Anti-graft drive rises as festival closes in

As the Spring Festival holiday approaches, local disciplinary authorities are stepping up their anti-corruption efforts.

Fireworks sales fall before Lunar New Year

People are buying fewer and smaller fireworks than usual for the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday in Beijing and Shanghai, where authorities have reduced the number of outlets allowed to sell fireworks.

Hebei to design index that links illness to weather

Hebei will link weather forecasts with health risks, a move to inform people who are sensitive to changes in the weather so that they can take precautionary measures, authorities said.

Rocket designers set crosshairs on new air purifiers

Chinese carrier rocket designers are using their knowledge and expertise to tap into the public's demand for fresh and clean air.

Olympics to spur winter sport sector

President Xi Jinping's support for the winter sports industry has triggered an enthusiastic response from the sector, while experts are calling for an emphasis on management and staff training.

Ex-Sinopec GM jailed for corruption

Wang Tianpu, former general manager of oil giant China Petroleum and Chemical Corp, also known as Sinopec, was sentenced on Tuesday to 15 and a half years in prison for bribery and embezzlement, according to a court in Jiangxi province.

Duo handed prison terms over illegal vaccine trade

A woman and her daughter were handed prison terms on Tuesday after being convicted of selling vaccines without a license in Shandong province, according to a local court.

More people booking Spring Festival getaways

More Chinese are choosing to travel during Spring Festival rather than return to their hometowns for family reunions, a break from one of China's most important traditions.

IN BRIEF (Page 4)

Investment to help protect farmland

China will invest 600 billion yuan ($87.5 billion) in the next four years to enhance farmland protection and improve farmland facilities, an official said on Tuesday, as the country is set to encourage more private capital to participate in the farmland improvement process.

Activist unhappy with zoo's explanation

An animal welfare campaigner has accused the head of a Hangzhou zoo of failing to properly answer accusations over abuse of its tigers.

Public doubts reasons for panda deaths

State authorities have said that no efforts were spared in attempts to save two giant pandas whose deaths at a Shanghai zoo late last month triggered public anger.