New round of pollution inspections begins

The country's top environmental watchdog will dispatch about 18,000 law enforcement officers to conduct air pollution control inspections in three key areas starting on Monday.

Artifact hospital treats ailing relics

The Hospital for Cultural Relics, a state-of-the-art preservation center designed to protect and treat national treasures at Beijing's Palace Museum, opened to the public on a trial basis on Saturday, coinciding with China's Cultural and Natural Heritage Day.

IN BRIEF (Page 5)

Stronger punishments, better awareness urged to combat sexual assault of minors

A number of high-profile cases have prompted a review of school safety measures and parental oversight, as Zhang Yan reports.

Procuratorate pledges greater anti-abuse efforts

National prosecuting departments will redouble efforts to combat crimes against minors in schools or kindergartens, according to a statement issued by the Supreme People's Procuratorate and related bodies.

More 'special offices' to be opened

The Supreme People's Procuratorate has announced that the number of special offices that investigate the sexual abuse of minors will be increased nationwide.

Violin maker strings success over many years

Wang Zhenghua, 69, describes himself as a "sound sculptor" who carves melodies out of pieces of wood in Tianjin.

Straw now profitable as farmers turn former trash into treasure

Burning straw used to be a tedious burden for Liu Weiquan as he had to torch tons of it after annual harvests in Anhui province, with nothing to show for it financially.

Around China

Guangdong

Dynamic site of SCO summit illustrates benefits of trade

East China's Shandong province is going all out to support this year's summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, which takes place in the coastal city of Qingdao on Saturday and Sunday.

Internationalization key to businesses' global outreach

Shandong has achieved outstanding results in promoting internationalization and will continue to do so, officials said.

Cultural exchanges spur strengthened ties among organization's countries

Blessed with a wealth of history, Shandong has been playing its part in promoting cultural exchanges and strengthening friendships with countries involved with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.