More than a kitchen staple, garlic is revered as a ‘divine herb’; boasts 3,000-year legacy in medicine, rituals, home protection.
Deng says she has had strong business instinct from young age; opened store selling educational products after university graduation.
Nation’s Olympic diving darling marks her move into adulthood by showcasing photographs which cast her in a new light.
So-called doll mummies create mainland market worth US$1.4 billion; say toy companions of ‘emotional support’; even ‘smell’ like their owners.
As trust in traditional dating techniques declines, people place ads detailing selling points of ex-partners in ‘second-hand market’.
From colours and hidden coins to language and gifts, the SCMP runs the rule over taboos that surround the annual festivities approach.
Policy has ignited heated debate among Japanese netizens, with some labelling it as discrimination.
Human resources staffer under investigation after telling job applicant they were on a ‘blacklist’; angry netizens say days off are a ‘basic right’.
Poorly educated woman with emotional problems tries to apply ‘folk remedy’, punctures son’s skin causing bleeding with rusty shard left in body.
Sprightly centenarians with opposite tastes, different daily routines raise large family; find happiness by minding their own business.
Adorable ‘Oscar-worthy’ baby sheep who loves children gets 10 million views online; customer offers US$19,000 to buy it.
Slim figure seeking 26-year-old runs 10 km a day, cuts food intake, does high-intensity workouts; sheds 15kg in 2 months.
Age-old tradition stems from time when Miao people had to stage secret home relocations to avoid landlords seeking rent or debt repayments.
In rural Wuhan, a pair of chopsticks is placed inside chamber pot, representing swift birth of son.
Centenarian captures hearts of many by embracing a ‘reverse lifestyle’ – watching TV until 2am and naturally waking up around 10am.
Robber with previous knowledge of victim’s home dons short skirt, long black wig, stockings; flees to casino with loot.
Shocked wife finds out about cash-giving philandering late hubby while going through his belongings; court orders lover to repay money.
Birthing rituals which ban expectant mothers from sitting on stoves, attending other people’s weddings, persist in some regions today.
Strange tradition can also involve the use of a copper coin; often used to ‘treat’ young children who wake up in the night screaming and crying.
On day of event, local public security bureau dispatches staff to maintain order, ensuring a smooth experience for all attendees.
Dai views her new role as both a source of entertainment and a way to stay connected with her family.
Ancient ritual saw women beaten with bamboo sticks, brooms, wooden clubs; in variation of tradition, women were held over a fire.
Ridiculed as a child, woman takes more than 30,000 selfies in 13 years on fashion journey; says it was like a ‘scientific study’.
Husband says he thought his wife had been scammed when told about policy; couple opt for cash payout over 10,000 roses.
Woman treats green ogre figure with great reverence; says she will continue to worship ‘kind-hearted’ cartoon statue.
In ancient China, people believed that fate predetermined lifespan, yet they also thought life expectancy could be borrowed or exchanged.
Ancient custom sometimes saw babies’ eyebrows completely shaved by a highly skilled barber; tradition believed to remove ‘misfortune, evil’.
Buff, struggling performer who adheres to a strict ‘non-sexual’ service policy plans to branch out into becoming a swimming buddy.
Wedding betrothal advertisement emblazoned on public bus sparks public anger; officials order institution to stop marketing campaign.
31-year-old who excelled at tug of war, shot-put in her youth is top exponent of pinning down swine; says technique relies on speed.