A Rolling Stone for China

Rolling Stone magazine has launched a mainland Chinese edition, bringing its mix of iconic photographs and pop culture features to an increasingly globalized Chinese readership.

Chinese rock pioneer Cui Jian -- famed at home but largely unknown abroad -- graces the cover of March’s inaugural issue, which features translations from the English-language edition as well as content specially created for Chinese readers.

Topics include U2 frontman Bono and the influence of rock music on ending the Cold War as well as Taiwanese hip-hop star Jay Chou and the popularity of personal blogs among young, urban Chinese.

In a foreword, Editor in Chief Hao Fang reviewed the magazine’s groundbreaking journalism and do-it-yourself mentality.

“From today onward, let us summon our readers that we may in the East also create a miracle worthy of this era,” wrote Hao, who heads the editorial staff for Hong Kong-based licensee One Media Group.

In an interview, Hao said the magazine was responding to growing openness among young Chinese and wanted to capitalize on Rolling Stone’s strong brand.

The mainland Chinese version is the 11th international edition of Rolling Stone, which hits its 40th anniversary next year.

Hang said the first issue had a print run of 120,000. Many newsstands around Beijing on Tuesday said they had quickly sold out their initial deliveries.