Freezing, but fun

Winter can be tough in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. For some people, the freezing temperatures and heavy snowfalls mean it's just a time to be endured, but for those flocking to sports venues across the region, child-ren especially, winter isn't long enough.

Winter athletes desperate to impress on home soil

As the festive atmosphere of New Year's holiday wafted around the city of Urumqi, the sight of speedskater Rehanbai Talabuhan skimming across the ice at a suburban rink, making circle after circle, was truly impressive.

Double amputee teen intends to soar as pilot

An earthquake buried Huang Meihua in the rubble of her primary school, crushing the then 11-year-old's legs, but not her spirit.

Around China

Hubei

Slow growth pegged for 2016

China's economic growth is likely to hit a 25-year low of 6.7 percent this year, pushing government policy to focus on supply-side reforms as slowing manufacturing and sluggish exports remain, a think tank report said on Tuesday.

Taiwan transfers opening to travelers

Chinese mainland authorities are considering allowing residents to travel on from Taiwan for the first time, the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office announced on Tuesday.

IN BRIEF (Page 4)

Long court delays can bring payment

People accused of crimes who suffer long delays in getting a final court judgment can receive State compensation for time spent in detention and their cases can be thrown out, under a new judicial interpretation that took effect on Jan 1.

Relocation of wild African elephants to China hailed

Relocating more wild African elephants from Zimbabwe to China in the near future will help protect the animals, as they will be in a better and safer environment, a high-ranking Zimbabwean official said.

Guangzhou plans migrant integration

Five communities have been chosen as pilot areas in a plan to integrate migrant workers with local residents in Guangzhou, Guandong province.

Watchdog to avoid tainted agencies

The national environmental watchdog has cut links to more than 70 agencies that provide environmental impact assessments, a move to rein in the corrupt trading of power and money.

Waste not, want not

Compared with many of his middle-aged peers, who are conventional and wary of new developments, Wang Yuanyuan is an exception.