China Continues to boost domestic consumption in 2010
The State Council said yesterday (Dec. 9th) that the government will continue to tap into the domestic market to guarantee what has been called "a stable and relatively rapid economic growth" next year. According to an executive meeting of the State Council chaired by Premier Wen Jiabao, policies to boost consumption will be strengthened and most current policies will be extended, including the subsidies given to rural households to buy electrical appliances and vehicles. However, regarding the sale of property, buyers will be taxed if they sell their house less than five years after purchasing it, whilst before, that was limited to two years. Since the fourth quarter in 2008, the central government has implemented a series of policies which aim to improve people's living standards and support consumption.

Wuhan-Guangzhou High Speed Train Soon to be Launched
In the wake of the successful test run of the Wuhan - Guangzhou high speed railway yesterday (Dec. 10th), our reporter learned from an official source that the line will be put into operation on Dec. 26th, temporarily leaving Guangzhou from Huadu station. The train will later leave from Guangzhou's new railway station located in Panyu district which is scheduled to receive its first passengers on January 30th next year, the first day of the Spring Festival.

Media Distorted Zhong Nanshan Statement
In response to a reported statement from Professor Zhong Nanshan from the Chinese Academy of Engineering that 80% of deaths related to A/H1N1 occurred in pregnant women, the professor complained that his statement had been distorted by media. Zhong later corrected the media report saying that over the 200 deaths due to A/H1N1, 8% were pregnant women. Meanwhile he emphasized that women over 15 weeks pregnant are the most vulnerable ones.

The 2010 Holiday Plan Announced Help Bring Up Registration for Travel
As citizens will be given a 3-day holiday to celebrate the New Year, many citizens in Guangzhou are looking at the various travel packages available during that time. According to major travel agencies in Guangzhou, more 3 to 4-day tours will be launched accordingly. Furthermore, travel agencies believe that the new Wuhan-Guangzhou High speed train service will boost travel between the two cities.

The Annual Guangzhou Night Held 
 "Night of Guangzhou", the annual event held to welcome the arrival of guests to the Guangzhou Documentary film festival was held last night(Dec. 9th) in Wuxian temple, considered the oldest temple in Guangzhou. The show presented splendid traditional Lingnan performances including dance with the Five Celestials, folk music with the Song of Jasmine, and Tai Chi.