Ok, I'm going to rise to the question of "what is the purpose of Wechat?" Lots of things to different people and yes, it is a bit Facebook like with the moments function.
What I use it for:
Instant messaging, especially when I don't need an immediate reply (I'd actually call if it was urgent!). I use it for social and work related messages.
Sharing photos...yes some are of the scenery, selfie, food variety bit for work issues in factories it is quick to send a photo then call to discuss the problem, especially if I don't have my laptop.
Locations.....sometimes when meeting friends were struggling to find places. The send location function works really well and links into various mapping apps.
Taxis....my wife has hers linked into didi dache so orders taxi on that app but pays for it with wechat.
Group chats/groups....I only use two. One private with some good friends, one a beer group! Most are a waste of time as its just gossip, trolling and lame comments.
I've not linked my bank card yet but plan to as I can then use the various top up & payment functions.
Free voice calls. Works better than Skype for both voice and video using wifi for chatting so saves on my phone bills.
Official accounts. Im linked to a number of live venues where I get gig updates so have an idea of any bands worth seeing (I live in Guangzhou and I prefer these notifications than using Douban)
Liverpool brings football philosophy and training to Kunming
发布者"Kunming was more recently thought to be in the hunt for a new Chinese Super League franchise. Rumors were rampant that European coaching legend Sven-Göran Eriksson was considered a front-runner to run the team, but nothing ever came from such efforts."
Sven is past it! He's done nothing in his time in China at GZ Fuli, SIPG or Shenzhen.
Government sues parents to get kids back to school
发布者@Janjal, good point about 15 years old & marriage. What about these (combined) points:
"while the other two are working in another city. Their parents have promised the two children will return to school next semester."
"A kid working in the city can bring back 20,000 yuan [US$3,000] a year," an official at a county-level education bureau in Yunnan told local media in 2014"
So local officials are condoning children working illegally underage? First quote is more valid as it refers directly to this case! They know two of the kids are working illegally & havent dome anything about it except get "promises" from the parents that they'll send them back to school "next semester"!
Life on the Dulong River: Stepping towards the present
发布者I also agree Alien. Governments the world over seem to know what's best for people rather than asking them what they want.
Up to 1,000 Dali businesses to close in face of new policy
发布者"However, business owners such as Mr Zhao, who spent six million yuan (US$870,000) to open a guesthouse, worries about his livelihood and those of his employees. He blames government inaction and "hasty decisions" for the entire situation, saying:"
Well maybe if he'd built his guesthouse properly with connections to sewage, etc he wouldn't be in this position now...
China losing patience with Myanmar over Myitsone Dam
发布者Naïve question 2: Do China's anti-corruption and environmental laws apply to the activities of Chinese-owned companies?