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Fran Lu
Reporter, Culture
Fran has been a reporter since 2014, mainly covering social and cultural stories about China. She writes about lifestyle, social trends and youth culture.
Fran has been a reporter since 2014, mainly covering social and cultural stories about China. She writes about lifestyle, social trends and youth culture.
Areas of Expertise:
Society, culture, artLanguages Spoken:
English, Mandarin
Taxing training regime leaves 23-year-old unable to urinate as doctors warn of over-exercising in hot and humid weather.
Twin discovers ‘secret to immortality’ after unlocking her dead brother’s private blog 14 years after he perished in a car accident.
Under-pressure taxi drivers seek to boost earnings, offer massage services, fit in-car disco balls and stage on-the-road singing competitions.
Buyer purchases new-build unit with limited property rights despite risks, ends up propertyless, mired in messy legal tussle.
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Ancient ritual based around a mythical mother goddess sees work of women in household celebrated; involves baking cakes.
Brave dancer with a dream who was brought up by a single mother overcomes falls and pain, takes to stage with determination.
‘Best angel investor’ stays by side of ‘annoying’ childhood friend who has become a motorsports legend.
Chinese have a tradition of consuming animal organs, hoping to nourish their corresponding human equivalents.
Son of migrant worker from poor rural background uses AI to check academic research papers; pushes for reform to stamp out dishonesty.
Electric bicycle rider feared her throat would be cut by cord as she crossed busy bridge; incident sparks calls for greater safety measures.
‘Golden’ accessories of party secretary in village hit by torrential rain arouse both sarcastic criticism and support; she reveals they are fake.
Crime fighters get on their knees to manually search shifting sands; eventually find ‘despairing’ visitor’s mobile at peak of a dune.
Application inspired by developer’s fear of walking home alone late at night becomes potential lifesaver for elderly people.
56-year-old farmer tries unsuccessfully to self-medicate, stops travelling for fear of consequences, cannot sleep.
‘Obsessed’ innovator uses drones and levers to operate flying machine; hopes to eventually have his prototype mass-produced.
‘Hungry and carried away’ 42-year-old gulps down scorching hot dish; drinks iced water to ease pain, is diagnosed next day.
Educator pens stinging rebuke to ‘tired’ complaining cigarette lover, telling them if they want ‘comfort’ they should go to the library.
Around 40 universities feature names inscribed by Mao Zedong, whose distinctive running script-style handwriting is widely recognised.
‘Sloppy and unhygienic’ looking grandfather gets cleaned up by nanny he met in shop; faces fight with his son over ownership of home.
Entrance to famous Beijing landmark holds centuries of traditional ritual belief, including that if women touch it they will be granted a son.
Stricken pair thought to be first in China to fall ill with debilitating condition at same time; disorder may have come from pet hamster.
Stylish 19-year-old attracts customers by striking a variety of poses as he works with his wok, dangles unlit cigarette from his mouth as gimmick.
A good night of shut eye is part of the human condition and ancient Chinese rules involving mirrors and sharp objects remain to this day.
Girl from poor family with debilitating illness weighs about half that of a healthy teenager; family thank kind strangers for cash donations.
Fortune-telling has become an appealing escape for youth, helping them navigate mounting pressures of education, career and relationships.
Good Samaritan street food stall boss saves life of 3-year-old stranger; actions inspire others to sign for donation programme.
Tradition had it that the colour meant the element earth, symbolising that ‘all land belongs to the king, and all people are his subjects’.
Woman makes formal complaint after tasting ‘tough’ granules in her drink; investigation clears shop of any wrongdoing.
Mainland youngsters reflect on ‘paid’ time spent caring for and keeping company with their parents, say it is not a panacea for tough job market.
According to Chinese tradition, the manner in which a person does their garment up can have consequences, from bad luck to taking a beating.
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