Belarus opens door to welcome more Chinese tourists

Belarus will further open its doors and expects to attract more Chinese tourists as the countries signed a memorandum in Beijing on Friday.

Smoking rate on decline in Beijing

Smoking rates in Beijing decreased by 1.1 percentage point after the implementation of tobacco control regulations in the capital, city authorities said on Friday.

Top scientist in nuclear, satellite program dies

Yuan Chengye, a renowned Chinese chemist who played a vital role in the "Two Bombs, One Satellite" project, China's nuclear and space program, died on Jan 9 aged 94.

IN BRIEF (Page 4)

Agencies use tricks to fuel Weibo trends

Shanghai's internet watchdog has criticized agencies that offer to manipulate rankings on Sina Weibo to create "hot topics", after a mix-up involving hip-hop fans and a Party magazine.

Qingdao, Tianjin change hukou rules to give renters access to urban services

Two major cities are to begin allowing renters to acquire urban hukou - a registered resident's permit - in a move experts say will attract more skilled workers and boost rental markets.

Measures to ease capital congestion

Beijing will introduce more measures to deal with parking difficulties and traffic congestion this year, with the aim to improve satisfaction in the public transportation system.

Demolition killer loses death sentence appeal

A villager who killed two men in eastern China during an argument over the demolition of his house has lost an appeal against his suspended death sentence.

IN BRIEF (Page 4)

J-20 fighter takes part in first combat exercises

The Chinese Air Force has deployed its best combat plane - the J-20 stealth fighter jet - to conduct exercises with other advanced jets.

Collision may have left small oil spill

A possible small oil spill has been discovered near where two ships collided in the East China Sea five days ago, as the blaze on an oil tanker continued to rage.

Regulator gives go-ahead to major Xinjiang telescope

Plans to build one of the world's largest moving single-dish radio telescopes in northwestern China have been given the green light, it was announced on Thursday.