Developments indicate decades of improvements

In addition to Song Zhenzhong's exhibition in Dongcheng district, many other events have been held across Beijing to mark the 40th anniversary of reform and opening-up.

From commonplace items to revered cultural icons

Honeycomb briquettes

Improved law made it easier to sue government entities

China has seen rapid growth in resolving lawsuits between citizens and government departments over the past five years, but taking officials to court would have been unheard of 30 years ago.

Leadership of farmer in Zhejiang brings visible result - a trash-free town

When Qiu Liqin, a self-described lifelong farmer from Lujiacun in Anji county, Zhejiang province, stepped onto the glittering stage at UN headquarters in New York in September, she told her story with passion.

Blam, pop, boom! China's fireworks industry thrives

His fists clenched as he gazed at the sky, Qiu Chunliang, a native of Dayao, a small town in Hunan province, stood at Michelangelo Square in Florence, Italy, on a bright day in November.

Audit: Poverty funds redirected

Auditors urged government departments to further regulate the use of funds for helping the poor and improve the sharing of information to ensure that poverty alleviation is achieved.

Tree coverage takes big strides in north

China's efforts to fight desertification in northern China have made major strides over the past 40 years, but challenges remain, according to an evaluation report by the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Country considering medical ethics panel

China is considering creating a national ethics committee that would supervise life science technologies and researchers to ensure they conform to ethical standards, a former top health official said on Monday.

Students get sheets with entrance exam answers

Education authorities have suspended several people after hundreds of students taking the national postgraduate entrance examination at two universities in Shandong province were provided with the answers in advance.

Ex-officials jailed for deaths at care center

Li Cuiqiong, former director of the civil affairs bureau of Xinfeng county, Guangdong province, was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve on Monday for her role in running a care center in which people were abused or died.

IN BRIEF (Page 4)

Tech takes teachers to remote classrooms

Livestreaming of school classes from high-quality city schools to classrooms in remote areas is being touted as a possible long-term solution to the educational disparity between China's urban and rural areas. Students score better in their schoolwork when they receive the livestreams.