A third section of the Huanan expressway was opened to traffic at 8am this morning (June 22nd). The expressway cost an estimated 2.7 billion yuan to build and will facilitate transport between Guangzhou and Foshan for drivers willing to pay the 10 Yuan toll fee. 

China raises tax on tobacco products, retail price no change

China has recently increased taxes on tobacco products, but for those who believe that higher prices mean fewer smokers, they'll definitely find the move rather strange. The Ministry of Finance and the State Administration of Taxation (SAT) said taxes went up from 45% to 56%, but only on the very few cigarette packets costing over 70 yuan (about $10). What's more, according to the State Tobacco Monopoly Bureau, at present, taxes have increased on tobacco production and wholesaling, but not directly on the retail price.

Direct flights to tropical islands to begin

With the inking of a spetacular 600 million yuan agreement between Chinese airline companies and several well-known travel agencies, direct flights between Guangzhou and the Maldives, Koh Samui, Langkawi and other tropical islands will start to run this summer. And for those looking for a nice sunny holiday on the beach, the trips to the Maldives will take 6 hours and will start in August.

Shenzhen City to Grant Talent Awards

Shenzhen will start granting outstanding talent awards this year to honor those who made significant contributions in the fields of science and technology, and social sciences. The awards will be granted biennially to no more than 10 people, and could amount to a maximum of 500,000 yuan (US$73,165).