Citizens subsidized to trade in old household appliances and vehicles for new ones
Guangdong officially launched today (September 8) a subsidy program for household appliances and vehicles, amidst a slew of measures to stimulate private spending and curb pollution. With the scheme, citizens are encouraged to trade in old household appliances and vehicles for new ones. 28 major department stores including Grandbuy and Friendship Store are involved in the operation.  This policy works for TVs, refrigerators, washing machines, air-conditioners and computers. Subsidies range between 250 and 400 yuan and for old vehicles, the subsidy can reach up to 6000 yuan. 

New Policy to Offer More Discount for Public Transport
In Guangzhou, bus passengers using the Yangchengtong cards are soon to enjoy a 20% discount. According to information provided by the Guangzhou Traffic Commission, the authorities are studying ways to improve the current public transport ticket system,  including extra discounts for Yangchengtong card holders, additional small-value monthly ticket, and new joint commuter ticket for buses and metros. This new policy is scheduled to be test run starting in November.

6000 couple to marry on luckiest day
Tomorrow is September 9th, 2009, a day featuring 3 '9' and as "9"s stands for eternity in Chinese culture, the date is widely regarded as the luckiest day to get married during the entire century. As of September 4th, Over 6100 couples in Guangzhou have signed up to get married tomorrow, more than 15 times that of regular days. This even breaks the record set last year during the opening of the Beijing Olympic Games. Our journalist Zhao Zhaoyi has the story:
To save time, marriage registration offices have decided to cancel the marriage certificate presenting ceremony, as well as shorten the registration time down to 3 minutes. Opening hours will also be extended. An official with the Liwan District told us:
[Recording] We normally start work at 8:30, but these days we arrive at 7 o'clock, and leave only once dealt with all the inquiries.

Photo from Sina.com

Unemployment benefits in Guangdong increase by 15%
Beginning this month, unemployment benefits in Guangdong have increase by 15%.  Unemployment benefits were raised to 791 yuan per month in Guangzhou. Unemployment benefits normally reach 80% of the minimum salary of each city. But insiders explained that, even though the minimum wage has not been adjusted lately, the unemployment benefits were raised to help most needed citizens amid the financial crisis.