The drought affecting Chongqing and its neighbouring province Sichuan has been the worst drought in 50 years, with 14 million people suffering from drinking water shortage.

The region has had no rainfall for more than 70 consecutive days, with 2/3 of rivers and wells having dried up and temperatures not having dropped below 35 degrees over the past month.

It has even been reported in the Chinese media that there are villages where most residents haven't had a shower for 40 days!

Since Schumacher announced on September 10 that he is retiring from F1 at the end of this season, China’s ticket agents have reported daily sales skyrocketing to 3,000 tickets!

To Chinese fans, Schumi is the most dominant racer of all time. According to a survey by the Shanghai Star, Schumacher's fans account for over 70% of F1 spectators in China.

The Shanghai Biennale opens yesterday at the Shanghai Art Museum. Themed "Hyper-design," the show features about 100 artworks from 25 countries and regions, including videos, installations, sculptures and paintings.

Winner of Miss Hong Kong 2006, Aimee Chan (C), first runner up Janet Chow (L) and second runner up Koni Lui (R) pose for a photo in Hong Kong, south China, Aug. 12, 2006. Miss Hong Kong Pageant 2006 was held at Hong Kong Coliseum on Saturday as Aimee Chan won the crown.

Photos taken on July 30, 2006 show a public swimming pool in eastern Nanjing packed with sweltering visitors hoping to beat the heat in the water. Though wearing only bathing suits, the crowd found no room to swim and had to just stand in water for a cool moment. The highest temperature of the day reached 36.2 degrees Celsius, or 97.16 degrees Fahrenheit.

Model displays make-up in Shanghai.

Justine Gabionza from the Philippines wins the champion in the 2006 Miss Tourism Queen International in Pinghu, Zhejiang Province, July 8, 2006. Gordana Strajin from Silvia and Blanda Fatouma from Congo rank second and third respectively. Contestants from Belarus, Chile, France, Russia, Brazil and Thailand won prizes of different categories.

Ocean Park is shifting into carnival mode this summer - a Caribbean carnival from 15 July to 3 September. There's non-stop Latin music, singing, dancing, parades, and parties. The main stage features variety shows with stunning performers in their exotic costumes. Chill out and enjoy a foam party along with various summer water games. It¡¦s loads of fun at the Ocean Park Caribbean Summer Splash!

Chinese singer Gao Mingjun has back to record industry with his new album "Homeward Bound" after ten years departure. This Saturday night he will stage a mini concert at SOHO Plaza at 6:30pm in Beijing.

On the fifth anniversary of Beijing winning its Olympics bid, a grand concert called "Volunteer Beijing" will be held at Beihang University on July 13th.

The concert also aims to promote the recruitment of volunteers starting in August for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Big names like Sun Nan, Yu Quan, South Korean star Kangta and Joey Yung are part of an all-star lineup to encourage more young Chinese people to work as volunteers for 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Soul singer Ai Dai and TV host Chen Zhengfei, both from MTV, will host the concert.

The event is a part of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Cultural Festival, which runs from Friday to July 15, with the theme "Experience the Civilization & Enjoy the Olympic Games."