Last night was the first of threefive Shanghai screenings of Red Light Revolution, a film from Australian director Sam Voutas that proudly proclaims itself "China's first ever sex shop comedy." The subject matter is definitely relevant to China today, where 70% of the world's sex toys are produced, and vibrators are sold next to the checkout stand at Family Mart (of all places.) The film has been shown all over the festival circuit, and lucky for us they are now touring China after receiving a grant to host private screenings in cities all over the country. more ›

The 8th annual Shanghai Sexpo, or 'Shanghai Reproductive and Adult Health Expo' as it's called in Chinese, was held over a three-day period last weekend and drew crowds of 6,500 people (see our past coverage here.) Most of these were men (about 3% were women) and the average age was around 30. Going by the photos, many came less for the products, and more for the ogling of Japanese lingerie models on stage. more ›

The lovely folks down in Guangzhou celebrated their Halloween by throwing a big sex culture festival at the Guangzhou Jinhan Exhibition Center. Amongst the million dollar sex toys and lingerie runway shows was this shot (on news.163.com) of a few blow up dolls, one of which happens to be modeled after the President of the United States. more ›

Speaking of sex toys, I wonder if this was calculated into the 70% of adult entertainment items exported from China. Found on DIY Trade, this saucy cocker (heh) spaniel was manufactured in China and will make sure your dog aims for something other than your guest's leg. At least I hope you end up buying it for your dog. more ›

It's probably not surprising, considering everything's Made in China(tm) - but did you know that this country assembles and exports 70% of the sex toys in the world? The industry, with over 1000 manufacturers making everything from vibrators to fetish clothing, is worth about $2 billion USD (roughly 13.5 billion RMB)! And apparently, if this old Guardian article is any indication, they've been on top for the last 5 years at least. more ›

From Scopofile Films comes this new comedy about sex shop owners in Beijing called 红灯梦 (Red Light Revolution). Favorite line: "What's wrong with a giant cock? Maybe everyone's got a giant cock in their briefcase. You just don't know, that's all." [Thanks Danwei] more ›

• Chinese sex toy market explodes [Sydney Morning Herald] "VIDEO: Chinese sex toy manufacturer, Sweet Secret, trains sales staff ahead of the opening of its first Beijing store."
• More Chinese Astronauts Prefer Volvos [Wired] "Four pioneers in Chinese space exploration have made it their mission to purchase Volvo S80L sedans. That’s one small step for man, one giant sedan for the garage. After returning safely from the Shenzhou 7 space mission, taikonauts Yang Liwei, Zhai Zhigang, Liu Boming and Jing Haipeng purchased matching luxury cars. According to Volvo Cars China, the quartet decided on the Chinese-exclusive S80L for three reasons: the car is safe, built locally, and the “brand image expresses premiumness and is not ostentatious.”"
• Don't Mess With China's Kids [Forbes] "Given China's habit of punishing individuals who protest against the government, it takes a lot of courage-or rage-for comrades to come forward. What gets Chinese people out in the streets demonstrating every time? Forcing parents to abide by a one-child policy, and then letting someone kill the one child to save a buck."

Shanghai-based photographer Andreas Larsson takes us around the Suzhou production facilities of Lelo, a Swedish high-end sex toy label that manufactures adult toys for upwardly mobile women. We hear they're known for producing dildos so cute you'll want to put them into your handbag and carry them with you wherever you go. Now who says you can't be horny and classy at the same time? more ›

Sex is on the agenda this month and it's all about accessory-assisted sexuality. Next weekend, The 5th China International Adult Toys and Reproductive Health Exhibition (a.k.a. China Adult-Care Expo—we love the name) takes place. As an exclusive and trade-only show, China Adult-Care Expo has become one of the more renowned trading fairs in the industry. Items on display will include: vibrators, dildos, love dolls, anal stimulators, bondage gear, lube, erotic furniture, piercing, condoms, toys for girls/boys, lingerie, S&M gear, sex-related medicines, and we-have-no-idea -what-that-does-but -it-looks-scary products. more ›