Runners take on China's 'most-testing' marathon

Long-distance running has become big business in China - a fact not lost on Abbott Laboratories, the United States healthcare company, which was one of the main sponsors of this year's 16th Huangyaguan Great Wall Marathon, held on Saturday in Tianjin.

Working to preserve the country's rich cultural treasure

Peng Baohong said she felt very sad when she arrived at the famous village of Magu on March 23.

Yao to dedicate more time to helping schools

Former NBA star Yao Ming said he wants to be more than just a philanthropist who raises money. He wants to volunteer more of his time to good causes.

IN BRIEF (Page 18)

Foreign tech firms launch R&D centers in wider range of cities

Foreign technology companies are moving into second-tier cities and developing research centers after taking advantage of preferential policies.

Easier bond rules may boost investment

The rules for bond issues may be eased to bolster investment as the economy slows.

Greek bailout deal very close, says minister

Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis said that he expects an agreement with bailout creditors within the next week, which would save the cash-strapped country from fast-approaching bankruptcy.

Swiss franc wins back its status as a safe haven

The Swiss franc is back to being a haven from market turmoil.

Indian shopping giant eyes e-commerce

Ever since Amazon.com Inc and others started shipping items ranging from lingerie to iPads, Shoppers Stop Ltd, India's oldest department chain store, has been under pressure to scale up its online sales.

Gold woes may take shine off summer

For gold traders, summer has come early. Just don't book your trip to the beach yet.

Continental to buy Elektrobit unit for $680m

Continental AG plans to buy Elektrobit Oyj's automotive business for 600 million euros ($680 million) as Europe's second-biggest maker of car parts and tires creates systems to enable automated driving. Elektrobit stock surged to a 14-year high.

Erzhong to leave market in Shanghai voluntarily

China Erzhong Group Heavy Industries Co Ltd, a State-owned producer of heavy technical equipment, will become the first company to delist voluntarily from the stock market on the Chinese mainland.