Express rail link boosts HK tourism

Hong Kong's tourism sector experienced a bumper National Day Golden Week holiday this year, as the newly opened cross-border high-speed rail link attracted more holidaymakers from the Chinese mainland.

Two dead, 2 missing in Dazhou after sidewalk collapses, buries passers-by

A rescue team has been working round the clock to clear the site of a cave-in on a sidewalk in Dazhou, Sichuan province, that buried four passers-by on Sunday.

Ningxia park 'garbage bank' pays tourists

YINCHUAN - Tourist Qian Yunxia carried a garbage bag when she visited the Helanshan National Forest Park, later dropping it off at a bank at the foot of the mountain area in exchange for gifts.

Drifters detained for graffiti on monuments in Hangzhou

Two men were detained during the seven-day National Day holiday for writing graffiti on famous historical and cultural sites in the West Lake scenic area, according to local police.

IN BRIEF (Page 4)

Dispute tribunal set up for international expo

A tribunal to deal with possible lawsuits during the China International Import Expo, which will be held in Shanghai from Nov 5 to 10, was established inside the venue on Monday.

Cold winds portend end of warm autumn

A wave of cold air barreling across northern China will push down temperatures until Wednesday, bringing chilly winds to large parts of the country, the China Meteorological Administration said on Monday.

Authorities bust relic smuggling in Shanxi

TAIYUAN - Police in northern China's Shanxi province have seized over 5,000 historical artifacts and arrested hundreds of people in a crackdown on tomb raiding and relic smuggling this year.

39 village leaders sacked for crime links

The heads of 39 villages in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong were removed from office and put under investigation in the first eight months of the year for suspected involvement in mafia-style gangs.

Official: Transport pork, not live pigs

A senior agricultural official said China will increase the transport of pork, rather than live pigs, to meet demand for meat and reduce the risk of transmitting African swine fever.

Innovation could provide a brighter future for Taiwan's sky lanterns

The Chinese custom of flying lanterns goes back centuries. However, while the lanterns are symbols of peace and good fortune, they are now under threat.

Safety fears override cultural concerns

Sky lanterns, small hot air balloons that originated in China centuries ago, have been flown at traditional festivals for centuries, but in recent years they have been accused of posing a safety threat.