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- Barbie hits the high seas
- Is Hong Kong really 'Asia's World City'?
- World's best Chinatowns
- Joyland is China's 'Disneyland' for the digital era
| Posted: 11 Sep 2012 07:43 PM PDT by CNNGo staff Royal Caribbean International is about to get a whole lot cooler with the under-10 female travel set. The mega cruise line has teamed up with toy maker Mattel to offer travelers the "Barbie Premium Experience" aboard its entire global fleet of 22 ships. What this means is pink staterooms, pink fashion shows and pink tea parties. At least 50 shades of pink, to be sure.
No word on whether boy Barbie fans can participate, or simply sit back and watch because that's where all the cute girls on the ship are hanging out. read more     |
| Is Hong Kong really 'Asia's World City'? Posted: 11 Sep 2012 06:05 PM PDT
The organization is one of a number of think tanks set up to determine how the planet's metropolises rank against one another. Alpha cities have a few characteristics in common, outlined by urban studies scholars, for whom such a place is defined, basically, as a vital part of the global economy. Also known as "world cities," they should, for example, house a major stock exchange, provide a variety of international financial services and appear near the top of cost of living lists. So far, so good for Hong Kong. It's given the second-best ranking of "alpha+" together with rivals Singapore and Shanghai in the latest GaWC report. read more    |
| Posted: 11 Sep 2012 11:50 AM PDT
No matter where Chinese people end up, they manage to create three essential things to make their new place home. A traditional Chinese New Year festival; commerce; a good place to eat. Here's where it happens in the world's most scenic Chinatowns. Which is your favorite Chinatown? Tell us in your own iReport read more    |
| Joyland is China's 'Disneyland' for the digital era Posted: 11 Sep 2012 09:50 AM PDT
When Joyland (嬉戏谷) first reared its costumed head back in 2006, it was billed as the Disneyland of the digital era. Now, the colossal RMB 2 billion (US$315 million) venture is best known to the outside world as the theme park of "World of Warcraft" and "Starcraft." Roughly two hours' drive northwest of Shanghai, in the Wujing District of Changzhou, the 800,000-square-meter park is a digital-themed wonderland with zones and rides modeled after video games and comic shows. Two main areas are heavily based on game franchises "World of Warcraft" and "Starcraft," though neither is officially licensed by Blizzard Entertainment. read more    |
Well done, Royal Caribbean. The parents look just as plastic as Barbie herself. "Girls can enjoy staterooms decorated in the iconic doll's signature style as well as exclusive, themed activities throughout the duration of their cruise –- from an invitation-only tea party and mermaid dance class to a fashion design workshop and Barbie Girls fashion show," says Royal Caribbean. 
There are alpha cities and beta cities. There are even gamma-minus cities, according to a regular study by the Globalization and World Cities (GaWC) Research Network.
Manila kids know their way around a Chinese dragon.There's a Chinatown in every major city in the world, such is the huge footprint of Chinese people who have left the motherland for a life elsewhere.
Video games' settings are brought to life at Joyland ... unofficially.| You are subscribed to email updates from CNNGo.com To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
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