Apply, then sit back, cross your fingers and pray

Matthew Knowles, 30, from the United States received a full Chinese Government Scholarship for a one-year performing arts program at the Beijing Film Academy in 2013.

Foreign students receive up to 99,800 yuan aid

International students awarded Chinese Government Scholarships are receiving increased financial support following a change in the way the system works.

Grower cultivating taste for raspberries

After years in Canada, nobody expected businessman Huang Yuanchao to return to Tianmen in central China's Hubei province to start a raspberry empire.

Around China

A 27-year-old woman will become the youngest professor and PhD tutor in China when she returns to her alma mater, Zhejiang University, in August. Lu Yingying graduated from the university five years ago and has been conducting postdoctoral research in the field of energy materials at Cornell and Stanford universities in the United States.

Wanda eyeing stake in AC Milan soccer team

Dalian Wanda Group is interested in purchasing a 30 percent stake of Italian soccer team AC Milan, as the company continues its shopping spree to build a sports empire in Europe.

Campaign against graft in 'tug of war'

China's anti-corruption drive will neither cease nor decelerate in the new year, the top anti-corruption body announced on the first working day after the Chinese New Year holiday.

Most Chinese forced to return home were living abroad illegally

More than 60 percent of Chinese who were repatriated from overseas last year were returned for being illegal residents, immigration inspection officials in Beijing said.

Beijing plans electronic collection of parking fees

Beijing plans to introduce electronic payment for roadside parking to regulate the market and collect all the fees it is owed, the Beijing municipal traffic authority said.

IN BRIEF (Page 4)

Why China's youth is getting the needle

Propelled forward by the people behind her, Chang Huan finally got onto the crammed 397 bus. The rear door slapped against her back as it closed, and there was no room to turn around because her backpack was pressed tight against the glass door.

Think before you ink: Know the risks

Although tattoos are becoming increasingly popular in China, the practice is unregulated. No licenses or certificates are required to open a parlor, which means it's hard to guarantee the rights and safety of customers.

Learning where to draw the line

First Person | Cao Chen