Liv Lewitschnik
Future imperfect
Sichuan was one of China’s poorest provinces until investment from Beijing and abroad brought boom times to its capital. Chengdu and its ‘pambassadors’ went on a global sales offensive.
Business
China heads to Australia on the hunt for arable land and Germany goes back to boat-building basics.
Soft central
Even Moscow now courts persuasion over coercion. Monocle's third annual Soft Power Survey ranks nations by charm, culture and clout — revealing who wields influence best, and who squanders it.
Eager weavers
Cebu is the base for many high-end furniture brands, but is only recently gaining recognition for its skilled craftsmanship. Meet the people boosting the city’s reputation and supporting local talent.
Last resort
The southern isle of Hainan is China’s newest tourism hub, thanks to a €381bn revamp. But with new hotels, airports and rail links, could this be a front for covert military operations?
George Town
Entrepreneurs seeking a renovation project will find dilapidated charm and shop-houses in George Town. Part of the Malaysian city, a Unesco world heritage site, is now welcoming independent businesses.
Monocle travel guide
Monocle island-hops to the Maldives, visits a Stockholm restaurant with no menu and finds the best coffees from New Zealand to San Francisco.
