First autumn downpour hits Beijing

A flash of lightning lights the sky in Beijing, August 9, 2011. [Photo/CFP]

Fork lightning is seen in the sky before the rainstorm in Beijing, August 9, 2011. [Photo/CFP]

Specials

Li Xing, China Daily's assistant editor-in-chief and veteran columnist, died of a cerebral hemorrhage on Aug 7 in Washington DC, US.

Early numbers not so robust for Beijing's first international beer festival

Beijing's Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, is steeped in history, dreams and tears, which are perfectly reflected in design.