Life in China Archives - Jottings from the Granite Studio

“Why are international travelers turning away from China?,” Radii China

August 11, 2017

Differing attitudes toward historical preservation and a surging domestic tourism market are among the reasons why international travelers seem to be turning away from China. [Read More...]

A daughter is married, a mother remembers

September 25, 2016

This past summer, I (YJ) was a bridesmaid at my friend's wedding in England. Her parents were so happy and they told me the story of their own wedding day, in far humbler circumstances, in the years just after the Cultural Revolution. [Read More...]

Eulogy for a Beijing Turtle

September 24, 2016

We always thought Yertle was indestructible. The Keith Richards of Turtles. Sadly, he proved to be mortal. [Read More...]

“Bad Driving in Beijing: Poor Planning, or Lack of Enforcement?” The Beijinger

September 2, 2016

who among us has not at some point engaged in an act of micro-aggression (some righteous, others less so) in the name of traffic safety? [Read More...]

“Beijing Emperor and Qing Dynasty Scammer Faces Prison Time in Shenzhen,” The Beijinger

August 26, 2016

It is a twist on an old scam: A gullible patsy loses a small fortune helping a former monarch recover his royal funds. But what happens when the deposed ruler claims to be the Beijing born and raised Qianlong Emperor who last ruled China in the 18th century? [Read More...]

Requiem for a Noodle Joint

July 19, 2016

In Beijing’s fast evolving food and beverage industry, the lifespan of a restaurant — a short-lived beast in any environment — makes the medfly look like Methuselah. [Read More...]

Beijing’s Roadways: Beyond Thunderdome

May 31, 2016

I've seen drivers plow through crowded hutong, barrel down bicycle lanes, and park on sidewalks. I rarely ride my bike anymore, it's too dangerous and I feel for the guys who make a living riding around town delivering food and packages. [Read More...]

The Christmas Convert

November 27, 2015

My wife is a serious professional, with a high pressure job. She is one of the brightest and most rational people I've ever met, well known for her dry and ironic sense of humor. But something about Christmas just brings out the whimsy. [Read More...]

Large Mammals Crossing: Jogging in Beijing

August 19, 2015

I'm a large mammal in a country of mostly smaller mammals. But this summer I have resolved to lose weight and get healthy...even if it kills me. [Read More...]

Advice to New Wai: Things I wish I learned 13 years ago about life in China

April 22, 2015

Let’s face it: It’s not easy to live [Read More...]

Kind of Online in the PRC: The New Normal?

February 3, 2015

For anybody who still thinks China is a great business environment or that China has a bright future as a research hub, intellectual incubator, or simply a good place for their next office or factory, I would strongly suggest spending 30 minutes trying to do a few routine tasks that involve using the Internet. [Read More...]

Beware of Dog!

August 26, 2014

For whatever reason, a shocking number of people are terrified, actually overcome with fear by....Snickers. [Read More...]

Granite Studio on the move…

November 17, 2013

What happens when an apartment deal seems shady? If you've lived in Beijing long enough, your paranoia kicks in and you start to worry. [Read More...]

Five people you meet on the Beijing metro…

December 20, 2011

I’ve been riding the subway more. I don’t know why. I’ve never before been particularly masochistic nor do I generally enjoy close physical contact with strangers. But it seems an economical way to get around the city now that every available road surface is jammed with broken heroes on a last chance power drive. Having spent quite a few commuting hours below ground now, I’ve started to distinguish a taxonomy of my fellow passengers, including several species which I find it best to avoid. [Read More...]

The significance of singing ‘Red Songs’

June 27, 2011

Does singing “Red Songs” really mean a new revival of the old Party spirit? Or is it something that has been happening all along but makes for easy headlines with Bo Xilai’s recent Chongqing campaign and the CPC anniversary just around the corner? A Guest Post by Zhang Yajun. [Read More...]