2009-01-03 Let's Go Skiing Although the word of winter seems to covey anything but warmth, I believe the idea of going skiing is sure to kindle the passion within many people. Today we will talk about skiing. • Decision-making Mechanism Prior to Encouragement of Pursuit of Innovations • China to Step up Efforts to Improve Net Environment • China Highlights New Year Fiscal Emphasis • India handed over evidence of Mumbai attacks to Pakistan • EU delegation holds talks to push for a cease-fire in Gaza

In the just-concluded 31st World Museum Day, many museums across China opened free of charge to the public.

However, Beijing Youth Daily says that is not enough. It calls for public museums to open freely to the public on a permanent basis.

The paper says public museums are public facility. They represent the essence of the economic, historical and cultural heritage of a region or a nation.

So, in principle, they should be open to visitors.

According the paper, it has become international practice to open museums to all citizens and foreign tourists, as with the British Museum.

It says that, as China's economy develops, it is also now feasible for central and local governments to meet the running costs of museums.