![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-09-24/007/20250924_006_01_39.png\")
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-09-24/007/20250924_006_01_40.png\")
\nSituated along the lower reaches of the Yellow River and on the eastern edge of the North China Plain, Shandong province has long been renowned for its rich resources, profound historical heritage and diverse cultures.
\nFrom multiple historical sites and breathtaking landscapes to appetizing local cuisine, the province offers a broad array of attractions and experiences that captivate tourists from home and abroad.
\nNatural beauty
\nThe provincial capital Jinan is known as the "city of springs" for its abundant water resources.
\nThe most famous is the Baotu Spring in the city's downtown area, which has been celebrated in poetry and art over the centuries for its crystal clear, bubbling water.
\nThe spring flows northward into Daming Lake — another renowned scenic attraction in the city. Tourists can take a boat tour and explore the historical sites on the shoreline.
\nNext to southern Jinan is Taian city, where stands the majestic Mount Tai with an altitude of 1,545 meters.
\nReaching the mountain's pinnacle Jade Emperor Peak requires visitors to conquer a challenging ascent of nearly 8,000 steps. Yet the arduous effort is rewarded at the top with a stunning vista of ancient temples, towering pines, and steep cliffs piercing through a sea of clouds.
\nShandong also boasts a long coastline of about 3,500 kilometers, offering tourists impressive sea views, various water sports and fresh seafood delicacies. One of the most popular seaside cities is Qingdao, which is noted for its charming beaches and historical European-style architecture. The Golden Beach, named for its sands, is ideal for sunbathing and swimming, while the Shilaoren Beach offers a perfect viewpoint for watching the sunrise over the sea.
\nThe coastal city of Dongying is where the Yellow River, China's mother river, joins the Bohai Sea, creating a unique estuary wetland.
\nSpanning more than 150,000 hectares, the Shandong Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve in Dongying is home to nearly 400 species of birds, some of which are under first-class national protection such as the Oriental stork, the hooded crane and the red-crowned crane.
\nBased on the reserve, the city has set up the Yellow River Estuary Eco-tourism Area, allowing nature enthusiasts to admire bird flocks, beautiful wetlands and the spectacular dividing line between the Yellow River and the Bohai Sea.
\nCultural heritage
\nAs one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization, Shandong has been a vital cultural and political center for millennia.
\nFrom the Western Zhou Dynasty (c.11th century-771 BC) to the Warring States Period (475-221 BC), the region was home to the two powerful states of Qi and Lu. That's why Shandong is known as "the Land of Qilu" today.
\nThe Lu State was also the home of the great philosopher and educator Confucius, or Kong Qiu, whose teachings have profoundly shaped Chinese culture and society for centuries.
\nThe Temple of Confucius in Qufu, Shandong, along with the Confucius Cemetery and the Kong Family Mansion, was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. Visitors can gain a deeper understanding of Confucius' life and philosophy at the site while admiring exquisite ancient buildings.
\nAnother UNESCO World Heritage Site in Shandong is the Great Wall of Qi. Dating back more than 2,600 years, it is one of the oldest Great Wall sections in China with well-preserved conditions, earning it the nickname "father of the Great Wall".
\nThe Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, the world's longest ancient canal, runs 643 km in Shandong, passing through the five cities of Dezhou, Liaocheng, Taian, Jining and Zaozhuang.
\nBased on the natural beauty and cultures of different regions, the province has released 10 Grand Canal cultural and tourism routes, with themes such as canal scenery, ancient cities along the canal and the inheritance of canal culture.
\nTaierzhuang Ancient Town in Zaozhuang city, for example, is rich in intangible cultural heritage and traditional handicraft resources. The town still retains numerous ancient streets, lanes and buildings, earning it the title of "Living Ancient Canal" by the World Tourism Organization.
\nShanxi-Shaanxi Guild Hall, located on the west bank of the ancient canal in Liaocheng, used to be the place where Shanxi and Shaanxi merchants gathered, conducted business, stored goods and entertained during the mid to late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). It is the only well-preserved commercial guild hall in the city.
\nCurrently, Shandong has more than 800 museums, including 32 designated as national first-level museums.
\nThe Shandong Museum, located in Jinan, possesses a collection of more than 400,000 artifacts.
\nIts most famous exhibits include a black pottery high-stem goblet from the Neolithic period, the Ya Chou bronze battle-axe from the Shang Dynasty (c.16th century-11th century BC), and the nine-tasseled crown that was unearthed from the tomb of Zhu Tan (1370-89), the son of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) founder Zhu Yuanzhang.
\nAdditionally, a total of 186 cultural items from Shandong have been recognized as national intangible heritage including kite-making techniques from Weifang, shadow puppet plays from Jinan and paper-cutting from Yantai.
\nFolk activities
\nShandong province offers tourists brilliant festivals and traditional cultural activities throughout the year, showcasing its vibrant artistic creativity and cultural diversity.
\nEvery April, kite-flying masters from around the world gather in Weifang city for the international kite festival.
\nDuring the festival, the sky becomes a blue canvas dotted with colorful kites of all shapes and sizes, ranging from traditional designs such as intricate centipedes and dragons to modern artistic innovations and giant three-dimensional designs like buildings and cartoon characters. This year's event attracted 257 teams from 51 countries and regions, highlighting cultural exchanges and the global appeal of kite-flying traditions.
\nHeld annually in summer, Qingdao International Beer Festival is Asia's biggest beer party.
\nThe 35th session of the event, lasting one month from July to August, featured more than 2,300 domestic and international beer brands and, for the first time, introduced an "exclusive festival beer" to give visitors a truly unique tasting experience. About 22.48 million people took part in the festival this year, consuming more than 3,000 metric tons of beer.
\nOther international festivals hosted by Shandong include the Heze International Peony Cultural Tourism Festival, the Yantai International Wine Exposition and the Mount Tai International Mountain Climbing Festival.
\nShandong also holds a variety of folk activities including the Dongyue temple fair in Taian, the Huji Shuhui, a festival celebrating multiple forms of narrative and singing folk arts and the fish lantern festival, which is mainly popular in fishing villages of Yantai.
\nRural tourism
\nShandong is as an ideal destination for people who are looking to escape from the relentless hustle and bustle of cities, as it boasts a multitude of picturesque, tranquil villages.
\nZhuquan village in Linyi, Shandong province, has a history of more than 400 years. In Chinese, zhu literally means bamboo and quan means springs, reflecting the two major landscapes of the village.
\nIn 2019, the village was inducted into China's first batch of key villages for rural tourism. Visitors can take a casual stroll along the bamboolined paths, stay in traditional stone dwellings, and partake in activities such as fruit picking in order to enjoy the slow-paced, leisurely village life.
\nAt Houshanwang village in Rizhao, travelers can explore rolling mountains, pick tea leaves and sip some fresh tea amid a breathtaking landscape of vibrant green.
\nMeanwhile, at Dongchudao village in the city of Rongcheng, they can wander the streets dotted with ancient buildings, have a close encounter with seagulls and fish with local residents.
\nTransportation, accommodation
\nShandong has been improving its transport system in recent years to offer tourists better services and boost the tourism industry.
\nThe province now has five international airports in Jinan, Qingdao, Yantai, Weihai and Linyi, with direct flights to the United Kingdom, Russia, Australia, Japan and South Korea, among other countries and regions.
\nThese airports are equipped with modern facilities and high-quality services, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience.
\nDuring the first half of this year, the number of inbound tourists to Shandong reached 705,000, up 72.1 percent year-on-year, thanks to China's visa-free policy and the increasing number of international flights.
\nAlso, there is an extensive highway network and well-connected high-speed railways in the province, which enable tourists to travel efficiently between its major tourism cities.
\nFor example, the high-speed rail journey from Qingdao to Weihai takes just over one hour. Departing from Jinan, travelers can reach Beijing in only one and a half hours and Shanghai in about three hours via the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway.
\nVisitors are also offered a diverse selection of accommodation, from luxury hotels and cozy homestays to rustic countryside inns and traditional guesthouses. Some cities have built special hotels close to scenic attractions, allowing tourists to immerse themselves in natural beauty and enjoy a pleasant stay. Tourists should not miss the seaside Confucianism-themed hotel, the Lalu Qingdao, and the Bright Qi Hotels and Resort in Zibo, which features an awe-inspiring landscape due to its location on an 800-meter-high cliff.
\nCulinary delights
\nShandong's waters supply its people with abundant seafood like sea cucumbers, abalones, and prawns, while its inland regions with fertile land offer high-quality grains, vegetables, and poultry.
\nAs one of China's eight major culinary schools, Shandong cuisine, or Lu cuisine, has a history spanning over 2,500 years. It is celebrated for its fresh, salty flavors, meticulous cooking techniques, and emphasis on dining rituals.
\nOne signature dish is sweet and sour carp, made with a fresh carp from Shandong's lakes or rivers. The fish is carefully prepared with parallel cuts across its body, marinated, coated in a light batter, and deep-fried until its skin turns golden and crisp, while the flesh remains tender.
\nWhat elevates it is the smooth sweet-and-sour sauce: a perfect mix of vinegar, sugar, soy sauce and starch water, sometimes with black fungus and bamboo shoots, simmered to a thick consistency and poured over the carp.
\nIn addition, nearly every city in Shandong boasts its own local specialties and street food. Famous examples include braised chicken from Dezhou, shaobing (a type of crispy baked flatbread) from Zhoucun district in Zibo, and bazirou (pork belly stewed with soy sauce) from Jinan.
\nzhanglinwan@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", - "content": "\n\nSituated along the lower reaches of the Yellow River and on the eastern edge of the North China Plain, Shandong province has long been renowned for its rich resources, profound historical heritage and diverse cultures.
\nFrom multiple historical sites and breathtaking landscapes to appetizing local cuisine, the province offers a broad array of attractions and experiences that captivate tourists from home and abroad.
\nNatural beauty
\nThe provincial capital Jinan is known as the "city of springs" for its abundant water resources.
\nThe most famous is the Baotu Spring in the city's downtown area, which has been celebrated in poetry and art over the centuries for its crystal clear, bubbling water.
\nThe spring flows northward into Daming Lake — another renowned scenic attraction in the city. Tourists can take a boat tour and explore the historical sites on the shoreline.
\nNext to southern Jinan is Taian city, where stands the majestic Mount Tai with an altitude of 1,545 meters.
\nReaching the mountain's pinnacle Jade Emperor Peak requires visitors to conquer a challenging ascent of nearly 8,000 steps. Yet the arduous effort is rewarded at the top with a stunning vista of ancient temples, towering pines, and steep cliffs piercing through a sea of clouds.
\nShandong also boasts a long coastline of about 3,500 kilometers, offering tourists impressive sea views, various water sports and fresh seafood delicacies. One of the most popular seaside cities is Qingdao, which is noted for its charming beaches and historical European-style architecture. The Golden Beach, named for its sands, is ideal for sunbathing and swimming, while the Shilaoren Beach offers a perfect viewpoint for watching the sunrise over the sea.
\nThe coastal city of Dongying is where the Yellow River, China's mother river, joins the Bohai Sea, creating a unique estuary wetland.
\nSpanning more than 150,000 hectares, the Shandong Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve in Dongying is home to nearly 400 species of birds, some of which are under first-class national protection such as the Oriental stork, the hooded crane and the red-crowned crane.
\nBased on the reserve, the city has set up the Yellow River Estuary Eco-tourism Area, allowing nature enthusiasts to admire bird flocks, beautiful wetlands and the spectacular dividing line between the Yellow River and the Bohai Sea.
\nCultural heritage
\nAs one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization, Shandong has been a vital cultural and political center for millennia.
\nFrom the Western Zhou Dynasty (c.11th century-771 BC) to the Warring States Period (475-221 BC), the region was home to the two powerful states of Qi and Lu. That's why Shandong is known as "the Land of Qilu" today.
\nThe Lu State was also the home of the great philosopher and educator Confucius, or Kong Qiu, whose teachings have profoundly shaped Chinese culture and society for centuries.
\nThe Temple of Confucius in Qufu, Shandong, along with the Confucius Cemetery and the Kong Family Mansion, was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. Visitors can gain a deeper understanding of Confucius' life and philosophy at the site while admiring exquisite ancient buildings.
\nAnother UNESCO World Heritage Site in Shandong is the Great Wall of Qi. Dating back more than 2,600 years, it is one of the oldest Great Wall sections in China with well-preserved conditions, earning it the nickname "father of the Great Wall".
\nThe Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, the world's longest ancient canal, runs 643 km in Shandong, passing through the five cities of Dezhou, Liaocheng, Taian, Jining and Zaozhuang.
\nBased on the natural beauty and cultures of different regions, the province has released 10 Grand Canal cultural and tourism routes, with themes such as canal scenery, ancient cities along the canal and the inheritance of canal culture.
\nTaierzhuang Ancient Town in Zaozhuang city, for example, is rich in intangible cultural heritage and traditional handicraft resources. The town still retains numerous ancient streets, lanes and buildings, earning it the title of "Living Ancient Canal" by the World Tourism Organization.
\nShanxi-Shaanxi Guild Hall, located on the west bank of the ancient canal in Liaocheng, used to be the place where Shanxi and Shaanxi merchants gathered, conducted business, stored goods and entertained during the mid to late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). It is the only well-preserved commercial guild hall in the city.
\nCurrently, Shandong has more than 800 museums, including 32 designated as national first-level museums.
\nThe Shandong Museum, located in Jinan, possesses a collection of more than 400,000 artifacts.
\nIts most famous exhibits include a black pottery high-stem goblet from the Neolithic period, the Ya Chou bronze battle-axe from the Shang Dynasty (c.16th century-11th century BC), and the nine-tasseled crown that was unearthed from the tomb of Zhu Tan (1370-89), the son of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) founder Zhu Yuanzhang.
\nAdditionally, a total of 186 cultural items from Shandong have been recognized as national intangible heritage including kite-making techniques from Weifang, shadow puppet plays from Jinan and paper-cutting from Yantai.
\nFolk activities
\nShandong province offers tourists brilliant festivals and traditional cultural activities throughout the year, showcasing its vibrant artistic creativity and cultural diversity.
\nEvery April, kite-flying masters from around the world gather in Weifang city for the international kite festival.
\nDuring the festival, the sky becomes a blue canvas dotted with colorful kites of all shapes and sizes, ranging from traditional designs such as intricate centipedes and dragons to modern artistic innovations and giant three-dimensional designs like buildings and cartoon characters. This year's event attracted 257 teams from 51 countries and regions, highlighting cultural exchanges and the global appeal of kite-flying traditions.
\nHeld annually in summer, Qingdao International Beer Festival is Asia's biggest beer party.
\nThe 35th session of the event, lasting one month from July to August, featured more than 2,300 domestic and international beer brands and, for the first time, introduced an "exclusive festival beer" to give visitors a truly unique tasting experience. About 22.48 million people took part in the festival this year, consuming more than 3,000 metric tons of beer.
\nOther international festivals hosted by Shandong include the Heze International Peony Cultural Tourism Festival, the Yantai International Wine Exposition and the Mount Tai International Mountain Climbing Festival.
\nShandong also holds a variety of folk activities including the Dongyue temple fair in Taian, the Huji Shuhui, a festival celebrating multiple forms of narrative and singing folk arts and the fish lantern festival, which is mainly popular in fishing villages of Yantai.
\nRural tourism
\nShandong is as an ideal destination for people who are looking to escape from the relentless hustle and bustle of cities, as it boasts a multitude of picturesque, tranquil villages.
\nZhuquan village in Linyi, Shandong province, has a history of more than 400 years. In Chinese, zhu literally means bamboo and quan means springs, reflecting the two major landscapes of the village.
\nIn 2019, the village was inducted into China's first batch of key villages for rural tourism. Visitors can take a casual stroll along the bamboolined paths, stay in traditional stone dwellings, and partake in activities such as fruit picking in order to enjoy the slow-paced, leisurely village life.
\nAt Houshanwang village in Rizhao, travelers can explore rolling mountains, pick tea leaves and sip some fresh tea amid a breathtaking landscape of vibrant green.
\nMeanwhile, at Dongchudao village in the city of Rongcheng, they can wander the streets dotted with ancient buildings, have a close encounter with seagulls and fish with local residents.
\nTransportation, accommodation
\nShandong has been improving its transport system in recent years to offer tourists better services and boost the tourism industry.
\nThe province now has five international airports in Jinan, Qingdao, Yantai, Weihai and Linyi, with direct flights to the United Kingdom, Russia, Australia, Japan and South Korea, among other countries and regions.
\nThese airports are equipped with modern facilities and high-quality services, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience.
\nDuring the first half of this year, the number of inbound tourists to Shandong reached 705,000, up 72.1 percent year-on-year, thanks to China's visa-free policy and the increasing number of international flights.
\nAlso, there is an extensive highway network and well-connected high-speed railways in the province, which enable tourists to travel efficiently between its major tourism cities.
\nFor example, the high-speed rail journey from Qingdao to Weihai takes just over one hour. Departing from Jinan, travelers can reach Beijing in only one and a half hours and Shanghai in about three hours via the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway.
\nVisitors are also offered a diverse selection of accommodation, from luxury hotels and cozy homestays to rustic countryside inns and traditional guesthouses. Some cities have built special hotels close to scenic attractions, allowing tourists to immerse themselves in natural beauty and enjoy a pleasant stay. Tourists should not miss the seaside Confucianism-themed hotel, the Lalu Qingdao, and the Bright Qi Hotels and Resort in Zibo, which features an awe-inspiring landscape due to its location on an 800-meter-high cliff.
\nCulinary delights
\nShandong's waters supply its people with abundant seafood like sea cucumbers, abalones, and prawns, while its inland regions with fertile land offer high-quality grains, vegetables, and poultry.
\nAs one of China's eight major culinary schools, Shandong cuisine, or Lu cuisine, has a history spanning over 2,500 years. It is celebrated for its fresh, salty flavors, meticulous cooking techniques, and emphasis on dining rituals.
\nOne signature dish is sweet and sour carp, made with a fresh carp from Shandong's lakes or rivers. The fish is carefully prepared with parallel cuts across its body, marinated, coated in a light batter, and deep-fried until its skin turns golden and crisp, while the flesh remains tender.
\nWhat elevates it is the smooth sweet-and-sour sauce: a perfect mix of vinegar, sugar, soy sauce and starch water, sometimes with black fungus and bamboo shoots, simmered to a thick consistency and poured over the carp.
\nIn addition, nearly every city in Shandong boasts its own local specialties and street food. Famous examples include braised chicken from Dezhou, shaobing (a type of crispy baked flatbread) from Zhoucun district in Zibo, and bazirou (pork belly stewed with soy sauce) from Jinan.
\nzhanglinwan@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", - "category": "", - "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-09/24/content_007_68d31c2fed50ccabe151a0b1.htm#007ADVERTORIAL", - "creator": "", - "pubDate": "Wed, 24 Sep 2025 00:21:05 +0000", - "enclosure": "", - "enclosureType": "", - "image": "", - "id": "", - "language": "", - "folder": "双语", - "feed": "ChinaDaily", - "read": false, - "favorite": false, - "created": false, - "tags": [], - "hash": "d0245e0c47322f11d22e1499db9a2cfc", - "highlights": [] - }, { "title": "010VIEWS - Call for campaign to eliminate trans fat", "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-09-24/010/20250924_010_01_64.png\")
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-09-24/010/20250924_010_01_44.png\")
\nWars and other manmade health crises understandably capture global emotion and attention, and prompt urgent calls for action. However, there is another less visible manmade health challenge that countries are increasingly fighting against.
\nThe drive to rid the global food supply of industrial trans fat — a chemical responsible for over 278,000 deaths each year around the world — is a clear case of how government commitment and action are succeeding in promoting health and saving lives.
\nIndustrially-produced trans fat is a silent killer found in everyday products, often in baked goods, snacks and margarine. It is formed when liquid vegetable oils are industrially processed into semisolid forms to improve texture, taste and shelf life. Trans fat has no known health benefits but numerous proven harms. Even small amounts can increase the risk of coronary heart disease. However, with dedicated action, trans fat can be significantly reduced, or even eliminated, from the food supply chains, offering hope for a healthier future for tens of millions of people worldwide.
\nIn 2018, the World Health Organization proudly launched a global initiative supported by its member states to eliminate trans fat from processed foods. Two years later, the WHO initiated a program to recognize countries for successfully doing so.
\nThe drive is bearing fruit.
\nDenmark, Lithuania, Poland, Saudi Arabia and Thailand were the first to be recognized for eliminating trans fat. Now, four more countries — Austria, Norway, the Sultanate of Oman and Singapore — have joined that number. This means a combined population of more than 170 million people live in nine countries now certified by the WHO for eliminating trans fat from food manufacturing.
\nAustria was one of the first countries to introduce limits on trans fat content in foods, following Denmark's lead in 2009. Austria has since seen a significant reduction in trans fat levels across the food supply, with most products now complying with limits during routine monitoring.
\nNorway is an early adopter and has set limits on the use of trans fat in foods since 2014. Monitoring of dietary intake has shown a steady decline in consumption of trans fat over time. Trans fat has consistently accounted for less than 1 percent of energy intake.
\nIn 2022, Oman joined other Gulf Cooperation Council countries to prohibit the production, import and marketing of partially hydrogenated oils and related food products. This decisive move aligned with Oman's broader goal of eliminating all forms of malnutrition, as outlined in its National Nutrition Strategy 2020-30.
\nSingapore, on the other hand, has pursued trans fat elimination since 2013, and has imposed a limit on all fats and oils sold in retail markets or supplied to food service establishments and manufacturers. Later, Singapore prohibited the use of partly hydrogenated oils (PHO) as an ingredient in fats, oils, and pre-packaged foods. The city-state has also worked with major food companies to reformulate their products to be PHO-free.
\nEncouragingly, food manufacturers themselves are supporting this effort. Members of the International Food and Beverage Alliance have committed to eliminating trans fat from their products. While progress has been made, efforts remain varied and reflect a broader, ongoing shift within the food industry to create healthier food options and contribute to the global fight against trans fat.
\nWhen the WHO first called for the elimination of industrially produced trans fat across the world seven years ago, only 11 countries, accounting for only 6 percent of the global population, had best-practice trans fat elimination policies in effect.
\nThis number has since increased to almost 60, including the nine countries certified by the WHO, comprising 46 percent of the global population. In 2019, the European Union, too, set a legal limit of no more than 2 grams of trans fat per 100 grams of oil or fat used in food. These rules apply to all countries in the European Economic Area.
\nWe look forward to these, and all other countries, being recognized by the WHO as eliminating trans fat from their manufactured food supplies.
\nAn essential factor in success of the campaign against trans fat is the implementation of nationwide systems to rigorously monitor and enforce the policies to remove the deadly threat from foods.
\nAs Austria, Norway, Oman and Singapore have demonstrated, it is possible to realize great change when strong commitment is paired with decisive evidence-based action. But while measures are in place in many countries, continued monitoring and enforcement are essential to ensure they succeed in eliminating trans fat for foods.
\nLet's build on this momentum and protect more people from this deadly product. We call on all governments to join this growing movement and commit to a future free from trans fat, where preventable deaths are averted, and everyone can benefit from safer and healthier food.
\nA world free from manmade trans fat is within reach.
\n", @@ -11335,28 +11313,6 @@ "hash": "c2ff90ec829e592d24d9b5412389ca1c", "highlights": [] }, - { - "title": "012WORLD - Lantern splendor", - "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-09-24/012/20250924_012_02_35100.png\")
A tourist photographs glowing lantern displays during the Mid-Autumn Festival celebration at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore on Monday.
\n", - "content": "A tourist photographs glowing lantern displays during the Mid-Autumn Festival celebration at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore on Monday.
\n", - "category": "", - "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-09/24/content_012_68d31c6fed50ccabe151a0c1.htm#012WORLD", - "creator": "", - "pubDate": "Wed, 24 Sep 2025 00:21:05 +0000", - "enclosure": "", - "enclosureType": "", - "image": "", - "id": "", - "language": "", - "folder": "双语", - "feed": "ChinaDaily", - "read": false, - "favorite": false, - "created": false, - "tags": [], - "hash": "f71017ab6e908c246ea8c19383c38534", - "highlights": [] - }, { "title": "013BUSINESS - Digital economy spurs firms' growth", "description": "The global digital economy's rapid growth is providing new development space for Chinese companies to expand overseas, with emerging markets gaining momentum driven by their young population, according to a recent report.
\nAlthough the size of the digital economy in emerging markets such as Southeast Asia, Latin America and the Middle East currently is relatively smaller, these markets' demand for digital consumption is increasing quickly and their internet penetration rate has large room for growth.
\nThese emerging markets offer vast development space and significant growth potential for Chinese enterprises, according to the report, jointly released by Tencent Cloud and ShineGlobal on the sidelines of the 2025 Tencent Global Digital Ecosystem Summit held in Shenzhen last week.
\nThe younger generation in the emerging markets embraces new technologies and demonstrates a robust demand for digital consumption. This trend is particularly evident in Southeast Asia, Latin America and the Middle East, which serve as significant sources of user growth for digital entertainment and represent key incremental markets for cross-border e-commerce, the report found.
\nAccording to the report, the median age of the population in Southeast Asia is 30.1 years, while that in the Middle East is 28.9 years. By comparison, the figures for North America and Europe stand at 40.4 and 43.2, respectively.
\nThe younger population have a higher preference for online shopping, which fuels e-commerce development in those regions. The retail e-commerce market in Latin America is expected to hit $228 billion yuan by 2028, representing a compound annual growth rate of 11 percent.
\nMeanwhile, the compound annual growth rate of social e-commerce in the Middle East is projected to reach 16 percent in the next five years.
\nTo grasp the vast opportunities of emerging markets, Tencent Cloud is ramping up its digital infrastructure globally to help Chinese enterprises with their international expansion drive. It has announced plans to invest $150 million to build a data center in Saudi Arabia, the first of its kind in the Middle East region. It is also establishing its third data center and office in Osaka and setting up nine major technical support centers in cities including Jakarta, Singapore, Tokyo, Seoul and Frankfurt.
\nThe primary challenge of building a data center in the Middle East lies in the complex compliance procedures associated with heavy-asset projects like data centers, said Xu Huabin, vice-president of Tencent Cloud.
\n"Unlike content-related or entertainment-related overseas expansion, which involves relatively simpler processes, data center construction requires strict adherence to local filing, registration and regulatory requirements," he noted.
\n"Critical to success is recognizing that domestic application procedures cannot be directly applied. Instead, a localized approach led by professionals familiar with regional regulations is essential."
\nTencent Cloud's international business has maintained a high double-digit growth rate over the past three years, according to the company. This business has become its new growth engine, with overseas customers doubling year-on-year in the past year.
\nWhen Chinese enterprises make decisions on overseas investment, the key priority should be whether their core business can be replicated, rather than first considering the input-output ratio, said Zhang Zheng, vice-president of Chinese digital and creative software company Wondershare.
\n"Take Southeast Asia as an example. Despite the robust growth of many Chinese enterprises in the region, we did not invest heavily there in the early stage. The main reason is that the Southeast Asian market lacked a strong software payment habit — local users are more willing to accept ad-supported software. Therefore, we put our focus on mature markets such as North America and Europe," he said.
\nsally@chinadailyhk.com
\n", @@ -11379,28 +11335,6 @@ "hash": "bc95f01a29cab7de480013430eb6ea87", "highlights": [] }, - { - "title": "015BUSINESS - Walmart pivots to neighborhood stores as hypermarkets fade", - "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-09-24/015/20250924_015_02_49905.png\")
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-09-24/015/20250924_015_02_15905.png\")
Sam's Club (Jiang'an store), a subsidiary of Walmart, welcomes a large number of consumers in Wuhan, Hubei province, on May 28.
\nWalmart Inc is betting small will be big in China. The US retailer opened its fourth neighborhood store at its China headquarters, Shenzhen, Guangdong province, on Sept 13, signaling that the compact format has found traction and is expected to scale.
\nEach store, about 500 square meters in size, mainly carries some 2,000 stock-keeping units or products tailored to the most frequent needs of nearby residents. In the store, food dominates — fresh produce, bakery, hot meals, ready-to-eat options and snacks — covering what Walmart calls "five meals a day".
\nJason Yu, general manager of CTR Market Research, said community stores are becoming a vital part of Walmart's proximity retail strategy in China. Consumers today lean toward shopping close to home or using instant retail platforms for daily, high-frequency purchases, which the traditional hypermarket's all-in-one format can no longer fully satisfy.
\n"Smaller formats offer advantages in cost efficiency, flexible site selection and curated assortments tailored to neighborhood needs, while instant retail extends their catchment area — making the model a strong fit with Walmart's omnichannel approach in China," Yu said.
\nFor Walmart, community stores fill a strategic gap between its sprawling Sam's Clubs and shrinking hypermarkets. Walmart's China net sales jumped 30 percent year-on-year to $5.8 billion in the second quarter, driven by Sam's Club expansion and its double-digit growth in transactions, as well as its e-commerce growth at 39 percent.
\nSam's remains the company's profit driver in China, with 57 outlets across 25 cities. At the 2025 Walmart global investment conference, Zhu Xiaojing, CEO of Walmart China, revealed that eight Sam's Club stores in China are expected to reach annual sales volume of over 3.6 billion yuan ($500 million) per store at the end of this year.
\nEven so, their suburban footprint leaves downtown areas underserved.
\nNeighborhood markets address that gap with its bigger stores that enhance one-stop experiences and 30-minute reach by e-commerce. The compact store is intensifying its coverage by reaching customers within a 10-minute walk and sharing supply chains with Sam's to break bulk packs into smaller sizes.
\nThe expansion comes as Walmart's hypermarket model wanes. From 2020 to April 2025, the retailer's store number — including hypermarkets and Sam's Club — fell from 429 to 334. That coincided with the addition of seven new Sam's Club stores, according to data from the China Chain Store &Franchise Association.
\nThe decline reflects long-standing issues: sites misaligned with shifting population flows, bulk pack sizes mismatched to smaller households and rising operating costs.
\nDespite that, Yu said hypermarkets will still serve one-stop shopping needs, though much of that demand is being diverted to e-commerce and specialized retail channels. He added "community stores face their own challenges, having to compete head-on with 24-hour convenience stores and delivery platforms".
\nYet demand for them remains relatively stable, and Walmart has an opportunity to differentiate through private-label products and value-added services, he added.
\n"The pilot stores in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, in my view, are also a signal of Walmart's intent to scale the format into China's smaller third- and fourth-tier cities," he said.
\nGovernment policy is lending momentum to the shift. Earlier this month, the Ministry of Commerce and eight other ministries issued a notice to accelerate the rollout of"15-minute community life circles", underscoring support for small-footprint retail and commerce.
\nThe latest report released by Worldpanel shows that small supermarkets grew 7.3 percent year-on-year in the first half of 2025, stabilizing overall modern trade (defined as hypermarkets, supermarkets, and convenience stores). Community grocery stores also performed well, with sales up 4.7 percent.
\nCompetition is already intensifying. In the first half, leading discount retailers continued to capture market share through business model upgrades and supply chain optimization. Aldi advanced steadily through localization strategies: its store in Kunshan of East China's Jiangsu province set a new sales record in China.
\nLeveraging their experience in Shanghai, regional supply chains, and a "high quality groceries and lifestyle products" strategy, Aldi's penetration in the eastern region increased by 1.2 percentage points, according to Worldpanel.
\nTraditional e-commerce players are expanding into offline formats to break the limitation of the pure online shopping experience. JD Group's JD Mall offers immersive lifestyle solutions, while JD Fresh has accelerated its store model (central stores plus satellite community shops) in the northern region, boosting penetration by 0.4 percentage point.
\nIn the first half, China's fast-moving consumer goods market saw moderate recovery. Price-sensitive and experience-driven consumers demand higher product quality and functionality. This pursuit drives offline and online channels to reshape the consumption landscape through both competition and complementarity, according to Worldpanel.
\nIn offline channels, Sam's Club, Aldi, and JD Fresh precisely target consumer needs via membership formats, hard discount formats and community models. Traditional supermarkets have focused on optimizing product selection as part of their upgrades, while integrating with online-to-offline services to overcome customer traffic challenges, according to Worldpanel.
\n", - "content": "\nSam's Club (Jiang'an store), a subsidiary of Walmart, welcomes a large number of consumers in Wuhan, Hubei province, on May 28.
\nWalmart Inc is betting small will be big in China. The US retailer opened its fourth neighborhood store at its China headquarters, Shenzhen, Guangdong province, on Sept 13, signaling that the compact format has found traction and is expected to scale.
\nEach store, about 500 square meters in size, mainly carries some 2,000 stock-keeping units or products tailored to the most frequent needs of nearby residents. In the store, food dominates — fresh produce, bakery, hot meals, ready-to-eat options and snacks — covering what Walmart calls "five meals a day".
\nJason Yu, general manager of CTR Market Research, said community stores are becoming a vital part of Walmart's proximity retail strategy in China. Consumers today lean toward shopping close to home or using instant retail platforms for daily, high-frequency purchases, which the traditional hypermarket's all-in-one format can no longer fully satisfy.
\n"Smaller formats offer advantages in cost efficiency, flexible site selection and curated assortments tailored to neighborhood needs, while instant retail extends their catchment area — making the model a strong fit with Walmart's omnichannel approach in China," Yu said.
\nFor Walmart, community stores fill a strategic gap between its sprawling Sam's Clubs and shrinking hypermarkets. Walmart's China net sales jumped 30 percent year-on-year to $5.8 billion in the second quarter, driven by Sam's Club expansion and its double-digit growth in transactions, as well as its e-commerce growth at 39 percent.
\nSam's remains the company's profit driver in China, with 57 outlets across 25 cities. At the 2025 Walmart global investment conference, Zhu Xiaojing, CEO of Walmart China, revealed that eight Sam's Club stores in China are expected to reach annual sales volume of over 3.6 billion yuan ($500 million) per store at the end of this year.
\nEven so, their suburban footprint leaves downtown areas underserved.
\nNeighborhood markets address that gap with its bigger stores that enhance one-stop experiences and 30-minute reach by e-commerce. The compact store is intensifying its coverage by reaching customers within a 10-minute walk and sharing supply chains with Sam's to break bulk packs into smaller sizes.
\nThe expansion comes as Walmart's hypermarket model wanes. From 2020 to April 2025, the retailer's store number — including hypermarkets and Sam's Club — fell from 429 to 334. That coincided with the addition of seven new Sam's Club stores, according to data from the China Chain Store &Franchise Association.
\nThe decline reflects long-standing issues: sites misaligned with shifting population flows, bulk pack sizes mismatched to smaller households and rising operating costs.
\nDespite that, Yu said hypermarkets will still serve one-stop shopping needs, though much of that demand is being diverted to e-commerce and specialized retail channels. He added "community stores face their own challenges, having to compete head-on with 24-hour convenience stores and delivery platforms".
\nYet demand for them remains relatively stable, and Walmart has an opportunity to differentiate through private-label products and value-added services, he added.
\n"The pilot stores in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, in my view, are also a signal of Walmart's intent to scale the format into China's smaller third- and fourth-tier cities," he said.
\nGovernment policy is lending momentum to the shift. Earlier this month, the Ministry of Commerce and eight other ministries issued a notice to accelerate the rollout of"15-minute community life circles", underscoring support for small-footprint retail and commerce.
\nThe latest report released by Worldpanel shows that small supermarkets grew 7.3 percent year-on-year in the first half of 2025, stabilizing overall modern trade (defined as hypermarkets, supermarkets, and convenience stores). Community grocery stores also performed well, with sales up 4.7 percent.
\nCompetition is already intensifying. In the first half, leading discount retailers continued to capture market share through business model upgrades and supply chain optimization. Aldi advanced steadily through localization strategies: its store in Kunshan of East China's Jiangsu province set a new sales record in China.
\nLeveraging their experience in Shanghai, regional supply chains, and a "high quality groceries and lifestyle products" strategy, Aldi's penetration in the eastern region increased by 1.2 percentage points, according to Worldpanel.
\nTraditional e-commerce players are expanding into offline formats to break the limitation of the pure online shopping experience. JD Group's JD Mall offers immersive lifestyle solutions, while JD Fresh has accelerated its store model (central stores plus satellite community shops) in the northern region, boosting penetration by 0.4 percentage point.
\nIn the first half, China's fast-moving consumer goods market saw moderate recovery. Price-sensitive and experience-driven consumers demand higher product quality and functionality. This pursuit drives offline and online channels to reshape the consumption landscape through both competition and complementarity, according to Worldpanel.
\nIn offline channels, Sam's Club, Aldi, and JD Fresh precisely target consumer needs via membership formats, hard discount formats and community models. Traditional supermarkets have focused on optimizing product selection as part of their upgrades, while integrating with online-to-offline services to overcome customer traffic challenges, according to Worldpanel.
\n", - "category": "", - "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-09/24/content_015_68d31cb9ed50ccabe151a0d1.htm#015BUSINESS", - "creator": "", - "pubDate": "Wed, 24 Sep 2025 00:21:05 +0000", - "enclosure": "", - "enclosureType": "", - "image": "", - "id": "", - "language": "", - "folder": "双语", - "feed": "ChinaDaily", - "read": false, - "favorite": false, - "created": false, - "tags": [], - "hash": "23c343b032308ffda7c3dfb24faf96eb", - "highlights": [] - }, { "title": "022SPREAD - XINJIANG MARKS 70 YEARS OF PROGRESS: Economic, social and tech transformation", "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-09-24/022/20250924_021_01_1128374.png\")
YEARS OF ACHIVEMENTS
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-09-24/022/20250924_021_01_1127374.png\")
\nThis year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. Reflecting on past decades, Xinjiang, with its unique geographical advantages and diverse cultural heritage, has not only served as a robust frontier for China but also experienced significant economic and social development.
\nEconomically, the region has displayed remarkable vitality. From energy and chemical industries to modern manufacturing, Xinjiang has continuously advanced supply-side structural reforms, driven the transformation of traditional and new growth drivers, and developed a comprehensive industrial system.
\nAs a crucial node on the overland Silk Road, Xinjiang plays an irreplaceable strategic role in the Belt and Road Initiative. Large-scale industrial parks and economic cooperation zones are rapidly emerging, attracting substantial domestic and international investment and invigorating local small and medium-sized enterprises.
\nThe enhancement of the business environment has been a pivotal factor in Xinjiang's high-quality economic development. For instance, in a tempered glass company's production workshop in Yining city, advanced technologies like intelligent manipulators and 3D inkjet glass machines are in operation.
\n"The company's annual output value has surged from 7 million yuan ($980,098) in 2019 to nearly 20 million yuan in 2024," said Ma Ximing, the company's sales manager, attributing this growth to Xinjiang's continually improving business environment.
\nOver the past 70 years, Xinjiang's economic development has undergone a historic transformation, evolving from a predominantly public-owned economy to a diverse and dynamic landscape of business entities.
\nBefore the founding of the People's Republic of China, Xinjiang's economy was mainly agricultural and pastoral, with only 363 private workshops producing limited industrial goods such as raw coal, coke, bricks, leather, grain and oil.
\nWith the establishment of a market economy, pioneering entrepreneurs spurred the growth of the private sector, and by the end of 2012, the region boasted 582,800 registered individual industrial and commercial households. Private enterprises have emerged in various fields, including manufacturing and transportation, injecting new vitality into the local economy.
\nIn the new era, Xinjiang has made bold strides in optimizing its business environment. The region has refined its enterprise-related business licensing and established unique mechanisms within the China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone, effectively lowering institutional transaction costs for enterprises.
\nAdditionally, improvements in intelligent online services have streamlined enterprise registration, making the process more convenient and more efficient. By the end of May, the number of registered business entities in Xinjiang exceeded 2.67 million, according to the region's Market Supervision and Administration Bureau.
\nForeign-funded enterprises have played a significant role in this growth.
\nSince the first foreign-funded enterprise was established in 1984, Xinjiang has become home to nearly 2,500 registered foreign-invested enterprises, which have brought capital, technology, and advanced management practices, facilitating Xinjiang's integration with the international market and driving industry upgrades.
\nIn the China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone, foreign-funded enterprises benefit from lower investment thresholds, streamlined cross-border trade, financial service innovations, and efficient government services. While the economy is developing vigorously, Xinjiang has also made remarkable strides in culture, ecological civilization, and ethnic unity.
\nKnown as the "hometown of singing and dancing", Xinjiang's traditional arts have gained national and international recognition through modern media platforms.
\nThe region's vibrant dance culture, characterized by natural and powerful movements, reflects a deep love for life and showcases the enduring charm of Chinese culture. A young local dancer noted that performing on stage connects him to his ancestors' legacy, highlighting the cultural confidence and innovative spirit that continue to invigorate Xinjiang's artistic scene.
\nIn terms of ecological civilization, Xinjiang has always adhered to the principle that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets". The region has made great efforts in ecological protection and ecological civilization construction in recent years, formulating strict management measures and long-term mechanisms for desert governance, water protection, and grassland restoration.
\nThe rapid development of the local new energy industry and the launch of clean energy projects have infused the regional economy with continuous green momentum.
\nXinjiang is an important part of the Chinese nation, where diverse ethnic groups coexist and learn from one another. Over the past 70 years, these groups have collaborated to advance regional development, fostering deep friendships through shared historical and cultural experiences. Ethnic unity remains a cornerstone of governance, with initiatives spanning schools, communities, and governments at all levels.
\nAs the Belt and Road Initiative progresses, Horgos Port has become a critical hub for international logistics. This year, the number of China-Europe (Central Asia) freight trains supervised by Horgos Customs surpassed 5,000 on July 2, 42 days earlier than the previous year.
\nSince the first China-Europe freight train passed through in 2016, the port has operated 87 routes to 46 cities and regions abroad, solidifying its role as a core hub of BRI land transportation. To enhance the efficiency of international logistics for opening up to the West, Horgos Customs has established a special service window and a green channel for China-Europe (Central Asia) freight trains, streamlining processes like customs clearance, inspection, and transshipment.
\nAdditionally, the implementation of digital and intelligent empowerment initiatives, including the "smart railway port plus local rapid customs clearance" reform, has significantly increased operational efficiency.
\nOn July 1, the train operation status detection and identification system began trial operation at Horgos Port, marking new progress in the "smart port" program.
\nThis system employs advanced technologies such as linear array high-definition image scanning, dynamic exposure, and image segmentation, enhancement, encoding, and decoding. It scans moving trains in real time, identifies potential risk points within the images, collects data, and performs corresponding functions efficiently.
\n"As we enter a new era and embark on a new journey, people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang are confident and determined to progress steadily on the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, contributing to national development and rejuvenation," said Chen Xueliang, deputy head of the Publicity Department of Xinjiang.
\nhaonan@chinadaily.com.cn
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-09-24/024/20250924_021_03_1125374.png\")
\nLiuxing Street, a historical area nestled in Yining city in the Ili Kazak autonomous prefecture in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, stands out with its distinctive hexagonal layout.
\nThis vibrant area, where various ethnic groups live in harmony amid an array of colorful courtyards, is a testament to the region's rich diversity and integrated development. Yet, this historical street is not just a residential area for people of diverse backgrounds; it also doubles as a vibrant attraction, blending tourism, cultural exhibitions, specialty restaurants and craft workshops.
\nIn recent years, the Liuxing Street community has focused on strengthening the sense of a shared Chinese national identity. By capitalizing on its rich historical and cultural resources, it has become a central hub for promoting interaction and integration among residents of various ethnic groups.
\nHome to more than 3,600 permanent residents, the community is a melting pot, encompassing Han, Kazak, Hui, Uygur, Russian, and Tatar ethnic groups among others. This diverse enclave exemplifies harmonious coexistence among multiple ethnicities.
\nBuilding on its commitment to ethnic unity, the Party branch of the Liuxing Street community has been exploring new methods in its ethnic work. It has established a five-tier linkage system, integrating the Party branch, community center, grid management, Party members with household connections, and residents. This approach has fostered a "six-heart" community, which consists of a safe living environment, comfortable surroundings, neighborly support, love of reading, enjoyment of cultural activities, and shared prosperity.
\nOn Liuxing Street, the Alexander Accordion Museum, a heritage site dedicated to the preservation of the Bayan accordion art of the Russian ethnic group, houses over 800 different types of the instrument. The museum is often alive with the sounds of accordion bands performing within its halls.
\n"Our band members come from different ethnic backgrounds and various professions, but we have all come together through our love of the accordion. We share a very strong bond," said Hajatola Anniwar, a member of the Liuxing Street Ethnic Unity Accordion Band.
\nAccording to Hajatola, the band has collaborated with relevant partners in Nanjing of East China's Jiangsu province to create the radio drama dubbed The Everlasting Sound of the Accordion, which has received widespread acclaim. Today, the sound of accordions from Liuxing Street has resonated beyond Ili prefecture, echoing the song of ethnic unity and progress across the nation.
\nIn recent years, the Liuxing Street community has organized 13 art troupes to perform at various events, including village Spring Festival galas and weekend stages, during traditional Chinese festivals such as Spring Festival, Lantern Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival.
\nAdditionally, the community hosts more than 280 ethnic unity and progress activities annually, utilizing the Ili writers' creation base, reading sharing points, and cultural courtyards. Among merchants, residents and tourists, they widely conduct Liuxing book clubs, classic reading sessions, and Red song sing-alongs, strengthening the sense of a shared Chinese national identity.
\nAlongside its rich cultural atmosphere, Liuxing Street's commercial sector has thrived with the continuous growth of tourism.
\nFor instance, Margaret guesthouse has been operating for three years and enjoys good business, particularly in the summer when tourist numbers peak. "Our staff are like family, which is why the business has continued to improve," said Zhang Xinyu, manager of the guesthouse.
\nOver the past five years, the Liuxing community has focused on developing three key sectors: guesthouses, dining and cultural innovation. This initiative has fostered and supported 428 new businesses that blend local cultural characteristics with modern trends. Cultural markets such as "f lower town" and "music town" have been established, transforming Liuxing Street into a "national nighttime cultural and tourism consumption cluster".
\nIn 2023, Liuxing Street received more than 4.6 million domestic and international visits. The business-friendly environment and family-like atmosphere led 78 tourists to settle and start businesses there.
\nFollowing the approach of "strengthening the foundation, improving facilities, creating high-quality offerings and promoting integrated development", the Liuxing Street community has undertaken comprehensive upgrades to the architectural landscape, ecological environment and business operations in the neighborhood.
\n"Renovation is not about demolishing and rebuilding, but about allowing history to continue and be preserved in the present," said Didar Konay, Party chief of the Liuxing Street community.
\nUnder the support and guidance of the community, 243 households have launched their own businesses, leading to an average annual income increase of 43,000 yuan ($6,050) per person, allowing more residents to start a business on their doorstep.
\n"Mutual respect, appreciation, learning and sharing among different ethnic groups ensure that the flower of ethnic unity and progress continues to bloom. This will make the story of our unity and progress even more compelling," Didar said.
\n\nLiuxing Street, a historical area nestled in Yining city in the Ili Kazak autonomous prefecture in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, stands out with its distinctive hexagonal layout.
\nThis vibrant area, where various ethnic groups live in harmony amid an array of colorful courtyards, is a testament to the region's rich diversity and integrated development. Yet, this historical street is not just a residential area for people of diverse backgrounds; it also doubles as a vibrant attraction, blending tourism, cultural exhibitions, specialty restaurants and craft workshops.
\nIn recent years, the Liuxing Street community has focused on strengthening the sense of a shared Chinese national identity. By capitalizing on its rich historical and cultural resources, it has become a central hub for promoting interaction and integration among residents of various ethnic groups.
\nHome to more than 3,600 permanent residents, the community is a melting pot, encompassing Han, Kazak, Hui, Uygur, Russian, and Tatar ethnic groups among others. This diverse enclave exemplifies harmonious coexistence among multiple ethnicities.
\nBuilding on its commitment to ethnic unity, the Party branch of the Liuxing Street community has been exploring new methods in its ethnic work. It has established a five-tier linkage system, integrating the Party branch, community center, grid management, Party members with household connections, and residents. This approach has fostered a "six-heart" community, which consists of a safe living environment, comfortable surroundings, neighborly support, love of reading, enjoyment of cultural activities, and shared prosperity.
\nOn Liuxing Street, the Alexander Accordion Museum, a heritage site dedicated to the preservation of the Bayan accordion art of the Russian ethnic group, houses over 800 different types of the instrument. The museum is often alive with the sounds of accordion bands performing within its halls.
\n"Our band members come from different ethnic backgrounds and various professions, but we have all come together through our love of the accordion. We share a very strong bond," said Hajatola Anniwar, a member of the Liuxing Street Ethnic Unity Accordion Band.
\nAccording to Hajatola, the band has collaborated with relevant partners in Nanjing of East China's Jiangsu province to create the radio drama dubbed The Everlasting Sound of the Accordion, which has received widespread acclaim. Today, the sound of accordions from Liuxing Street has resonated beyond Ili prefecture, echoing the song of ethnic unity and progress across the nation.
\nIn recent years, the Liuxing Street community has organized 13 art troupes to perform at various events, including village Spring Festival galas and weekend stages, during traditional Chinese festivals such as Spring Festival, Lantern Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival.
\nAdditionally, the community hosts more than 280 ethnic unity and progress activities annually, utilizing the Ili writers' creation base, reading sharing points, and cultural courtyards. Among merchants, residents and tourists, they widely conduct Liuxing book clubs, classic reading sessions, and Red song sing-alongs, strengthening the sense of a shared Chinese national identity.
\nAlongside its rich cultural atmosphere, Liuxing Street's commercial sector has thrived with the continuous growth of tourism.
\nFor instance, Margaret guesthouse has been operating for three years and enjoys good business, particularly in the summer when tourist numbers peak. "Our staff are like family, which is why the business has continued to improve," said Zhang Xinyu, manager of the guesthouse.
\nOver the past five years, the Liuxing community has focused on developing three key sectors: guesthouses, dining and cultural innovation. This initiative has fostered and supported 428 new businesses that blend local cultural characteristics with modern trends. Cultural markets such as "f lower town" and "music town" have been established, transforming Liuxing Street into a "national nighttime cultural and tourism consumption cluster".
\nIn 2023, Liuxing Street received more than 4.6 million domestic and international visits. The business-friendly environment and family-like atmosphere led 78 tourists to settle and start businesses there.
\nFollowing the approach of "strengthening the foundation, improving facilities, creating high-quality offerings and promoting integrated development", the Liuxing Street community has undertaken comprehensive upgrades to the architectural landscape, ecological environment and business operations in the neighborhood.
\n"Renovation is not about demolishing and rebuilding, but about allowing history to continue and be preserved in the present," said Didar Konay, Party chief of the Liuxing Street community.
\nUnder the support and guidance of the community, 243 households have launched their own businesses, leading to an average annual income increase of 43,000 yuan ($6,050) per person, allowing more residents to start a business on their doorstep.
\n"Mutual respect, appreciation, learning and sharing among different ethnic groups ensure that the flower of ethnic unity and progress continues to bloom. This will make the story of our unity and progress even more compelling," Didar said.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-09-24/028/20250924_025_02_74406.png\")
\nFrom snow-capped mountains to expansive grasslands, and from pristine lakes to desolate deserts, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region has become a premier tourist destination with its stunning landscapes.
\nIn the 1950s, however, Xinjiang was a distant dream for most people, limited by its remote location and poor transportation. The region's vast distance and challenging travel conditions made it difficult for many to experience its natural beauty and rich culture firsthand.
\nOver the past 70 years, Xinjiang has undergone remarkable transformations, particularly in its cultural and tourism sectors, which have become strategic pillars for boosting local well-being and happiness.
\nThe development of Xinjiang's tourism industry has been closely linked with China's reform and opening-up policies. In 1978, the Xinjiang tourism bureau was established, and the region received fewer than 100 visitors that year — all of them international. It was not until the 1990s that domestic tourism began to steadily increase.
\nWu Feng, president of the Xinjiang Travel Agency Association, has been involved in the region's tourism industry for 38 years.
\nAt that time, Xinjiang had few tourist attractions and weak infrastructure, Wu recalled. There were primarily two routes: one covering Tianchi Lake, Nanshan Pasture and Turpan, and the other known as the "southern Xinjiang tour", which included Urumqi, Turpan, Kuqa, Korla, Aksu and Kashgar.
\n"In the 1990s, it would take at least an hour and a half to travel one way to Nanshan. Now, the same amount of time is enough for a round trip," Wu said.
\nBack then, it took three and a half hours to drive to Turpan, so all tour groups had to stay overnight. This changed in the early 2000s with the opening of the highway, which paved the way for more tourism routes, according to Wu.
\nIn recent years, Xinjiang has expanded its service facilities, including transportation, accommodation and dining. With more direct flight routes, interconnected highways, high-speed rail lines and dedicated tourist trains, an increasingly convenient transportation network has spurred rapid development in Urumqi and across the region.
\nOfficial data show that in 2024, Xinjiang received more than 300 million visits, with visitor spending reaching 359.54 billion yuan ($50.4 billion), marking year-on-year increases of 14 percent and 21 percent, respectively. In the first quarter of 2025, visits grew by 9.08 percent and spending by 12.58 percent year-on-year.
\nWith the implementation of a tourism-driven strategy, Xinjiang's cultural and tourism industries have flourished. Using the region's landscapes as a canvas and integrating culture with tourism, these industries have become key drivers of growth, ranking among Xinjiang's top 10 industrial clusters.
\n"The beauty, vastness, harmony, richness, flavor and progress of Xinjiang constitute the core attraction of its cultural and tourism industry cluster," said Xu Ruijun, Party secretary of the region's department of culture and tourism.
\nToday, Xinjiang boasts 18 national 5A-rated tourist sites, ranking third nationwide, and 776 A-rated scenic spots, ranking fourth. It has also established numerous national-level cultural trade hubs, scenic areas, ski resorts, leisure streets, nighttime tourism zones, and demonstration areas for culture-tourism integration. New tourism products and business models are continuing to emerge.
\nWang Xiaoping, head of the Dolan Tribe Scenic Area in Awati county, invested in the development of the site 20 years ago and has overseen its construction and operation ever since.
\nThe Dolan Tribe Scenic Area, themed around Dolan folk culture and set against vast poplar forests, is a national 4A-rated site. Covering 553 hectares, it includes more than 333 hectares of representative poplar forests. With investments of 180 million yuan over the years, the area has become a key venue for showcasing Dolan culture and preserving intangible heritage through deep integration of culture and tourism.
\nThe "Dolan ancient village", crafted by Wang himself, features workshops for woodcraft, blacksmithing and pottery, preserving traditional skills while creating jobs for local residents. Today, the area employs more than 130 workers and hosts over 100 vendors selling handmade crafts and agricultural products, all benefiting from the booming tourism industry.
\nOfficial data show that in 2024, Xinjiang had more than 510,000 enterprises engaged in cultural, tourism and related industries, driving high-quality economic and social development.
\nXinjiang is not only an attractive destination for Chinese travelers but also an admired stop for international visitors.
\nRiding the wave of Belt and Road Initiative development, Xinjiang carried out 80 international cultural exchange and tourism promotion activities between 2022 and 2024, involving 1,906 participants.
\nThrough these efforts, Xinjiang showcased Chinese culture on the global stage while embracing international cultural elements. Events such as the China Xinjiang International Dance Festival and the China Xinjiang International Art Biennial were held, fostering mutual understanding and cultural exchange.
\nIn 2024, Xinjiang welcomed 5.15 million international tourists, a year-on-year increase of 46 percent, generating $4.48 billion in revenue, up 174 percent. From January to April 2025, the region received 1.12 million international visits, a 7.67 percent increase year-on-year, with international tourism revenue reaching $1.07 billion, up 13.18 percent, according to official data.
\nliangkaiyan@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", @@ -11467,28 +11379,6 @@ "hash": "94fead887d2ca234a0320473c204881b", "highlights": [] }, - { - "title": "004CHINA - Fujian fosters cross-Strait agricultural cooperation", - "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-09-23/004/20250923_004_03_16032.png\")
Chang Wei-yin (right) provides professional guidance to a local farmer.
\nFujian province, with its geographical proximity and similar climate to Taiwan, has become a magnet for individuals from the island seeking opportunities in the agriculture and forestry sectors. The region's progressive policies and expansive market further enhance its appeal.
\nUnder policies promoting cross-Strait integration, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University has taken a pioneering step by opening full-time faculty positions to Taiwan professionals. Among those who have embraced this opportunity is Chang Wei-yin, who moved from Taiwan to the provincial capital of Fuzhou in 2018. He now serves as an associate professor and the director of the Cross-Strait Research Center for Forest Therapy and Environmental Education at the university.
\nChang has introduced Taiwan's well-developed forest therapy concepts to the university in Fujian, integrating forestry, psychology, health and physical education into the curriculum. This initiative led to the creation of the mainland's first undergraduate class in forest therapy. Additionally, he has established research and teaching practice bases in the province's grassroots areas of Fuzhou and Sanming.
\nChang said that his initial attraction to the job was not only its proximity to Taiwan; more importantly, the mainland's supportive policies for natural education industries offered promising prospects.
\n"As the living standards of mainland residents improve, they yearn for a higher quality of life and a closer connection to nature," he said. "Natural education guides people to adopt lifestyles and concepts that are more environmentally friendly and ecologically sustainable."
\nChen Xuanyang, director of the Cross-Strait Agricultural Technology Cooperation Center in FAFU, said the university plays a pioneering role in cross-Strait agricultural cooperation, and the center has become a crucial platform for early exchanges since its establishment in 2008.
\nThe center has hosted nearly 100 experts from 32 Taiwan institutions. It has introduced more than 40 high-quality new varieties of grains and vegetables, as well as five breakthrough technologies, fostering cross-Strait agricultural industry integration.
\n"Popular fruits such as mangoes, wax apples and guavas now available on the market are mainly varieties introduced from Taiwan and adapted to thrive in Fujian," Chen said. "Taiwan's head start in new variety research, combined with the similar ecological environments across the Strait, allows these seeds to take root in Fujian's soil."
\nCross-Strait cooperation in agricultural and forestry academic exchanges and talent cultivation remains robust, including conferences and publications, he said.
\n"With the mainland's vast market in mind, Fujian has become a frontier for Taiwan farmers venturing into entrepreneurship," Chen added.
\nIn Fujian, various Taiwan farmer entrepreneurship parks are flourishing, introducing Taiwan specialty agricultural products and processing management techniques in areas including orchids, tea and fruits.
\nIn December, Fujian was approved to establish eight additional entrepreneurship parks, further solidifying its role as a hub for cross-Strait agricultural collaboration.
\nContact the writers at zhangyi1@chinadaily.com.cn
\nChang Wei-yin (right) provides professional guidance to a local farmer.
\nFujian province, with its geographical proximity and similar climate to Taiwan, has become a magnet for individuals from the island seeking opportunities in the agriculture and forestry sectors. The region's progressive policies and expansive market further enhance its appeal.
\nUnder policies promoting cross-Strait integration, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University has taken a pioneering step by opening full-time faculty positions to Taiwan professionals. Among those who have embraced this opportunity is Chang Wei-yin, who moved from Taiwan to the provincial capital of Fuzhou in 2018. He now serves as an associate professor and the director of the Cross-Strait Research Center for Forest Therapy and Environmental Education at the university.
\nChang has introduced Taiwan's well-developed forest therapy concepts to the university in Fujian, integrating forestry, psychology, health and physical education into the curriculum. This initiative led to the creation of the mainland's first undergraduate class in forest therapy. Additionally, he has established research and teaching practice bases in the province's grassroots areas of Fuzhou and Sanming.
\nChang said that his initial attraction to the job was not only its proximity to Taiwan; more importantly, the mainland's supportive policies for natural education industries offered promising prospects.
\n"As the living standards of mainland residents improve, they yearn for a higher quality of life and a closer connection to nature," he said. "Natural education guides people to adopt lifestyles and concepts that are more environmentally friendly and ecologically sustainable."
\nChen Xuanyang, director of the Cross-Strait Agricultural Technology Cooperation Center in FAFU, said the university plays a pioneering role in cross-Strait agricultural cooperation, and the center has become a crucial platform for early exchanges since its establishment in 2008.
\nThe center has hosted nearly 100 experts from 32 Taiwan institutions. It has introduced more than 40 high-quality new varieties of grains and vegetables, as well as five breakthrough technologies, fostering cross-Strait agricultural industry integration.
\n"Popular fruits such as mangoes, wax apples and guavas now available on the market are mainly varieties introduced from Taiwan and adapted to thrive in Fujian," Chen said. "Taiwan's head start in new variety research, combined with the similar ecological environments across the Strait, allows these seeds to take root in Fujian's soil."
\nCross-Strait cooperation in agricultural and forestry academic exchanges and talent cultivation remains robust, including conferences and publications, he said.
\n"With the mainland's vast market in mind, Fujian has become a frontier for Taiwan farmers venturing into entrepreneurship," Chen added.
\nIn Fujian, various Taiwan farmer entrepreneurship parks are flourishing, introducing Taiwan specialty agricultural products and processing management techniques in areas including orchids, tea and fruits.
\nIn December, Fujian was approved to establish eight additional entrepreneurship parks, further solidifying its role as a hub for cross-Strait agricultural collaboration.
\nContact the writers at zhangyi1@chinadaily.com.cn
\nThe UNESCO International Institute for STEM Education was officially inaugurated in Shanghai on Sunday, marking the first establishment of a UNESCO Category 1 Institute in China.
\nIn November 2023, the 42nd session of the UNESCO General Conference unanimously adopted a resolution to establish the Shanghai institute. It is the 10th Category 1 Institute globally and the first outside Europe and North America.
\nThe institute's functions include promoting education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics across all stages from early childhood to adulthood, with a focus on providing inclusive, equitable, relevant and high-quality STEM education for all.
\nMinister of Education Huai Jinpeng welcomed the official establishment of the institute. He said it is the first Category 1 Institute jointly established by China and UNESCO, calling it a major milestone in cooperation and the result of joint efforts between China and UNESCO member states.
\nChina is committed to fulfilling its promises to the international community, Huai said, adding that the country will work with others to foster innovation and support the institute as a source of advanced STEM concepts, a testing ground for educational ideas and an international platform for promoting educational transformation, technological innovation and sustainable development.
\nShanghai Mayor Gong Zheng said the city will take the establishment of the institute as an opportunity to strengthen the cultivation of sci-tech talent, enhance public scientific literacy, advance high-level opening-up in education and accelerate efforts to build Shanghai into a hub for international STEM education development.
\nShanghai will fully support the institute and contribute to global educational reform, innovation and the realization of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, he said.
\nUNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay said Shanghai, with its concentration of knowledge, scientific innovation and historical heritage, provides a first-class venue for the institute.
\nAzoulay said the establishment of a Category 1 Institute in Shanghai carries a broad vision and extraordinary significance. She said the institute will promote STEM fields, advance global educational equity and help countries address shared challenges.
\nEven before the resolution for the new institute, the UNESCO Teacher Education Center, a Category 2 Institute at Shanghai Normal University since 2021, has been supporting global STEM education.
\nIn 2022, the university and UNESCO launched the "Go to Global South: Shanghai International STEM Education Volunteer Project", which aims to address urgent educational challenges in the Global South by offering training to teachers. It has trained more than 600 potential and current teachers so far.
\nContact the writers at zoushuo@chinadaily.com.cn
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