China Scene: West
Leaning tower straightens up as groundwater rises
The ancient Dayan Pagoda (built in 652) in Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi province, is losing its tilt thanks to successful efforts to check the declining groundwater that had undermined it.
Over the past few decades, the 64-m-tall tower has developed a lean of about 1 m off its axis. Experts blamed declining groundwater levels. In 1999, the city government waded in and shut down 1,087 wells.
Since then, the level of groundwater has increased by 4.45 m in the area where the ancient is pagoda located.
(Chinese Business View)
Menagerie of wounded animals returned to nature
Some 30 wild animals were released into the wild last Wednesday after receiving medical treatment at the Yunnan wild animals rescue center in Yunnan province.
It was the center's biggest release of wild animals. The animals had trickled into the center over the past few months after local residents and policemen rescued them. The animals were all said to be in good condition at the time of their release. The animals were sent to Huanglianshen State nature reserve.
(Yunnan Daily)
American gorilla settles into new home at zoo
The people of Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi province, rolled out the red carpet for King Kong, a male gorilla born in the United States, on Saturday.
Checking in at 2.5 m tall with its arms extended and weighing more than 300 kg, the 32-year-old ape has settled into his new home at the Xi'an Qinling Qild Zoo. Gorillas are one of the world's most endangered species.
(Sanqin Metropolis Daily)
Stars' foundation treats poor children's palates
Rong Rong, a 10-year-old girl who had been suffering from cleft lip and palate, recently underwent a successful operation to treat the condition at a hospital in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.
She was the 100th child to receive free medical assistance from Smile Angel Foundation, a charitable group set up by film star Li Yapeng and his wife, Chinese pop diva Faye Wong. Since August, the fundation has sought applications from poor families in need of help in the region.
(Xinjiang Daily)
(China Daily 03/28/2008 page6)
