BEIJING, Dec. 18 (Xinhuanet) -- Trends often buck tradition. But the Chinese who are embracing new lifestyles are finding self-confidence and satisfaction in their choices. China Pictorial looks at some of these "new lives."

    E-People

     Twenty-five percent of Chinese city dwellers (especially small cities) are regular Internet users. According to the twelfth "Survey Report on Internet Development in China" released by the China Internet Network Information Center, the most authoritative institution in this field, by June 30, 2003, Internet users had come to 68 million. Nearly 85 percent of them were below the age of 35.

    The ever-expanding group of Internet visitors has brought about tremendous net-related business opportunities and stimulated the emergence of countless suppliers of online commodities. The Internet has made digital life possible, where 'Net addicts enjoy purchasing commodities, searching for information, catching up with relatives and friends through e-mail, releasing and spreading news, and lingering in chat rooms.

    There is now a tribe that depends on the Internet for living. This tribe numbers several million, and nearly 70 percent of them hold a bachelor's degree or above and earn a monthly income of more than 3,000 yuan. They are 32 years of age on average, and many of them are the earliest Internet elite of China. The Internet has become an integral part of their work and lives. Except for sleep, they spend almost all day online-doing office work, browsing the news, and e-mailing.

    They can't imagine the days before a computer, and might not be able to breathe without theirs.

    When he came across the Internet by chance three years ago, Ma Ge did not expect that his life would become so wonderful. Now, every day, he jacks into cyberspace, talking with his girlfriend and doing many other things online. His proudest achievement is that he once lived a full month without using a single note of currency-all of his daily necessities were bought through online transactions with e-money.

    As Ma said, cyber-life has just started in China, but once you enter it, you will become irredeemably addicted, and this addiction will delight you much more than you expected.

    Recharging Through Study

    "Recharge," a term in physics, is often used by Chinese people to describe those with a desire to update their knowledge and skills to adapt to the requirements and development of society and to enrich their spiritual lives. While young people pour into schools for advanced studies in foreign languages and computer science, the older generations also attend classes in the fields of their interest. China has become host to an "intellectual economy." A growing number of adults have returned to classrooms. During their weekends, public holidays, and paid vacations, they pass the time reading and studying.

    Xu Mei works at a law firm but spends every weekend at the Beijing National Library. Many Chinese like her would rather study to recharge their knowledge than rest or hang out with family or friends during their spare time. Visiting bookstores, attending training classes, and reading in libraries, they immerse themselves in the world of knowledge.

    Chinese people have a reading tradition handed down from ancient times. Many ancient people found it enjoyable to read, write, and collect books. A widely known Chinese proverb goes: We can study until old age and still not finish.

    As society develops and competition becomes increasingly intense, Chinese people are well conscious that only when they obtain broad and profound knowledge through reading and studying can they improve themselves and their careers and realize their own potential.

    Since 1999, Chinese governmental institutions of different levels have organized some 37 million cadres, about 90 percent of the nation's total, to participate in study and training programs in various forms.

    Liu Shuang, an administrative cadre in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, firmly believes that whenever he opens a book, he will benefit from reading.

    "Besides the study organized by my unit," he said, "I have developed a habit of reading at least an hour a day."

    The subjects of the books he reads range from his professional field to fiction, history, and economics.

    "Reading can help me keep peace of mind and even solve difficulties at work," said Liu. "A growing number of Chinese people have placed themselves in an atmosphere of study, and along with China's progress of building a well-to-do society, a studious society will finally form and will involve the entire population."