Ancient rice residue

CHINESE researchers have found traces of indica rice at an archaeological site in Southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, suggesting that the subspecies of rice had spread to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau around 1,300 years ago.

The discovery was made by a research team from the second comprehensive scientific expedition to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

While cleaning a section at the Kongsangqiao site in Jilung County, in the city of Xigaze, the researchers excavated several pottery shards, some animal bone fragments, and a large number of plant remains.

Endangered species

WHITE cranes，a species under first-class State protection in China，were spotted at a national nature reserve in North China’s Hebei Province, according to the local resource protection bureau yesterday.

Attracted by a good ecological environment and abundant food, white cranes, as migratory birds, stop over at the reserve en route to the north, the bureau said.

Translation of classics

CHINA’S National Press and Publication Administration on Monday signed a memorandum with Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation on translating and publishing classic works from the two countries.

According to the memorandum, 50 classic works from these countries will be translated and published within the next five years, in a bid to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between Chinese and Thai people through the provision of more fine translated works.

The signing of the memorandum is expected to generate new opportunities and serve as a driving force for deepening the people-to-people and cultural exchanges and mutual learning between the two countries.