Teenager makes it to global arena

As a child, there was nothing Tang Xuemei wanted more than to walk out of her remote village locked in the mountains of Southwest China. She longed to see what was in the cities and towns.

Mission over, but volunteer chooses to stick around

Cai Sheng's time working with people disabled in the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake was meant to end last year, but he was not ready to leave. So he refused.

Where they are now ...

Drip Boy drops below the radar

The birth of civil society

Yang Bin lost all hope when he lost both legs. He "killed time" smoking and drinking after his limbs were amputated following the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake. He recalls bursting into tears the first time he saw his mother after the surgery.

Coastal city greens up its act for horticulture event

The ideals of ecology will be seen in every single tree, road and building, said Li Qun, Party chief of Qingdao, the host city of the 2014 International Horticultural Expo.

Qingdao to use expo as launch pad for new growth

Known for its golden sandy beaches, the Laoshan Mountains and many European-style villas, Qingdao has long been a popular tourist destination in China.

World cultures on display at upcoming exhibition

From the overall planning to the design and construction of a number of main venues and pavilions, the 2014 International Horticultural Expo in Qingdao promises to be a masterpiece that represents the world's top talent in horticulture and architecture.

IN BRIEF (Page 24)

Taicang emerging as modern city

The government of Taicang, a city in the southeastern part of Jiangsu province, has an ambitious plan to build it into a modern city that balances urbanization with protection of the natural environment.

Great place to invest, says German CEO

A pioneer in terms of attracting foreign investment, Taicang has witnessed sustained economic growth in the past few decades.

Port zone, a base for Yangtze Delta manufacturing

China Taicang Port Development Zone, the largest foreign trade port area in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, has become a key production base for manufacturers from China and abroad.

No light work will end climate change

On March 23 more than 150 countries across the world switched off their lights for an hour to show their support to create a sustainable planet.