No, it is not a typo… Shanzhai - which literally means “mountain stronghold” - refers to lack of state control and now by extension to China’s fake products and brands.

With time, the word took on a different meaning: once used to suggest something cheap or inferior, shanzhai now suggests to many a certain Chinese cleverness and ingenuity - some go as far as seeing it turning into a cultural movement. Lately, shanzhai was taken even to a higher level by the creation on the Internet of a television show mimicking the official channels’ key programs. 

Behind this capacity to “emulate” goods, there are often OEMs. In the case of mobile phon(y)es, you would like find MediaTek a company producing mobile chips that are found in many of the knock-off products.

The Beijing Airport is trying to get feedback from the passengers. But this very commendable initiative is just slightly biased…. since you can vote before being granted entry and receiving your passport back from the Customs’ officer.

As you can see, in addition to voting you can even leave a “voice” comment. Can you imagine complaining to the machine right in front of the officer?

Some of you may remember that Morse was officially abandonned in 1997, when the French navy ceased using the code with a final message ”Calling all. This is our last cry before our eternal silence.”

Well, it looks like Morse has not gone completely forgotten by everyone, and especially not netizens in China who are using it, among other, to escape the vigilance of the cyber-police!

Here is the link for those interested in translating from Chinese to morse or vice-versa.