The city of Fushun , about 50 kilometres east of Shenyang , capital of the industrial province of Liaoning , boasts a glorious past.
It is the birthplace of the Qing dynasty and also where Lei Feng , a young PLA soldier, was stationed and later died in an accident. Lei has been glorified as a national icon for his selfless dedication in helping others. More importantly, the city used to be known as the country's coal capital in the early part of last century, providing much-needed energy for the nation's development.
After more than 100 years of exploitation, however, the city of 2.2 million people faded from the national view, degenerating into a typical industrial rust-belt city dotted with dilapidated buildings, disused mining pits, 20 per cent unemployment and a polluted skyline.
When it is in the national news, it is for something bad. Last year, the central government put Fushun on a list of the cities whose natural resources were exhausted.
Last Monday, it made the headlines again - a corruption case involving what is officially labelled as 'the biggest bribe' amassed by 'the lowest ranking official', using 'the most odious approach'.
Luo Yaping , former director of the Land Resources Bureau of Fushun's Shuncheng District, was sentenced to death for embezzlement and taking bribes worth 60 million yuan (HK$70.1 million). The amount is less than the 145 million yuan worth of cash and properties attributed to her when she was arrested in April 2008.