners in Chongqing since 2010. The megacity is a hub of business, academics and tourism, and is plagued [read more]

China: Fake Monks Arrested for Swindling Mt. Wutai Tourists

Date: February 20th, 2013 |

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Six people were arrested for impersonating monks and fleecing unsuspecting tourists in the Buddhist complex of Mount Wutai, a popular religious site in northeastern Shanxi. Authorities have closed down two temples where fake monks had been operating, conning visitors into “donating” large sums of cash or paying outrageous fees for temple ceremonies. Tourists should be [read more]

China: Anti-Japan Protests Spread to Tourist Areas

Date: September 20th, 2012 |

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Amid a wave of anti-Japan rallies, the U.S. consulate has warned citizens traveling or working in China that these demonstrations may turn violent. Following a maritime dispute between the two nations over a group of uninhabited islands, some demonstrators attacked Japanese businesses and clashed with police in Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenyang, as well as in [read more]

Tibet: China Plans $63.5-Million Tourism Development

Date: June 27th, 2012 |

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On the heels of a recent, sudden closure of Tibet to foreigners, Beijing has announced a $63.5-million plan to develop tourism in southeastern Tibet. The plan includes construction of 22 “model villages” in Nyingchi, a region about 200 miles from Lhasa renowned for its pristine natural beauty. According to Chinese officials, the villages will feature [read more]

China: Beijing Mulls Visa-Free Window for Tourists

Date: May 30th, 2012 |

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Beijing authorities are considering a policy that would allow foreign tourists to explore the capital for up to three days without a visa. Following similar waivers in Shanghai, where visitors can roam visa-free for 48 hours, and Hainan, where tour groups can stay for up to three weeks, city officials hope to attract more international [read more]

China: Bird Flu Claims Two Victims in a Month

Date: January 25th, 2012 |

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Following multiple deaths in Vietnam and Cambodia, China has reported its second bird flu death in a month. While the flu was highly pathogenic, it was not confirmed to be the infamous H5N1 strain. The most recent victim was a 39-year-old male who reportedly had no contact with poultry. The World Health Organization says that [read more]

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