IN BRIEF (Page 4)

Master forger's drawings used in 96% of fake notes

More than 96 percent of the counterfeit money confiscated in recent years was printed using copies of original artwork produced by a forger in Shantou, Guangdong province.

Shaanxi offers higher rewards for ancient relics

Generous financial incentives are being offered to people in Shaanxi province to encourage them to help protect the province's rich heritage.

Traditional Miao cures to boost health of Guizhou's economy

Herbal medicines developed by the Miao ethnic group over thousands of years are to be used to strengthen the economy of Guizhou province.

Students shiver in freezing classrooms

The thermometer in an elementary school classroom in Guizhou province displays 7 C, and Chinese language teacher Wu Minglan can see her breath as she blows over her cold fingers.

Singer voices concern for old home

Folk singer Lei Yan, a member of the Miao ethnic group, is determined to protect her cultural identity.

Top players looking to join China's field of dreams

On March 12, Qin Bing became the undoubted envy of his friends and family. The 27-year-old bank clerk overcame staggering odds to become one just of 2,000 lucky fans to win tickets to attend the Beijing Ducks' first home game in the best-of-seven league finals of the Chinese Basketball Association.

What they said

It (cancellation of administrative approval for commercial and mass sports events) would be a significant step toward forming a free market for the sports industry to grow, but it would be just one step in a long journey. More measures should be considered to improve cooperation with the public security department, the health care authorities, and even the fire departments to simplify the administrative procedures of event organization, so event investors and operators can save time and manpower costs.

Sister wages 8-year battle saving brother from death

Spring Festival for Nian Jianlan was a bittersweet experience. It was the first Chinese New Year she had celebrated with her younger brother in eight years, since his release from prison.

Around China

Sichuan

New service caters to commuters

China Express Airlines has launched a monthly ticket service that allows passengers to fly between Chongqing municipality and Wanzhou district as many times as they like within a month, a promotion designed to grow the market for commuter airlines against strong competition from highways and railways.

What they say

Along with China's social and economic development, hosting the World Cup will naturally be included on the government agenda in the near future, although we haven't had a timetable for it.