$34m project preserves historic palace

Paintings, cultural relics, frescos, scriptures and buildings at a world heritage site have been safeguarded for future generations thanks to a long-term restoration program.

Expert welcomes plan for lists of govt powers

Plans to make governments at county level and above compile lists of the powers they possess have been welcomed by an expert who described the initiative as a "great step forward" as the nation updates its system of governance.

IN BRIEF (Page 4)

Wang Xiaohong, 57, has been been appointed deputy mayor and police chief of the capital, according to China News Service. Wang, from Fujian province, was formerly Henan province's police chief.

Red river keeps on rolling

Every Chinese person knows that the Chishui River in Guizhou province has two claims to fame: One military, the other cultural.

A snapshot of times long gone

The Chishui River, a tributary of the Yangtze River, is the last safe haven for a number of rare and endangered species of fish, so it should never be developed commercially, a senior hydrobiologist said.

Cremation push brings a backlash, says expert

Authorities should not take radical measures to increase the number of cremations, a government think tank expert said as the country prepares to unveil a new regulation on funeral affairs by the end of the year.

Confidence in food safety dropping

Public satisfaction with and confidence in the country's food safety has dropped compared with last year, according to a research center attached to the China Food and Drug Administration.

Environmental NGO sues polluter

An environmental federation is suing an industrial polluter in Shandong province for damages from air pollution.

Campus branch to coordinate research with regional development

Beijing Foreign Studies University launched its first off-campus branch in Foshan, Guangdong province, on Friday, in a bid to link intellectual research and regional development.

IN BRIEF (Page 4)

The shape of things to come

There is a long-established stereotype of Asian, especially Chinese, women. They are seen as caring, polite and gentle, usually heavily family oriented, soft-spoken and with a gentle demeanor that conveys great charm.

Sale figures show regional variations

In August, Taobao, China's biggest online shopping platform, published a report that showed sales of A-cup bras were falling while sales of C cups were rising.