Beijing recruits civilians to fill firefighting gaps

Beijing has unveiled its first batch of 682 civilian firefighters, recruited from the ranks of former soldiers and local youth.

IN BRIEF (Page 4)

Logging gives way to green enterprises

When Yichun, a border city in Heilongjiang province, banned logging in 2013, it lost a strong economic engine. But it forged ahead with green growth, ecotourism and better use of the byproducts of its forests.

Returnees bring hometown back to life

Having worked and lived in Beijing for years, Wu Peishan decided to change direction and dedicate herself to the simple life - beekeeping in her hometown of Yichun, Heilongjiang province. In the process, she dramatically lifted her income and that of others.

Farmhouse restaurant shows new vision as lumber economy shifts

Liu Tongtao was surprised to find that his village could attract thousands of visitors annually, making his life better than during his days as a lumberjack.

Hubei residents enriched by key agricultural asset

Xiantao, Hubei province, is leveraging its region's richness in selenium to promote agricultural tourism, or agritourism.

Sharp rise seen in fines for coal mine hazards

Safety watchdogs fined hazardous coal mines a total of 333 million yuan ($49.5 million) in the first seven months of this year, almost double the same period in 2016.

Why do they live so long? Soil gets credit

Yufan is a "longevity village" with 46 people over 80 years old in Xiantao, Hubei province. The oldest have lived more than 100 years.

Murdered farmer's heroism honored

A thousand kilograms of overripe melons sold out in less than 10 hours to honor a melon farmer who was stabbed to death in Hebei province.

IN BRIEF (Page 4)

5 detained in death of grad seeking job

Five people have been detained in connection with the death of a university graduate who police say fell victim to scammers on a job-seeking website.

HK chief in Beijing for wide-ranging talks

Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, chief executive of Hong Kong, told reporters before flying to Beijing on Sunday that she will discuss concrete measures to enhance her city's role in the Belt and Road Initiative during her first official visit to the capital since assuming office.