In China, it’s customary for the host to pick up the entire bill. That’s true at family dinners, business dinners, and dinners out with friends.

When it is time to pay the electricity, phone and gas most people are used to getting a bill in their mailbox or just having money drawn from their accounts. If you are one of those people and are moving to China you’ve better read this.

Recently I have found myself with a rather lovely problem. I’ve got this great Chinese friend who I get on with brilliantly and who always has great ideas for places to visit and restaurants to eat in. We meet regularly, and she has lots of patience as I try and express myself in Mandarin.

AP - China's secretive communist government said Tuesday it has approved rules boosting official transparency but added that state secrets have to be safeguarded and social stability preserved.