Beijing Calling

"Welcome to the season finale of Beijing Calling and we're taking you somewhere really special!

If you were to bring one stuffed animal for a young friend back home from China, what would it be? Let me take a wild guess and say: a panda?

There is no better place to get that toy than from the Giant Panda Breeding Center in Chengdu city of Southwest China and that's where we're heading today.

Will they let you bring home a real baby panda?

Well...let's see what Shenting and Mohan have to say about that!"

Mirror Mirror on the Wall

Who is the wisest one of all?

Is it the King?

Is it the Queen?

Is it the fair lady who is writing this thing?

Close, but no!

For a lot of Chinese people, the answer is very likely to be: my Grandmother!

Grandmas are packed with decades with wisdom and bosoms full of love!

What are the words of wisdom that Chinese Grandmas try to pass down to their much-pampered grandchildren?

Join us and have a listen!

Mirror Mirror on the Wall

Who is the wisest one of all?

Is it the King?

Is it the Queen?

Is it the fair lady who is writing this thing?

Close, but no!

For a lot of Chinese people, the answer is very likely to be: my Grandmother!

Grandmas are packed with decades with wisdom and bosoms full of love!

What are the words of wisdom that Chinese Grandmas try to pass down to their much-pampered grandchildren?

Join us and have a listen!

Li Yuan brings you the latest from China's contemporary music scene. In this week's show, we listen to two new singles just released by alternative band FAZI from the historic city Xi'An, and hear the band's lead vocalist Liu Peng introducing their latest work. Let's take a listen!

Just two decades ago, pets were still rather rare in China when people were busy just managing their children, but nowadays, more and more people, even young adults who have just learned to take care of themselves, are becoming pet owners. The pet industry has been growing rapidly, with dogs and cats being the most popular choices.

What other animals are favored by the Chinese people?

Lizards’? Turtles? Snails?

(Whisper: A panda would be nice, but only in my dreams...)

Mohan and Shen Ting will tell you more!

People from China have quite different standards than people from the West when it comes to defining beauty. A recent advertisement from Zara featuring a Chinese model with freckles triggered rage from some people on social media, who saw it as an affront to Chinese women.

Many single young men and women were facing challenge going home during the Spring Festival holidays, for their pushy parents may keep asking when they're going to get married. Now the holiday is over, are they out of this kind of trouble? Apparently not. Marriage markets will once again be active.

"There are many symbols of good luck around the world. Some are very well known, such as four-leaf clovers in Ireland; dream catchers in Native American culture; the North Star for sailors and a pot of gold for...well say, you and me?

What are considered lucky in the Chinese culture?

Will people's eyes light up if you give them, let's say, a live turtle for present?

What fruit is the most appropriate for birthdays for the elderly?

Click ""Play"" and find out!"

"There are many symbols of good luck around the world. Some are very well known, such as four-leaf clovers in Ireland; dream catchers in Native American culture; the North Star for sailors and a pot of gold for...well say, you and me?

What are considered lucky in the Chinese culture?

Will people's eyes light up if you give them, let's say, a live turtle for present?

What fruit is the most appropriate for birthdays for the elderly?

Click ""Play"" and find out!"

Li Yuan brings you the latest from China's contemporary music scene. In this week's show, we have a romantic duo by Li Quan and Dutch jazz singer Laura Fygi, specially released on ST. Valentine's Day. Let's take a listen!