I'm generally an advocate of Koryo Tours's programs, especially those dedicated to outreach and encouraging cross-cultural dialogue, but let's not take things too far...
A question worth repeating: has the Guardian been blocked in China? The eye test and GreatFire.org say yes, though we've seen technological glitches involving major English-language news sites in China before -- Wall Street Journal, namely -- so we're not ready to call this yet. Also, why the Guardian?
Wei Gensheng is a professional crane operator. Maybe he should think about changing professions, because these pictures are breathtaking, probably the best we've seen of Shanghai's skyline. Wei won second prize at the Shanghai City Photography Competition with these, which were snapped 2,000 feet (610 meters) above ground on the Shanghai Tower. (The building will be the world's second tallest, behind the Burj Khalifa, when it's completed later this year.)
The above was taken by Austin Ramzy after he spotted a congestion near Dajiaoting International Business Hotel on Guangqu Road and East Fourth Ring. It was caused by two peeved motorists who quite demonstrably don't care about other motorists.
We're not gonna have another of these links posts until 2014, so here's the Beijinger's guide to New Year's Eve parties for those in Beijing. See you at one of these.
