66.4 percent of people say they have a year-end party phobia, according to a survey published last week by the China Youth Daily. The survey polled 2,184 people. The biggest concern for 51.3 percent was that the party requires a lot of effort. Up to 86.4 percent are willing to actively participate in the party, while 40.7 percent only want to attend, and 30.7 percent are forced to perform.
Man convicted of raping another man
A 42-year-old man working as a security guard has been convicted of raping an 18-year-old male colleague and sentenced to one year in prison. This marks the first time in China that a man has been convicted of raping another man, the Legal Evening News reports. The court in Beijing condemned the man of wilful and malicious injury. A legal expert says the ruling represents progress in the legal system, but China still lags behind in the prosecution of gay assaults.
Railway tickets sold online
Chengdu's railway authorities will allow passengers to buy tickets online during the Spring Festival peak travel season, the West China Cosmopolitan Daily reports. Passengers will also be able to buy tickets with prepaid cards. But like last year, travelers will have to provide proof of identity.
Insurers invest big in real estate
Chinese insurance companies have invested nearly 500 billion yuan in real estate since the China Insurance Regulatory Commission lifted a ban in September 2010, an insurance insider told China Economic Weekly.
Mainland students at Taiwan colleges
The first group of Chinese mainland students will attend Taiwan universities from September 2011, the Central News Agency of Taiwan reported. The mainland students will not get student grants, won't be eligible for part-time or full-time jobs while studying and be required to leave Taiwan within a certain time after graduation.