Around China

Landscape authorities in Wuhan recently caused a stir when they fined a power supply worker surnamed Zhu 300 yuan ($46.90) for cutting tree branches during repair work on electricity facilities last week.

Low-grade coal is cheaper, but poses pollution challenge

The recurring gray smog in Beijing is a symbol of the thorny side of the country's modernization. The challenge is how to alter the use of the inferior coal that's responsible for much of it.

Sniff patrol identifies stinky hazards

Chen Yuanyuan has a talent for identifying odors collected in special bags from landfills and industrial plants.

Turnover up slightly in workplaces

As China's economic growth has slowed, many enterprises, especially in the manufacturing sector, have undertaken transformations and upgrades that have increased the turnover rate of employees this year, a recent survey showed.

Guangdong police smash triad gang

Police in the capital of Guangdong province detained 80 suspected members of a triad-related gang led by a local village head surnamed Jiang in two special operations this year.

Pediatrician shortage takes toll on child services

Some children's hospitals in China have been shut down due to a severe shortage of pediatricians, which has brought headaches to many parents across the country.

Aging population, changing attitudes drive senior care boom

Chinese people have traditionally relied on their children to help them in old age, and institutions for the elderly have not been widely accepted. However, things are changing.

IN BRIEF (Page 5)

Sailors to enjoy better working rights

In 2001, when Zhao Changyou became a merchant sailor at age 25, the first job he was given was scrubbing the greasy floor of a cargo ship's engine room.

Things are changing, but it's still tough

In September, I returned from a six-month cruise to Europe.

Ocean life can be boring

I was born and raised in Anhui, an inland province in East China, so I knew nothing about maritime jobs.

Noodles capture food lovers' fancy

A successful run on his numbingly hot noodle soup at the Chinese Food Festival in London is leading Zhou Zhengbo into a new business venture: selling traditional Chongqing xiaomian in Britain's big cities.