Highlights from chinadaily.com.cn

Fisherman turns trash to gold

A deserted boatyard in Qingdao sparked a creative streak in fisherman Xue Shenjian. Instead of letting the boats rot away, Xue used the wood from one old vessel to make two chairs. To his surprise, the rough but solid look of the furniture attracted buyers, opening up a new business opportunity. He now makes customized furniture and art pieces, and so has turned trash into gold.

Plans to reform the pension arrangements for workers in government agencies and public institutions were unveiled on Wednesday. The aim is to create a system for Party, government and public institutions that is similar to the one used by the private sector, ending the long-established dual-track system that favors government workers.

Young women make debut

The backdrop for the debutante ball is one of Shanghai's most luxurious hotels. The guests are well-dressed scions of the country's most powerful and wealthy families, and the white-gloved young women are expected to set the standards for the city's high society.

Dunhuang, witness to history on the Silk Road

The fortresses and passes, or gates, along the Great Wall in Dunhuang county, Gansu province, have formed the backdrop for a long history of war and peace that dates back 2,000 years. The remains of the Hecang Fortress and Yumen Pass are particularly atmospheric reminders of that eventful past.