Students at colleges left trailing on fitness levels

The average fitness level of primary and secondary school students in China has improved slightly after years of decline, but that of college students continues to worsen, according to a national report.

'Nobody told us there were chemicals here'

Some residents say they will not return to their homes now that they know toxic products were stored nearby

Residents want govt to buy their property

Some property owners near the Tianjin blast site expect the government to buy apartments that were damaged by Wednesday's explosions, but government officials have not made such a commitment.

Flying shards highlight lack of required safety glass in buildings

Residents say the massive blasts at a chemical warehouse in Tianjin highlighted the lack of enforcement of a national law that requires the use of tempered safety glass in many residential and public buildings.

In the face of chaos, people persevere

Abe shies away from a direct apology

China is urging Japan to repent in concrete terms after Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attempted to downplay his country's aggression in a long-awaited statement marking the end of World War II.

Types of chemicals in warehouse explosion remain unknown

Tianjin authorities said on Friday that they still don't know the detailed types and quantities of dangerous chemicals that were being stored in a warehouse that exploded in the port city on Wednesday night, killing at least 56 people.

Germans get back to basics in village

A self-described shaman who discovered the healing powers of herbs while seeing visions on his sickbed, a former IBM consultant who ditched PowerPoint presentations to drive across Africa and an artist-plumber from Luxembourg.

Hot list

Independent touring has become a popular choice of Chinese tourists on summer vacation. If you also want to enjoy great views from the road in a more flexible way, here are some of the best routes for driving tours on the Chinese mainland:

Looking ahead

Events and stories coming up in the next few days

On chinadaily.com.cn

Visit for breaking news and exclusive content

US pilot is remembered in book and documentary

A documentary and a book in Chinese recounting the exploits of a US fighter pilot who parachuted to safety in Hong Kong after shooting down a Japanese warplane during World War II will ensure that his heroic deeds are not lost to posterity.