New commission in charge of landmark protection

The Commission for the Protection of the Historical and Cultural Landmarks in Beijing, established Monday by the municipal government, is the first government-level organization dedicated to preserving historic urban buildings.

Countryside faces lack of safe drinking water

More than 100 million people in the countryside still lack access to safe drinking water, according to a report published Monday by the Ministry of Water Resources and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

Doctor says superbug unlikely to spread in China

Top Chinese medical scientists said a superbug is unlikely to be as widespread as epidemics such as SARS and A/H1N1 influenza after traces of a multi-drug-resistant superbug were found in the country Tuesday.

Student look to France for education in luxury

Luxury management, wine and finance have become popular majors for Chinese students studying in France in the past two years, according to Group INSEEC, a top French education group that owns eight schools in five cities in France.

Gov may restrict begging and performing on public transportation

On Monday, the Legislative Affairs Office under the State Council issued a draft of administrative regulations that would forbid begging and performances of all kinds on buses and subways. Passengers can report violators to the police via a mobile hotline.

The risk of charity

Last Wednesday, a local newspaper reported on the plight of Gao Maiyun, an old woman who supports her family by working as a water deliverer in Shijingshan district.

From Made-in China to Made-for-China

Global brands are finally wooing consumers in the world’s factory. Last month, France’s luxury giant Hermes announced its first store in Shanghai, following in the steps of Louis Vuitton luggage and Fendi baguettes.

Report says nation to be No.2 by 2050

The country’s current rate of growth could make it the world’s second most powerful nation by 2050, trailing only the US, according to the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS).

Dogs reflect nation’s rise – New York Times article praises China’s dog owners

The country’s dogs are under the world spotlight again, but this time it’s not because of abuse. An article in the New York Times on October 14 looks at dog ownership in Beijing and calls it a herald of “how quickly this nation is hurtling through its transformation from impoverished peasant to first-world citizen.”