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Edutainment Tonight
The "Oriental Pearl" is the tallest TV tower in Asia and the third highest in the world. But more than that, this Jetson's-esque structure is a perfect symbol of a city that's looking not only towards the future, but towards the West. Shanghai, with its Jettas, mopeds and mini-skirts, looks more like Florence, Frankfurt or even St. Louis, than it does Beijing. One reason for this is Shanghai's history, another reason is heavy foreign investment. Still another reason has to do with the beams emanating from that imposing "Pearl."
Smart TV?
Talk-show host Yang Lan has been called the "Oprah" of Chinese TV. But that's a horrible lie, because Yang Lan's show, Horizon, is intended to make people think.
Romancing the Monkey
If you want to understand a person's culture, plop down in front of his TV. Pull up a tin tray and watch along as Candide surfs through a few of China's most popular shows.
The View from "English Corner"
Every Sunday, hundreds of eager students come to Shanghai's People's Park to make (English) small talk with a handful of teachers, tourists and resident foreigners. While thick accents and spitting can get in the way, the wide reach of Big Television helps everyone speak the same language -- even if they can't agree.
Made in China
