A star reborn

She's battled tough opponents and sometimes her own fractious ego for years, but tennis star Li Na is finally feeling at ease with her game, her celebrity role in the spotlight and what it takes to be a role model off court.

What they say

Carlos really saved my marriage because the relationship between me and Jiang Shan could return to as simply being a couple after Carlos came. It's not because we no longer had feelings for each other as athlete and coach. We just feel more comfortable now as wife and husband.

This lady's no 'one-Slam wonder'

Be there twice and then you understand what it takes to get there again: That's how much Li Na's second Grand Slam championship matters for her future career.

Taxi fare vs taxi fair

The popularity of mobile apps has made grabbing a cab much easier for the young and tech-savvy, while others say they are stuck out in the cold without rides. Gan Tian studies the debate.

Film fraternity mourns death of 'godfather' of China's filmmakers

Without Wu Tianming, renowned film directors such as Zhang Yimou and Huang Jianxin would have had a much more difficult time entering China's film industry and the film revolution created by the so-called "Fifth Generation" might not have happened or at least would not have taken the shape that it did.

Fading sound

Half of all hearing-loss cases are avoidable through primary prevention, according to a World Health Organization report. Liu Zhihua finds out the details.

Lending an ear to children

Hu Xiangyang, president of the China Rehabilitation and Research Center for Deaf Children, became increasingly busy just before the National Ear Care Day, which fell on Monday.

IN BRIEF (Page 22)

Fishing in the desert

He Yanzhong felt his legs weakening and his head spinning. Before he could make sense of what was going on, he collapsed to the ground. A total of 21 hours passed before he woke up from the coma and found himself in the hospital.

Tibetan tongue

Pu Tsering, a good-natured primary school teacher, is very strict when it comes to the Tibetan language.

Caring Liuzhou woman shines as role model for all ages

While they say God helps those who help themselves, Zhang Xiu-ping's philosophy is simpler.

Quanzhou charms

Many travelers visiting East China's Fujian province head straight for Xiamen, a seaside city widely regarded as the area's biggest tourist draw. But nearby Quanzhou, packed with culture and history, is just as worthy of your time.