China

China's officials say its controversial population-control measure is still crucial for the welfare of the nation, where 800 million rural residents still live in poverty.

An official government rule published this week citing a shortage in farmland and food crops may force China's oil companies to cancel plans to explore large-scale production of biofuel. Losses in farmable land continue to cause problems for China.

To encourage more motorists to take advantage of public transit, the city is planning to build free parking lots near new transit stations.

Middle class residents of Shenzhen successful opposed plans for a new freeway, signaling a potential backlash to the country's rapid growth.

Shanghai, already the largest city in China, anticipates a population of 25 million by 2020. A week long series on National Public Radio covers the amazing stories surrounding the city's growth and development.

With populations steadily increasing in India and China, the two countries are looking to green building methods to reduce their energy use as they urbanize and move more closely to Western energy consumption patterns.

Plans for the Chinese capital's metro system fall just shy of 350 miles of track over 19 lines, which would surpass London's Underground by 2020.

A real estate investment trust in Hong Kong has successfully turned a profit on the retail spaces located in the SAR's myriad of public housing developments.

Many wonder if the government's action will work to slow down the pace of construction in its rapidly growing cities.

An exhibition has opened in Beijing, highlighting the city's attempts to revamp their city planning in preparation for the 2008 Olympics.

After years of Beijing's growing middle class buying new flats on the city's outskirts, long commutes are encouraging people to move back into the city's center.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. plans to buy a massive Chinese "hypermarket" for close to $1 billion, making Wal-Mart the largest food and department store network in China.

A California developer is pushing proposals for high-speed magnetic levitation trains. He's hoping private enterprise will help make the costly venture more attractive to state and regional governments.

The last, and only time I.M. Pei worked in his native China was in 1982 when he designed a Beijing luxury hotel. Disappointed in that work, Pei jumped at the chance to return to China once again to design the Suzhou Museum.

Chongming, a remote island north of Shanghai, is set to become a showcase of sustainable development, but doubts remain about the viability of the plan.

India and China are turning to wind power in response to growing energy needs.

Infrastructure as tourism: The massive, 1.4-mile long Three Gorges Dam is rapidly becoming a hot tourist destination, with three reputable cruise lines now visiting the dam.

With private car ownership increasing, can the bicycle making a comeback in China?

To reduce traffic congestion and pollution, officials in Beijing will prohibit the use of private cars at sporting events during the 2008 Olympic Summer Games.

In the first of two installments, the Boston Globe delves into the ever-changing built environment of Shanghai, one of China's fastest growing cities.