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WHO Experts Visit North China's Shanxi Province
An 11-member joint working group composed of WHO experts and officials from the Chinese Ministry of Health arrived in Taiyuan Tuesday afternoon on a 10-day study tour to witness severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) prevention work in Shanxi Province. The World Health Organization (WHO), lifted last Friday the travel warning against Tianjin, Hebei, Shanxi and Inner Mongolia, all in north China. On Tuesday afternoon, Wang Xin, vice-governor of Shanxi Province, briefed the experts on Shanxi's w
Survey: Consumerism Hits Campus
When Chinese parents send money to their student offspring in colleges or universities, they think most of it will be spent on the necessities of life, such as food. But the evidence suggests youngsters have other priorities. Take for example Zhang Chuan, a student at the Shandong Economics Institute, who reveals some of the many other things she and her friends love to buy. Each month, 21-year-old Zhang, who is studying international trade, receives 400 yuan (nearly US$50) from her parents. But
Warner Bros to Buy into Paradise
Paradise Cinema, located in downtown Xujiahui commercial area, will soon be renamed "ParaWarn Cinema" with Hollywood giant Warner Bros set to invest in the theater. Warner Bros will hold 49 percent stake in the joint venture cinema while the remain
Shanghai Art Fair to Go Ahead as Scheduled
The Shanghai art fair, the seventh of its kind, and one of the main activities of this year's Shanghai international art festival, will take place as scheduled from October 28 to November 2.
Sources from the fair organizing committee said that a floor
Tibet Raises Admission Fees at Major Tourist Attractions
The price authorities of the Tibet Autonomous Region has increased admission fees at major Tibetan tourist sites.
The increases of admission fees at the 27 state-level cultural sites, including the famous Potala Palace, were carried out because the pri
Tourism Revenue of Hainan Province Dramatically Dropped
Tourism revenue in south China's Hainan Province dropped by 67.5 percent in May over the same period last year, according to figures from the local statistics bureau. Although no cases of SARS were recorded in the island province, the country's most popular tourist destination, was severely affected by the disease situation in the country's other provinces, especially in the field of tourism. By the end of May, the province's 150 travel agencies, more than 140 hotels, 1,447 travel buses and abou
Airlines Looking to Soar as SARS Fades
United Airlines will revert to its pre-SARS service between Shanghai and San Francisco from early next month, it has been revealed. The three weekly non-stop flights between the cities will be boosted to five, in addition to maintaining its twice weekly flight pattern between Beijing and Chicago. "United is closely monitoring the situation in China and we will restore all flights when the time is appropriate," said Sidney Kwok, the chief representative of United in China. "We believe, with the C
US Returns Six Smuggled Relics
Six ancient Chinese terracotta figures smuggled to the United States were returned to China by US law enforcement officials at a ceremony in the Chinese Consulate General on Tuesday. Speaking at the ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to the United States Yang Jiechi said the return of the terracotta figures, dated to the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 24), indicated that dynamic cooperation between China and the United States in law enforcement is really developing in depth and width. He noted coopera
China's Travel Industry Reacts to Foreign Competition
China recently announced that it is opening its domestic market to foreign travel agencies. Overseas investors will be allowed to set up wholly owned travel agencies in China, two and half years ahead of the schedule agreed under the World Trade Organization commitments. Foreign tour companies will be able to set up wholly owned travel agencies next month according to provisional rules issued by the China National Tourism Administration and the Ministry of Commerce last Saturday. Under these rul
Official Explains Decrease in Cases
This month's dramatic reduction in the number of suspected SARS cases in Beijing can be attributed to a mix of factors, the city's senior health official said yesterday. Liang Wannian, vice-director of the Beijing Health Bureau, said the current proportion of suspected cases that are turning into confirmed cases is now below 5 per cent, down from the previous level around 30 per cent in May. Beijing's hospitals had four suspected SARS patients yesterday, down from nearly one hundred 10 days ago,
Official Explains Dramatic Drop in SARS
This month's dramatic reduction in the number of suspected SARS cases in Beijing can be attributed to a mix of factors, the city's senior health official said yesterday. Liang Wannian, vice-director of the Beijing Health Bureau, said the current proportion of suspected cases that are turning into confirmed cases is now below 5 per cent, down from the previous level around 30 per cent in May. Beijing's hospitals had four suspected SARS patients yesterday, down from nearly one hundred 10 days ago,
Beijingers Spearhead Tourism Revival
As the specter of SARS begins to lift over China's capital so too are the spirits of its citizens.
And with their newly found health consciousness, more and more are heading out of the city to enjoy the great outdoors. This year's 3-month-long Y
China's Travel Industry Reacts to Foreign Competition
China recently announced that it is opening its domestic market to foreign travel agencies. Overseas investors will be allowed to set up wholly owned travel agencies in China, two and half years ahead of the schedule agreed under the World Trade Organizat
Airlines Looking to Soar as SARS Fades
United Airlines will revert to its pre-SARS service between Shanghai and San Francisco from early next month, it has been revealed.
The three weekly non-stop flights between the cities will be boosted to five, in addition to maintaining its twice weekl
Tourism Revenue of Hainan Province Dramatically Dropped
Tourism revenue in south China's Hainan Province dropped by 67.5 percent in May over the same period last year, according to figures from the local statistics bureau.
Although no cases of SARS were recorded in the island province, the country's most po
WHO Experts Visiting Bayannur in North China's Inner Mongolia
A working group composed of 12 experts from the World Health organization (WHO) and officials from the Chinese Ministry of Health, Thursday visited Bayannur League (prefecture) in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. In Bayannur League, the experts visited the local epidemic prevention station, a hospital at the league level and a SARS emergency treatment center. After inspecting the center, Dr. Yvonne de Main, one of the experts, praised medical workers there for their outstanding wo
Women Raise Their Voices in New Iraq
Fear of lawlessness has kept many Iraqi women at home since the war to oust Saddam Hussein. But some are organizing to reverse a decade-long erosion in women's rights, even as Islamic radicals flex their muscles. Women have mostly stayed off the streets since US-led forces toppled Saddam on April 9 and left a power vacuum that criminals freed en masse before the war were swift to exploit. Iraqis swapped tales about abductions, rape, armed robbery and carjacking. Families would not let their daug
Israel Soldiers, Jewish Settlers Clash
Israeli soldiers clashed with Jewish settlers as the army began removing buildings Thursday at the West Bank settlement outpost of Mitzpeh Yitzhar, the first inhabited outpost it has started dismantling under a new U.S.-backed peace plan. Meanwhile, despite an intense push by Palestinian and international leaders to persuade militant groups to end attacks, a suicide bomber blew himself up in an Israeli grocery store, killing one man. The man was probably waiting to attack a nearby bus or bus sto
Passenger Flow Picks Up Steadily in China
Passenger travel within China has been picking up at a rapid pace since the World Health Organization lifted travel warnings to parts of the country's northern regions a week ago. In Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the number of railway passengers has reached a daily level of about 20,000, with suspended train routes resuming operation. Taiyuan railway station in Shanxi Province has seen a 10 percent increase in passenger flow in recent days, reaching 10,000 travelers a day. Also in Shanxi, th
Beijing Reports 11 Billion Yuan Losses in Tourism
SARS had cost Beijing Municipality an estimated 11 billion yuan (1.33 billion US dollars) in the tourism sector this year by late May. Information from the municipal statistics bureau said hotel occupancy rates in the Chinese capital had plummeted since late April, with the occupancy rates of five-star hotels hitting six percent in May, down by 66 percentage points from the same month of last year. There were drastic falls in April and May in both the number of tourists received at the city's ma
'Fugitive Network' Helps Police
The Shanghai Public Security Bureau yesterday announced during its first online news briefing that local police captured 1,566 fugitives in the first five months of this year with the help of an online "fugitive network" - a police database of wanted criminals across China's mainland. The number of the suspects caught included 40 manslaughter suspects as well as 414 burglary suspects. The network started in 2000 and operates like an Intranet police nationwide. "The system has made our work more
Beijing Reports 11 Billion Yuan Losses in Tourism
SARS had cost Beijing Municipality an estimated 11 billion yuan (US$1.33 billion) in the tourism sector this year by late May. Information from the municipal statistics bureau said hotel occupancy rates in the Chinese capital had plummeted since late April, with the occupancy rates of five-star hotels hitting six percent in May, down by 66 percentage points from the same month of last year. There were drastic falls in April and May in both the number of tourists received at the city's major scen
Passenger Flow Picks up Steadily
Passenger travel within China has been picking up at a rapid pace since the World Health Organization lifted travel warnings to parts of the country's northern regions a week ago. In Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the number of railway passengers has reached a daily level of about 20,000, with suspended train routes resuming operation. Taiyuan railway station in Shanxi Province has seen a 10 percent increase in passenger flow in recent days, reaching 10,000 travelers a day. Also in Shanxi, th
Beijing Reports 11 Billion Yuan Losses in Tourism
SARS had cost Beijing Municipality an estimated 11 billion yuan (US$1.33 billion) in the tourism sector this year by late May. Information from the municipal statistics bureau said hotel occupancy rates in the Chinese capital had plummeted since late April, with the occupancy rates of five-star hotels hitting six percent in May, down by 66 percentage points from the same month of last year. There were drastic falls in April and May in both the number of tourists received at the city's major scen
Entertainment Venues Resume Operation in Anhui Province
All entertainment venues of the east China's Anhui Province have resumed their business operation after a more than one month-long business suspension for fear of SARS spread. The province had announced a ban on the entertainment operation in April when the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndromes (SARS) epidemic situation was in the most severe period. In late May, 17 cities of the province mobilized a joint inspection by the cultural, public security and industrial and commerce departments over the
A Splashing Time Beckons Beijingers as Pools Open
Swimming fans in Beijing are expected to make a splash this weekend as the city reopens its first pools today.
The move is the latest respite for millions of residents in the capital, emerging from the shadow of SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome)
Entertainment Venues Resume Operation in Anhui Province
All entertainment venues of the east China's Anhui Province have resumed their business operation after a more than one month-long business suspension for fear of SARS spread.
The province had announced a ban on the entertainment operation in April whe
Cultural Events Return
With the SARS threat fading, Shanghai's stage is witnessing a revival this summer. Almost 300 performances are scheduled through the end of July.
From the end of April, most domestic and international performances were canceled due to the SARS outbreak
Passenger Flow Picks Up Steadily in China
Passenger travel within China has been picking up at a rapid pace since the World Health Organization lifted travel warnings to parts of the country's northern regions a week ago.
In Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the number of railway passengers ha
India-Pakistan Bus Service to Resume
In a sign of improving relations, India and Pakistan have announced plans to resume bus service between the rival nuclear nations. The service was stopped when the countries severed air and ground links and mobilized troops following an attack by Islamic militants on the Indian Parliament in December 2001. As part of the improving relations, Indian and Pakistani leaders have pledged to restore transportation services. India's Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee has offered to hold talks with Pak
Plan Made to Avoid SARS Seasonal Surge
Beijing is creating a contingency plan to restrict the possible resurgence of the SARS virus during winter, the city's senior health official said on Friday. Deng Xiaohong, the vice-director of the Beijing Health Bureau, said the emergency blueprint is also designed to deal with other possible emergencies like mass poisonings. The plan, expected to be completed in the third quarter of the year, will include the establishment of an emergency headquarters, a citywide information system and a publi
Contingency Plan to Avoid SARS Seasonal Surge
Beijing is creating a contingency plan to restrict the possible resurgence of the SARS virus during winter, the city's senior health official said on Friday. Deng Xiaohong, the vice-director of the Beijing Health Bureau, said the emergency blueprint is also designed to deal with other possible emergencies like mass poisonings. The plan, expected to be completed in the third quarter of the year, will include the establishment of an emergency headquarters, a citywide information system and a publi
Exposition Business Recovering in South China City
The exposition industry, which was severely affected by the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), has been recovering in Shenzhen, a booming city in Guangdong Province, south China. A city official in charge of the industry said the 14th international timepiece, jewelry and gift exposition would be the first among many postponed large-scale expositions to open in Shenzhen, after the World Health Organization lifted travel advisory against the city. The exposition was originally s
Tibet Travel Back to Normal
From July 1, 2003, Tibet Autonomous Region of China will become available to all foreign visitors after nearly three months of isolation due to SARS concerns. Foreigners are now most sincerely welcomed to pay a visit to Tibet, China, to experience its uni
WHO Experts Visit SARS-hit Family in North China
Two prestigious experts of the joint working team composed of noted specialists from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Chinese Ministry of Health on Friday visited a family affected by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Dong Xiulan, aged 68, was diagnosed as a SARS patient on April 12 and discharged from hospital on May 24. Her husband died from SARS on May 2, and her nephew recovered from SARS and was discharged on June 4. The building in which they live was quarantined because
Tibet to Resume Tourism Activities from July
Tibet Autonomous Region will resume tourism activities from July 1, and begin to receive domestic and overseas tourists, says the regional tourism bureau. Tibet tourism bureau halted tourism activities from April 25, but following the control of SARS, Tibet was now a safe tourism attraction. Zhang Wansheng, director of the regional tourism bureau, said intra-regional tourism activities would resume on Saturday, and that the region would receive tourists outside Tibet from July 1. The bureau had
Threat Keeps US Embassy in Kenya Closed
The US Embassy was closed at least through Tuesday, and air traffic between Kenya and neighboring Somalia was banned after the Pentagon raised the terrorism threat level in the country, Kenyan and embassy officials said. The US Embassy, which was shut down on Friday, will stay closed Monday and Tuesday, "and if necessary additional days thereafter," spokesman Tom Hart said. Hart said the closure was due to "new and concrete information concerning the continuing threat of terrorist activity in Ke
WHO Experts Visit SARS-hit Family in North China's Shanxi Province
Two prestigious experts of the joint working team composed of noted specialists from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Chinese Ministry of Health on Friday visited a family affected by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Dong Xiulan, aged 68, was diagnosed as a SARS patient on April 12 and discharged from hospital on May 24. Her husband died from SARS on May 2, and her nephew recovered from SARS and was discharged on June 4. The building in which they live was quarantined because
Boatman Sails as Living Fossil
Tan Bangwu has a swarthy wrinkled face, two palms full of calluses, and eyes that would suddenly turn softer and brighten when looking at the Yangtze River. The 90-year-old boatman is revered as a "living fossil" of the Three Gorges. The Qutang, Wuxia and Xiling gorges extend for 200 kilometers on the upper reaches of the river. He was born into a boatman's family in the town of Guandukou in Badong County in central China's Hubei Province, between the Wuxia and Xiling gorges. His grandfather fir
WHO Experts Praise Local Cooperation in Their Inspection to China's North Province
Experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) have praised local cooperation during their tour to China's north province of Shanxi, inspecting severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) prevention and treatment work. The joint task force formed of Chinese and WHO experts arrived in Shanxi on June 17, four days after the WHO lifted the travel advisory to the province. C.K.Lee, one of the WHO experts, told the reporters that he appreciated the information shared by his Chinese colleagues. Lee sai
Ancient Rice Wine Found in Xi'an
About five kilograms of light green rice wine were found in the western China city of Xi'an Friday afternoon when Chinese archaeologists unearthed a bronze wine jar shaped like a phoenix head. The wine, which was believed to date to the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 24), was the best-preserved and largest quantity ever found. The find was thought to be significant to the study of China's archaeology and technological history. "Different from the modern method, ancient Chinese people 2,000 yea
Guangdong Province to Resume Nationwide Travel
South China's Guangdong province is to resume nationwide transport links, which were halted due to SARS, on Jul. 1, the provincial Tourism Bureau has announced. Charter flights and special trains will also resume in early July. Thirteen cities in Guangdong will hold large-scale activities in open air to give travel advice and promote tourism in the province. The Guangdong Tourism Bureau is keeping close contact with travel institutions in other places of China in order to ensure the health of to
Hong Kong May Get Off SARS List
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) reported no new SARS cases on Sunday, paving the way for the World Health Organization to remove the once-hard-hit region from its list of SARS-infected areas. Sunday was the 20th day since the last confirmed SARS patient in Hong Kong was hospitalized, and WHO was expected to remove Hong Kong from its list as soon as Monday, health officials said. Taiwan - which once had the third worst outbreak of the pneumonia-like disease after Hong Kong and the m
City Ring Road Comes Full Circle
The city's outer-ring road was officially completed on Saturday, with the opening of the 1.748 billion yuan (US$211 million) Waihuan Tunnel.
The tunnel, which extends almost 3 kilometers under the Huangpu River, is the world's second largest submerged
S. China province to resume nationwide travel
South China's Guangdong Provinceis to resume nationwide transport links, which were halted due to SARS, on Jul. 1, the provincial Tourism Bureau has announced.
Charter flights and special trains will also resume in early July. Thirteen cities in Guangd
Senior Official: Life Order in China Back to Normal
Chinese Vice Minister of Health Gao Qiang said that China's life order has returned to normal and it is now safe to travel to any place in the country. Gao told a joint press briefing Tuesday that the decision made by the World Health Organization (WHO) to lift the travel advisory on Beijing and remove Beijing off its list of locally transmitting area of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) marks that China's efforts in fighting against SARS have been recognized by the international communit
S. China Province to Resume Nationwide Travel
South China's Guangdong Provinceis to resume nationwide transport links, which were halted due to SARS, on Jul. 1, the provincial Tourism Bureau has announced. Charter flights and special trains will also resume in early July. Thirteen cities in Guangdong will hold large scale activities in open air to give travel advice and promote tourism in the province. The Guangdong Tourism Bureau is keeping close contact with travel institutions in other places of China in order to ensure the health of tou
Northwest Airlines Upbeat About China
Northwest Airlines (NWA), the world's fourth largest aviation carrier, said it remains upbeat about China's civil aviation market, now SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) is on the wane. "Northwest has witnessed the development of China's aviation industry since we entered the market. We are optimistic about the role that China aviation will play in the world market in future," said Laurie Lofgren, general manager of NWA China. "China is and continues to be one of the most important markets
WHO Removes Beijing from SARS List, Lifts Travel Advisory
The World Health Organization on Tuesday removed Beijing from its list of SARS-infected areas and lifted its travel advisory against the city, saying the risk for travelers to Beijing "is now minimum," and calling the development a "milestone" in the fight against SARS around the world. The decision took effect immediately, Shigeru Omi, WHO regional director for the Western Pacific, announced in Beijing at a press conference jointly held by WHO and China's Ministry of Health. "WHO has decided th
WHO Removes Beijing from SARS List
The World Health Organization has decided to remove Beijing from its list of SARS-infected areas and lift its travel advisory against the city, a WHO official announced in Beijing Tuesday. The decision took effect immediately, Shigeru Omi, WHO regional director for the Western Pacific, said at a press conference jointly held by WHO and China's Ministry of Health. Beijing had recorded 2,521 cumulative cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and 191 deaths by Monday, and reported no new
WHO Removes Beijing From SARS List, Lifts Travel Advisory
The World Health Organization on Tuesday removed Beijing from its list of SARS-infected areas and lifted its travel advisory against the city, saying the risk for travelers to Beijing "is now minimum," and calling the development a "milestone" in the fight against SARS around the world. The decision took effect immediately, Shigeru Omi, WHO regionaldirector for the Western Pacific, announced here at a press conference jointly held by WHO and China's Ministry of Health. "WHO has decided that the
June 24, 2003
The Press Office under the Ministry of Health published Tuesday afternoon a press release on the latest SARS situation on the Chinese mainland. From 10:00 am June 23 to 10:00 am June 24, the Chinese mainland reported no new diagnosed or suspected SARS case, 6 patients recovered and discharged from hospital (3 each from Beijing and Shanxi), and no death. Now 59 diagnosed patients are receiving treatment in hospitals on the Chinese mainland, including 43 from Beijing, 5 from Tianjin, 3 each from L
Zhuhai Paradise Hill Hotel to Be Auctioned in July
The four-star Zhuhai Paradise Hill Hotel, the first Sino-foreign travel joint venture (JV) in China, will be auctioned through open bid on July 7. The hotel was built after Macao's celebrated, Wu Fu, visited Zhuhai, one of China's four special economic zones in 1979. Encouraged by China's reform and opening-up policy, Mr. Wu decided to cooperate with the Zhuhai city government. Although strict restrictions at that time made it hard to set up such a company, local government overcame all difficul
WHO Removes Beijing from SARS List
The World Health Organization has decided to remove Beijing from its list of SARS-infected areas and lift its travel advisory against the city, a WHO official announced in Beijing Tuesday. The decision took effect immediately, Shigeru Omi, WHO regional director for the Western Pacific, said at a press conference jointly held by WHO and China's Ministry of Health. Beijing had recorded 2,521 cumulative cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and 191 deaths by Monday, and reported no new
Guangdong Maintains Industrial Economic Growth
The industrial output value of south China's Guangdong Province continued to grow in May despite the negative influence of SARS. The industrial added value of Guangdong rose 17.4 percent to reach 43.6 billion yuan (5.2 billion US dollars) in May, 637 million yuan (76 million dollars) more than in April, according to statistics of the Guangdong Provincial Statistical Bureau. In the first five months, Guangdong generated 196 billion yuan (23 billion US dollars) in industrial added value, up 18.8 p
Guangdong Maintains Industrial Economic Growth
The industrial output value of south China's Guangdong Province continued to grow in May despite the negative influence of SARS. The industrial added value of Guangdong rose 17.4 percent to reach 43.6 billion yuan (US$5.2 billion) in May, 637 million yuan (US$76 million) more than in April, according to statistics of the Guangdong Provincial Statistical Bureau. In the first five months, Guangdong generated 196 billion yuan (US$23 billion) in industrial added value, up 18.8 percent over the same
Ministry of Health Press Release (June 24) on SARS
The Press Office under the Ministry of Health published Tuesday afternoon a press release on the latest SARS situation on the Chinese mainland. From 10:00 am June 23 to 10:00 am June 24, the Chinese mainland reported no new diagnosed or suspected SARS case, 6 patients recovered and discharged from hospital (3 each from Beijing and Shanxi), and no death. Now 59 diagnosed patients are receiving treatment in hospitals on the Chinese mainland, including 43 from Beijing, 5 from Tianjin, 3 each from L
Zhuhai Paradise Hill Hotel to Be Auctioned in July
The four-star Zhuhai Paradise Hill Hotel, the first Sino-foreign travel joint venture (JV) in China, will be auctioned through open bid on July 7. The hotel was built after Macao's celebrated, Wu Fu, visited Zhuhai, one of China's four special economic zones in 1979. Encouraged by China's reform and opening-up policy, Mr. Wu decided to cooperate with the Zhuhai city government. Although strict restrictions at that time made it hard to set up such a company, local government overcame all difficul
WHO Removes Beijing from SARS List
The World Health Organization on Tuesday removed Beijing from its list of SARS-infected areas and lifted its travel advisory against the city, saying the risk for travelers to Beijing "is now minimum," and calling the development a "milestone" in the fight against SARS around the world. The decision took effect immediately, Shigeru Omi, WHO regional director for the Western Pacific, announced at a press conference jointly held by WHO and China's Ministry of Health. "WHO has decided that the trav
WHO Removes Beijing from SARS List, Lifts Travel Advisory
The World Health Organization on Tuesday removed Beijing from its list of SARS-infected areas and lifted its travel advisory against the city, saying the risk for travelers to Beijing "is now minimum," and calling the development a "milestone" in the figh
HK Holiday Camp to End SARS Isolation Center Role
As Hong Kong has officially been removed from the list of SARS-affected areas by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday, the MacLehose Holiday Village will cease to operate as an isolation center.
"The once designated isolation center will be re
Northwest China Region Resumes Air Routes to Moscow
China Southern Airlines reestablished its flights between Urumqi, the capital of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and the Russian capital of Moscow on Wednesday. A spokesman from Southern Airlines' Xinjiang branch said that there will be a weekly Wednesday flight to Moscow. Air travel to Moscow was suspended in late April due to the outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in China. The spokesman said that flights between Urumqi and the Russian city of Novosibi
An Exciting Milestone -- Diplomats on Lifting of Beijing Travel Warning
An exciting milestone for the global campaign against severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is how a US embassy official described the World Health Organization's (WHO) lifting of the travel advisory on Beijing. Hoping the situation would continue to improve, he said the Chinese government's SARS prevention and control measures were quite good: "The process began during China's cooperation with the international community and implementation of control measures." He said the performance of the
'An Exciting Milestone' -- Diplomats on Lifting of Beijing Travel Warning
An exciting milestone for the global campaign against severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is how a US embassy official described the World Health Organization's (WHO) lifting of the travel advisory on Beijing. Hoping the situation would continue to improve, he said the Chinese government's SARS prevention and control measures were quite good: "The process began during China's cooperation with the international community and implementation of control measures." He said the performance of the
Insider: List of Areas Affected by SARS Issued by WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) issued advisories against non-essential travel to several areas around the world during the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and listed them as areas affected by SARS. The SARS-affected areas as declared by WHO were Singapore, Toronto in Canada, Hanoi in Vietnam, and Beijing, Tianjin, Guangdong, Shanxi, Hebei, Inner Mongolia, Hong Kong and Taiwan in China. Hanoi: A total of 63 probable cases of SARS were reported, withthe last case reported
Life Returns to Normal as SARS Ebbing
With the World Health Organization (WHO) lifting its travel advisory against Beijing on Tuesday, life in the Chinese capital and other parts of the world's most populous nation has emerged from the shadow of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and returned to normal. SARS, which had affected more than 30 countries and regions andclaimed over 800 lives since its outbreak late last year, finally sounded the retreat worldwide this month. Beijing, which was put on the WHO's travel alert list on
Life in China Returns to Normal as SARS Sounds Retreat
SARS, which had affected more than 30 countries and regions andclaimed over 800 lives since its outbreak late last year, finally sounded the retreat worldwide this month. Beijing, which was put on the WHO's travel alert list on Apr. 23, was the last city in the world to be removed from the list. But in recent days, it has been quite difficult to spot people wearing face masks on the streets of Beijing. Just one month ago, going out without a mask would have been regarded as daring and even irres
China Remains Attractive Tourist Destination: Tourism Official
China remains a healthy, safe and attractive destination for tourists from abroad, said an official with the China National Tourist Administration (CNTA). The lifting of travel advisory on all Chinese cities by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday constitutes a turning point for the recovery of China's tourism, said the official. Despite the impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) on China's tourism, the CNTA has worked out a series of careful arrangements for the recovery o
Moment of Celebration, Hope, Reflection, Relief
Congratulations, Beijing. Goodbye, surgical masks. As Beijing finally finds itself removed from the World Health Organization travel advisory and blacklists of epidemic areas, we are almost through the protracted ordeal of severe acute respiratory syndrome. Even Taiwan, one of the latest and hardest-hit areas in China, has seen off the WHO travel alert and is only days away from being removed from the United Nations-affiliated body's list of SARS-affected areas. This is not only a relief for the
Russia, Britain Move Closer
President Vladimir Putin, on the first Russian state visit to Britain in 130 years, has signalled he wants to bury past differences on Iraq and focus on luring foreign investment into the Russian economy. Putin moved to dispel suspicion that he still sought to score political points out of the Iraq issue at a Buckingham Palace state banquet on Tuesday night after arriving on a four-day visit to a sumptuous royal welcome. Startling his audience by speaking in English, he extended to Queen Elizabe
Putin Wants to Bury Differences with UK on Iraq
President Vladimir Putin, on the first Russian state visit to Britain in 130 years, has signaled he wants to bury past differences on Iraq and focus on luring foreign investment into the Russian economy. Putin moved to dispel suspicion that he still sought to score political points out of the Iraq issue at a Buckingham Palace state banquet on Tuesday night after arriving on a four-day visit to a sumptuous royal welcome. Startling his audience by speaking in English, he extended to Queen Elizabet
Financing Preferences Diverse Across Cities
People in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen show different preferences for financing, with Beijingers favoring bank savings, Shanghainese opting for credit loans and those from Shenzhen and Guangzhou not focusing on any single method, today's International Finance News said, citing a recent survey. The survey, released yesterday by Visa International Service Association, covers people aged between 20 and 44 with a monthly income over 2,500 yuan (US$302) in the four cities, the report sai
Beijing Sets out Plan to Revive SARS-hit Tourism
Beijing tourism authorities have announced a plan to revive the city's tourism industry, which was badly hit by the SARS crisis, after the World Health Organization (WHO) removed the city from its list of SARS-affected areas and lifted the travel advisory. Yu Changjiang, director of the city's tourism administration, hailed the WHO move at a gathering to launch a local sightseeing program, stressing that it marked the beginning of the revival of tourism. The administration had worked out 30 new
Cautious Triumph over SARS
Congratulations, Beijing. Goodbye, surgical masks. As Beijing finally finds itself removed from the World Health Organization travel advisory and blacklists of epidemic areas, we are almost through the protracted ordeal of severe acute respiratory syndrome. Even Taiwan, one of the latest and hardest-hit areas in China, has seen off the WHO travel alert and is only days away from being removed from the United Nations-affiliated body's list of SARS-affected areas. This is not only a relief for the
Vice Premier Pledges to Remain Vigilant with Regard to SARS
China will remain vigilant with respect to SARS and will implement necessary control measures despite the effective containment of the epidemic, Chinese Vice Premier Wu Yi pledged here Tuesday. "We will remain on high alert and continue to implement all preventive and control measures," Wu promised Shigeru Omi, the World Health Organization regional director for the Western Pacific. Omi, who is in Beijing for a one-day visit at the invitation of China's Ministry of Health, announced Tuesday afte
Indices Rebound Slightly as Travel Advisory Lifted
China's share indices recovered a little yesterday, as travel firms such as Capital Tourism outperformed as investors had expected Beijing to be removed from a list of SARS-affected areas, brokers said. Markets broke a six-day falling streak as the World Health Organization (WHO) said at the close of trading it had lifted a warning against traveling to Beijing. Shanghai's B-share index edged up 0.24 percent to 114.511 points while Shenzhen's rose 0.81 percent to 219.18. Hard currency B shares ar
Anti-SARS Efforts to Continue in China's Capital
China's capital will not relax its anti-SARS efforts, even though the World Health Organization (WHO) has removed Beijing from its list of SARS-affected areas and lifted the travel advisory against it, according to the city government. The city government has issued a decree telling local people to continue SARS-prevention work regardless of the fact that the epidemic has been brought under effective control. All the clinics for fever patients should remain operational, and all those who are sus
Senior Official: Life Order in China Back to Normal
Chinese Vice Minister of Health Gao Qiang said that China's life order has returned to normal and it is now safe to travel to any place in the country.
Gao told a joint press briefing Tuesday that the decision made by the World Health Organization (WHO
China remains attractive tourist destination:
tourism official
China remains a healthy, safe and attractive destination for tourists from abroad, said an official with the China National Tourist Administration (CNTA).
The lifting of travel advisory on all Chinese cities by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Tu
Help for Photo Store Owners
Eastman Kodak Co has launched a financing program with the Bank of China to help owners of the company's Express imaging service stores recover from the negative impact of SARS. Under the agreement announced yesterday, store owners who borrowed money from the bank to buy imaging equipment can choose to defer their mortgage principal repayment for three months. Kodak will cover the interest payments during the period. "This arrangement will help ease the cash-flow burden on Kodak Express stores t
Tourism to Learn Lessons from SARS
No one can deny the fact that severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) has dealt a very hard blow to China's tourism industry. Few people went abroad or returned to their hometowns during the May Day holiday -- one of the three "Golden Weeks" in China. It followed the decision by the central government to cut the traditional week-long break to five days this year in an effort to contain the disease. Many people opted to stay at home rather than dine in restaurants or party in clubs. The country'
Old Pagoda Moves to New Home
The Fawang Pagoda, a 1,400-year-old relic in Zhouzhi County of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, has been moved 2 kilometers north from its original site and is being settled into its new home this month. Built in 601-604 to hold sarira Buddhist relics, the pagoda had been located inside the Xianyou Temple in the valley of the Heihe River. The site used to have a summer palace belonging to Emperor Wendi of the Sui Dynasty (581-618). As the only Sui Dynasty brick pagoda remaining in the country
China Eastern Stock Trading Halts
Trading in shares of China Eastern Airlines Co Ltd was halted yesterday on the Shanghai and Hong Kong stock markets after a newspaper reported that the firm suffered huge losses in April. A report published yesterday by the Beijing-based China Securities Journal, an official securities newspaper, said China Eastern had losses of more than 660 million yuan (US$79.52 million) in the first four months of 2003, citing its group Chairman Ye Yigan. Company officials didn't deny the report, saying the
Northwest China Region Resumes Air Routes to Moscow
China Southern Airlines reestablished its flights between Urumqi, the capital of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and the Russian capital of Moscow on Wednesday. A spokesman from Southern Airlines' Xinjiang branch said that there will be a weekly Wednesday flight to Moscow. Air travel to Moscow was suspended in late April due to the outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in China. The spokesman said that flights between Urumqi and the Russian city of Novosibi
Tourism to Learn Lessons from SARS
No one can deny the fact that severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) has dealt a very hard blow to China's tourism industry.
Few people went abroad or returned to their hometowns during the May Day holiday -- one of the three "Golden Weeks" in China.
Hotel Operators Targeting Asia
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co, a luxury chain owned by Marriott International Inc, said it will expand to Beijing and Tokyo for the first time under a plan to almost double the number of Asia hotels under management.
Atlanta-based Ritz-Carlton, bought in 1
Moment of Celebration, Hope, Reflection, Relief
Congratulations, Beijing. Goodbye, surgical masks. As Beijing finally finds itself removed from the World Health Organization travel advisory and blacklists of epidemic areas, we are almost through the protracted ordeal of severe acute respiratory syndrom
Banquet to Turn Capital's Tourism Around
Overseas visitors and travel agencies that send tour groups to Beijing will be the big winners as the city's tourism authority leads the industry out of a potentially fatal SARS shadow. The first overseas visitors to the national capital after the recent lifting of the SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) travel warning by the World Health Organization will receive special attention, Yu Changjiang, director of the Beijing Tourism Bureau, said Thursday. The first 1,500 overseas tourists will
China to Embrace A New Level of FDI After SARS: Minister
Chinese Minister of Commerce Lu Fuyuan said here Thursday that China will embrace a new high in foreign direct investment and trade after the World Health Organization removed Beijing from its list of SARS-infected areas and lifted its travel advisory against the city. Lu spoke during a meeting with visiting chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of Nokia Corporation of Finland Jorma Ollila. China would grow into one of the largest telecommunications market in the coming 20 years, Lu said, n
6th Beijing Int'l High-tech Expo Scheduled for September
The 6th China Beijing International High-Tech Expo will be held from September 12-15, a spokesman with the organizing committee for the expo announced Thursday. The spokesman said the new date was set after the World Health Organization's (WHO) decision on Tuesday to remove Beijing from its list of areas infected by the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and lift its travel advisory on the city. The sixth high-tech expo was originally scheduled for May 23-28, but was postponed due to SARS.
Vice Premier: SARS Prevention Must Continue
Vice Premier Wu Yi called for continuing strong efforts to consolidate the progress made during the fight against the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) at a conference held Thursday in Beijing. The China national anti-SARS headquarters has issued a circular containing new regulations which effectively standardize prevention measures throughout the country. These regulations should be implemented to the letter, said Wu, also the headquarters' chief official. The World Health Organization (
Border Checks Continue
Mandatory temperature checks and health declarations will remain in place at China's borders despite its victory over SARS, officials said yesterday in Beijing. And key exit-entry ports have also been equipped to detect and thwart planned acts of biochemical terrorism, the State Administration for Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine officials told a press conference. "Over the past few months, we've required exit-entry travelers to accept temperature screening, fill out health declara
Vice Premier: SARS Prevention Must Continue
Vice Premier Wu Yi called for continuing strong efforts to consolidate the progress made during the fight against the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) at a conference held Thursday in Beijing. The China national anti-SARS headquarters has issued a circular containing new regulations which effectively standardize prevention measures throughout the country. These regulations should be implemented to the letter, said Wu, also the headquarters' chief official. The World Health Organization (
Temperature Checks Continue at Borders
Mandatory temperature checks and health declarations will remain in place at China's borders despite its victory over SARS, officials said Thursday in Beijing. And key exit-entry ports have also been equipped to detect and thwart planned acts of biochemical terrorism, the State Administration for Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine officials told a press conference. "Over the past few months, we've required exit-entry travellers to accept temperature screening, fill out health declara
A Way to China's Utopia
He opened a way to China's utopia, but he could only leave it on paper. Hundreds of fans of Zheng Wenguang rushed to the funeral hall in Beijing's west suburbs Thursday morning to say farewell to the "father of China's sci-fi". Many were born in the 1980s, but still crazy about the dreamlike world depicted by Zheng half a century ago. Although the US-based World Science Fiction Association published an obituary announcing Zheng's death on June 17 from heart disease, the Chinese media has so far
Banquet to Turn Capital's Tourism Around
Overseas visitors and travel agencies that send tour groups to Beijing will be the big winners as the city's tourism authority leads the industry out of a potentially fatal SARS shadow. The first overseas visitors to the national capital after the recent lifting of the SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) travel warning by the World Health Organization will receive special attention, Yu Changjiang, director of the Beijing Tourism Bureau, said Thursday. The first 1,500 overseas tourists will
Tourism to Rebound in Wake of SARS
The phone in my office have been ringing rather frequently in the past two days. We are excited about the revival of China's tourism industry, said Han Kui, vice general manager of the Outbound Department of the China Youth Travel Service Tours Holding Company. Like Han, people with the tourism sector believe that China's tourism will soon recover its rapid momentum, and tourism industry will enter a new growth period. The market volume and management will return to normal pre-SARS levels, said
New Leadership Wins Trust
Nothing could have been more reassuring and rewarding for China's new leadership than the World Health Organization's decision on Tuesday to lift its SARS alert on Beijing as the government had finished its first 100 days in office. Beijing, another epicentre of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemic in addition to South China's Guangdong Province, was the last place on the Chinese mainland to be removed from the WHO travel advisory and from its list of areas affected by SARS. As
Beijing Gives Incentives to Attract Overseas Tourists
Two days after the WHO lifted the travel advisory against Beijing and removed it from the list of SARS affected regions, the Beijing government announced on Thursday an incentive package to revive the city's tourism industry. The Beijing Tourism Administration announced at a press conference Thursday afternoon that many favorable policies are on offer, aiming to attract overseas tourists back to the city as soon as possible. Major incentives to overseas travelers include: The first group of over
China's Tourism to Rebound in Wake of SARS
The phone in my office have been ringing rather frequently in the past two days. We are excited about the revival of China's tourism industry, said Han Kui, vice general manager of the Outbound Department of the China Youth Travel Service Tours Holding Company. Like Han, people with the tourism sector believe that China's tourism will soon recover its rapid momentum, and tourism industry will enter a new growth period. The market volume and management will return to normal pre-SARS levels, said
A Way to China's Utopia
He opened a way to China's utopia, but he could only leave it on paper. Hundreds of fans of Zheng Wenguang rushed to the funeral hall in Beijing's west suburbs Thursday morning to say farewell to the "father of China's sci-fi". Many were born in the 1980s, but still crazy about the dreamlike world depicted by Zheng half a century ago. Although the US-based World Science Fiction Association published an obituary announcing Zheng's death on June 17 from heart disease, the Chinese media has so far
A Letter from CNTA Chairman He Guangwei
to U.S. Travel & Tourism Industry
Attn: All colleagues in the U.S. travel & tourism industry
June 26, 2003 Dear Sir or Madam, Greetings from China National Tourism Administration (CNTA)! Thank you for your high attention and great support for China tourism and the
Banquet to Turn Capital's Tourism Around
Overseas visitors and travel agencies that send tour groups to Beijing will be the big winners as the city's tourism authority leads the industry out of a potentially fatal SARS shadow. The first overseas visitors to the national capital after the recent
China Revitalizes Aviation Industry
The General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (CAAC) unveiled a plan Thursday aimed at lifting the airline industry out if its slump.
As part of efforts to provide security guarantees to potential travelers, the CAAC will invite representatives
Tourism Market Opens
A recent move to open up China's lucrative tourism industry to overseas firms is being keenly eyed by 10 major players. In an exclusive interview with China Daily, an official from China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) revealed that they had received 10 applications from foreign investors. "Everything is going quite well and these overseas investors are showing interest in the industry, although the procedure is in the preparation stages," said Du Yili, director of the Quality Standard an
Zoos Await Post-SARS Recovery
Keepers at Wuhan Municipal Zoo in the capital of Central China's Hubei Province separated the zoo's three African lionesses from their three male partners in April even though the females were in heat. The three lionesses arrived at the zoo from Japan in 2000. They have given birth to 22 cubs in the past two years. Zoo spokesman He Zhihua told China Daily: "We are sad and sorry to limit the contact of the six lions in heat because we do not want to use contraceptives as that will harm their heal
Aviation Authority to Boost Domestic Air Market
China's aviation authority is going all out to work with home-grown airlines to boost the domestic air market, a move industry analysts say could help carriers recover quickly from the SARS outbreak. Officials with the Civil Aviation Administration of China, regulator of the country's aviation industry, said on Thursday that they would actively back various promotion campaigns made by the airlines. The caac will also help domestic airlines join hands with travel agencies, and carriers will offer
Tourism Watchdog Receives 10 Applications from Foreign Investors
A recent move to open up China's lucrative tourism industry to overseas firms is being keenly eyed by 10 major players. In an exclusive interview with China Daily, an official from China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) revealed that they had received 10 applications from foreign investors. "Everything is going quite well and these overseas investors are showing interest in the industry, although the procedure is in the preparation stages," said Du Yili, director of the Quality Standard an
China Shares Anti-SARS Experience with APEC Health Ministers
Chinese Vice Premier and Health Minister Wu Yi Saturday shared China's experience on fight against SARS with ministers in charge of public health from the Asia Pacific region, affirming the importance of international cooperation in containing the disease. China has taken immediate and decisive measures to contain the spread of SARS, although the country was "in an awkward position" in the early days of the outbreak, Wu said in her speech at the opening ceremony of the Asia Pacific Economic Coop
WHO Experts Conclude Visit to North China's Shanxi
A joint working group composed of experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) and officials from the Chinese Ministry of Health on Friday concluded their 10-day inspection tour of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) prevention work in north China's Shanxi Province. The 11-member group examined the SARS prevention and treatment work in the cities of Taiyuan, Jinzhong and Datong from June 17 toJune 26. "The SARS epidemic in Shanxi has been effectively controlled asa result of arduous wor
News Analysis: Transparency Widespread, China Opening Wider to the World
Although, beginning this week, daily reports on the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) will no longer be a regular feature of Chinese TV programming, few people think that China will slow opening itself much wider to the outside world. The decision to discontinue the daily SARS reports comes on the heels of the World Health Organization's (WHO) decision to lift the travel advisory on Beijing and remove the city from its list of SARS-affected areas. The WHO's decision is an indication of Ch
Tourism Market Opens
A recent move to open up China's lucrative tourism industry to overseas firms is being keenly eyed by 10 major players.
In an exclusive interview with China Daily, an official from China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) revealed that they had rec
China Drops Visa Requirement for Singapore,
Brunei Passport Holders
The Chinese government announced Thursday that it has decided to drop the visa requirement for Singapore and Brunei passport holders for a stay of up to 15 days, effective July 1, 2003.
As of July 1, Singapore and Brunei passport holders will enjoy vis
CEPA Only the First Step for Closer Mainland/ Hong Kong Economic Ties: Wen
The Mainland/Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) is a special arrangement under the "one country, two systems" principle and the World Trade Organization (WTO) framework, said Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in Hong Kong Sunday. Delivering a speech when meeting with people from various communities in Hong Kong after the signing ceremony of CEPA Sunday afternoon, the premier said the arrangement embodies a closer economic relationship between China as a sovereign state and Hong Ko
Sino-Russian Border Trade Recovers
The stagnant Sino-Russian border trade is becoming vibrant again as the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in China has been successfully controlled. Meng Lin, a foreign trade official of Heilongjiang Province on the border, said limitations on the five trade ports of Heihe, Suifenhe, Dongning, Fuyuan and Raohe have been eased by Russia since late May, and trans-border trade and passenger traffic have returned to normal. Earlier this month, delegations sent by Heilongjiang Guom
E. China Province Opens More Hotels to Foreigners
East China's Anhui Province has opened more hotels to foreigners in 17 cities and the two scenic areas of Huangshan Mountain and Jiuhuashan Mountain. By the end of September, foreigners will no longer be required to live in government-designated hotels, which will make their stay and travel in the province more convenient, according to a regulation of Anhui Provincial Security Department. Anhui had earlier eased the restrictions in the cities of Hefei, Ma'anshan, Fuyang and Huangshan as well as
Sino-Russian Border Trade Revived After SARS
The stagnant Sino-Russian border trade is becoming vibrant again as the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in China has been successfully controlled. Meng Lin, a foreign trade official of Heilongjiang Province on the border, said limitations on the five trade ports of Heihe, Suifenhe, Dongning, Fuyuan and Raohe have been eased by Russia since late May, and trans-border trade and passenger traffic have returned to normal. Earlier this month, delegations sent by Heilongjiang Guom
Foreign Banks on Card Trade Success
Foreign banks have increased their preparedness to enter China's vast banking card market since the country joined the World Trade Organization in December 2001. Guo Ye, China corporate communications officer of Citibank, said her bank is eagerly waiting for a revised banking card management regulation, which will allow foreign banks issue banking cards to individuals on the Chinese mainland. "We will try to be the first group of foreign banks to be approved by the banking authorities to conduct
Premier Wen: China's Economy Withstands Challenging Test from SARS
In the first half of the year, China's economy withstood the challenging test from the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), said Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in Hong Kong Sunday. In a speech delivered after the signing ceremony of the Mainland/Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA), Wen updated people from various communities in Hong Kong about the economic situation on the Mainland. Wen said the economy was off to a good start in the first quarter, characterized by a 9.9 pe
China's Economy Withstands Challenging Test From SARS: Premier
In the first half of the year, China's economy withstood the challenging test from the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), said Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao here Sunday. In a speech delivered after the signing ceremony of the Mainland/Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA),Wen updated people from various communities in Hong Kong about theeconomic situation on the Mainland. Wen said the economy was off to a good start in the first quarter, characterized by a 9.9 percent GDP
Foreign Banks Rev Up for Card Business
Foreign banks have increased their preparedness to enter China's vast banking card market since the country joined the World Trade Organization in December 2001. Guo Ye, China corporate communications officer of Citibank, said her bank is eagerly waiting for a revised banking card management regulation, which will allow foreign banks issue banking cards to individuals on the Chinese mainland. "We will try to be the first group of foreign banks to be approved by the banking authorities to conduct
Guangdong's Last SARS Patients Discharged From Hospital
The last three severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) patients in south China's Guangdong Province were discharged from the hospital Wednesday morning. Guangdong, the site of the first reported cases of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, has no SARS patients at present. Zhong Nanshan, an academician with China's Academy of Engineering and head of Guangdong's anti-SARS expert team, said that the discharge of the last remaining SARS patients marked a victory in the fight against SARS. Guangd
International Flights Resume at NE China Airport
The Taoxian International Airport in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province will reopen to international flights on July 5. Air travel from Shenyang to many countries was suspended in late April due to the outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in China. In response to the World Health Organization's removal of its travel advisory against the SARS-affected areas in China, airline companies of Russia, Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) have gradually re-esta
SMEs Hardest Hit by Epidemic: NBS
The recent SARS outbreak has largely hurt China's small- and middle-sized firms in the second quarter, said a National Bureau of Statistics report yesterday. The two business confidence indices tracking the business of China's small- and middle-sized companies dropped to below 100 points, which is regarded as the inactive level, in the second quarter. The small companies' index dropped 15.2 percent to 93.1, while that of the middle-sized ones fell 14.2 percent to 99.8 from the previous quarter.
Independent Trips to HK, Macao Approved
Residents of Foshan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen and Dongguan in Guangdong Province will be able to visit Hong Kong and Macao on their own - without joining a tour group - as of July 28. According to Luo Juan, deputy director-general of Guangdong's Provincial Bureau of Public Security, the four Pearl River Delta cities which border Hong Kong and Macao are just the first in the province to be given the green light for their residents to independently travel to the two regions. Addressing a press conferen
Hong Kong Tackles Its Economic Woes
It was on July I, 1997 that Hong Kong returned to the embrace of the People's Republic of China. In the six years that have passed since then, its economic development and prospects for continuing growth have been in the spotlight. The eyes not just of the central government but also of the world have been on the new Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). The 1997 Asian Financial Crisis wreaked its havoc on the Hong Kong economy and impacted on real estate and the stock market. This is
Foreign Students Return to Class After SARS
Foreign students studying in Beijing have gradually returned to their classrooms now that the World Health Organization has removed the Chinese capital from its travel advisory and its list of SARS-infected areas. Classes in other Chinese cities, where SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) had a less serious effect than in Beijing, have been proceeding as normal. Small numbers of students went back to their own countries but have returned to their classrooms in China, a Ministry of Education
Report Suggests Income Tax Adjustment
The recently completed "Income Distribution and Tax Policy of China" mentions that the current personal income tax policy needs adjustment, which has raised great concern from common Chinese. The report, drafted by the Fiscal Research Institute under the Ministry of Finance, has been handed to relevant departments as a reference for decision-making. Following is an interview by the Guangzhou Daily reporter with Dr. Bai Jingming, chief composer of the report. Reporter: Is the current tax threshol
Independent Trips to HK, Macao Approved
Residents of Foshan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen and Dongguan in Guangdong Province will be able to visit Hong Kong and Macao on their own - without joining a tour group - as of July 28.
According to Luo Juan, deputy director-general of Guangdong's Provincial
International Flights Resume at NE China Airport
The Taoxian International Airport in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province will reopen to international flights on July 5.
Air travel from Shenyang to many countries was suspended in late April due to the outbreak of the severe acute
Fruit and Finance on Festival Itinerary
An eight-day-long festival, which is being used to promote tourism and investment, started in Conghua Wednesday.
The lychee tourism festival, set to run through to Wednesday, aims to boost the development of the city's tourism industry across the board
Sanjiang Region of Yunnan Listed as World Heritage
The Sanjiang region in Southwest China's Yunnan Province has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage sites.
The Sanjiang region features the magnificent view of three giant rivers joining together, as well as various ethnic groups and rich biodiversi
Foreign Students Return After SARS
Foreign students studying in Beijing have gradually returned to their classrooms now that the World Health Organization has removed the Chinese capital from its travel advisory and its list of SARS-infected areas. Classes in other Chinese cities, where SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) had a less serious effect than in Beijing, have been proceeding as normal. Small numbers of students went back to their own countries but have returned to their classrooms in China, a Ministry of Education
Authorities Move to Better Regulate Education Market
The Ministry of Education will take steps to improve the efficiency of intermediary agencies that help self-supporting students go abroad to study. It will set up an official center to evaluate the quality of overseas educational institutions -- whether those institutions are legally established and what kind of academic degrees they can issue. The evaluation results will be published, an official with the ministry's Department for International Cooperation and Exchanges told China Daily. Depart
Authorities Move to Better Regulate Education Market
The Ministry of Education will take steps to improve the efficiency of intermediary agencies that help self-supporting students go abroad to study. It will set up an official center to evaluate the quality of overseas educational institutions -- whether those institutions are legally established and what kind of academic degrees they can issue. The evaluation results will be published, an official with the ministry's Department for International Cooperation and Exchanges told China Daily. Depart
Electric Bike Sales Speed up
More electric bikes will be exported from China as the industry matures here, a top industry official predicted yesterday. "Although the shipments are still quite small, they have begun to pick up speed and the potential is huge," said Wang Fenghe, chairman of the China Bicycle Association. According to Wang's organization, more than 870,000 Chinese bicycles were exported last year, compared with 430,000 units the previous year. Europe, the United States and Japan were the major destinations. Th
Luodai Town--Beauty Under Chengdu's Nose
People often neglect the beauty right beside them. Born in Chengdu, I spent the first 17 years of my life and most holidays afterwards in the capital of Southwest China's Sichuan Province. Until last week, however, I never even knew that a charming old town called Luodai is only 18 kilometres east of the city. Hakka town I read about Luodai in a Sichuan magazine last week and found out that Luodai is a Hakka town of unique historical and cultural interest. The Hakkas are a branch of the Han Chin
China, US to Continue Contact on DPRK Nuclear Issue
China and the United States have agreed that the nuclear issue of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) should be resolved through diplomatic efforts and dialogue, and the two sides will continue contact on the issue, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan in Beijing Thursday. Kong said at a regular press conference that Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wang Yi's current visit to the United States has helped increase mutual understanding between China and the United States. Wa
Authorities Move to Better Regulate Education Market
The Ministry of Education will take steps to improve the efficiency of intermediary agencies that help self-supporting students go abroad to study. It will set up an official center to evaluate the quality of overseas educational institutions -- whether those institutions are legally established and what kind of academic degrees they can issue. The evaluation results will be published, an official with the ministry's Department for International Cooperation and Exchanges told China Daily. Depart
Foreign Students Return to Beijing
Foreign students studying in Beijing have gradually returned to their classrooms now that the World Health Organization has removed the Chinese capital from its travel advisory and its list of SARS-infected areas. Classes in other Chinese cities, where SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) had a less serious effect than in Beijing, have been proceeding as normal. Small numbers of students went back to their own countries but have returned to their classrooms in China, a Ministry of Education
Three Gorges Dam Shows Less Impact on the
Gorges Than Expected
Many people are wondering how the raised water level changed the Yangtze Three Gorges. China Travel News received 2 picture this week from Chongqing China International Travel Service (CQCITS). Both pictures were taken at the same spot: Qutang Gorge, the
Ming Tombs on World Heritage List
Two Ming dynasty imperial tombs were included in the World Heritage List (WHL) on a UNESCO committee meeting held Thursday.
The group of mausoleums near Beijing where were buried 13 emperors of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) and therefore called "Ming's
Shanghai Tourism Recovering Quicker than Expected
More than 20 French graduate students Thursday visited Shanghai's Jinmao Tower, the tallest building in China, when they arrived in the east China metropolis as the first group of European tourists to Shanghai since the severe acute respiratory syndrome (
First Overseas Tourist Group Since SARS Enters Beijing
The first overseas tourist group hosted by China International Travel Service (CITS) since Beijing was removed from WHO's list of SARS-infected regions and travel advisories arrived in Beijing Friday. Thirty-three tourists from Australia and the United Kingdom will visit Tian'anmen Square, the Palace Museum, the Summer Palace and the Great Wall during their five-day stay in the capital. They will also have a tour around Beijing's old alleys and visit local residents' houses. The tourists' arriva
HK to hold first harmonica festival in October
The first Hong Kong Harmonica Festival will take place on Oct. 4-5, jointly sponsored by the Special Administrative Region government's Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and the Hong Kong Harmonica Association (HKHA).
The festival will fe
China's first state-level bamboo nature reserve established in
SW province
A provincial-level nature reserve for bamboo in southwest China's Sichuan Province was upgraded last week to state-level nature reserve by the State Council, China's cabinet.
The Changning Nature Reserve for Bamboo, located in central andsouthern Chang
Beijing gives grand banquet to welcome overseas visitors
Beijing's first 549 visitors from overseas following June 24, when the World Health Organization (WHO) removed Beijing from its list of SARS-affected areas and lifted its travel advisory on the city, were invited to a free banquet at the Great Hall of the
Beijing Gives Grand Banquet to Welcome Overseas Visitors
A tourist from Australia shoots with a digital video during a state banquet in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing July 4, 2003. The first group of 549 tourists from Hong Kong and 7 countries, organized by China International Tour Service (CITS), enjoyed a free state banquet in Beijing after the World Health Organization removed the city from the list of SARS-affected areas and lifted its travel advisory against it. Beijing's first 549 visitors from overseas following June 24, when the World
Tourism Strategy over Pearl River Delta Discussed
Tourism leaders from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Shenzhen held several rounds of discussions over the weekend calling for a fast and healthy recovery of the tourism industry in the Pearl River Delta region. "The trial policy of allowing easy access to Hong Kong, which will be operational in four cities in Guangdong from July 28, will open up a huge potential in the tourism market, attracting more local residents to travel to Hong Kong," said Stephen Shu-Kwan, secretary for economic services of the
Summit Boost for Yangtze Tourism
Eyeing the ever-growing tourism industry, a high level tete-a-tete was held at the weekend. Aimed at smoothing the way for visitors to tourism favorites in the Yangtze River Delta, the meeting brought together scores of officials from different provinces
Civil Aviation Price Hearing Scheduled
A civil aviation hearing has been scheduled for July 15 to discuss a price reform scheme for domestic air traffic, according to a notice of the State Development and Reform Commission.
Seven out of 15 representatives confirmed for the hearing, from Bei
Delayed Railway Travelers Get Back on the Right Track
Thousands of rail passengers stranded after key rail links were severed by floods in South China are back on the move. In Shanghai, all cargo trains have been stopped and five passenger services -- K34, 1478, 2106, 5106 and 5030 -- are still unavailable, while 10 other passenger trains have been restored after being stopped by the floods, according to the Shanghai Railway Administration. Up to 50,000 travellers were delayed, but most of them have now resumed their journeys. The administration ha
Yangtze River Tourism Area, First Trans-regional One in China
To clean out tourism barriers or enter into the obstacle, to build up China's first non-obstacle tourism area across the regions and finally become the world-renowned tourism destination. This is the key point of the "Declaration for Cooperation of the Tourism Cities in Yangtze River Delta" jointly signed by 16 cities at the "Summit Forum of '15+1' Tourist Cities in Yangtze River Delta". And it was brought to an end on July 6. According to the report of China Youth Daily, these '15+1' tourist ci
Muslims Rich, Faithful in Southernmost China City
Hui People, one of a dozen ethnic groups practicing the Islamic faith in China, have been known for their business skill since their forefathers crossed vast deserts and oceans to get to China several hundred years ago. In China's southernmost city of Sanya in Hainan Province, many local Muslims are among the new rich, while still remaining very devoted in their faith. Liu Hua, a 38-year old Hui businessman, now owns a travel agency, a pearl and souvenir shop and a seafood restaurant located in
Water Quality Downgrade for Hangzhou's West Lake
The West Lake, lying in Hangzhou City, capital of Zhejiang Province has long been thought to possess a natural charm. It was compared to a beautiful lady by Chinese poet Su Shi (1037-1101) in his work praising the landscape of the West Lake, "For its many charms I can compare the West Lake to Xizi, adorned or not her beauty shines." The middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River have moved into their rainy season. This type of weather, alternating as it does between rain and sun, adds to the
Muslims Rich, Faithful in Southernmost Chinese City
Hui People, one of a dozen ethnic groups practicing the Islamic faith in China, have been known for their business skill since their forefathers crossed vast deserts and oceans to get to China several hundred years ago. In China's southernmost city of Sanya in Hainan Province, many local Muslims are among the new rich, while still remaining very devoted in their faith. Liu Hua, a 38-year old Hui businessman, now owns a travel agency, a pearl and souvenir shop and a seafood restaurant locatedin t
Xinjiang's Poor School Students to Enjoy Free Education
A financial-aid policy set at the joint sponsorship of the Chinese central government and the government of northwestern Xinjiang Autonomous Region is expected to benefit more than 1.73 million school kids whose families are scattering far and wide in the region's 67 needy cities or counties. According to the local government, those elementary and middle school kids living in need in southern Xinjiang's four autonomous prefectures, counties on the border and farming and livestock breeding areas,
Water Quality Downgrade for Hangzhou's West Lake
The West Lake, lying in Hangzhou City, capital of Zhejiang Province has long been thought to possess a natural charm. It was compared to a beautiful lady by Chinese poet Su Shi (1037-1101) in his work praising the landscape of the West Lake, "For its many charms I can compare the West Lake to Xizi, adorned or not her beauty shines." The middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River have moved into their rainy season. This type of weather, alternating as it does between rain and sun, adds to the
WB, DFID and CIDA to Finance China in Fight Against SARS
Chinese Ministry of Health (MOH), Ministry of Finance (MOF) and the World Bank have jointly launched the SARS and Infectious Disease Response Program in Beijing on July 7 in support of the government's efforts to combat SARS and other potential infectious disease threats. This unique multi-donor supported program is funded by US$11.5 million equivalent of concessional loans from the World Bank, a UK 3 million grant from the UK's Department for International Development (DFID), a C$5 million gran
Yangtze River Tourism Area, First Trans-regional
One in China
To clean out tourism barriers or enter into the obstacle, to build up China's first non-obstacle tourism area across the regions and finally become the world-renowned tourism destination. This is the key point of the "Declaration for Cooperation of the To
Trial Operation of Three Gorges Generating Unit Ends
The trial operation of the first power generating unit of China's Three Gorges Project was completed successfully on Monday, beginning generating power for power grids. Yang Qing, vice-general manager of China Yangtze River Three Gorges Project Developmen
Opinion: A Good Plan to Revive Post-SARS Tourism
The beleaguered tourism industry has united to revive its fortunes, now that SARS has receded. During a weekend conference, 16 cities along the Yangtze River signed an agreement to integrate their tourism resources. It is a programme with great vision. The landmark plan will remove market access barriers between the cities. It will allow tourism agencies to open branches in other cities. It will also do away with the requirement that tourists change to a local guide or agency on arrival in a new
China's National Lotus Show Opens in Seaside Resort
China's Lotus show, the country's annual grand flower spectacle, opened Tuesday in Nandaihe seaside resort in northern Hebei Province.
Hundreds of species will blossom into their full beauty at the show, with some newly imported exotic ones, according
Opinion: A Good Plan to Revive Post-SARS Tourism
The beleaguered tourism industry has united to revive its fortunes, now that SARS has receded. During a weekend conference, 16 cities along the Yangtze River signed an agreement to integrate their tourism resources.
It is a programme with great vision.
Largest Jin Dynasty Tomb Discovered in NW China
Chinese archaeologists have discovered the largest tomb dating back to the Jin Dynasty (265-420) or even back to the Wei Kingdom (220-265) in northwest China's Gansu Province.
The tomb, located about eight km west of Jiuquan City, has two main chambers
Cyprus Donates to Support Battle Against SARS in China
Cypriot Foreign Minister George Iacovou handed over a check of 50,000 US dollars here Wednesday to support China in its battle against the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). China's Ambassador to Cyprus Zhang Limin accepted the donation on behalf of the Chinese government. "With a view to help the Chinese government tackle the various problems created due to SARS in China and express the friendly feelings of our people, the Cyprus government decided to contributeto this effort with a 50,0
Three Gorges Tour to Bring 20 Billion Yuan Annually
The Three Gorges Dam Project will bring unprecedented tourist promotion and revenue though some of the famous tourist attractions will have to vanish inevitably, said Liu Deqian, professor at the Institute of Tourism of Beijing Union University and also the vice president of Beijing Tourism Association. Liu said that over 77 percent of famous scenic spots in the world are around water. But people now find it difficult to enjoy such fine scenery due to shortage of water and water pollution. A 600
China to Set up First North Pole Station
China will establish its first scientific research station in September during the second ever mission to the area by a team including Chinese scientists. The station will be located on Svalbard Island, which belongs to Norway, as an integral step for China to improve its understanding about how its climate will be impacted upon by changes on the North Pole. Organized by the State Oceanic Administration, a total of 115 people will take part. About 90 experts from China, 16 from the United States
China's Service Industry Shakes Off SARS Impact
When severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) was controlled, its impact on China's retail, tourism and other service industries also began to fall away. Statistics show that since most Chinese restaurants reopened inMay, their turnover climbed more than 15 percent in the past month.Especially in Beijing, the local catering industry surged 50 percent in June, and some restaurants increased turnover several times over. Sales were also running hot in most departments stores and supermarkets in Chi
North Pole Station Due Soon
The nation's first scientific research station for the North Pole will be set up in September during the second ever mission to the area by a team including Chinese scientists. The station will be located on Svalbard Island, which belongs to Norway. It will be an integral step for China to improve its understanding about how its climate will be impacted upon by changes on the North Pole. The team will head to the area on Tuesday, it was revealed yesterday at a contract-signing ceremony between A
China's Service Industry Shakes off SARS Impact
When severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) was controlled, its impact on China's retail, tourism and other service industries also began to fall away. Statistics show that since most Chinese restaurants reopened in May, their turnover climbed more than 15 percent in the past month. Especially in Beijing, the local catering industry surged 50 percent in June, and some restaurants increased turnover several times over. Sales were also running hot in most department stores and supermarkets in Ch
Beijing Folk Tours Resume
The Rural Work Committee and the Tourism Administration Bureau affiliated to the Beijing municipal government announced together that Beijingˇ¦s rural folk custom tours resumed on July 1.
Beijing has a total of 210 folk custom tour spots with more than
Ancient Mummy Reproduced as Statue for Museum Tours
A second statue of a beautiful woman who lived about 2,200 years ago was successfully reproduced Wednesday in central China's Hunan Province, marking an important advancement in replicating ancient human bodies.
The woman, named Xin Zhui, was the wife
ANA Resumes Regular Flights to China
All Nippon Airways Co. (ANA) resumed its regular China flight schedules Friday, company sources announced. According to the ANA Beijing Office, after the World Health Organization lifted the SARS travel advisory against Beijing, the travel advisory against Japanese enterprises coming to China has also been lifted. As a result, the demand for business flights to China has begun to surge in Japan. In order to attract more Japanese tourists to China, ANA will offer special discounts to some tourist
Japanese Celebrity: China Is Still Safest Place in The World
Ikuo Hirayama, chairman of the Japan-China Friendship Association, said here Friday that after SARS, China was still the safest place in the world, and he expects more Japanese visitors to the country. Hirayama, also a renowned painter, said during a meeting with Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's highest legislature, that because of the SARS outbreak, he has had to postpone his scheduled April China visit until now. "Yesterday when I visite
Beijing Resumes Outbound Tourism Operation
The first outbound tourist group to Hong Kong started their journey after China halted organized tourism due to the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak. Some 90 people organized by China Travel International Company set out from Beijing, Shenzhen and Shanghai and will meet in Hong Kong for a tour during the weekend. Another 24 people organized by China International Travel Service Company are on the same route. Over 200 people have registered for the tour to Hong Kong and Macao by
Beijing Sees Improving Air Quality
The air quality of Beijing has improved markedly with particulate matters in the air reduced by 28.1 percent in the first five months of the year compared with last year.
According to statistics from the State Forestry Administration (SFA), only seven
Beijing-Shanghai Railway Resumes Normal Operations
All passenger and freight trains, except one, operating on the Beijing-Shanghai Railway Line, one of China's major rail arteries, resumed normal operations after floods damaged sections of the track almost a week ago.
Railway officials said 98.9 percen
Macao's quarantined isolation camps to be reopened
to tourists in summer
Two youth hostels on the Coloane Island of Macao, which had been arranged into isolation camps to admit suspected severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) patients, have been quarantined and ready to be reopened to tourists this month, the Macao Education
Boeing Hopes to Cash in on Chinese Market
Boeing Co, the world's largest commercial aircraft manufacturer, pledged to expand its investment and procurement in China, hoping to cash in on the world's fastest-growing market in the next two decades. The company plans to set up a US$100 million airplane repair, modification and maintenance joint venture with local partners in Shanghai late this year, said Philip Condit, chairman and chief executive officer of the company, yesterday. The move sends a message to the Chinese Government that Bo
Tibet Tourism Rebounds Quickly
The number of tourists coming to southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region has been increasing quickly since the ban on local tourism was lifted on July 1.
Local tourism activities were halted due to the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (S
Beijing Resumes Outbound Tourism Operation
The first outbound tourist group to Hong Kong started their journey after China halted organized tourism due to the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak.
Some 90 people organized by China Travel International Company set out from Beijing,
ANA Resumes Regular Flights to China
All Nippon Airways Co. (ANA) resumed its regular China flight schedules Friday, company sources announced.
According to the ANA Beijing Office, after the World Health Organization lifted the SARS travel advisory against Beijing, the travel advisory aga
Foreign Investment Flows into China After SARS
The epidemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) has not affected foreign investors' confidence in China's economic future as a host of new foreign investment plans take shape. On June 24 when the World Health Organization (WHO) removed Beijing from its list of SARS-infected areas and lifted its travel advisory against the city, Motorola said all its China investment plans would be implemented. The company will continue to expand in China and plans to build a research and development (R&
Beijing Traffic System Revs up
Despite the impact of SARS, construction of the urban transportation system in Beijing has be | 
