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Fran Lu
Reporter, Culture
Fran has been a reporter since 2014, mainly covering social and cultural stories about China. She writes about lifestyle, social trends and youth culture.
Fran has been a reporter since 2014, mainly covering social and cultural stories about China. She writes about lifestyle, social trends and youth culture.
Areas of Expertise:
Society, culture, artLanguages Spoken:
English, Mandarin
‘Golden’ accessories of party secretary in village hit by torrential rain arouse both sarcastic criticism and support; she reveals they are fake.
Crime fighters get on their knees to manually search shifting sands; eventually find ‘despairing’ visitor’s mobile at peak of a dune.
Application inspired by developer’s fear of walking home alone late at night becomes potential lifesaver for elderly people.
56-year-old farmer tries unsuccessfully to self-medicate, stops travelling for fear of consequences, cannot sleep.
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‘Obsessed’ innovator uses drones and levers to operate flying machine; hopes to eventually have his prototype mass-produced.
‘Hungry and carried away’ 42-year-old gulps down scorching hot dish; drinks iced water to ease pain, is diagnosed next day.
Educator pens stinging rebuke to ‘tired’ complaining cigarette lover, telling them if they want ‘comfort’ they should go to the library.
Around 40 universities feature names inscribed by Mao Zedong, whose distinctive running script-style handwriting is widely recognised.
‘Sloppy and unhygienic’ looking grandfather gets cleaned up by nanny he met in shop; faces fight with his son over ownership of home.
Entrance to famous Beijing landmark holds centuries of traditional ritual belief, including that if women touch it they will be granted a son.
Stricken pair thought to be first in China to fall ill with debilitating condition at same time; disorder may have come from pet hamster.
Stylish 19-year-old attracts customers by striking a variety of poses as he works with his wok, dangles unlit cigarette from his mouth as gimmick.
A good night of shut eye is part of the human condition and ancient Chinese rules involving mirrors and sharp objects remain to this day.
Girl from poor family with debilitating illness weighs about half that of a healthy teenager; family thank kind strangers for cash donations.
Fortune-telling has become an appealing escape for youth, helping them navigate mounting pressures of education, career and relationships.
Good Samaritan street food stall boss saves life of 3-year-old stranger; actions inspire others to sign for donation programme.
Tradition had it that the colour meant the element earth, symbolising that ‘all land belongs to the king, and all people are his subjects’.
Woman makes formal complaint after tasting ‘tough’ granules in her drink; investigation clears shop of any wrongdoing.
Mainland youngsters reflect on ‘paid’ time spent caring for and keeping company with their parents, say it is not a panacea for tough job market.
According to Chinese tradition, the manner in which a person does their garment up can have consequences, from bad luck to taking a beating.
Pink heart with angel wings installation described as an ‘eyesore’ as criticism mounts over the spoiling of nation’s scenic sites.
Former infantryman confounds compound bosses with military skills, flees over mountains finally making safety of Chinese embassy.
Good Samaritan ride-hailing hero braves dense smoke driving at snail’s pace through 10km-long tunnel with injured man’s leg dangling from car.
When Qianlong came across paintings and calligraphy he admired, he would place his seals on those artworks multiple times.
Fame of shepherd with winning smile brings tourism boom to his hometown; keeps feet on ground, aims for wider success.
6-centimetre growth in youngster’s throat removed by doctors in risky operation; boy regains appetite, asks for steamed buns.
Youngster who describes himself as ‘rocket boy’ brushes off scepticism about the authenticity of his abilities; says he is not afraid to fail.
Expert medical team uses latest life-saving technique to bring patient back to life; doctors describe outcome as a ‘miracle’.
‘Handsome‘ actor faces wave of ‘pretty boy’ jibes after character in costume drama returns from battle looking fresh as a daisy.
Octogenarian spends 11 hours a day manning two landlines in busy tourist area of Shanghai, says the job staves off loneliness.
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