President Xi Jinping and Bangladeshi President Mohammed Shahabuddin exchanged congratulatory messages on Saturday to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
\nIn his message, Xi noted that China and Bangladesh are traditional friendly neighbors with a long history of exchanges.
\nOver the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, regardless of changes in international and regional landscapes, China and Bangladesh have always fostered friendly relations on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, setting an example of mutual respect, equality and win-win cooperation, he said.
\nIn recent years, China and Bangladesh have continued to consolidate political mutual trust, expand high-quality Belt and Road cooperation as well as practical cooperation in various fields, and further deepen their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, he said.
\nXi emphasized that he attaches great importance to China's relations with Bangladesh and stands ready to work with Shahabuddin to take the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to carry forward the traditional friendship, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and promote common development, in order to better benefit the two peoples and make greater contributions to world peace and progress.
\nFor his part, Shahabuddin said that over the past 50 years, Bangladesh and China have forged a deep friendship based on mutual respect and trust, as well as enduring cooperation, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples.
\nHe noted that Bangladesh highly appreciates China's important role in promoting regional peace, stability and common prosperity, and expressed gratitude for China's long-term valuable support for Bangladesh's sustainable development.
\nHe expressed the belief that with the joint efforts of the leaders and peoples of the two countries, bilateral cooperation will yield even greater results.
\nAlso on Saturday, Premier Li Qiang and Chief Adviser of Bangladesh's interim government Muhammad Yunus exchanged congratulatory messages.
\nLi said that China highly values the development of China-Bangladesh relations, and stands ready to work with Bangladesh to take the 50th anniversary as an opportunity to accelerate high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, as well as collaboration across various fields, and promote the continued growth of the China-Bangladesh comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.
\nYunus said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations 50 years ago, the friendship between the two peoples has grown stronger, bilateral ties have developed steadily and cooperation has yielded fruitful results, which is worth celebrating.
\nBangladesh is committed to promoting new achievements in the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries, he added.
\n", + "content": "President Xi Jinping and Bangladeshi President Mohammed Shahabuddin exchanged congratulatory messages on Saturday to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
\nIn his message, Xi noted that China and Bangladesh are traditional friendly neighbors with a long history of exchanges.
\nOver the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, regardless of changes in international and regional landscapes, China and Bangladesh have always fostered friendly relations on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, setting an example of mutual respect, equality and win-win cooperation, he said.
\nIn recent years, China and Bangladesh have continued to consolidate political mutual trust, expand high-quality Belt and Road cooperation as well as practical cooperation in various fields, and further deepen their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, he said.
\nXi emphasized that he attaches great importance to China's relations with Bangladesh and stands ready to work with Shahabuddin to take the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to carry forward the traditional friendship, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and promote common development, in order to better benefit the two peoples and make greater contributions to world peace and progress.
\nFor his part, Shahabuddin said that over the past 50 years, Bangladesh and China have forged a deep friendship based on mutual respect and trust, as well as enduring cooperation, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples.
\nHe noted that Bangladesh highly appreciates China's important role in promoting regional peace, stability and common prosperity, and expressed gratitude for China's long-term valuable support for Bangladesh's sustainable development.
\nHe expressed the belief that with the joint efforts of the leaders and peoples of the two countries, bilateral cooperation will yield even greater results.
\nAlso on Saturday, Premier Li Qiang and Chief Adviser of Bangladesh's interim government Muhammad Yunus exchanged congratulatory messages.
\nLi said that China highly values the development of China-Bangladesh relations, and stands ready to work with Bangladesh to take the 50th anniversary as an opportunity to accelerate high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, as well as collaboration across various fields, and promote the continued growth of the China-Bangladesh comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.
\nYunus said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations 50 years ago, the friendship between the two peoples has grown stronger, bilateral ties have developed steadily and cooperation has yielded fruitful results, which is worth celebrating.
\nBangladesh is committed to promoting new achievements in the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries, he added.
\n", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/06/content_001_68e2c6a0ed50ccabe151aa65.htm#001FRONT", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 06 Oct 2025 00:21:04 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "04dcac2a6c7eb605d4199b1bff2b5f37", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "001FRONT - Crowd magnet", + "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/001/20251006_001_02_63730.png\")
Performers from Foshan, Guangdong province, compete on elevated poles during the 12th International Lion Dance Championship in the Macao Special Administrative Region on Saturday. The event, held in front of the A-Ma Temple, featured teams demonstrating southern-style lion dance routines that combine martial arts and acrobatics with traditional dance.
\n", + "content": "Performers from Foshan, Guangdong province, compete on elevated poles during the 12th International Lion Dance Championship in the Macao Special Administrative Region on Saturday. The event, held in front of the A-Ma Temple, featured teams demonstrating southern-style lion dance routines that combine martial arts and acrobatics with traditional dance.
\n", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/06/content_001_68e2c6a4ed50ccabe151aa66.htm#001FRONT", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 06 Oct 2025 00:21:04 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "4466c924f66fac4bef310ccbf767887a", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "001FRONT - Cultural, sports events boost holiday spending", + "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/001/20251006_001_03_82730.png\")
China's Wang Chuqin celebrates after defeating Felix Lebrun of France 4-0 to claim the men's singles title at the World Table Tennis China Smash in Beijing on Sunday.
\nShopping malls, restaurants and sports venues in Beijing have remained packed with visitors during the ongoing National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, representing a microcosm of the strong consumer demand nationwide.
\nThe Chinese capital's reputation as a major sports hub is playing a pivotal role in stimulating consumption in the city.
\nSince its Sept 25 opening, the World Table Tennis China Smash, which concluded on Sunday, sold more than 85,000 tickets, generating 87 million yuan ($12 million) in revenue, up 52.6 percent year-on-year.
\nDuring the first three days of the holiday, cultural and sports-related consumption in Beijing's Shijingshan district reached nearly 200 million yuan. Shougang Park, which is located in the district and is home to the WTT events, drew 130,000 visitors on average daily, nearly double compared with last year, while sales of event-related cultural products surged 127 percent to 2.7 million yuan.
\nMeanwhile, the 2025 China Open tennis tournament hit new records between Sept 22 and Sunday. The number of visitors to the tournament's National Tennis Center venue in Chaoyang district totaled 360,000, up 20 percent year-on-year. It included 180,000 visitors from outside Beijing and nearly 10,000 from outside China.
\nThe revenue from China Open ticket sales hit 88 million yuan, a year-on-year increase of 10 percent, while broader consumption — from food and beverage to merchandise — exceeded 36 million yuan, up 44 percent.
\nLicensed product sales topped 12.5 million yuan, with more than 80,000 yuan worth of a co-branded toy series — Wakuku — selling within the first hour of launch.
\nChristina Wang, a Beijing resident, said she paid 1,160 yuan for two night-session tickets at the Diamond Court for China Open. "This is my third year in a row watching the tournament in Beijing," she added.
\nZhang Qing, founder of Beijing-based sports marketing consultancy Key-Solution, said, "China is accelerating efforts to foster domestic demand and a consumption-driven economy, and the sports industry is becoming an increasingly important part of that picture."
\nBoth the WTT China Smash and the China Open delivered double-digit growth compared with last year, with ticket sales remaining especially strong, he said.
\n"When spectators come to watch these events, they also spend on hotels, dining, transportation, sightseeing, shopping and entertainment," Zhang said.
\n"The timing during the National Day holiday, or Golden Week, gave people more reasons to travel. In this sense, spectator sports add real weight to building tourism destinations — they make the idea of 'traveling with events' a reality," he said, adding that sports will continue to play a greater role in China's consumption growth.
\nAccording to the Beijing Municipal Commerce Bureau, from Wednesday to Saturday, sales revenue at enterprises in key monitored sectors, including department stores, supermarkets, speciality stores, catering and e-commerce, rose 0.4 percent year-on-year.
\nMeanwhile, more than 500 consumption promotion activities have been launched in the city, integrating culture, tourism, commerce and sports. Beijing Daily reported that foot traffic across 60 major business areas increased 14.3 percent from Wednesday to Saturday compared with the same period last year.
\nThe catering sector has emerged as a bright spot, with sales at time-honored restaurants and fast-food chains increasing 4.8 percent year-on-year. The Beijing Cuisine Association partnered with delivery platform Meituan to launch check-in activities around traditional Beijing food culture.
\nThe holiday period is also seeing a sharp rise in cultural spending. The city is hosting 364 commercial performances with 2,102 shows, attracting strong demand. As of Saturday noon, box-office receipts reached 30 million yuan, according to movie data tracker Beacon.
\nBeijing's tourism spending has highlighted broader travel dynamics across the country.
\nData from Tongcheng Travel and Baidu Maps showed that self-driving trips surged on Wednesday, with congestion levels climbing on highways in several provinces.
\nIn addition to Beijing, other popular tourist destinations during the first three days of the holiday included Shanghai, Chengdu in Sichuan province, Shenzhen and Guangzhou in Guangdong province, and Xi'an in Shaanxi province.
\nwangzhuoqiong@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", + "content": "China's Wang Chuqin celebrates after defeating Felix Lebrun of France 4-0 to claim the men's singles title at the World Table Tennis China Smash in Beijing on Sunday.
\nShopping malls, restaurants and sports venues in Beijing have remained packed with visitors during the ongoing National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, representing a microcosm of the strong consumer demand nationwide.
\nThe Chinese capital's reputation as a major sports hub is playing a pivotal role in stimulating consumption in the city.
\nSince its Sept 25 opening, the World Table Tennis China Smash, which concluded on Sunday, sold more than 85,000 tickets, generating 87 million yuan ($12 million) in revenue, up 52.6 percent year-on-year.
\nDuring the first three days of the holiday, cultural and sports-related consumption in Beijing's Shijingshan district reached nearly 200 million yuan. Shougang Park, which is located in the district and is home to the WTT events, drew 130,000 visitors on average daily, nearly double compared with last year, while sales of event-related cultural products surged 127 percent to 2.7 million yuan.
\nMeanwhile, the 2025 China Open tennis tournament hit new records between Sept 22 and Sunday. The number of visitors to the tournament's National Tennis Center venue in Chaoyang district totaled 360,000, up 20 percent year-on-year. It included 180,000 visitors from outside Beijing and nearly 10,000 from outside China.
\nThe revenue from China Open ticket sales hit 88 million yuan, a year-on-year increase of 10 percent, while broader consumption — from food and beverage to merchandise — exceeded 36 million yuan, up 44 percent.
\nLicensed product sales topped 12.5 million yuan, with more than 80,000 yuan worth of a co-branded toy series — Wakuku — selling within the first hour of launch.
\nChristina Wang, a Beijing resident, said she paid 1,160 yuan for two night-session tickets at the Diamond Court for China Open. "This is my third year in a row watching the tournament in Beijing," she added.
\nZhang Qing, founder of Beijing-based sports marketing consultancy Key-Solution, said, "China is accelerating efforts to foster domestic demand and a consumption-driven economy, and the sports industry is becoming an increasingly important part of that picture."
\nBoth the WTT China Smash and the China Open delivered double-digit growth compared with last year, with ticket sales remaining especially strong, he said.
\n"When spectators come to watch these events, they also spend on hotels, dining, transportation, sightseeing, shopping and entertainment," Zhang said.
\n"The timing during the National Day holiday, or Golden Week, gave people more reasons to travel. In this sense, spectator sports add real weight to building tourism destinations — they make the idea of 'traveling with events' a reality," he said, adding that sports will continue to play a greater role in China's consumption growth.
\nAccording to the Beijing Municipal Commerce Bureau, from Wednesday to Saturday, sales revenue at enterprises in key monitored sectors, including department stores, supermarkets, speciality stores, catering and e-commerce, rose 0.4 percent year-on-year.
\nMeanwhile, more than 500 consumption promotion activities have been launched in the city, integrating culture, tourism, commerce and sports. Beijing Daily reported that foot traffic across 60 major business areas increased 14.3 percent from Wednesday to Saturday compared with the same period last year.
\nThe catering sector has emerged as a bright spot, with sales at time-honored restaurants and fast-food chains increasing 4.8 percent year-on-year. The Beijing Cuisine Association partnered with delivery platform Meituan to launch check-in activities around traditional Beijing food culture.
\nThe holiday period is also seeing a sharp rise in cultural spending. The city is hosting 364 commercial performances with 2,102 shows, attracting strong demand. As of Saturday noon, box-office receipts reached 30 million yuan, according to movie data tracker Beacon.
\nBeijing's tourism spending has highlighted broader travel dynamics across the country.
\nData from Tongcheng Travel and Baidu Maps showed that self-driving trips surged on Wednesday, with congestion levels climbing on highways in several provinces.
\nIn addition to Beijing, other popular tourist destinations during the first three days of the holiday included Shanghai, Chengdu in Sichuan province, Shenzhen and Guangzhou in Guangdong province, and Xi'an in Shaanxi province.
\nwangzhuoqiong@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/06/content_001_68e2c6a9ed50ccabe151aa67.htm#001FRONT", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 06 Oct 2025 00:21:04 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "4def21bbbf8afec97e4b74360fc9fa3b", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "001FRONT - Diplomatic window for peace in Gaza reopens", + "description": "A diplomatic window for ending the conflict in the Gaza Strip reemerged as negotiators converged in Cairo, Egypt, for talks scheduled on Monday after both Israel and Hamas signaled support for a new United States peace plan to stop the war and ensure release of all remaining hostages.
\nThe opportunity for peace, however fragile, has galvanized a chorus of optimistic statements from the international community, while mediators face the daunting task of bridging Israel's security demands, Hamas' bid for survival and the overwhelming humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
\nUS President Donald Trump's 20-point peace plan aimed at ending the war in Gaza includes immediate ceasefire, phased withdrawal of Israeli troops, freeing of all hostages within 72 hours, international oversight of humanitarian aid and rebuilding the devastated territory under international supervision.
\nA Hamas statement on Friday said it was willing to release the hostages and hand over power to a technocratic Palestinian authority backed by Arab and Islamic states. The statement said the group was open to talks through mediators, but made no mention of Hamas disarming, which is a key Israeli demand.
\nHours later, Trump declared that Hamas' response indicated it is "ready for lasting peace", and he urged Israel to stop bombing Gaza, "so we can quickly and safely extract the hostages".
\nIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said on Friday that Israel is prepared for the implementation of the "first stage" of Trump's plan, apparently referring to the release of hostages, said late on Saturday that the Israeli military will continue to hold territories it controls in Gaza, and that Hamas will be disarmed diplomatically "or through a military path by us". He added that a delegation had been sent to Cairo for the talks.
\nAccording to the White House, Trump dispatched two envoys on Saturday — his son-in-law Jared Kushner and the US' Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.
\nQatar, Egypt, Turkiye and the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah have welcomed Hamas' statement, hoping it would become an important step toward achieving a complete ceasefire as the Gaza conflict nears its two-year mark.
\nQatar "welcomes the announcement by Hamas of its agreement to President Trump's plan", said its Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari. Egypt said it hoped "this positive development will lead all parties to rise to the level of responsibility by committing to implementing President Trump's plan on the ground and ending the war".
\nUnited Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the UN "welcomes and is encouraged by the statement issued by Hamas, announcing its readiness to release hostages and to engage".
\nFrench President Emmanuel Macron, in a social media post on Friday, said Hamas' response must be "followed up without delay", and, "we now have the opportunity to make decisive progress towards peace".
\nAnalysts said that Hamas' language was deliberately measured. The group said that broader political questions about Gaza's future and Palestinian rights would be decided collectively and "in line with international resolutions" — an acknowledgment of the US plan without binding concessions.
\n"It's a tactical retreat, not a strategic surrender," said Esmat Mansour, a Ramallah-based political analyst. "Hamas highlighted positive points, like prisoner exchanges and civilian administration, while avoiding sensitive issues such as disarmament."
\nDespite the Hamas statement saying that Trump's call to Israel to stop bombing Gaza is "encouraging", a senior Hamas official told AFP on Friday that the peace plan is "vague, ambiguous and lacks clarity".
\nMeanwhile, Israeli forces pressed on with operations in Gaza City. As many as 70 people were killed since Hamas released its response, Al Jazeera reported on Sunday.
\nIn Europe, pro-Palestine rallies were held on Saturday, calling for an end to the Gaza conflict and the immediate release of activists on board the Global Sumud flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to the territory.
\nPolice in Rome, Italy, said some 250,000 people showed up for a fourth day of protests, after Israel intercepted the 45-strong flotilla seeking to reach Gaza last week. Nearly 70,000 people took to the streets in Barcelona, Spain, while in capital Madrid, nearly 92,000 marched for a free Palestine. In the United Kingdom, police said they made at least 442 arrests in London.
\nIn Paris, France, where some 10,000 people gathered, a spokeswoman for the French contingent of Global Sumud, Helene Coron, told the crowd: "We'll never stop. This flotilla didn't get to Gaza. But we'll send another, then another, until Palestine and Gaza are free."
\nAgencies contributed to this report.
\ncuihaipei@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", + "content": "A diplomatic window for ending the conflict in the Gaza Strip reemerged as negotiators converged in Cairo, Egypt, for talks scheduled on Monday after both Israel and Hamas signaled support for a new United States peace plan to stop the war and ensure release of all remaining hostages.
\nThe opportunity for peace, however fragile, has galvanized a chorus of optimistic statements from the international community, while mediators face the daunting task of bridging Israel's security demands, Hamas' bid for survival and the overwhelming humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
\nUS President Donald Trump's 20-point peace plan aimed at ending the war in Gaza includes immediate ceasefire, phased withdrawal of Israeli troops, freeing of all hostages within 72 hours, international oversight of humanitarian aid and rebuilding the devastated territory under international supervision.
\nA Hamas statement on Friday said it was willing to release the hostages and hand over power to a technocratic Palestinian authority backed by Arab and Islamic states. The statement said the group was open to talks through mediators, but made no mention of Hamas disarming, which is a key Israeli demand.
\nHours later, Trump declared that Hamas' response indicated it is "ready for lasting peace", and he urged Israel to stop bombing Gaza, "so we can quickly and safely extract the hostages".
\nIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said on Friday that Israel is prepared for the implementation of the "first stage" of Trump's plan, apparently referring to the release of hostages, said late on Saturday that the Israeli military will continue to hold territories it controls in Gaza, and that Hamas will be disarmed diplomatically "or through a military path by us". He added that a delegation had been sent to Cairo for the talks.
\nAccording to the White House, Trump dispatched two envoys on Saturday — his son-in-law Jared Kushner and the US' Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.
\nQatar, Egypt, Turkiye and the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah have welcomed Hamas' statement, hoping it would become an important step toward achieving a complete ceasefire as the Gaza conflict nears its two-year mark.
\nQatar "welcomes the announcement by Hamas of its agreement to President Trump's plan", said its Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari. Egypt said it hoped "this positive development will lead all parties to rise to the level of responsibility by committing to implementing President Trump's plan on the ground and ending the war".
\nUnited Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the UN "welcomes and is encouraged by the statement issued by Hamas, announcing its readiness to release hostages and to engage".
\nFrench President Emmanuel Macron, in a social media post on Friday, said Hamas' response must be "followed up without delay", and, "we now have the opportunity to make decisive progress towards peace".
\nAnalysts said that Hamas' language was deliberately measured. The group said that broader political questions about Gaza's future and Palestinian rights would be decided collectively and "in line with international resolutions" — an acknowledgment of the US plan without binding concessions.
\n"It's a tactical retreat, not a strategic surrender," said Esmat Mansour, a Ramallah-based political analyst. "Hamas highlighted positive points, like prisoner exchanges and civilian administration, while avoiding sensitive issues such as disarmament."
\nDespite the Hamas statement saying that Trump's call to Israel to stop bombing Gaza is "encouraging", a senior Hamas official told AFP on Friday that the peace plan is "vague, ambiguous and lacks clarity".
\nMeanwhile, Israeli forces pressed on with operations in Gaza City. As many as 70 people were killed since Hamas released its response, Al Jazeera reported on Sunday.
\nIn Europe, pro-Palestine rallies were held on Saturday, calling for an end to the Gaza conflict and the immediate release of activists on board the Global Sumud flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to the territory.
\nPolice in Rome, Italy, said some 250,000 people showed up for a fourth day of protests, after Israel intercepted the 45-strong flotilla seeking to reach Gaza last week. Nearly 70,000 people took to the streets in Barcelona, Spain, while in capital Madrid, nearly 92,000 marched for a free Palestine. In the United Kingdom, police said they made at least 442 arrests in London.
\nIn Paris, France, where some 10,000 people gathered, a spokeswoman for the French contingent of Global Sumud, Helene Coron, told the crowd: "We'll never stop. This flotilla didn't get to Gaza. But we'll send another, then another, until Palestine and Gaza are free."
\nAgencies contributed to this report.
\ncuihaipei@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/06/content_001_68e2c6aded50ccabe151aa68.htm#001FRONT", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 06 Oct 2025 00:21:04 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "b07703eb0a039059a20daba2ca43da71", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "001FRONT - Japan braces for shift to conservatism", + "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/001/20251006_001_05_75730.png\")
Sanae Takaichi
\nThe election of Sanae Takaichi as the first female president of Japan's long-governing Liberal Democratic Party and the possibility of her becoming the country's first female prime minister indicate a shift toward greater conservatism in Japan's sociopolitical atmosphere, according to experts.
\nTakaichi, 64, a former economic security minister and an ultra-conservative lawmaker, defeated Shinjiro Koizumi, 44, agriculture minister and son of former prime minister Junichiro Koizumi, in an LDP vote runoff on Saturday.
\nResponding to foreign media queries regarding the LDP final vote outcome, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said, "We have noted the election result, which is Japan's internal affairs."
\nThe spokesperson added, "We hope the Japanese side will abide by the principles and consensus set out in the four political documents between China and Japan, honor its political commitments on major issues such as history and the Taiwan question, follow a positive and rational policy toward China, and put into practice the positioning of comprehensively advancing the strategic relationship of mutual benefit."
\nOn Saturday, none of the three other candidates in the fray — Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, its former economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi and former LDP secretary-general Toshimitsu Motegi — achieved majority in the first-round vote.
\nIn the runoff, Takaichi won 185 votes, against Koizumi's 156, drawing on a broad base of support among local party members and affiliates. With her replacing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba as the LDP leader, the conservative party hopes to regain public support and stay in power despite major election debacles in the National Diet, Japan's parliament.
\nHiroshi Shiratori, a professor of political science at Hosei University in Tokyo, noted that Takaichi led by a wide margin in party member and supporter votes in the first round, which represent voices of the party grassroots and are considered to reflect public support.
\nDuring her election campaign, Takaichi promised a tougher stance on foreigners in Japan. In fact, all LDP candidates raised the matter of "foreign policy" to reclaim conservative votes lost over the issue.
\nShiratori explained that these votes originally came from LDP supporters, but shifted to parties such as the far-right Sanseito and the center-right Democratic Party for the People in the upper house election due to their active advocacy on the matter. That gave the LDP race a distinct "social media leadership election" character, he said.
\nUkeru Magosaki, director of the East Asian Community Institute and a former senior official at Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that many Western countries are facing economic stagnation and widening inequity, making life difficult for many of their citizens, who blame foreigners for their hardships.
\nJapan is experiencing a "similar trend", as economic hardships and xenophobia are becoming increasingly intertwined with politics, he added.
\nThe LDP leadership race took place amid growing political woes after the coalition with the Komeito Party lost its majority in both houses of parliament — the first such situation since the LDP was founded in 1955.
\nAddressing her first news conference as LDP leader just hours after the runoff result was announced, Takaichi said, "The LDP marks a new era." She pledged that the party, which has held power almost continuously for 70 years, will transform the public's "anxieties into hope".
\nTakaichi's leadership is scheduled to last two years, until September 2027, completing the remainder of Ishiba's original three-year term.
\nShe is likely to be chosen as Japan's next prime minister at an extraordinary parliamentary session, to be held around Oct 15, with the minority coalition remaining the largest group in parliament and opposition parties still divided.
\nShiratori, from Hosei University, said that Takaichi's "first challenge" is the prime ministerial nomination election. If elected, the next challenge will be to build constructive diplomatic ties with China and other Asian neighbors.
\nhoujunjie@chinadaily.com.cn
\nSanae Takaichi
\nThe election of Sanae Takaichi as the first female president of Japan's long-governing Liberal Democratic Party and the possibility of her becoming the country's first female prime minister indicate a shift toward greater conservatism in Japan's sociopolitical atmosphere, according to experts.
\nTakaichi, 64, a former economic security minister and an ultra-conservative lawmaker, defeated Shinjiro Koizumi, 44, agriculture minister and son of former prime minister Junichiro Koizumi, in an LDP vote runoff on Saturday.
\nResponding to foreign media queries regarding the LDP final vote outcome, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said, "We have noted the election result, which is Japan's internal affairs."
\nThe spokesperson added, "We hope the Japanese side will abide by the principles and consensus set out in the four political documents between China and Japan, honor its political commitments on major issues such as history and the Taiwan question, follow a positive and rational policy toward China, and put into practice the positioning of comprehensively advancing the strategic relationship of mutual benefit."
\nOn Saturday, none of the three other candidates in the fray — Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, its former economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi and former LDP secretary-general Toshimitsu Motegi — achieved majority in the first-round vote.
\nIn the runoff, Takaichi won 185 votes, against Koizumi's 156, drawing on a broad base of support among local party members and affiliates. With her replacing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba as the LDP leader, the conservative party hopes to regain public support and stay in power despite major election debacles in the National Diet, Japan's parliament.
\nHiroshi Shiratori, a professor of political science at Hosei University in Tokyo, noted that Takaichi led by a wide margin in party member and supporter votes in the first round, which represent voices of the party grassroots and are considered to reflect public support.
\nDuring her election campaign, Takaichi promised a tougher stance on foreigners in Japan. In fact, all LDP candidates raised the matter of "foreign policy" to reclaim conservative votes lost over the issue.
\nShiratori explained that these votes originally came from LDP supporters, but shifted to parties such as the far-right Sanseito and the center-right Democratic Party for the People in the upper house election due to their active advocacy on the matter. That gave the LDP race a distinct "social media leadership election" character, he said.
\nUkeru Magosaki, director of the East Asian Community Institute and a former senior official at Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that many Western countries are facing economic stagnation and widening inequity, making life difficult for many of their citizens, who blame foreigners for their hardships.
\nJapan is experiencing a "similar trend", as economic hardships and xenophobia are becoming increasingly intertwined with politics, he added.
\nThe LDP leadership race took place amid growing political woes after the coalition with the Komeito Party lost its majority in both houses of parliament — the first such situation since the LDP was founded in 1955.
\nAddressing her first news conference as LDP leader just hours after the runoff result was announced, Takaichi said, "The LDP marks a new era." She pledged that the party, which has held power almost continuously for 70 years, will transform the public's "anxieties into hope".
\nTakaichi's leadership is scheduled to last two years, until September 2027, completing the remainder of Ishiba's original three-year term.
\nShe is likely to be chosen as Japan's next prime minister at an extraordinary parliamentary session, to be held around Oct 15, with the minority coalition remaining the largest group in parliament and opposition parties still divided.
\nShiratori, from Hosei University, said that Takaichi's "first challenge" is the prime ministerial nomination election. If elected, the next challenge will be to build constructive diplomatic ties with China and other Asian neighbors.
\nhoujunjie@chinadaily.com.cn
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/001/20251006_003_02_46454.png\")
A staff member introduces a traditional costume to travel photography customers in Taierzhuang ancient town, in Zaozhuang city of Shandong province.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/001/20251006_003_02_17454.png\")
Costumes in various styles are popular choices for travel photography on Badaling Great Wall, Beijing.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/001/20251006_003_02_26454.png\")
Costumes in various styles are popular choices for travel photography on Badaling Great Wall, Beijing.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/001/20251006_003_02_35454.png\")
A makeup artist crafts a look for a travel photography client in Taierzhuang, Shandong.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/001/20251006_003_02_65454.png\")
\nThe sun beat down on the ancient stones of Beijing's Beihai Park, but Ma Zhixue barely noticed the heat.
\nFor nearly 12 hours a day during summer, he framed through his lens not only the city's iconic landscapes but also the fleeting, authentic moments of travelers to the capital city from around the world.
\n"At the peak of the summer tourism season, I served up to 25 clients a day," the full-time travel photographer says.
\nMa's journey into travel photography began nearly five years ago when he noticed a rising demand for such photography experience.
\n"More clients are requesting shoots during their travels, featuring hanfu (traditional Chinese attire), imperial-era costumes and atmospheric ancient architecture," he notes.
\nLocations like Beijing's Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven, and Beihai Park remain perennially popular for their ability to evoke China's historical grandeur, he explains.
\nWhile traditional photography tends to rely more on controlled poses and studio lighting, and landscape photographers must chase specific natural lighting, Ma pays more attention to capturing people candidly within historical settings.
\n"My clients range from the very young to the elderly. My goal is always the same: to create images that are genuine, spontaneous and deeply personal," he emphasizes.
\nA typical shoot begins well before the camera is lifted. Ma consults with clients about their preferences, suggests locations and styles, and often flips through sample albums to align each other's expectations.
\nDuring photography sessions, he avoids rigid directions and instead encourages natural interactions and movement. After a shoot, he reviews the images on-site with the clients and reshoots if necessary, ensuring everyone leaves happy.
\nAs the summer crowds gradually thinned, a brief lull allowed Ma Zhixue to catch his breath, but not for long. The National Day holiday has seen his full packed calendar.
\nBy mid-September, four days of the eight-day National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays have been booked, he says with a mix of pride and exhaustion.
\n"The demand for a blend of photography and cultural storytelling shows no sign of slowing down," Ma says.
\nSun Na, manager of the overall travel photography operations at the iconic cultural landmark Badaling Great Wall, says the business has attracted visitors for a range of special occasions, from proposals and graduation celebrations to family reunions and diaspora homecomings.
\n"We are not simply using the Wall as a backdrop but are opening a channel for emotions to resonate with ancient civilization," Sun says.
\nEpic grandeur, ritual significance and a distinct Chinese imprint are guiding the principles behind everything from location selection to style choices, she explains.
\nSun's team has developed narrative-driven themes such as Guarding the Great Wall, the Silk Road Envoy, and Moon Over the Frontier, incorporating costumes that bear historical elements and dignified poses to reflect the Great Wall's solemnity.
\n"While Chinese tourists often seek to integrate into the historical tapestry through traditional hanfu attire or cheongsam, international visitors tend toward contrast — posing in modern wedding gowns, or even suits, against the ancient stones, expressing vitality against silence," Sun observes.
\nAccording to Qichacha, a leading business information platform, China's travel photography market still has considerable growth potential.
\nMore than 6,000 travel photography enterprises are currently in operation nationwide. In 2024 alone, over 2,500 new businesses were registered, a year-on-year increase of over 22 percent.
\nTaierzhuang ancient town in Zaozhuang city of Shandong province prepared to welcome visitors with Mid-Autumn Festival-themed photoshoots inspired by Chang'e, the moon goddess.
\n"It is a perfect fusion of myth, history and modern creativity," says Feng Jinle, an official in charge of travel photography operations at the resort, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.
\nFeng took the lead in developing the town's travel photography industry in early 2023, testing the market by sharing photography content highlighting hanfu on the popular livestream platform Douyin.
\nThe town's unique historical backdrop, featuring Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal culture, provides rich material for themed photoshoots.
\n"Young women took quite a shine to the idea of dressing as ancient brewery girls along the canal," Feng says.
\nIt immediately garnered an enthusiastic response from online viewers, which led to the travel photography business' official launch a few months later.
\nThe first store, located near the scenic spot's east gate, offers quick-change hanfu services, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in traditional attire upon entering the ancient town.
\nBy the end of 2023, revenue from this single store had reached nearly 2 million yuan ($281,550), Feng says.
\nAs demand grew, a second flagship store was opened at the center of the area, spanning 650 square meters and catering to mid-range and high-end customers with customized, historically accurate costumes and scenes inspired by ancient dynasties.
\nA third store, developed in collaboration with the local civil affairs bureau and themed around marriage registration, is scheduled to open later this year.
\n"Our primary customer base is predominantly female, accounting for more than 92 percent, with over 50 percent under 35," Feng says.
\nToday, the project employs 12 full-time staff, including makeup artists, photographers and digital marketing specialists.
\nThe booming travel photography industry has also inspired over 40 businesses within the ancient town, including hotels and retail stores, to incorporate hanfu services, generating a combined annual revenue of over 20 million yuan.
\nTo manage the influx and maintain a quality experience, Feng says his team has implemented measures, such as designated photography zones and guidelines that help to avoid disrupting other visitors.
\nLooking ahead, the scenic spot plans to incorporate AI-assisted costume selection and digital scene previews to enhance efficiency. The team is also developing customized short videos and drama productions to further deepen the integration of culture and technology.
\n"We're giving visitors a chance to step into history and become part of Taierzhuang's living heritage," Feng says.
\nKang Jiawang has firsthand experience of how travel photography has become a central part of the visitor experience in Xijiang Qianhu Miao village, Guizhou province.
\n"We've seen everything from family portraits to friends and parent-child shoots," says Kang, who runs a travel photography store in the ethnic Miao village, known for its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural landscapes.
\nSince opening in May 2024, the store has welcomed over 30,000 visitors, with peak travel season seeing around 150 clients per day.
\nKang's team, which includes eight photographers and eight makeup artists, usually works from early morning to midnight to meet the demand.
\nThey offer an immersive experience where visitors can step into a world of Miao ethnic culture through traditional clothing, makeup and a stunning landscape.
\n"There's something magical about night photography here. The way the village lights up, combined with traditional Miao outfits, makes for truly spectacular images," Kang explains.
\nLocated in the heart of the village, Kang's store has become a go-to spot for tourists eager to capture the village's essence.
\nThe store specializes in providing traditional Miao attire and expert makeup services, ensuring visitors are fully immersed in the culture. Guests are guided to various scenic spots, from the observation deck and ancient alleyways to the iconic wind-and-rain bridge.
\n"We focus on providing a seamless experience from the moment they walk in until they leave with their desired images," Kang says.
\nFor those looking to break into the industry, Beijing-based travel photographer Ma Zhixue emphasizes that technical skill alone is not enough.
\n"A successful travel photographer must have passion, cultural insight, creativity, and strong communication skills. It's about understanding people as much as pixels, and stories as much as settings," he says.
\nyangfeiyue@chinadaily.com.cn
\nA staff member introduces a traditional costume to travel photography customers in Taierzhuang ancient town, in Zaozhuang city of Shandong province.
\nCostumes in various styles are popular choices for travel photography on Badaling Great Wall, Beijing.
\nCostumes in various styles are popular choices for travel photography on Badaling Great Wall, Beijing.
\nA makeup artist crafts a look for a travel photography client in Taierzhuang, Shandong.
\n\nThe sun beat down on the ancient stones of Beijing's Beihai Park, but Ma Zhixue barely noticed the heat.
\nFor nearly 12 hours a day during summer, he framed through his lens not only the city's iconic landscapes but also the fleeting, authentic moments of travelers to the capital city from around the world.
\n"At the peak of the summer tourism season, I served up to 25 clients a day," the full-time travel photographer says.
\nMa's journey into travel photography began nearly five years ago when he noticed a rising demand for such photography experience.
\n"More clients are requesting shoots during their travels, featuring hanfu (traditional Chinese attire), imperial-era costumes and atmospheric ancient architecture," he notes.
\nLocations like Beijing's Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven, and Beihai Park remain perennially popular for their ability to evoke China's historical grandeur, he explains.
\nWhile traditional photography tends to rely more on controlled poses and studio lighting, and landscape photographers must chase specific natural lighting, Ma pays more attention to capturing people candidly within historical settings.
\n"My clients range from the very young to the elderly. My goal is always the same: to create images that are genuine, spontaneous and deeply personal," he emphasizes.
\nA typical shoot begins well before the camera is lifted. Ma consults with clients about their preferences, suggests locations and styles, and often flips through sample albums to align each other's expectations.
\nDuring photography sessions, he avoids rigid directions and instead encourages natural interactions and movement. After a shoot, he reviews the images on-site with the clients and reshoots if necessary, ensuring everyone leaves happy.
\nAs the summer crowds gradually thinned, a brief lull allowed Ma Zhixue to catch his breath, but not for long. The National Day holiday has seen his full packed calendar.
\nBy mid-September, four days of the eight-day National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays have been booked, he says with a mix of pride and exhaustion.
\n"The demand for a blend of photography and cultural storytelling shows no sign of slowing down," Ma says.
\nSun Na, manager of the overall travel photography operations at the iconic cultural landmark Badaling Great Wall, says the business has attracted visitors for a range of special occasions, from proposals and graduation celebrations to family reunions and diaspora homecomings.
\n"We are not simply using the Wall as a backdrop but are opening a channel for emotions to resonate with ancient civilization," Sun says.
\nEpic grandeur, ritual significance and a distinct Chinese imprint are guiding the principles behind everything from location selection to style choices, she explains.
\nSun's team has developed narrative-driven themes such as Guarding the Great Wall, the Silk Road Envoy, and Moon Over the Frontier, incorporating costumes that bear historical elements and dignified poses to reflect the Great Wall's solemnity.
\n"While Chinese tourists often seek to integrate into the historical tapestry through traditional hanfu attire or cheongsam, international visitors tend toward contrast — posing in modern wedding gowns, or even suits, against the ancient stones, expressing vitality against silence," Sun observes.
\nAccording to Qichacha, a leading business information platform, China's travel photography market still has considerable growth potential.
\nMore than 6,000 travel photography enterprises are currently in operation nationwide. In 2024 alone, over 2,500 new businesses were registered, a year-on-year increase of over 22 percent.
\nTaierzhuang ancient town in Zaozhuang city of Shandong province prepared to welcome visitors with Mid-Autumn Festival-themed photoshoots inspired by Chang'e, the moon goddess.
\n"It is a perfect fusion of myth, history and modern creativity," says Feng Jinle, an official in charge of travel photography operations at the resort, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.
\nFeng took the lead in developing the town's travel photography industry in early 2023, testing the market by sharing photography content highlighting hanfu on the popular livestream platform Douyin.
\nThe town's unique historical backdrop, featuring Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal culture, provides rich material for themed photoshoots.
\n"Young women took quite a shine to the idea of dressing as ancient brewery girls along the canal," Feng says.
\nIt immediately garnered an enthusiastic response from online viewers, which led to the travel photography business' official launch a few months later.
\nThe first store, located near the scenic spot's east gate, offers quick-change hanfu services, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in traditional attire upon entering the ancient town.
\nBy the end of 2023, revenue from this single store had reached nearly 2 million yuan ($281,550), Feng says.
\nAs demand grew, a second flagship store was opened at the center of the area, spanning 650 square meters and catering to mid-range and high-end customers with customized, historically accurate costumes and scenes inspired by ancient dynasties.
\nA third store, developed in collaboration with the local civil affairs bureau and themed around marriage registration, is scheduled to open later this year.
\n"Our primary customer base is predominantly female, accounting for more than 92 percent, with over 50 percent under 35," Feng says.
\nToday, the project employs 12 full-time staff, including makeup artists, photographers and digital marketing specialists.
\nThe booming travel photography industry has also inspired over 40 businesses within the ancient town, including hotels and retail stores, to incorporate hanfu services, generating a combined annual revenue of over 20 million yuan.
\nTo manage the influx and maintain a quality experience, Feng says his team has implemented measures, such as designated photography zones and guidelines that help to avoid disrupting other visitors.
\nLooking ahead, the scenic spot plans to incorporate AI-assisted costume selection and digital scene previews to enhance efficiency. The team is also developing customized short videos and drama productions to further deepen the integration of culture and technology.
\n"We're giving visitors a chance to step into history and become part of Taierzhuang's living heritage," Feng says.
\nKang Jiawang has firsthand experience of how travel photography has become a central part of the visitor experience in Xijiang Qianhu Miao village, Guizhou province.
\n"We've seen everything from family portraits to friends and parent-child shoots," says Kang, who runs a travel photography store in the ethnic Miao village, known for its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural landscapes.
\nSince opening in May 2024, the store has welcomed over 30,000 visitors, with peak travel season seeing around 150 clients per day.
\nKang's team, which includes eight photographers and eight makeup artists, usually works from early morning to midnight to meet the demand.
\nThey offer an immersive experience where visitors can step into a world of Miao ethnic culture through traditional clothing, makeup and a stunning landscape.
\n"There's something magical about night photography here. The way the village lights up, combined with traditional Miao outfits, makes for truly spectacular images," Kang explains.
\nLocated in the heart of the village, Kang's store has become a go-to spot for tourists eager to capture the village's essence.
\nThe store specializes in providing traditional Miao attire and expert makeup services, ensuring visitors are fully immersed in the culture. Guests are guided to various scenic spots, from the observation deck and ancient alleyways to the iconic wind-and-rain bridge.
\n"We focus on providing a seamless experience from the moment they walk in until they leave with their desired images," Kang says.
\nFor those looking to break into the industry, Beijing-based travel photographer Ma Zhixue emphasizes that technical skill alone is not enough.
\n"A successful travel photographer must have passion, cultural insight, creativity, and strong communication skills. It's about understanding people as much as pixels, and stories as much as settings," he says.
\nyangfeiyue@chinadaily.com.cn
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/002/20251006_002_01_24248.png\")
Visitors take photographs of a panda installation at a shopping mall in Shanghai on Saturday.
\nChinese consumers are enthusiastically unleashing their massive purchasing power during the eight-day National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, with intelligent household appliances and electronic products gaining popularity amid the country's vigorous measures to boost consumption.
\nExperts said the consumption boom during the Golden Week break indicates the enormous vitality and strong resilience of the world's second-largest economy, and will further unleash the potential of domestic demand to stimulate economic growth.
\nData from the Ministry of Commerce showed that during the first four days of the holiday, sales from key retail and catering enterprises nationwide increased 3.3 percent year-on-year.
\nThe customer traffic and sales revenue at 78 key pedestrian streets and business districts monitored by the ministry rose 4.2 percent and 4 percent year-on-year, respectively, from Wednesday to Friday.
\nMajor e-commerce platforms monitored by the ministry saw their sales of energy-saving home appliances jump 19 percent year-on-year during the first four days of the eight-day holiday, while the sales of intelligent refrigerators and smart home devices grew 20.7 percent and 16.8 percent, respectively, compared with the same period last year.
\nSmartphones, tablets, digital cameras, outdoor sporting goods, and beauty and skincare products have witnessed rapid growth on leading online marketplaces such as JD, Taobao and Tmall during the holiday period.
\n"China's consumption recovery is gaining momentum during the eight-day break, which demonstrates the continuous restoration of consumer confidence," said Hong Yong, an associate research fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, highlighting that Chinese shoppers attach great importance to product quality and value, and prefer to purchase premium merchandise boasting high cost-effectiveness.
\nHong estimated that the country's consumer market is poised for steady growth this year, driven by a slew of supportive policy measures to boost consumption, stabilize employment and increase household income.
\nE-commerce platforms should step up investment in technological innovation, improve shopping experience, and roll out more high-quality and intelligent commodities to attract young shoppers, he added.
\nConsumption has become the main driving force bolstering China's economic growth. This year's Government Work Report made vigorously boosting consumption and expanding domestic demand across the board among the nation's top priorities for 2025.
\nThe country announced a raft of measures to expand the scope of the consumer goods trade-in program in January, increasing funding from 150 billion yuan ($20.9 billion) last year to 300 billion yuan, and offering subsidies for more home appliances and electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets and smartwatches.
\nWith Mid-Autumn Festival falling alongside National Day this year, China's consumer market is picking up steam during the extended eight-day holiday, showcasing immense potential and strong resilience, said Pan Helin, a member of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's Expert Committee for Information and Communication Economy.
\nA series of pro-consumption policies have played a vital role in stimulating shoppers' purchasing appetites, shoring up domestic demand and spurring economic growth amid external uncertainties, Pan said, estimating that the country's consumption growth will gather pace in the fourth quarter of this year.
\nIndustry insiders said the Golden Week break has typically been a peak season for consumption when Chinese shoppers loosen their purse strings to buy personalized and diversified commodities at a brisk pace.
\nChina's consumption market has witnessed a sustained recovery. Retail sales, a major indicator of consumption strength, expanded 3.4 percent year-on-year in August, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. Online sales remained a bright spot, expanding 9.6 percent year-on-year during the first eight months of the year.
\nMo Daiqing, a senior analyst at the Internet Economy Institute, a domestic consultancy, said the robust recovery in consumer spending during the holiday is of great importance in bolstering market expectations as well as the confidence of investors and consumers.
\n"The expansion of the consumer goods trade-in program has not only motivated consumers' enthusiasm to purchase and pushed up the sales of household appliances and electronic devices, but also bolstered the popularization of green and energy-saving products," she added.
\nZhou Guanlin, a Beijing white-collar worker, bought a new handset on Chinese e-commerce platform JD during the holiday. He enjoyed a discount of about 800 yuan with national subsidies and shopping coupons provided by the platform.
\nfanfeifei@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", + "content": "Visitors take photographs of a panda installation at a shopping mall in Shanghai on Saturday.
\nChinese consumers are enthusiastically unleashing their massive purchasing power during the eight-day National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, with intelligent household appliances and electronic products gaining popularity amid the country's vigorous measures to boost consumption.
\nExperts said the consumption boom during the Golden Week break indicates the enormous vitality and strong resilience of the world's second-largest economy, and will further unleash the potential of domestic demand to stimulate economic growth.
\nData from the Ministry of Commerce showed that during the first four days of the holiday, sales from key retail and catering enterprises nationwide increased 3.3 percent year-on-year.
\nThe customer traffic and sales revenue at 78 key pedestrian streets and business districts monitored by the ministry rose 4.2 percent and 4 percent year-on-year, respectively, from Wednesday to Friday.
\nMajor e-commerce platforms monitored by the ministry saw their sales of energy-saving home appliances jump 19 percent year-on-year during the first four days of the eight-day holiday, while the sales of intelligent refrigerators and smart home devices grew 20.7 percent and 16.8 percent, respectively, compared with the same period last year.
\nSmartphones, tablets, digital cameras, outdoor sporting goods, and beauty and skincare products have witnessed rapid growth on leading online marketplaces such as JD, Taobao and Tmall during the holiday period.
\n"China's consumption recovery is gaining momentum during the eight-day break, which demonstrates the continuous restoration of consumer confidence," said Hong Yong, an associate research fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, highlighting that Chinese shoppers attach great importance to product quality and value, and prefer to purchase premium merchandise boasting high cost-effectiveness.
\nHong estimated that the country's consumer market is poised for steady growth this year, driven by a slew of supportive policy measures to boost consumption, stabilize employment and increase household income.
\nE-commerce platforms should step up investment in technological innovation, improve shopping experience, and roll out more high-quality and intelligent commodities to attract young shoppers, he added.
\nConsumption has become the main driving force bolstering China's economic growth. This year's Government Work Report made vigorously boosting consumption and expanding domestic demand across the board among the nation's top priorities for 2025.
\nThe country announced a raft of measures to expand the scope of the consumer goods trade-in program in January, increasing funding from 150 billion yuan ($20.9 billion) last year to 300 billion yuan, and offering subsidies for more home appliances and electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets and smartwatches.
\nWith Mid-Autumn Festival falling alongside National Day this year, China's consumer market is picking up steam during the extended eight-day holiday, showcasing immense potential and strong resilience, said Pan Helin, a member of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's Expert Committee for Information and Communication Economy.
\nA series of pro-consumption policies have played a vital role in stimulating shoppers' purchasing appetites, shoring up domestic demand and spurring economic growth amid external uncertainties, Pan said, estimating that the country's consumption growth will gather pace in the fourth quarter of this year.
\nIndustry insiders said the Golden Week break has typically been a peak season for consumption when Chinese shoppers loosen their purse strings to buy personalized and diversified commodities at a brisk pace.
\nChina's consumption market has witnessed a sustained recovery. Retail sales, a major indicator of consumption strength, expanded 3.4 percent year-on-year in August, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. Online sales remained a bright spot, expanding 9.6 percent year-on-year during the first eight months of the year.
\nMo Daiqing, a senior analyst at the Internet Economy Institute, a domestic consultancy, said the robust recovery in consumer spending during the holiday is of great importance in bolstering market expectations as well as the confidence of investors and consumers.
\n"The expansion of the consumer goods trade-in program has not only motivated consumers' enthusiasm to purchase and pushed up the sales of household appliances and electronic devices, but also bolstered the popularization of green and energy-saving products," she added.
\nZhou Guanlin, a Beijing white-collar worker, bought a new handset on Chinese e-commerce platform JD during the holiday. He enjoyed a discount of about 800 yuan with national subsidies and shopping coupons provided by the platform.
\nfanfeifei@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/06/content_002_68e2c6baed50ccabe151aa6b.htm#002NATION", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 06 Oct 2025 00:21:04 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "8125c7e1f10fd697065acce5f6422487", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "002NATION - Strong typhoon triggers safety measures in south", + "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/002/20251006_002_02_39248.png\")
A woman struggles through rainfall brought by Typhoon Matmo in Haikou, Hainan province, on Sunday.
\nTyphoon Matmo, the 21st typhoon of the year, made landfall in Zhanjiang, Guangdong province, on Sunday afternoon. Classified as a Category 14 storm, Matmo has become the strongest typhoon to hit Guangdong this year.
\nDue to Matmo, which made landfall in Zhanjiang's Xuwen county, the city experienced nearly 100 millimeters of rainfall within three hours on Sunday, with heavy rain expected to continue for another six hours.
\nIn He'an town, Xuwen, over 100 farmers are urgently harvesting shrimp as the typhoon "will bring heavy rain, worsening water conditions and weakening shrimp immunity", said Fu Xiaoli, a local shrimp farmer.
\nIn Xuwen, the local government has organized 264 teams, sending over 2,250 staff members to key areas such as rural communities and enterprises to assist in case of emergency. By 10 am on Sunday, 22,041 people had been evacuated.
\nIn Haian town of Xuwen, drones are being deployed to check for stranded individuals and for those engaging in fishing activities in coastal and low-lying areas. So far, 11,700 tourists have been persuaded to leave dangerous areas.
\nEchoing the reminders from provincial authorities, 3,406 ships were anchored west of the Pearl River Estuary to avoid the storm as of 6 am on Sunday.
\nIn Wenchang, Hainan province, rainfall exceeded 200 millimeters by Sunday morning. In Puqian town, the seawater flooded some streets and houses.
\nA local woman surnamed Han said the situation with Matmo is identical to Typhoon Rammasun 11 years ago, with seawater inundating fish farms, fishing boats washed ashore and dead chickens scattered in breeding sheds.
\n"Farmers and residents, still recovering from last year's Typhoon Mangkhut, feel helpless and heartbroken," Han said. "Fortunately, local officials relocated some residents, especially the elderly, young and vulnerable, before the typhoon hit."
\nIn Haikou, the capital of Hainan province, large shopping venues such as shopping malls and wholesale markets have been closed since 10 pm on Saturday. Delivery and courier services were suspended citywide.
\nTo ensure the safety of residents in hazardous areas such as dilapidated buildings and flood-prone zones, Haikou opened 54 indoor emergency shelters, including schools, gymnasiums and government office buildings.
\nAs of 8 pm on Sunday, Matmo has moved out of Guangdong and is located some 155 kilometers east-southeast off Dongxing, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. Its intensity has weakened to Category 13, the China Meteorological Administration said on Sunday.
\nAccording to wind monitoring by meteorological departments in the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions and Guangdong's Zhuhai, Matmo could make a second landfall along the coast of Guangxi as it continues to move westward.
\nBased on the analysis, the governments of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao planned to resume shuttle bus services across the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge on Sunday afternoon.
\nIn addition, Haikou Meilan International Airport is expected to gradually resume flights from 8 pm on Sunday, with 153 flights planned for the day, including 37 departures and 116 arrivals.
\nThe National Development and Reform Commission has urgently arranged a central budgetary investment of 200 million yuan to support Guangdong and Hainan in their emergency recovery efforts following the typhoon disaster.
\ncangwei@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", + "content": "A woman struggles through rainfall brought by Typhoon Matmo in Haikou, Hainan province, on Sunday.
\nTyphoon Matmo, the 21st typhoon of the year, made landfall in Zhanjiang, Guangdong province, on Sunday afternoon. Classified as a Category 14 storm, Matmo has become the strongest typhoon to hit Guangdong this year.
\nDue to Matmo, which made landfall in Zhanjiang's Xuwen county, the city experienced nearly 100 millimeters of rainfall within three hours on Sunday, with heavy rain expected to continue for another six hours.
\nIn He'an town, Xuwen, over 100 farmers are urgently harvesting shrimp as the typhoon "will bring heavy rain, worsening water conditions and weakening shrimp immunity", said Fu Xiaoli, a local shrimp farmer.
\nIn Xuwen, the local government has organized 264 teams, sending over 2,250 staff members to key areas such as rural communities and enterprises to assist in case of emergency. By 10 am on Sunday, 22,041 people had been evacuated.
\nIn Haian town of Xuwen, drones are being deployed to check for stranded individuals and for those engaging in fishing activities in coastal and low-lying areas. So far, 11,700 tourists have been persuaded to leave dangerous areas.
\nEchoing the reminders from provincial authorities, 3,406 ships were anchored west of the Pearl River Estuary to avoid the storm as of 6 am on Sunday.
\nIn Wenchang, Hainan province, rainfall exceeded 200 millimeters by Sunday morning. In Puqian town, the seawater flooded some streets and houses.
\nA local woman surnamed Han said the situation with Matmo is identical to Typhoon Rammasun 11 years ago, with seawater inundating fish farms, fishing boats washed ashore and dead chickens scattered in breeding sheds.
\n"Farmers and residents, still recovering from last year's Typhoon Mangkhut, feel helpless and heartbroken," Han said. "Fortunately, local officials relocated some residents, especially the elderly, young and vulnerable, before the typhoon hit."
\nIn Haikou, the capital of Hainan province, large shopping venues such as shopping malls and wholesale markets have been closed since 10 pm on Saturday. Delivery and courier services were suspended citywide.
\nTo ensure the safety of residents in hazardous areas such as dilapidated buildings and flood-prone zones, Haikou opened 54 indoor emergency shelters, including schools, gymnasiums and government office buildings.
\nAs of 8 pm on Sunday, Matmo has moved out of Guangdong and is located some 155 kilometers east-southeast off Dongxing, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. Its intensity has weakened to Category 13, the China Meteorological Administration said on Sunday.
\nAccording to wind monitoring by meteorological departments in the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions and Guangdong's Zhuhai, Matmo could make a second landfall along the coast of Guangxi as it continues to move westward.
\nBased on the analysis, the governments of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao planned to resume shuttle bus services across the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge on Sunday afternoon.
\nIn addition, Haikou Meilan International Airport is expected to gradually resume flights from 8 pm on Sunday, with 153 flights planned for the day, including 37 departures and 116 arrivals.
\nThe National Development and Reform Commission has urgently arranged a central budgetary investment of 200 million yuan to support Guangdong and Hainan in their emergency recovery efforts following the typhoon disaster.
\ncangwei@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/06/content_002_68e2c6beed50ccabe151aa6c.htm#002NATION", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 06 Oct 2025 00:21:04 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "7790728e49f52bebfc65e7d4a7a19fe1", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "002NATION - Residents of Fuzhou, Taiwan unite as 'one family'", + "description": "The shared identity and family ties between people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait were the main theme of a Mid-Autumn Festival gathering on Saturday in Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian province, the closest province on the Chinese mainland to Taiwan. The two sides are separated by a narrow strait.
\n"Both sides of the Taiwan Strait are Chinese and part of one family," said Song Tao, director of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, emphasizing the need to oppose "Taiwan independence" and external interference to safeguard the homeland.
\nThe event — jointly hosted by Fuzhou and Matsu, a group of small islands administered by Taiwan just off the coast of the capital city — brought together over 250 participants, including Lien Sheng-wen, vice-chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang party, and Taiwan compatriots living in Fujian.
\nWith exhibits showcasing Mid-Autumn lanterns, Matsu cultural tourism and traditional folk customs, alongside displays set up by Taiwan enterprises, the event promoted mainland tourism to Matsu and showcased the achievements of cross-Strait integration development in Fuzhou.
\nA highlight of the evening was a drone display featuring 500 drones forming messages, including "One Family Across the Strait", which was met with enthusiastic applause from attendees.
\nSong's remarks came during a tea party for cross-Strait compatriots, in which he noted the significance of the 80th anniversaries of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), as well as Taiwan's retrocession. He also highlighted the V-Day parade at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing on Sept 3, which stirred national pride among viewers, including many in Taiwan.
\nSong called for increased cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation to deepen integration and enhance the well-being of the "family", as well as efforts toward peaceful development and national reunification.
\nLien said the Mid-Autumn Festival symbolizes reunion, completeness and harmony. He affirmed that the KMT will continue to promote cross-Strait exchanges, peaceful development based on the 1992 Consensus, and opposition to "Taiwan independence".
\nParticipating Taiwan compatriots said the continuous advancement of cross-Strait integrated development has made studying, working and living on the mainland increasingly convenient for them.
\nWong Chen-hua, a former primary schoolteacher from Matsu, attended the celebration event in Fuzhou with other Matsu locals, where they performed traditional Matsu songs and dances. He also promoted Matsu's specialty liquor and tourist sites, hoping that more compatriots would visit Matsu.
\nThis year, there has been an increase in mainland tourists visiting Matsu, Wong said, adding that strengthening mutual understanding is essential to eliminating barriers, as both sides share common roots.
\n"I have many relatives on the mainland, and because of the convenience, I often bring my children to travel extensively across it," he said. "I hope the ties between compatriots will grow even closer."
\nSu Yu-sheng, who started teaching at the Ningde Normal University's College of Medical Science in Fujian six years ago after moving from Taiwan, said that during the Mid-Autumn Festival, he felt a deep longing for his family as he did not return to Taiwan. Participating in a cross-Strait Mid-Autumn Festival event for the first time, he found it interesting and heartwarming and made some new friends, he said.
\nContact the writers at zhangyi1@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", + "content": "The shared identity and family ties between people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait were the main theme of a Mid-Autumn Festival gathering on Saturday in Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian province, the closest province on the Chinese mainland to Taiwan. The two sides are separated by a narrow strait.
\n"Both sides of the Taiwan Strait are Chinese and part of one family," said Song Tao, director of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, emphasizing the need to oppose "Taiwan independence" and external interference to safeguard the homeland.
\nThe event — jointly hosted by Fuzhou and Matsu, a group of small islands administered by Taiwan just off the coast of the capital city — brought together over 250 participants, including Lien Sheng-wen, vice-chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang party, and Taiwan compatriots living in Fujian.
\nWith exhibits showcasing Mid-Autumn lanterns, Matsu cultural tourism and traditional folk customs, alongside displays set up by Taiwan enterprises, the event promoted mainland tourism to Matsu and showcased the achievements of cross-Strait integration development in Fuzhou.
\nA highlight of the evening was a drone display featuring 500 drones forming messages, including "One Family Across the Strait", which was met with enthusiastic applause from attendees.
\nSong's remarks came during a tea party for cross-Strait compatriots, in which he noted the significance of the 80th anniversaries of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), as well as Taiwan's retrocession. He also highlighted the V-Day parade at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing on Sept 3, which stirred national pride among viewers, including many in Taiwan.
\nSong called for increased cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation to deepen integration and enhance the well-being of the "family", as well as efforts toward peaceful development and national reunification.
\nLien said the Mid-Autumn Festival symbolizes reunion, completeness and harmony. He affirmed that the KMT will continue to promote cross-Strait exchanges, peaceful development based on the 1992 Consensus, and opposition to "Taiwan independence".
\nParticipating Taiwan compatriots said the continuous advancement of cross-Strait integrated development has made studying, working and living on the mainland increasingly convenient for them.
\nWong Chen-hua, a former primary schoolteacher from Matsu, attended the celebration event in Fuzhou with other Matsu locals, where they performed traditional Matsu songs and dances. He also promoted Matsu's specialty liquor and tourist sites, hoping that more compatriots would visit Matsu.
\nThis year, there has been an increase in mainland tourists visiting Matsu, Wong said, adding that strengthening mutual understanding is essential to eliminating barriers, as both sides share common roots.
\n"I have many relatives on the mainland, and because of the convenience, I often bring my children to travel extensively across it," he said. "I hope the ties between compatriots will grow even closer."
\nSu Yu-sheng, who started teaching at the Ningde Normal University's College of Medical Science in Fujian six years ago after moving from Taiwan, said that during the Mid-Autumn Festival, he felt a deep longing for his family as he did not return to Taiwan. Participating in a cross-Strait Mid-Autumn Festival event for the first time, he found it interesting and heartwarming and made some new friends, he said.
\nContact the writers at zhangyi1@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/06/content_002_68e2c6c2ed50ccabe151aa6d.htm#002NATION", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 06 Oct 2025 00:21:04 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "f174aa13f6c347e7a82123d907b2722a", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "002NATION - Japan braces for shift to conservatism", + "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/002/20251006_001_05_75730.png\")
Sanae Takaichi
\nThe election of Sanae Takaichi as the first female president of Japan's long-governing Liberal Democratic Party and the possibility of her becoming the country's first female prime minister indicate a shift toward greater conservatism in Japan's sociopolitical atmosphere, according to experts.
\nTakaichi, 64, a former economic security minister and an ultra-conservative lawmaker, defeated Shinjiro Koizumi, 44, agriculture minister and son of former prime minister Junichiro Koizumi, in an LDP vote runoff on Saturday.
\nResponding to foreign media queries regarding the LDP final vote outcome, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said, "We have noted the election result, which is Japan's internal affairs."
\nThe spokesperson added, "We hope the Japanese side will abide by the principles and consensus set out in the four political documents between China and Japan, honor its political commitments on major issues such as history and the Taiwan question, follow a positive and rational policy toward China, and put into practice the positioning of comprehensively advancing the strategic relationship of mutual benefit."
\nOn Saturday, none of the three other candidates in the fray — Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, its former economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi and former LDP secretary-general Toshimitsu Motegi — achieved majority in the first-round vote.
\nIn the runoff, Takaichi won 185 votes, against Koizumi's 156, drawing on a broad base of support among local party members and affiliates. With her replacing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba as the LDP leader, the conservative party hopes to regain public support and stay in power despite major election debacles in the National Diet, Japan's parliament.
\nHiroshi Shiratori, a professor of political science at Hosei University in Tokyo, noted that Takaichi led by a wide margin in party member and supporter votes in the first round, which represent voices of the party grassroots and are considered to reflect public support.
\nDuring her election campaign, Takaichi promised a tougher stance on foreigners in Japan. In fact, all LDP candidates raised the matter of "foreign policy" to reclaim conservative votes lost over the issue.
\nShiratori explained that these votes originally came from LDP supporters, but shifted to parties such as the far-right Sanseito and the center-right Democratic Party for the People in the upper house election due to their active advocacy on the matter. That gave the LDP race a distinct "social media leadership election" character, he said.
\nUkeru Magosaki, director of the East Asian Community Institute and a former senior official at Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that many Western countries are facing economic stagnation and widening inequity, making life difficult for many of their citizens, who blame foreigners for their hardships.
\nJapan is experiencing a "similar trend", as economic hardships and xenophobia are becoming increasingly intertwined with politics, he added.
\nThe LDP leadership race took place amid growing political woes after the coalition with the Komeito Party lost its majority in both houses of parliament — the first such situation since the LDP was founded in 1955.
\nAddressing her first news conference as LDP leader just hours after the runoff result was announced, Takaichi said, "The LDP marks a new era." She pledged that the party, which has held power almost continuously for 70 years, will transform the public's "anxieties into hope".
\nTakaichi's leadership is scheduled to last two years, until September 2027, completing the remainder of Ishiba's original three-year term.
\nShe is likely to be chosen as Japan's next prime minister at an extraordinary parliamentary session, to be held around Oct 15, with the minority coalition remaining the largest group in parliament and opposition parties still divided.
\nShiratori, from Hosei University, said that Takaichi's "first challenge" is the prime ministerial nomination election. If elected, the next challenge will be to build constructive diplomatic ties with China and other Asian neighbors.
\nhoujunjie@chinadaily.com.cn
\nSanae Takaichi
\nThe election of Sanae Takaichi as the first female president of Japan's long-governing Liberal Democratic Party and the possibility of her becoming the country's first female prime minister indicate a shift toward greater conservatism in Japan's sociopolitical atmosphere, according to experts.
\nTakaichi, 64, a former economic security minister and an ultra-conservative lawmaker, defeated Shinjiro Koizumi, 44, agriculture minister and son of former prime minister Junichiro Koizumi, in an LDP vote runoff on Saturday.
\nResponding to foreign media queries regarding the LDP final vote outcome, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said, "We have noted the election result, which is Japan's internal affairs."
\nThe spokesperson added, "We hope the Japanese side will abide by the principles and consensus set out in the four political documents between China and Japan, honor its political commitments on major issues such as history and the Taiwan question, follow a positive and rational policy toward China, and put into practice the positioning of comprehensively advancing the strategic relationship of mutual benefit."
\nOn Saturday, none of the three other candidates in the fray — Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, its former economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi and former LDP secretary-general Toshimitsu Motegi — achieved majority in the first-round vote.
\nIn the runoff, Takaichi won 185 votes, against Koizumi's 156, drawing on a broad base of support among local party members and affiliates. With her replacing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba as the LDP leader, the conservative party hopes to regain public support and stay in power despite major election debacles in the National Diet, Japan's parliament.
\nHiroshi Shiratori, a professor of political science at Hosei University in Tokyo, noted that Takaichi led by a wide margin in party member and supporter votes in the first round, which represent voices of the party grassroots and are considered to reflect public support.
\nDuring her election campaign, Takaichi promised a tougher stance on foreigners in Japan. In fact, all LDP candidates raised the matter of "foreign policy" to reclaim conservative votes lost over the issue.
\nShiratori explained that these votes originally came from LDP supporters, but shifted to parties such as the far-right Sanseito and the center-right Democratic Party for the People in the upper house election due to their active advocacy on the matter. That gave the LDP race a distinct "social media leadership election" character, he said.
\nUkeru Magosaki, director of the East Asian Community Institute and a former senior official at Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that many Western countries are facing economic stagnation and widening inequity, making life difficult for many of their citizens, who blame foreigners for their hardships.
\nJapan is experiencing a "similar trend", as economic hardships and xenophobia are becoming increasingly intertwined with politics, he added.
\nThe LDP leadership race took place amid growing political woes after the coalition with the Komeito Party lost its majority in both houses of parliament — the first such situation since the LDP was founded in 1955.
\nAddressing her first news conference as LDP leader just hours after the runoff result was announced, Takaichi said, "The LDP marks a new era." She pledged that the party, which has held power almost continuously for 70 years, will transform the public's "anxieties into hope".
\nTakaichi's leadership is scheduled to last two years, until September 2027, completing the remainder of Ishiba's original three-year term.
\nShe is likely to be chosen as Japan's next prime minister at an extraordinary parliamentary session, to be held around Oct 15, with the minority coalition remaining the largest group in parliament and opposition parties still divided.
\nShiratori, from Hosei University, said that Takaichi's "first challenge" is the prime ministerial nomination election. If elected, the next challenge will be to build constructive diplomatic ties with China and other Asian neighbors.
\nhoujunjie@chinadaily.com.cn
\nA diplomatic window for ending the conflict in the Gaza Strip reemerged as negotiators converged in Cairo, Egypt, for talks scheduled on Monday after both Israel and Hamas signaled support for a new United States peace plan to stop the war and ensure release of all remaining hostages.
\nThe opportunity for peace, however fragile, has galvanized a chorus of optimistic statements from the international community, while mediators face the daunting task of bridging Israel's security demands, Hamas' bid for survival and the overwhelming humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
\nUS President Donald Trump's 20-point peace plan aimed at ending the war in Gaza includes immediate ceasefire, phased withdrawal of Israeli troops, freeing of all hostages within 72 hours, international oversight of humanitarian aid and rebuilding the devastated territory under international supervision.
\nA Hamas statement on Friday said it was willing to release the hostages and hand over power to a technocratic Palestinian authority backed by Arab and Islamic states. The statement said the group was open to talks through mediators, but made no mention of Hamas disarming, which is a key Israeli demand.
\nHours later, Trump declared that Hamas' response indicated it is "ready for lasting peace", and he urged Israel to stop bombing Gaza, "so we can quickly and safely extract the hostages".
\nIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said on Friday that Israel is prepared for the implementation of the "first stage" of Trump's plan, apparently referring to the release of hostages, said late on Saturday that the Israeli military will continue to hold territories it controls in Gaza, and that Hamas will be disarmed diplomatically "or through a military path by us". He added that a delegation had been sent to Cairo for the talks.
\nAccording to the White House, Trump dispatched two envoys on Saturday — his son-in-law Jared Kushner and the US' Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.
\nQatar, Egypt, Turkiye and the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah have welcomed Hamas' statement, hoping it would become an important step toward achieving a complete ceasefire as the Gaza conflict nears its two-year mark.
\nQatar "welcomes the announcement by Hamas of its agreement to President Trump's plan", said its Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari. Egypt said it hoped "this positive development will lead all parties to rise to the level of responsibility by committing to implementing President Trump's plan on the ground and ending the war".
\nUnited Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the UN "welcomes and is encouraged by the statement issued by Hamas, announcing its readiness to release hostages and to engage".
\nFrench President Emmanuel Macron, in a social media post on Friday, said Hamas' response must be "followed up without delay", and, "we now have the opportunity to make decisive progress towards peace".
\nAnalysts said that Hamas' language was deliberately measured. The group said that broader political questions about Gaza's future and Palestinian rights would be decided collectively and "in line with international resolutions" — an acknowledgment of the US plan without binding concessions.
\n"It's a tactical retreat, not a strategic surrender," said Esmat Mansour, a Ramallah-based political analyst. "Hamas highlighted positive points, like prisoner exchanges and civilian administration, while avoiding sensitive issues such as disarmament."
\nDespite the Hamas statement saying that Trump's call to Israel to stop bombing Gaza is "encouraging", a senior Hamas official told AFP on Friday that the peace plan is "vague, ambiguous and lacks clarity".
\nMeanwhile, Israeli forces pressed on with operations in Gaza City. As many as 70 people were killed since Hamas released its response, Al Jazeera reported on Sunday.
\nIn Europe, pro-Palestine rallies were held on Saturday, calling for an end to the Gaza conflict and the immediate release of activists on board the Global Sumud flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to the territory.
\nPolice in Rome, Italy, said some 250,000 people showed up for a fourth day of protests, after Israel intercepted the 45-strong flotilla seeking to reach Gaza last week. Nearly 70,000 people took to the streets in Barcelona, Spain, while in capital Madrid, nearly 92,000 marched for a free Palestine. In the United Kingdom, police said they made at least 442 arrests in London.
\nIn Paris, France, where some 10,000 people gathered, a spokeswoman for the French contingent of Global Sumud, Helene Coron, told the crowd: "We'll never stop. This flotilla didn't get to Gaza. But we'll send another, then another, until Palestine and Gaza are free."
\nAgencies contributed to this report.
\ncuihaipei@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", + "content": "A diplomatic window for ending the conflict in the Gaza Strip reemerged as negotiators converged in Cairo, Egypt, for talks scheduled on Monday after both Israel and Hamas signaled support for a new United States peace plan to stop the war and ensure release of all remaining hostages.
\nThe opportunity for peace, however fragile, has galvanized a chorus of optimistic statements from the international community, while mediators face the daunting task of bridging Israel's security demands, Hamas' bid for survival and the overwhelming humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
\nUS President Donald Trump's 20-point peace plan aimed at ending the war in Gaza includes immediate ceasefire, phased withdrawal of Israeli troops, freeing of all hostages within 72 hours, international oversight of humanitarian aid and rebuilding the devastated territory under international supervision.
\nA Hamas statement on Friday said it was willing to release the hostages and hand over power to a technocratic Palestinian authority backed by Arab and Islamic states. The statement said the group was open to talks through mediators, but made no mention of Hamas disarming, which is a key Israeli demand.
\nHours later, Trump declared that Hamas' response indicated it is "ready for lasting peace", and he urged Israel to stop bombing Gaza, "so we can quickly and safely extract the hostages".
\nIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said on Friday that Israel is prepared for the implementation of the "first stage" of Trump's plan, apparently referring to the release of hostages, said late on Saturday that the Israeli military will continue to hold territories it controls in Gaza, and that Hamas will be disarmed diplomatically "or through a military path by us". He added that a delegation had been sent to Cairo for the talks.
\nAccording to the White House, Trump dispatched two envoys on Saturday — his son-in-law Jared Kushner and the US' Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.
\nQatar, Egypt, Turkiye and the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah have welcomed Hamas' statement, hoping it would become an important step toward achieving a complete ceasefire as the Gaza conflict nears its two-year mark.
\nQatar "welcomes the announcement by Hamas of its agreement to President Trump's plan", said its Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari. Egypt said it hoped "this positive development will lead all parties to rise to the level of responsibility by committing to implementing President Trump's plan on the ground and ending the war".
\nUnited Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the UN "welcomes and is encouraged by the statement issued by Hamas, announcing its readiness to release hostages and to engage".
\nFrench President Emmanuel Macron, in a social media post on Friday, said Hamas' response must be "followed up without delay", and, "we now have the opportunity to make decisive progress towards peace".
\nAnalysts said that Hamas' language was deliberately measured. The group said that broader political questions about Gaza's future and Palestinian rights would be decided collectively and "in line with international resolutions" — an acknowledgment of the US plan without binding concessions.
\n"It's a tactical retreat, not a strategic surrender," said Esmat Mansour, a Ramallah-based political analyst. "Hamas highlighted positive points, like prisoner exchanges and civilian administration, while avoiding sensitive issues such as disarmament."
\nDespite the Hamas statement saying that Trump's call to Israel to stop bombing Gaza is "encouraging", a senior Hamas official told AFP on Friday that the peace plan is "vague, ambiguous and lacks clarity".
\nMeanwhile, Israeli forces pressed on with operations in Gaza City. As many as 70 people were killed since Hamas released its response, Al Jazeera reported on Sunday.
\nIn Europe, pro-Palestine rallies were held on Saturday, calling for an end to the Gaza conflict and the immediate release of activists on board the Global Sumud flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to the territory.
\nPolice in Rome, Italy, said some 250,000 people showed up for a fourth day of protests, after Israel intercepted the 45-strong flotilla seeking to reach Gaza last week. Nearly 70,000 people took to the streets in Barcelona, Spain, while in capital Madrid, nearly 92,000 marched for a free Palestine. In the United Kingdom, police said they made at least 442 arrests in London.
\nIn Paris, France, where some 10,000 people gathered, a spokeswoman for the French contingent of Global Sumud, Helene Coron, told the crowd: "We'll never stop. This flotilla didn't get to Gaza. But we'll send another, then another, until Palestine and Gaza are free."
\nAgencies contributed to this report.
\ncuihaipei@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/06/content_002_68e2c6c2ed50ccabe151aa6f.htm#002NATION", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 06 Oct 2025 00:21:04 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "8aa380216cb05072365dad0d213efa9b", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "003COVER - Photographers are snapping up opportunities", + "description": "Wei Kunming, a young entrepreneur from Beichuan Qiang autonomous county in Sichuan province, found a way to blend his professional skills with his passion for his hometown — as a travel photography designer.
\nWei decided to return to his hometown in 2023 from a big city where he had been working on microfilms and promotional videos.
\nHe established a travel photography studio, teaming up with other like-minded youth born in the 1990s and 2000s to start their own business.
\nIt turned out to be one of the best decisions he has made, Wei says.
\nThe rich Qiang ethnic culture and beautiful natural scenery in Beichuan inspired Wei to bring his expertise home. He wanted to showcase its unique charm reflected in the exquisite Qiang embroidery and ancient architecture to the rest of the country and beyond.
\nStarting from scratch, Wei and his team began by taking photos for tourists on the street and telling them stories about Qiang culture, such as its blockhouses and silver jewelry.
\nBeichuan has experienced a tourism boom this year, with visitor numbers during the summer surging by 10 percent year-on-year. This growth has fueled Wei's business, with more travelers requesting carefully planned routes, professional clothing and styling advice, and capturing special moments, carving out unforgettable memories from each journey, he notes.
\n"Unlike traditional commercial photographers, this is a composite role that combines being a companion, a tour guide, and an itinerary planner," Wei explains.
\nA qualified travel photography designer needs to ensure tourists enjoy their trip and also get beautiful photos, while providing emotional value, he says.
\nIn a significant step for the special photography sector, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security announced in May that the career title of travel photography designer would be added to its list of more than 15 new professions and 40 new types of work.
\nThis move is expected to provide travel photography designers with a professional identity, attract more young workers, and promote more orderly and standardized development within the sector, experts say.
\nXie Chaowu, professor at the College of Tourism at Huaqiao University, notes that the travel photography market continues to demonstrate significant growth potential, as evidenced by the increasing number of operators, expanding workforce, and diversifying business models.
\nThe official recognition of travel photography designer as a new type of occupation reflects the national and societal endorsement of this professional path, Xie says.
\nQiu Shi, a travel photographer in southwestern Chongqing, has noticed the industry's rapid growth since he entered the field in early 2024.
\n"Chongqing is an internet-famous city with a huge flow of tourists, creating massive demand for travel photography," Qiu says.
\nLow entry barriers, flexible work, and a decent income are among the major factors that led him onto this career path.
\nXu Junjie, a post-90s part-time travel photography assistant from Chongqing, says he's excited about the recognition of travel photography designers as an official line of work.
\nBy day, Xu is a courier. By night, he communicates with clients, handles props, assists with outfits and touch-ups, and manages shooting logistics.
\n"Although I often work late, I'm learning new skills, which is very fulfilling," Xu says.
\nXu adds that he will continue to improve his understanding of the city's culture to plan routes that meet tourists' needs, while providing styling and outfit advice to better showcase clients' charms.
\nMore creative approaches should be found to develop a distinctive style in terms of shooting angles and visual presentation, he says.
\nLuo Zibai, director of the Chongqing Tourism Development Research Center at Chongqing Normal University, notes that the sustained boom in the cultural and tourism markets has fueled demand for personalized experiences like travel photography, naturally creating many new jobs.
\nLuo suggests that the training system should keep pace, for example, by developing related programs in vocational schools. These could cover modules on travel photography, destination marketing, and cross-cultural communications.
\nIn the future, graduates could have a photography certificate, a tour guide license, and a special certification as a travel photography designer, making them interdisciplinary talents who better meet market demands, Luo adds.
\nHuaqiao University's Xie emphasizes that establishing standardized professional competencies for the role will help regulate service quality.
\nAt the same time, he advises tourists to seek out certified practitioners to ensure a satisfactory experience.
\nThis dual approach of promoting official qualification standards and raising consumer awareness will further stimulate the healthy development of the industry, Xie says.
\nyangfeiyue@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", + "content": "Wei Kunming, a young entrepreneur from Beichuan Qiang autonomous county in Sichuan province, found a way to blend his professional skills with his passion for his hometown — as a travel photography designer.
\nWei decided to return to his hometown in 2023 from a big city where he had been working on microfilms and promotional videos.
\nHe established a travel photography studio, teaming up with other like-minded youth born in the 1990s and 2000s to start their own business.
\nIt turned out to be one of the best decisions he has made, Wei says.
\nThe rich Qiang ethnic culture and beautiful natural scenery in Beichuan inspired Wei to bring his expertise home. He wanted to showcase its unique charm reflected in the exquisite Qiang embroidery and ancient architecture to the rest of the country and beyond.
\nStarting from scratch, Wei and his team began by taking photos for tourists on the street and telling them stories about Qiang culture, such as its blockhouses and silver jewelry.
\nBeichuan has experienced a tourism boom this year, with visitor numbers during the summer surging by 10 percent year-on-year. This growth has fueled Wei's business, with more travelers requesting carefully planned routes, professional clothing and styling advice, and capturing special moments, carving out unforgettable memories from each journey, he notes.
\n"Unlike traditional commercial photographers, this is a composite role that combines being a companion, a tour guide, and an itinerary planner," Wei explains.
\nA qualified travel photography designer needs to ensure tourists enjoy their trip and also get beautiful photos, while providing emotional value, he says.
\nIn a significant step for the special photography sector, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security announced in May that the career title of travel photography designer would be added to its list of more than 15 new professions and 40 new types of work.
\nThis move is expected to provide travel photography designers with a professional identity, attract more young workers, and promote more orderly and standardized development within the sector, experts say.
\nXie Chaowu, professor at the College of Tourism at Huaqiao University, notes that the travel photography market continues to demonstrate significant growth potential, as evidenced by the increasing number of operators, expanding workforce, and diversifying business models.
\nThe official recognition of travel photography designer as a new type of occupation reflects the national and societal endorsement of this professional path, Xie says.
\nQiu Shi, a travel photographer in southwestern Chongqing, has noticed the industry's rapid growth since he entered the field in early 2024.
\n"Chongqing is an internet-famous city with a huge flow of tourists, creating massive demand for travel photography," Qiu says.
\nLow entry barriers, flexible work, and a decent income are among the major factors that led him onto this career path.
\nXu Junjie, a post-90s part-time travel photography assistant from Chongqing, says he's excited about the recognition of travel photography designers as an official line of work.
\nBy day, Xu is a courier. By night, he communicates with clients, handles props, assists with outfits and touch-ups, and manages shooting logistics.
\n"Although I often work late, I'm learning new skills, which is very fulfilling," Xu says.
\nXu adds that he will continue to improve his understanding of the city's culture to plan routes that meet tourists' needs, while providing styling and outfit advice to better showcase clients' charms.
\nMore creative approaches should be found to develop a distinctive style in terms of shooting angles and visual presentation, he says.
\nLuo Zibai, director of the Chongqing Tourism Development Research Center at Chongqing Normal University, notes that the sustained boom in the cultural and tourism markets has fueled demand for personalized experiences like travel photography, naturally creating many new jobs.
\nLuo suggests that the training system should keep pace, for example, by developing related programs in vocational schools. These could cover modules on travel photography, destination marketing, and cross-cultural communications.
\nIn the future, graduates could have a photography certificate, a tour guide license, and a special certification as a travel photography designer, making them interdisciplinary talents who better meet market demands, Luo adds.
\nHuaqiao University's Xie emphasizes that establishing standardized professional competencies for the role will help regulate service quality.
\nAt the same time, he advises tourists to seek out certified practitioners to ensure a satisfactory experience.
\nThis dual approach of promoting official qualification standards and raising consumer awareness will further stimulate the healthy development of the industry, Xie says.
\nyangfeiyue@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/06/content_003_68e2c6c7ed50ccabe151aa70.htm#003COVER", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 06 Oct 2025 00:21:04 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "2000159ea8ceb6c15f5e0928d7acd6ee", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "003COVER - CAPTURING THE MOST CANDID MOMENTS", + "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/003/20251006_003_02_46454.png\")
A staff member introduces a traditional costume to travel photography customers in Taierzhuang ancient town, in Zaozhuang city of Shandong province.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/003/20251006_003_02_17454.png\")
Costumes in various styles are popular choices for travel photography on Badaling Great Wall, Beijing.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/003/20251006_003_02_26454.png\")
Costumes in various styles are popular choices for travel photography on Badaling Great Wall, Beijing.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/003/20251006_003_02_35454.png\")
A makeup artist crafts a look for a travel photography client in Taierzhuang, Shandong.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/003/20251006_003_02_65454.png\")
\nThe sun beat down on the ancient stones of Beijing's Beihai Park, but Ma Zhixue barely noticed the heat.
\nFor nearly 12 hours a day during summer, he framed through his lens not only the city's iconic landscapes but also the fleeting, authentic moments of travelers to the capital city from around the world.
\n"At the peak of the summer tourism season, I served up to 25 clients a day," the full-time travel photographer says.
\nMa's journey into travel photography began nearly five years ago when he noticed a rising demand for such photography experience.
\n"More clients are requesting shoots during their travels, featuring hanfu (traditional Chinese attire), imperial-era costumes and atmospheric ancient architecture," he notes.
\nLocations like Beijing's Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven, and Beihai Park remain perennially popular for their ability to evoke China's historical grandeur, he explains.
\nWhile traditional photography tends to rely more on controlled poses and studio lighting, and landscape photographers must chase specific natural lighting, Ma pays more attention to capturing people candidly within historical settings.
\n"My clients range from the very young to the elderly. My goal is always the same: to create images that are genuine, spontaneous and deeply personal," he emphasizes.
\nA typical shoot begins well before the camera is lifted. Ma consults with clients about their preferences, suggests locations and styles, and often flips through sample albums to align each other's expectations.
\nDuring photography sessions, he avoids rigid directions and instead encourages natural interactions and movement. After a shoot, he reviews the images on-site with the clients and reshoots if necessary, ensuring everyone leaves happy.
\nAs the summer crowds gradually thinned, a brief lull allowed Ma Zhixue to catch his breath, but not for long. The National Day holiday has seen his full packed calendar.
\nBy mid-September, four days of the eight-day National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays have been booked, he says with a mix of pride and exhaustion.
\n"The demand for a blend of photography and cultural storytelling shows no sign of slowing down," Ma says.
\nSun Na, manager of the overall travel photography operations at the iconic cultural landmark Badaling Great Wall, says the business has attracted visitors for a range of special occasions, from proposals and graduation celebrations to family reunions and diaspora homecomings.
\n"We are not simply using the Wall as a backdrop but are opening a channel for emotions to resonate with ancient civilization," Sun says.
\nEpic grandeur, ritual significance and a distinct Chinese imprint are guiding the principles behind everything from location selection to style choices, she explains.
\nSun's team has developed narrative-driven themes such as Guarding the Great Wall, the Silk Road Envoy, and Moon Over the Frontier, incorporating costumes that bear historical elements and dignified poses to reflect the Great Wall's solemnity.
\n"While Chinese tourists often seek to integrate into the historical tapestry through traditional hanfu attire or cheongsam, international visitors tend toward contrast — posing in modern wedding gowns, or even suits, against the ancient stones, expressing vitality against silence," Sun observes.
\nAccording to Qichacha, a leading business information platform, China's travel photography market still has considerable growth potential.
\nMore than 6,000 travel photography enterprises are currently in operation nationwide. In 2024 alone, over 2,500 new businesses were registered, a year-on-year increase of over 22 percent.
\nTaierzhuang ancient town in Zaozhuang city of Shandong province prepared to welcome visitors with Mid-Autumn Festival-themed photoshoots inspired by Chang'e, the moon goddess.
\n"It is a perfect fusion of myth, history and modern creativity," says Feng Jinle, an official in charge of travel photography operations at the resort, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.
\nFeng took the lead in developing the town's travel photography industry in early 2023, testing the market by sharing photography content highlighting hanfu on the popular livestream platform Douyin.
\nThe town's unique historical backdrop, featuring Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal culture, provides rich material for themed photoshoots.
\n"Young women took quite a shine to the idea of dressing as ancient brewery girls along the canal," Feng says.
\nIt immediately garnered an enthusiastic response from online viewers, which led to the travel photography business' official launch a few months later.
\nThe first store, located near the scenic spot's east gate, offers quick-change hanfu services, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in traditional attire upon entering the ancient town.
\nBy the end of 2023, revenue from this single store had reached nearly 2 million yuan ($281,550), Feng says.
\nAs demand grew, a second flagship store was opened at the center of the area, spanning 650 square meters and catering to mid-range and high-end customers with customized, historically accurate costumes and scenes inspired by ancient dynasties.
\nA third store, developed in collaboration with the local civil affairs bureau and themed around marriage registration, is scheduled to open later this year.
\n"Our primary customer base is predominantly female, accounting for more than 92 percent, with over 50 percent under 35," Feng says.
\nToday, the project employs 12 full-time staff, including makeup artists, photographers and digital marketing specialists.
\nThe booming travel photography industry has also inspired over 40 businesses within the ancient town, including hotels and retail stores, to incorporate hanfu services, generating a combined annual revenue of over 20 million yuan.
\nTo manage the influx and maintain a quality experience, Feng says his team has implemented measures, such as designated photography zones and guidelines that help to avoid disrupting other visitors.
\nLooking ahead, the scenic spot plans to incorporate AI-assisted costume selection and digital scene previews to enhance efficiency. The team is also developing customized short videos and drama productions to further deepen the integration of culture and technology.
\n"We're giving visitors a chance to step into history and become part of Taierzhuang's living heritage," Feng says.
\nKang Jiawang has firsthand experience of how travel photography has become a central part of the visitor experience in Xijiang Qianhu Miao village, Guizhou province.
\n"We've seen everything from family portraits to friends and parent-child shoots," says Kang, who runs a travel photography store in the ethnic Miao village, known for its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural landscapes.
\nSince opening in May 2024, the store has welcomed over 30,000 visitors, with peak travel season seeing around 150 clients per day.
\nKang's team, which includes eight photographers and eight makeup artists, usually works from early morning to midnight to meet the demand.
\nThey offer an immersive experience where visitors can step into a world of Miao ethnic culture through traditional clothing, makeup and a stunning landscape.
\n"There's something magical about night photography here. The way the village lights up, combined with traditional Miao outfits, makes for truly spectacular images," Kang explains.
\nLocated in the heart of the village, Kang's store has become a go-to spot for tourists eager to capture the village's essence.
\nThe store specializes in providing traditional Miao attire and expert makeup services, ensuring visitors are fully immersed in the culture. Guests are guided to various scenic spots, from the observation deck and ancient alleyways to the iconic wind-and-rain bridge.
\n"We focus on providing a seamless experience from the moment they walk in until they leave with their desired images," Kang says.
\nFor those looking to break into the industry, Beijing-based travel photographer Ma Zhixue emphasizes that technical skill alone is not enough.
\n"A successful travel photographer must have passion, cultural insight, creativity, and strong communication skills. It's about understanding people as much as pixels, and stories as much as settings," he says.
\nyangfeiyue@chinadaily.com.cn
\nA staff member introduces a traditional costume to travel photography customers in Taierzhuang ancient town, in Zaozhuang city of Shandong province.
\nCostumes in various styles are popular choices for travel photography on Badaling Great Wall, Beijing.
\nCostumes in various styles are popular choices for travel photography on Badaling Great Wall, Beijing.
\nA makeup artist crafts a look for a travel photography client in Taierzhuang, Shandong.
\n\nThe sun beat down on the ancient stones of Beijing's Beihai Park, but Ma Zhixue barely noticed the heat.
\nFor nearly 12 hours a day during summer, he framed through his lens not only the city's iconic landscapes but also the fleeting, authentic moments of travelers to the capital city from around the world.
\n"At the peak of the summer tourism season, I served up to 25 clients a day," the full-time travel photographer says.
\nMa's journey into travel photography began nearly five years ago when he noticed a rising demand for such photography experience.
\n"More clients are requesting shoots during their travels, featuring hanfu (traditional Chinese attire), imperial-era costumes and atmospheric ancient architecture," he notes.
\nLocations like Beijing's Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven, and Beihai Park remain perennially popular for their ability to evoke China's historical grandeur, he explains.
\nWhile traditional photography tends to rely more on controlled poses and studio lighting, and landscape photographers must chase specific natural lighting, Ma pays more attention to capturing people candidly within historical settings.
\n"My clients range from the very young to the elderly. My goal is always the same: to create images that are genuine, spontaneous and deeply personal," he emphasizes.
\nA typical shoot begins well before the camera is lifted. Ma consults with clients about their preferences, suggests locations and styles, and often flips through sample albums to align each other's expectations.
\nDuring photography sessions, he avoids rigid directions and instead encourages natural interactions and movement. After a shoot, he reviews the images on-site with the clients and reshoots if necessary, ensuring everyone leaves happy.
\nAs the summer crowds gradually thinned, a brief lull allowed Ma Zhixue to catch his breath, but not for long. The National Day holiday has seen his full packed calendar.
\nBy mid-September, four days of the eight-day National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays have been booked, he says with a mix of pride and exhaustion.
\n"The demand for a blend of photography and cultural storytelling shows no sign of slowing down," Ma says.
\nSun Na, manager of the overall travel photography operations at the iconic cultural landmark Badaling Great Wall, says the business has attracted visitors for a range of special occasions, from proposals and graduation celebrations to family reunions and diaspora homecomings.
\n"We are not simply using the Wall as a backdrop but are opening a channel for emotions to resonate with ancient civilization," Sun says.
\nEpic grandeur, ritual significance and a distinct Chinese imprint are guiding the principles behind everything from location selection to style choices, she explains.
\nSun's team has developed narrative-driven themes such as Guarding the Great Wall, the Silk Road Envoy, and Moon Over the Frontier, incorporating costumes that bear historical elements and dignified poses to reflect the Great Wall's solemnity.
\n"While Chinese tourists often seek to integrate into the historical tapestry through traditional hanfu attire or cheongsam, international visitors tend toward contrast — posing in modern wedding gowns, or even suits, against the ancient stones, expressing vitality against silence," Sun observes.
\nAccording to Qichacha, a leading business information platform, China's travel photography market still has considerable growth potential.
\nMore than 6,000 travel photography enterprises are currently in operation nationwide. In 2024 alone, over 2,500 new businesses were registered, a year-on-year increase of over 22 percent.
\nTaierzhuang ancient town in Zaozhuang city of Shandong province prepared to welcome visitors with Mid-Autumn Festival-themed photoshoots inspired by Chang'e, the moon goddess.
\n"It is a perfect fusion of myth, history and modern creativity," says Feng Jinle, an official in charge of travel photography operations at the resort, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.
\nFeng took the lead in developing the town's travel photography industry in early 2023, testing the market by sharing photography content highlighting hanfu on the popular livestream platform Douyin.
\nThe town's unique historical backdrop, featuring Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal culture, provides rich material for themed photoshoots.
\n"Young women took quite a shine to the idea of dressing as ancient brewery girls along the canal," Feng says.
\nIt immediately garnered an enthusiastic response from online viewers, which led to the travel photography business' official launch a few months later.
\nThe first store, located near the scenic spot's east gate, offers quick-change hanfu services, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in traditional attire upon entering the ancient town.
\nBy the end of 2023, revenue from this single store had reached nearly 2 million yuan ($281,550), Feng says.
\nAs demand grew, a second flagship store was opened at the center of the area, spanning 650 square meters and catering to mid-range and high-end customers with customized, historically accurate costumes and scenes inspired by ancient dynasties.
\nA third store, developed in collaboration with the local civil affairs bureau and themed around marriage registration, is scheduled to open later this year.
\n"Our primary customer base is predominantly female, accounting for more than 92 percent, with over 50 percent under 35," Feng says.
\nToday, the project employs 12 full-time staff, including makeup artists, photographers and digital marketing specialists.
\nThe booming travel photography industry has also inspired over 40 businesses within the ancient town, including hotels and retail stores, to incorporate hanfu services, generating a combined annual revenue of over 20 million yuan.
\nTo manage the influx and maintain a quality experience, Feng says his team has implemented measures, such as designated photography zones and guidelines that help to avoid disrupting other visitors.
\nLooking ahead, the scenic spot plans to incorporate AI-assisted costume selection and digital scene previews to enhance efficiency. The team is also developing customized short videos and drama productions to further deepen the integration of culture and technology.
\n"We're giving visitors a chance to step into history and become part of Taierzhuang's living heritage," Feng says.
\nKang Jiawang has firsthand experience of how travel photography has become a central part of the visitor experience in Xijiang Qianhu Miao village, Guizhou province.
\n"We've seen everything from family portraits to friends and parent-child shoots," says Kang, who runs a travel photography store in the ethnic Miao village, known for its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural landscapes.
\nSince opening in May 2024, the store has welcomed over 30,000 visitors, with peak travel season seeing around 150 clients per day.
\nKang's team, which includes eight photographers and eight makeup artists, usually works from early morning to midnight to meet the demand.
\nThey offer an immersive experience where visitors can step into a world of Miao ethnic culture through traditional clothing, makeup and a stunning landscape.
\n"There's something magical about night photography here. The way the village lights up, combined with traditional Miao outfits, makes for truly spectacular images," Kang explains.
\nLocated in the heart of the village, Kang's store has become a go-to spot for tourists eager to capture the village's essence.
\nThe store specializes in providing traditional Miao attire and expert makeup services, ensuring visitors are fully immersed in the culture. Guests are guided to various scenic spots, from the observation deck and ancient alleyways to the iconic wind-and-rain bridge.
\n"We focus on providing a seamless experience from the moment they walk in until they leave with their desired images," Kang says.
\nFor those looking to break into the industry, Beijing-based travel photographer Ma Zhixue emphasizes that technical skill alone is not enough.
\n"A successful travel photographer must have passion, cultural insight, creativity, and strong communication skills. It's about understanding people as much as pixels, and stories as much as settings," he says.
\nyangfeiyue@chinadaily.com.cn
\nThe United States government has still not been able to broker a legislative end to the shutdown that began on Wednesday as the two political sides blamed each other over the fiscal stalemate and President Donald Trump's administration withheld federal funding for some Democrat-run states.
\nThe Senate left Washington, DC on Friday, after failing to pass funding and signaling no end in sight to the snarling of government business. It means some agencies cannot reopen and some workers are not being paid.
\nInstead, under Trump, at least $28 billion in funding that was already approved by Congress is being withheld or canceled for 16 mainly Democrat-run cities and states, such as New York, California and Illinois.
\nRussell Vought, director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, announced on Friday that at least $2.1 billion in funding for Chicago would be withheld as they launched an investigation into whether contractors had been hired based on race or not. The money was going to be used to upgrade the transit system.
\nNew York has seen $7.6 billion in funding from the federal government paused. The funds were due to go toward clean energy initiatives. Oregon has also seen funds for infrastructure halted. The administration said it may target Portland next.
\n"Without a doubt, blue states are on the front lines of the attacks, they're coming after us," New York's Democratic Governor, Kathy Hochul, told The New York Times.
\nMany states that have not received funds have launched lawsuits in an effort to get the federal aid.
\nThere are approximately 2.1 million civilian government workers who are facing some, or all of the effects of the politicians' inability to strike a deal. At least 750,000 government workers are furloughed due to the shutdown, The Washington Post reports.
\nWorkers at the Department of Education and the Department of State are among those that are furloughed. Staff members at federal buildings are also facing uncertainty such as security guards, cooks and janitors.
\nSome federal workers have already seen job cuts by the Department of Government Efficiency earlier this year. Trump suggested he would like to cut more "Democrat agencies", and enact mass layoffs.
\nThe American Federation of Government Employees, or AFGE, the largest union for federal workers, sued the administration last week in an attempt to block it from firing any workers during the shutdown. They argued this would be illegal.
\nAFGE President Everett Kelley said in a statement that "when the government shuts down, American families pay the price. Congress must stop playing politics with the livelihoods of federal workers and the communities they serve, end this shutdown immediately, and stop holding workers hostage".
\nPublic services affected
\nWhile the shutdown has affected airport staff and others in public roles, some essential services such as the Immigration and Customs Enforcement are still running and carrying out raids.
\nThe House Republicans supported a short-term measure to fund the government until Nov 21, but Democrats blocked it. Republicans blame Democrats for the shutdown saying they want to give free healthcare to illegal immigrants.
\nBut immigrants who are in the US illegally are not eligible for any federal healthcare programs such as insurance through the Affordable Care Act exchange or Medicaid.
\nDemocrats are, however, trying to get healthcare changes into the next congressional spending package and a reversal of Medicaid cuts made in the Republican-led tax and spending bill signed into law in July.
\nTrump posted a manipulated AI video of House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries on social media showing him in a sombrero alongside Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer who spoke in a fake voice. Vice-President JD Vance dismissed concerns over it, telling reporters at the White House briefing Wednesday that it was a joke.
\nRepublican Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, a Trump critic, urged cooler heads, saying: "We're all Americans. We shouldn't be targeting different areas in ways that would be viewed as punitive. That's just not what we do."
\nbelindarobinson@chinadailyusa.com
\n", + "content": "The United States government has still not been able to broker a legislative end to the shutdown that began on Wednesday as the two political sides blamed each other over the fiscal stalemate and President Donald Trump's administration withheld federal funding for some Democrat-run states.
\nThe Senate left Washington, DC on Friday, after failing to pass funding and signaling no end in sight to the snarling of government business. It means some agencies cannot reopen and some workers are not being paid.
\nInstead, under Trump, at least $28 billion in funding that was already approved by Congress is being withheld or canceled for 16 mainly Democrat-run cities and states, such as New York, California and Illinois.
\nRussell Vought, director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, announced on Friday that at least $2.1 billion in funding for Chicago would be withheld as they launched an investigation into whether contractors had been hired based on race or not. The money was going to be used to upgrade the transit system.
\nNew York has seen $7.6 billion in funding from the federal government paused. The funds were due to go toward clean energy initiatives. Oregon has also seen funds for infrastructure halted. The administration said it may target Portland next.
\n"Without a doubt, blue states are on the front lines of the attacks, they're coming after us," New York's Democratic Governor, Kathy Hochul, told The New York Times.
\nMany states that have not received funds have launched lawsuits in an effort to get the federal aid.
\nThere are approximately 2.1 million civilian government workers who are facing some, or all of the effects of the politicians' inability to strike a deal. At least 750,000 government workers are furloughed due to the shutdown, The Washington Post reports.
\nWorkers at the Department of Education and the Department of State are among those that are furloughed. Staff members at federal buildings are also facing uncertainty such as security guards, cooks and janitors.
\nSome federal workers have already seen job cuts by the Department of Government Efficiency earlier this year. Trump suggested he would like to cut more "Democrat agencies", and enact mass layoffs.
\nThe American Federation of Government Employees, or AFGE, the largest union for federal workers, sued the administration last week in an attempt to block it from firing any workers during the shutdown. They argued this would be illegal.
\nAFGE President Everett Kelley said in a statement that "when the government shuts down, American families pay the price. Congress must stop playing politics with the livelihoods of federal workers and the communities they serve, end this shutdown immediately, and stop holding workers hostage".
\nPublic services affected
\nWhile the shutdown has affected airport staff and others in public roles, some essential services such as the Immigration and Customs Enforcement are still running and carrying out raids.
\nThe House Republicans supported a short-term measure to fund the government until Nov 21, but Democrats blocked it. Republicans blame Democrats for the shutdown saying they want to give free healthcare to illegal immigrants.
\nBut immigrants who are in the US illegally are not eligible for any federal healthcare programs such as insurance through the Affordable Care Act exchange or Medicaid.
\nDemocrats are, however, trying to get healthcare changes into the next congressional spending package and a reversal of Medicaid cuts made in the Republican-led tax and spending bill signed into law in July.
\nTrump posted a manipulated AI video of House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries on social media showing him in a sombrero alongside Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer who spoke in a fake voice. Vice-President JD Vance dismissed concerns over it, telling reporters at the White House briefing Wednesday that it was a joke.
\nRepublican Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, a Trump critic, urged cooler heads, saying: "We're all Americans. We shouldn't be targeting different areas in ways that would be viewed as punitive. That's just not what we do."
\nbelindarobinson@chinadailyusa.com
\n", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/06/content_004_68e2c6cbed50ccabe151aa72.htm#004WORLD", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 06 Oct 2025 00:21:04 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "d4266a9ca79a6f6477fd2177bfb3a154", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "004WORLD - Pharaoh's tomb opens after over 2 decades of renovation", + "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/004/20251006_004_02_17395.png\")
Visitors look at the tomb of Amenhotep III, in the Valley of Kings in the southern city of Luxor, Egypt, on Saturday, as it opened to visitors for the first time in more than two decades.
\nLUXOR, Egypt — Egypt on Saturday opened a tomb of a pharaoh for visitors after more than two decades of renovation in the southern city of Luxor, as it prepares for the official opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
\nThe huge tomb of Amenhotep III, who ruled ancient Egypt between 1390 BC and 1350 BC, is located on the western side of the famed Valley of the Kings. It was found in 1799 by two people and its contents were looted, including the sarcophagus, Egyptian antiquities authorities said.
\nIt has been under a Japanese-led, three-phased restoration project for the past two decades, including renovating paintings of the pharaoh and his wife on the tomb walls, said Mohamed Ismail Khaled, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities.
\n"It's a very fascinating tomb," he told The Associated Press at the scene, adding it includes a frame of the stolen sarcophagus box.
\nThe tomb starts with a 36-meter-long, 14-meter-deep, downward-sloping passageway beneath the Valley of the Kings. It includes a main burial chamber for the king, and two other chambers for his wives, Queens Tiye and Sitamun.
\nUnlike other ancient tombs in the valley, the tomb is not fully decorated, Khaled said. Its paintings show Amenhotep III with a group of ancient Egyptian gods, and the burial chamber contains inscriptions of scenes from the Book of the Dead, which is a collection of spells aimed at directing the dead through the underworld in ancient Egypt.
\nThe mummy of Amenhotep III was moved by ancient priests to the tomb of his grandfather, Amenhotep II, also in the Valley of the Kings, according to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. The severely damaged mummy is showcased at the museum along with 16 other mummies of 17 kings and queens of ancient Egypt.
\nAmenhotep III was one of the most prominent pharaohs of the 18th Dynasty of ancient Egypt, which ruled between 1550 BC and 1292 BC, according to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.
\nThe tomb's reopening came less than a month before the official inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum near the Giza Pyramids. The museum is scheduled to open on Nov 1.
\n", + "content": "Visitors look at the tomb of Amenhotep III, in the Valley of Kings in the southern city of Luxor, Egypt, on Saturday, as it opened to visitors for the first time in more than two decades.
\nLUXOR, Egypt — Egypt on Saturday opened a tomb of a pharaoh for visitors after more than two decades of renovation in the southern city of Luxor, as it prepares for the official opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
\nThe huge tomb of Amenhotep III, who ruled ancient Egypt between 1390 BC and 1350 BC, is located on the western side of the famed Valley of the Kings. It was found in 1799 by two people and its contents were looted, including the sarcophagus, Egyptian antiquities authorities said.
\nIt has been under a Japanese-led, three-phased restoration project for the past two decades, including renovating paintings of the pharaoh and his wife on the tomb walls, said Mohamed Ismail Khaled, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities.
\n"It's a very fascinating tomb," he told The Associated Press at the scene, adding it includes a frame of the stolen sarcophagus box.
\nThe tomb starts with a 36-meter-long, 14-meter-deep, downward-sloping passageway beneath the Valley of the Kings. It includes a main burial chamber for the king, and two other chambers for his wives, Queens Tiye and Sitamun.
\nUnlike other ancient tombs in the valley, the tomb is not fully decorated, Khaled said. Its paintings show Amenhotep III with a group of ancient Egyptian gods, and the burial chamber contains inscriptions of scenes from the Book of the Dead, which is a collection of spells aimed at directing the dead through the underworld in ancient Egypt.
\nThe mummy of Amenhotep III was moved by ancient priests to the tomb of his grandfather, Amenhotep II, also in the Valley of the Kings, according to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. The severely damaged mummy is showcased at the museum along with 16 other mummies of 17 kings and queens of ancient Egypt.
\nAmenhotep III was one of the most prominent pharaohs of the 18th Dynasty of ancient Egypt, which ruled between 1550 BC and 1292 BC, according to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.
\nThe tomb's reopening came less than a month before the official inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum near the Giza Pyramids. The museum is scheduled to open on Nov 1.
\n", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/06/content_004_68e2c6d0ed50ccabe151aa73.htm#004WORLD", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 06 Oct 2025 00:21:04 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "1c0410d01944d749736d0c15f53a0757", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "004WORLD - California universities risk losing state backing", + "description": "California Governor Gavin Newsom has vowed to strip state funding from any California university that agrees to implement the Donald Trump administration's new "Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education". The move has reignited a fierce political battle over academic freedom, international student enrollment and federal control over higher education.
\nThe controversial compact, unveiled by the White House last week, offers colleges favorable access to federal grants and new funding streams if they agree to a list of demands aligned with Trump's conservative agenda. Among these are caps on international student enrollment, bans on race and gender considerations in admissions and hiring, reintroduction of standardized testing requirements, and enforcement of the administration's definition of gender on campus facilities and athletics.
\nThe compact also mandates that schools freeze tuition for five years, restrict certain liberal arts programs, and "transform or abolish institutional units that purposefully punish, belittle, and even spark violence against conservative ideas". "Institutions of higher education are free to develop models and values other than those below, if the institution elects to forgo federal benefits," the compact states.
\nNewsom, a Democrat, issued a strong warning on Thursday: "If any California university signs this radical agreement, they'll lose billions in state funding — including Cal Grants — instantly."
\nNewsom characterized the compact as "nothing short of a hostile takeover of America's universities".
\nThe governor's remarks came less than a day after the White House sent letters to nine major universities, including the University of Southern California, the only California institution in the initial round.
\nThough the USC is a private institution and does not receive direct state funding, its students benefit significantly from California's state financial aid programs. In addition, international students — many from China and India — form a key part of USC's revenue model. The Trump compact would limit international enrollment to just 15 percent of the undergraduate population, with no more than 5 percent from a single country, which would significantly impact the USC.
\nUSC officials have not committed to signing or rejecting the compact. A university spokesperson stated they are "reviewing the administration's letter".
\nReshaping policy
\nObservers see the compact as the latest move in the administration's strategy of using federal funding as leverage to reshape university policy. Over the past year, multiple elite institutions, including Columbia, Brown and Harvard, have faced federal investigations and funding constraints over how they handled campus protests and allegations of antisemitism. In one prior case, the University of California, Los Angeles, was penalized with $1.2 billion in fines and loss of grant access, though a federal judge later ordered the restoration of many suspended health and science grants.
\nSupporters of the compact argue it will rein in tuition hikes and restore balance to campuses they claim have become hostile to conservative voices. A White House spokesperson said Newsom was "opposing efforts to cap wild tuition hikes and to protect free speech", accusing him of mismanaging California's education system.
\nHowever, California legislators dismissed the federal overture as politically motivated. "No self-respecting university should sign on to this proposed compact," said Al Muratsuchi, chair of the Assembly Education Committee.
\nWhile only nine universities were included in the first round, a White House official told media outlets more schools could soon receive the compact. Public universities in California, including the University of California and California State University systems, are under federal civil rights investigations, making them vulnerable to similar pressures. At the same time, some institutions in conservative-led states have welcomed the offer. The University of Texas Board of Regents described itself as "honored" to be included, calling the compact an "opportunity" to align with the administration's goals.
\nAgencies contributed to this story.
\nrenali@chinadailyusa.com
\n", + "content": "California Governor Gavin Newsom has vowed to strip state funding from any California university that agrees to implement the Donald Trump administration's new "Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education". The move has reignited a fierce political battle over academic freedom, international student enrollment and federal control over higher education.
\nThe controversial compact, unveiled by the White House last week, offers colleges favorable access to federal grants and new funding streams if they agree to a list of demands aligned with Trump's conservative agenda. Among these are caps on international student enrollment, bans on race and gender considerations in admissions and hiring, reintroduction of standardized testing requirements, and enforcement of the administration's definition of gender on campus facilities and athletics.
\nThe compact also mandates that schools freeze tuition for five years, restrict certain liberal arts programs, and "transform or abolish institutional units that purposefully punish, belittle, and even spark violence against conservative ideas". "Institutions of higher education are free to develop models and values other than those below, if the institution elects to forgo federal benefits," the compact states.
\nNewsom, a Democrat, issued a strong warning on Thursday: "If any California university signs this radical agreement, they'll lose billions in state funding — including Cal Grants — instantly."
\nNewsom characterized the compact as "nothing short of a hostile takeover of America's universities".
\nThe governor's remarks came less than a day after the White House sent letters to nine major universities, including the University of Southern California, the only California institution in the initial round.
\nThough the USC is a private institution and does not receive direct state funding, its students benefit significantly from California's state financial aid programs. In addition, international students — many from China and India — form a key part of USC's revenue model. The Trump compact would limit international enrollment to just 15 percent of the undergraduate population, with no more than 5 percent from a single country, which would significantly impact the USC.
\nUSC officials have not committed to signing or rejecting the compact. A university spokesperson stated they are "reviewing the administration's letter".
\nReshaping policy
\nObservers see the compact as the latest move in the administration's strategy of using federal funding as leverage to reshape university policy. Over the past year, multiple elite institutions, including Columbia, Brown and Harvard, have faced federal investigations and funding constraints over how they handled campus protests and allegations of antisemitism. In one prior case, the University of California, Los Angeles, was penalized with $1.2 billion in fines and loss of grant access, though a federal judge later ordered the restoration of many suspended health and science grants.
\nSupporters of the compact argue it will rein in tuition hikes and restore balance to campuses they claim have become hostile to conservative voices. A White House spokesperson said Newsom was "opposing efforts to cap wild tuition hikes and to protect free speech", accusing him of mismanaging California's education system.
\nHowever, California legislators dismissed the federal overture as politically motivated. "No self-respecting university should sign on to this proposed compact," said Al Muratsuchi, chair of the Assembly Education Committee.
\nWhile only nine universities were included in the first round, a White House official told media outlets more schools could soon receive the compact. Public universities in California, including the University of California and California State University systems, are under federal civil rights investigations, making them vulnerable to similar pressures. At the same time, some institutions in conservative-led states have welcomed the offer. The University of Texas Board of Regents described itself as "honored" to be included, calling the compact an "opportunity" to align with the administration's goals.
\nAgencies contributed to this story.
\nrenali@chinadailyusa.com
\n", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/06/content_004_68e2c6d4ed50ccabe151aa74.htm#004WORLD", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 06 Oct 2025 00:21:04 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "d8867f4da9a63314267e8bf27e8b7574", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "004WORLD - Unilateral coercive measures opposed", + "description": "China, on behalf of a cross-regional group of 28 member states, on Friday delivered a joint statement at the Third Committee of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, calling for the immediate and complete removal of unilateral coercive measures, or UCMs.
\nThe statement, delivered on behalf of countries, including Belarus, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Pakistan and Russia, warned that UCMs have become a major source of instability and disorder in the international system.
\n"As the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary, the international community must remain clearheaded, strengthen unity and cooperation, and firmly curb and stop such unlawful practices," said Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations.
\nFu stressed that developing countries and their populations continue to fall victim to unilateral coercive measures, "which violate the principle of sovereign equality and cooperation, interfere in other countries' internal affairs, disregard the UN Charter and undermine the foundation of multilateralism and international rule of law".
\nFu stated that unilateral sanctions severely hinder countries' ability to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
\n"Despite the global call to urgently lift UCMs, the imposition of these illegal measures continues to cause devastating, sometimes even life-threatening consequences, to targeted countries and their peoples," Fu added.
\nStability undermined
\n"UCMs, coupled with secondary sanctions and overcompliance, exacerbate existing humanitarian and economic challenges, gravely affect the stability of the global production and supply chains, as well as food, energy and financial security, and seriously undermine the world economic order and the efforts of the countries concerned to achieve Sustainable Development Goals," said Fu.
\nFu emphasized that UCMs "violate fundamental human rights, including the rights to life, health, education and development".
\nFu also expressed concern that unilateral coercive measures and overcompliance have limited affected countries' access to investment, technology, international exchanges in culture, sports, travel, people-to-people exchanges, and transport, including civil aviation.
\nThe statement welcomed the 2025 Ministerial Declaration of the Group of 77 and China, which reaffirmed that coercive economic measures against developing countries do not contribute to peace, development or dialogue among nations.
\nThe 28 countries urged "certain Western states" to "heed the just calls of the international community, honor their commitments to the UN Charter and international law, and immediately, unconditionally and completely lift all unilateral coercive measures".
\nIn a separate speech delivered during the general debate of the Third Committee, Fu also outlined China's proposals, including the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative and Global Governance Initiative. He stated these proposals "reflect the universal aspirations for peace, justice and progress" and "offer Chinese wisdom and solutions for strengthening and improving global governance".
\nLooking ahead, Fu said China will continue to promote women's empowerment, eliminate discrimination, and support the just cause of the Palestinian people in restoring their legitimate national rights.
\nChina is committed to working with all parties to address global challenges such as terrorism, climate change, refugees, food security, and the governance of emerging fields like digital technology and artificial intelligence, said Fu.
\nminluzhang@chinadailyusa.com
\n", + "content": "China, on behalf of a cross-regional group of 28 member states, on Friday delivered a joint statement at the Third Committee of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, calling for the immediate and complete removal of unilateral coercive measures, or UCMs.
\nThe statement, delivered on behalf of countries, including Belarus, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Pakistan and Russia, warned that UCMs have become a major source of instability and disorder in the international system.
\n"As the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary, the international community must remain clearheaded, strengthen unity and cooperation, and firmly curb and stop such unlawful practices," said Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations.
\nFu stressed that developing countries and their populations continue to fall victim to unilateral coercive measures, "which violate the principle of sovereign equality and cooperation, interfere in other countries' internal affairs, disregard the UN Charter and undermine the foundation of multilateralism and international rule of law".
\nFu stated that unilateral sanctions severely hinder countries' ability to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
\n"Despite the global call to urgently lift UCMs, the imposition of these illegal measures continues to cause devastating, sometimes even life-threatening consequences, to targeted countries and their peoples," Fu added.
\nStability undermined
\n"UCMs, coupled with secondary sanctions and overcompliance, exacerbate existing humanitarian and economic challenges, gravely affect the stability of the global production and supply chains, as well as food, energy and financial security, and seriously undermine the world economic order and the efforts of the countries concerned to achieve Sustainable Development Goals," said Fu.
\nFu emphasized that UCMs "violate fundamental human rights, including the rights to life, health, education and development".
\nFu also expressed concern that unilateral coercive measures and overcompliance have limited affected countries' access to investment, technology, international exchanges in culture, sports, travel, people-to-people exchanges, and transport, including civil aviation.
\nThe statement welcomed the 2025 Ministerial Declaration of the Group of 77 and China, which reaffirmed that coercive economic measures against developing countries do not contribute to peace, development or dialogue among nations.
\nThe 28 countries urged "certain Western states" to "heed the just calls of the international community, honor their commitments to the UN Charter and international law, and immediately, unconditionally and completely lift all unilateral coercive measures".
\nIn a separate speech delivered during the general debate of the Third Committee, Fu also outlined China's proposals, including the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative and Global Governance Initiative. He stated these proposals "reflect the universal aspirations for peace, justice and progress" and "offer Chinese wisdom and solutions for strengthening and improving global governance".
\nLooking ahead, Fu said China will continue to promote women's empowerment, eliminate discrimination, and support the just cause of the Palestinian people in restoring their legitimate national rights.
\nChina is committed to working with all parties to address global challenges such as terrorism, climate change, refugees, food security, and the governance of emerging fields like digital technology and artificial intelligence, said Fu.
\nminluzhang@chinadailyusa.com
\n", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/06/content_004_68e2c6d8ed50ccabe151aa75.htm#004WORLD", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 06 Oct 2025 00:21:04 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "e3365555ee7eb534a1c23c9b16eb48b9", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "004WORLD - On fast track", + "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/004/20251006_004_05_28395.png\")
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Friday inaugurated the Novi Sad-Subotica section of the Hungary-Serbia high-speed railway, marking the opening of Serbia's section of the landmark regional project. The president underlined the project's realization through cooperation among Serbia, Hungary and China.
\nSerbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Friday inaugurated the Novi Sad-Subotica section of the Hungary-Serbia high-speed railway, marking the opening of Serbia's section of the landmark regional project. The president underlined the project's realization through cooperation among Serbia, Hungary and China.
\nINDONESIA
\nDeath toll in school collapse rises to 37
\nIndonesian rescuers were searching on Sunday for missing students after a prayer hall at an Islamic boarding school collapsed almost a week ago. They have recovered 23 bodies over the weekend search, bringing the death toll to 37. The structure fell on top of hundreds of students, mostly boys between the ages of 12 and 19, on Sept 30 at the century-old Al Khoziny school in Sidoarjo on the eastern side of Indonesia's Java Island. Only one student escaped unscathed, authorities said.
\nCZECH REPUBLIC
\nFormer PM Babis' party wins election
\nThe Czech Republic's opposition ANO party, led by former prime minister Andrej Babis, has won the country's parliamentary election, according to official results from a nearly complete vote count released on Saturday. With over 99 percent of voting districts counted in the election, ANO garnered 34.5 percent of the vote, while the ruling center-right SPOLU coalition came in second place with over 23.3 percent. Babis hailed the election result as the absolute highlight of his political career.
\nNEPAL
\n43 confirmed dead in rain-induced disasters
\nA total of 43 people have been confirmed dead in disasters sparked by monsoon rains in Nepal in the last 24 hours, a government agency said on Sunday. Among the dead, 38 were killed in landslides, three in lightning strikes and two in floods, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority said. Incessant rainfall from Friday has triggered landslides and floods across the country, obstructing highways and roads during the Dashain festival.
\nINDONESIA
\nDeath toll in school collapse rises to 37
\nIndonesian rescuers were searching on Sunday for missing students after a prayer hall at an Islamic boarding school collapsed almost a week ago. They have recovered 23 bodies over the weekend search, bringing the death toll to 37. The structure fell on top of hundreds of students, mostly boys between the ages of 12 and 19, on Sept 30 at the century-old Al Khoziny school in Sidoarjo on the eastern side of Indonesia's Java Island. Only one student escaped unscathed, authorities said.
\nCZECH REPUBLIC
\nFormer PM Babis' party wins election
\nThe Czech Republic's opposition ANO party, led by former prime minister Andrej Babis, has won the country's parliamentary election, according to official results from a nearly complete vote count released on Saturday. With over 99 percent of voting districts counted in the election, ANO garnered 34.5 percent of the vote, while the ruling center-right SPOLU coalition came in second place with over 23.3 percent. Babis hailed the election result as the absolute highlight of his political career.
\nNEPAL
\n43 confirmed dead in rain-induced disasters
\nA total of 43 people have been confirmed dead in disasters sparked by monsoon rains in Nepal in the last 24 hours, a government agency said on Sunday. Among the dead, 38 were killed in landslides, three in lightning strikes and two in floods, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority said. Incessant rainfall from Friday has triggered landslides and floods across the country, obstructing highways and roads during the Dashain festival.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/005/20251006_005_01_17538.png\")
An old photo of Enlan Building, located within Minqing Liudu Hospital, where Dr. Ruth V. Hemenway once worked. The lychee tree in front of the building was planted by her during her time there.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/005/20251006_005_01_28538.png\")
Thomas Hemenway and Huang Yao (the granddaughter of Hua Sing, one of Dr. Hemenway's adopted Chinese daughters) pose for a photo in front of Enlan Building in July.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/005/20251006_005_01_37538.png\")
Dr. Ruth V. Hemenway takes shelter in an underground bunker during an air raid drill in Chongqing, in December 1938.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/005/20251006_005_01_12538.png\")
(From left) Martha Smalley, a special collections librarian of the Yale University Divinity Library, Elyn MacInnis, initiator of "Kuliang Friends", a group of descendants of American families who once resided in Kuliang, Fujian province, Thomas Hemenway and Huang Yao taste the lychee fruit planted by Ruth V. Hemenway in Fujian province, in July.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/005/20251006_005_01_48538.png\")
Thomas Hemenway visits the Life on the Mountain Museum, which is Ruth V. Hemenway's former residence, in Kuliang, Fuzhou, Fujian province, in July.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/005/20251006_005_01_55538.png\")
Ruth V. Hemenway and her adopted daughter Hua Sing in 1930.
\nLegendary US missionary doctor Ruth V. Hemenway, and her great wartime help lent to Chinese people, became known to more people in China this year as the nation marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War.
\nDuring her stay in China from 1924 to 1941, she joined the Chinese people in tackling the lack of medical supplies and poor facilities.
\nShe saved numerous lives amid the darkest moments for the country inflicted by Japan's wartime atrocities, including slaughtering, bombing and raping.
\nAs a key witness of the Chinese people's resilience against Japan's aggression, Ruth met many Chinese who had fled the Japanese invasion in the eastern part of the country to Southwest China's Chengdu in Sichuan province, listening to their stories of horrible bombings.
\n"They had been witnesses to wholesale looting, burning, butchery, and raping by the Japanese invaders. This had made them firm in their commitment to fight to the end," she wrote.
\nRuth was born in the United States in 1894 in Williamsburg, Massachusetts. After her graduation from high school in 1910, she taught in a one-room schoolhouse in Conway, Massachusetts, and later in the Williamsburg-Searsville School, in order to save enough money to go to medical school.
\nLater she entered Tufts Medical School and graduated in 1921, and she had decided to practice medicine in China by her junior year.
\nShe realized that the best opportunity to reach that goal was to become a missionary doctor after interning at the Women's Medical College in Philadelphia and at the Pennsylvania State Hospital in Allentown.
\nIn 1924, she arrived in China and settled in the then Mintsing, which is now called Minqing, of eastern China's Fujian province. She was there directing a hospital, which became today's Minqing Liudu Hospital.
\nShe remained there for thirteen years, except for one year when she was surgeon at a hospital in Nanjing of eastern China's Jiangsu province.
\n"Ruth arrived in China a single woman, without knowledge of the Chinese languages, in the midst of political and social chaos," said Thomas Hemenway, a descendant of Ruth V. Hemenway.
\nThomas has long been tracing her footprints in China. He noted that rather than remaining in the relative safety and comfort of the treaty ports, Ruth chose to work in remote villages among the Chinese peasantry.
\n"She treated many victims of the protracted violence, and ran clinics that improved prenatal and neonatal healthcare for women and children" in rural Fujian province, he said.
\nLiu Shouguang, former head of Minqing Liudu Hospital, said, "Beyond managing daily hospital operations, she frequently embarked on medical tours in rural areas, visiting villages and households to serve the local people."
\nRuth worked tirelessly to expand the hospital, improve medical facilities, and broaden service coverage by establishing branch clinics in both urban and rural areas.
\nShe promoted vaccinations, disseminated health knowledge, and conducted health education campaigns. She also nurtured medical talent, established a nurse school and mentored medical personnel, according to Liu.
\n"Her footsteps covered most of mountains and streams in Minqing," he added.
\nLight in the Dark
\nIn 1937, when the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression escalated, Ruth was practicing medicine in Nanchang, Jiangxi province, and she was unable to return to Minqing.
\nSeeing the disaster spreading rapidly, she volunteered with the Red Cross Society of China to join the medical service, and asked to be sent to the frontline medical posts in the war zone.
\nLater, she entrusted Hua Sing, one of her adopted daughters, to others and journeyed alone through gunfire to southwestern China's major city Chongqing, which was known as Chunking at that time.
\nIn Chongqing, Ruth joined a hospital sponsored by Syracuse University. There, she was responsible for obstetrics, gynecology and pediatrics.
\nAt that time, Chongqing was suffering unprecedented challenges as it endured massive bombing by Japanese forces.
\nIn her diary, she narrated how the wounded flooded into the hospital's courtyard like tidal waves after one air raid, filling the space with patients suffering from fractured skulls, broken limbs or hemorrhagic shock.
\nShe and her colleagues often worked all night performing surgeries on patients with gunshot wounds, burns, and blast injuries, and she was shocked by the Japanese army's unchecked slaughter of civilians.
\nLiu, the former head of Minqing Liudu Hospital, said Ruth has consistently stayed committed to humanitarian belief and universal compassion, "treating all patients with care regardless of their wealth or social status whenever medical help was needed".
\n"A lover of peace and champion of justice, she resolutely joined the medical resistance after the outbreak of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, saving countless lives," he said.
\nLiu noted that the American doctor kept pursuing technical excellence, combining boldness with meticulous care in her medical practice.
\nIn the summer of 1939, she planned to return to Minqing but was stranded by the worsening war situation. To avoid bombing, the hospital was forced to relocate to the countryside.
\nAfterwards, she accepted an invitation from Zizhou Hospital and traveled to Zizhou, a small town located between Chengdu and Chongqing, to continue her frontline medical work.
\nWhen she first arrived at Zizhou Hospital, a cholera epidemic was raging there. The wards were filled with comatose patients whose limbs were shriveled from dehydration and whose eyes were sunken.
\nShe employed people including female students, blacksmiths, carpenters to bolster staff and supplies. She also organized a large-scale vaccination campaign, inoculating 1,500 people within a week.
\nThrough her relentless efforts, the cholera epidemic gradually subsided, restoring hope to countless families.
\nIn 1940, her health deteriorated severely due to heavy workload and malnutrition. She lost significant weight and struggled to climb stairs without resting.
\nEven so, she insisted on performing surgeries and conducting consultation visits in the wards until colleagues sent her to seek treatment in Chengdu, the provincial capital of Sichuan.
\nIn 1941, she had to return to the US for treatment after years of hard work took its toll.
\nIn July this year, Thomas traveled to China to attend a series of friendship events, and he achieved his first face-to-face encounter with Huang Yao, granddaughter of Hua Sing, one of Ruth's adopted daughters.
\nHuang said she is "very proud of the family heritage" as endowed by Ruth.
\n"Dr. Hemenway made outstanding contribution to maternal and pediatric medicine in China, and my family has nurtured many medical workers as influenced by her," Huang said.
\n"I'm so glad to have invited her descendant living back in the US to China to have a look at her greatest heritage left in this country, which is still cherished by Chinese people by heart," she added.
\nWhen touring alongside Huang at Minqing Liudu Hospital, Thomas said, "This has been an amazing experience. It is like a dream come true to be in the place that Dr. Hemenway practiced and see the clinics that she started and the work that she contributed to China."
\n"I think maybe the most important is the fact that I have met my long-lost Chinese cousin. Our families have been separated for decades," he added.
\nNarrator and painter
\nRuth developed her habit of documenting what she saw, heard, felt and thought in China through vivid writings and colorful paintings.
\nShe left a series of papers that consist of a small amount of printed biographical material, an oil painting, photographs, and 20 original diaries dated from 1924 to 1941, which are now preserved by Smith College in Northampton of Massachusetts.
\nThe diaries provide a detailed record of her 18 years as medical missionary to China and include photographs and drawings, and they describe medical and surgical cases, customs and rural culture, and the upheavals in the country.
\n"They are rich with poignant and perceptive pictures of Chinese village life in southeastern China, of modernized urban life in the Kuomintang-controlled Yangtze Valley on the eve of the (expanded) Japanese invasion of 1937, and the besieged wartime capital of Chunking in western China," said the Smith College website in a brief introduction.
\nIn 1937, Ruth traveled to Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province, en route to Chongqing. In Wuhan, she witnessed a tragedy brought by Japan's air raid.
\nAt that moment, she could only watch from afar behind sandbags in shelters. In her diary, she noted that the air raid claimed 200 lives.
\nAmong the atrocities committed by Japanese forces after occupying Wuhan was that when the Japanese seized Hankou in Wuhan, they bombed ships carrying refugees and led to huge casualties.
\nShe mentioned how a refugee train packed with women and children was bombed — as passengers fled the burning carriages, Japanese troops shot them down with machine guns.
\nAlso evident in her narrations were scenes that the Japanese troops soaked captive Chinese soldiers and farmers with diesel or petroleum and burned them alive, while children were brutally slaughtered and young women raped.
\nFrom February 1938 to December 1944, the Japanese invaders bombed Chongqing and its surrounding cities for a span of six years and 10 months, an event known as the "Chongqing Bombing".
\nHer diary recounts one bombing during which she was on the phone inviting friends to dinner. Suddenly, air raid sirens blared, and the entire city plunged into terror and chaos: rickshaws dashed wildly through the streets, and people carrying children fled in tears.
\nIn her later years, she put down these memories into watercolor paintings depicting Chongqing under bombardment, portraying the burning streets and weeping refugees.
\nRuth indexed her diaries, and excerpts of her diaries were edited by Fred W. Drake in the book Ruth V.Hemenway, M.D.: A Memoir of Revolutionary China, 1924-1941, published by The University of Massachusetts Press in 1977.
\nJohn K. Fairbank, a renowned scholar on China studies and former professor of history at Harvard University, said "the memoir of Ruth Hemenway may well be a classic".
\n"She writes with extreme immediacy and creates a visual and personal impression in almost every paragraph. The content of her experience is both medical and Chinese, and the combination is a constant excitement if not shock to the reader," Fairbank said in a message prepared for the publication of her book.
\n"This particular story has more vitality, action and color than almost any I can remember," he added.
\nAfter Ruth returned to the US in 1941, she established a medical practice in her hometown of Williamsburg.
\nIn 1974, just months before her death, she wrote about her thoughts on the future of the US and China.
\n"Yet even as a person must experience hardship, suffering, and bereavement to attain maturity, it may be that our own country, like China already, must be bathed in tears and blood in order to find itself in its rightful place of simple equality among the nations of the world."
\n"For it is through pain and heartbreak that humility is born; and it is from humility that wisdom and understanding come. Physical deprivation, hardship, bereavement — these may not be evils but blessings if they initiate constructive change," she added.
\nContact the writers at zhangyunbi@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", + "content": "An old photo of Enlan Building, located within Minqing Liudu Hospital, where Dr. Ruth V. Hemenway once worked. The lychee tree in front of the building was planted by her during her time there.
\nThomas Hemenway and Huang Yao (the granddaughter of Hua Sing, one of Dr. Hemenway's adopted Chinese daughters) pose for a photo in front of Enlan Building in July.
\nDr. Ruth V. Hemenway takes shelter in an underground bunker during an air raid drill in Chongqing, in December 1938.
\n(From left) Martha Smalley, a special collections librarian of the Yale University Divinity Library, Elyn MacInnis, initiator of "Kuliang Friends", a group of descendants of American families who once resided in Kuliang, Fujian province, Thomas Hemenway and Huang Yao taste the lychee fruit planted by Ruth V. Hemenway in Fujian province, in July.
\nThomas Hemenway visits the Life on the Mountain Museum, which is Ruth V. Hemenway's former residence, in Kuliang, Fuzhou, Fujian province, in July.
\nRuth V. Hemenway and her adopted daughter Hua Sing in 1930.
\nLegendary US missionary doctor Ruth V. Hemenway, and her great wartime help lent to Chinese people, became known to more people in China this year as the nation marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War.
\nDuring her stay in China from 1924 to 1941, she joined the Chinese people in tackling the lack of medical supplies and poor facilities.
\nShe saved numerous lives amid the darkest moments for the country inflicted by Japan's wartime atrocities, including slaughtering, bombing and raping.
\nAs a key witness of the Chinese people's resilience against Japan's aggression, Ruth met many Chinese who had fled the Japanese invasion in the eastern part of the country to Southwest China's Chengdu in Sichuan province, listening to their stories of horrible bombings.
\n"They had been witnesses to wholesale looting, burning, butchery, and raping by the Japanese invaders. This had made them firm in their commitment to fight to the end," she wrote.
\nRuth was born in the United States in 1894 in Williamsburg, Massachusetts. After her graduation from high school in 1910, she taught in a one-room schoolhouse in Conway, Massachusetts, and later in the Williamsburg-Searsville School, in order to save enough money to go to medical school.
\nLater she entered Tufts Medical School and graduated in 1921, and she had decided to practice medicine in China by her junior year.
\nShe realized that the best opportunity to reach that goal was to become a missionary doctor after interning at the Women's Medical College in Philadelphia and at the Pennsylvania State Hospital in Allentown.
\nIn 1924, she arrived in China and settled in the then Mintsing, which is now called Minqing, of eastern China's Fujian province. She was there directing a hospital, which became today's Minqing Liudu Hospital.
\nShe remained there for thirteen years, except for one year when she was surgeon at a hospital in Nanjing of eastern China's Jiangsu province.
\n"Ruth arrived in China a single woman, without knowledge of the Chinese languages, in the midst of political and social chaos," said Thomas Hemenway, a descendant of Ruth V. Hemenway.
\nThomas has long been tracing her footprints in China. He noted that rather than remaining in the relative safety and comfort of the treaty ports, Ruth chose to work in remote villages among the Chinese peasantry.
\n"She treated many victims of the protracted violence, and ran clinics that improved prenatal and neonatal healthcare for women and children" in rural Fujian province, he said.
\nLiu Shouguang, former head of Minqing Liudu Hospital, said, "Beyond managing daily hospital operations, she frequently embarked on medical tours in rural areas, visiting villages and households to serve the local people."
\nRuth worked tirelessly to expand the hospital, improve medical facilities, and broaden service coverage by establishing branch clinics in both urban and rural areas.
\nShe promoted vaccinations, disseminated health knowledge, and conducted health education campaigns. She also nurtured medical talent, established a nurse school and mentored medical personnel, according to Liu.
\n"Her footsteps covered most of mountains and streams in Minqing," he added.
\nLight in the Dark
\nIn 1937, when the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression escalated, Ruth was practicing medicine in Nanchang, Jiangxi province, and she was unable to return to Minqing.
\nSeeing the disaster spreading rapidly, she volunteered with the Red Cross Society of China to join the medical service, and asked to be sent to the frontline medical posts in the war zone.
\nLater, she entrusted Hua Sing, one of her adopted daughters, to others and journeyed alone through gunfire to southwestern China's major city Chongqing, which was known as Chunking at that time.
\nIn Chongqing, Ruth joined a hospital sponsored by Syracuse University. There, she was responsible for obstetrics, gynecology and pediatrics.
\nAt that time, Chongqing was suffering unprecedented challenges as it endured massive bombing by Japanese forces.
\nIn her diary, she narrated how the wounded flooded into the hospital's courtyard like tidal waves after one air raid, filling the space with patients suffering from fractured skulls, broken limbs or hemorrhagic shock.
\nShe and her colleagues often worked all night performing surgeries on patients with gunshot wounds, burns, and blast injuries, and she was shocked by the Japanese army's unchecked slaughter of civilians.
\nLiu, the former head of Minqing Liudu Hospital, said Ruth has consistently stayed committed to humanitarian belief and universal compassion, "treating all patients with care regardless of their wealth or social status whenever medical help was needed".
\n"A lover of peace and champion of justice, she resolutely joined the medical resistance after the outbreak of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, saving countless lives," he said.
\nLiu noted that the American doctor kept pursuing technical excellence, combining boldness with meticulous care in her medical practice.
\nIn the summer of 1939, she planned to return to Minqing but was stranded by the worsening war situation. To avoid bombing, the hospital was forced to relocate to the countryside.
\nAfterwards, she accepted an invitation from Zizhou Hospital and traveled to Zizhou, a small town located between Chengdu and Chongqing, to continue her frontline medical work.
\nWhen she first arrived at Zizhou Hospital, a cholera epidemic was raging there. The wards were filled with comatose patients whose limbs were shriveled from dehydration and whose eyes were sunken.
\nShe employed people including female students, blacksmiths, carpenters to bolster staff and supplies. She also organized a large-scale vaccination campaign, inoculating 1,500 people within a week.
\nThrough her relentless efforts, the cholera epidemic gradually subsided, restoring hope to countless families.
\nIn 1940, her health deteriorated severely due to heavy workload and malnutrition. She lost significant weight and struggled to climb stairs without resting.
\nEven so, she insisted on performing surgeries and conducting consultation visits in the wards until colleagues sent her to seek treatment in Chengdu, the provincial capital of Sichuan.
\nIn 1941, she had to return to the US for treatment after years of hard work took its toll.
\nIn July this year, Thomas traveled to China to attend a series of friendship events, and he achieved his first face-to-face encounter with Huang Yao, granddaughter of Hua Sing, one of Ruth's adopted daughters.
\nHuang said she is "very proud of the family heritage" as endowed by Ruth.
\n"Dr. Hemenway made outstanding contribution to maternal and pediatric medicine in China, and my family has nurtured many medical workers as influenced by her," Huang said.
\n"I'm so glad to have invited her descendant living back in the US to China to have a look at her greatest heritage left in this country, which is still cherished by Chinese people by heart," she added.
\nWhen touring alongside Huang at Minqing Liudu Hospital, Thomas said, "This has been an amazing experience. It is like a dream come true to be in the place that Dr. Hemenway practiced and see the clinics that she started and the work that she contributed to China."
\n"I think maybe the most important is the fact that I have met my long-lost Chinese cousin. Our families have been separated for decades," he added.
\nNarrator and painter
\nRuth developed her habit of documenting what she saw, heard, felt and thought in China through vivid writings and colorful paintings.
\nShe left a series of papers that consist of a small amount of printed biographical material, an oil painting, photographs, and 20 original diaries dated from 1924 to 1941, which are now preserved by Smith College in Northampton of Massachusetts.
\nThe diaries provide a detailed record of her 18 years as medical missionary to China and include photographs and drawings, and they describe medical and surgical cases, customs and rural culture, and the upheavals in the country.
\n"They are rich with poignant and perceptive pictures of Chinese village life in southeastern China, of modernized urban life in the Kuomintang-controlled Yangtze Valley on the eve of the (expanded) Japanese invasion of 1937, and the besieged wartime capital of Chunking in western China," said the Smith College website in a brief introduction.
\nIn 1937, Ruth traveled to Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province, en route to Chongqing. In Wuhan, she witnessed a tragedy brought by Japan's air raid.
\nAt that moment, she could only watch from afar behind sandbags in shelters. In her diary, she noted that the air raid claimed 200 lives.
\nAmong the atrocities committed by Japanese forces after occupying Wuhan was that when the Japanese seized Hankou in Wuhan, they bombed ships carrying refugees and led to huge casualties.
\nShe mentioned how a refugee train packed with women and children was bombed — as passengers fled the burning carriages, Japanese troops shot them down with machine guns.
\nAlso evident in her narrations were scenes that the Japanese troops soaked captive Chinese soldiers and farmers with diesel or petroleum and burned them alive, while children were brutally slaughtered and young women raped.
\nFrom February 1938 to December 1944, the Japanese invaders bombed Chongqing and its surrounding cities for a span of six years and 10 months, an event known as the "Chongqing Bombing".
\nHer diary recounts one bombing during which she was on the phone inviting friends to dinner. Suddenly, air raid sirens blared, and the entire city plunged into terror and chaos: rickshaws dashed wildly through the streets, and people carrying children fled in tears.
\nIn her later years, she put down these memories into watercolor paintings depicting Chongqing under bombardment, portraying the burning streets and weeping refugees.
\nRuth indexed her diaries, and excerpts of her diaries were edited by Fred W. Drake in the book Ruth V.Hemenway, M.D.: A Memoir of Revolutionary China, 1924-1941, published by The University of Massachusetts Press in 1977.
\nJohn K. Fairbank, a renowned scholar on China studies and former professor of history at Harvard University, said "the memoir of Ruth Hemenway may well be a classic".
\n"She writes with extreme immediacy and creates a visual and personal impression in almost every paragraph. The content of her experience is both medical and Chinese, and the combination is a constant excitement if not shock to the reader," Fairbank said in a message prepared for the publication of her book.
\n"This particular story has more vitality, action and color than almost any I can remember," he added.
\nAfter Ruth returned to the US in 1941, she established a medical practice in her hometown of Williamsburg.
\nIn 1974, just months before her death, she wrote about her thoughts on the future of the US and China.
\n"Yet even as a person must experience hardship, suffering, and bereavement to attain maturity, it may be that our own country, like China already, must be bathed in tears and blood in order to find itself in its rightful place of simple equality among the nations of the world."
\n"For it is through pain and heartbreak that humility is born; and it is from humility that wisdom and understanding come. Physical deprivation, hardship, bereavement — these may not be evils but blessings if they initiate constructive change," she added.
\nContact the writers at zhangyunbi@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/06/content_005_68e2c6e6ed50ccabe151aa78.htm#005PEOPLE", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 06 Oct 2025 00:21:04 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "e297195419d63f45d87c04355284c881", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "006READ - Yangtze porpoise swims back from the brink", + "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/006/20251006_006_01_27017.png\")
A Yangtze finless porpoise leaps out of the water in Yichang, Hubei province in 2020.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/006/20251006_006_01_20017.png\")
A Yangtze finless porpoise swims with a newborn calf in Yichang in 2023.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/006/20251006_006_01_9017.png\")
A Yangtze finless porpoise emerges from the water amid the morning mist in Poyang Lake, Jiangxi province, in Feb, 2021.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/006/20251006_006_01_37017.png\")
Staff members from the Yichang fishery administration rescues a Yangtze finless porpoise entangled in an abandoned string, in Hubei province, in Feb, 2022.
\nA painful setback can sometimes act as a catalyst for meaningful change. When the Baiji dolphin named Qiqi died in 2002, there was gloom in conservation circles. Qiqi, the sound of which means "rarity" in Chinese, had been living in captivity since it was rescued from the shallow waters of the Yangtze River in 1980.
\nThe gloom turned to shock five years later, in 2007, when the Royal Society published an article declaring the Baiji functionally extinct. Functional extinction means that the population of a species has declined to an extent that it can no longer sustain reproduction under natural conditions. But the decline of the Baiji spurred the authorities to focus their efforts to conserve the Yangtze finless porpoise, another endangered species living in the Yangtze River ecosystem.
\nThe Royal Society's article on the Baiji's decline was based on a sixweek field survey by scientists from seven countries, marking the first global extinction of a large vertebrate in over 50 years. Though it did not mean that the species was completely extinct, it underscored a far bigger problem plaguing the Yangtze River ecosystem.
\nThe Baiji, or the Yangtze River dolphin, is classified as a separate family, which means that its functional extinction represents a significant gap from an evolutionary perspective, according to Wang Ding, secretary-general of the Chinese National Committee for the Man and the Biosphere Programme of UNESCO.
\nIf the apex predator in the Yangtze River ecosystem could no longer survive, other species in the river would also gradually disappear under a domino effect, Wang added.
\nWang said the dangers facing the Baiji were noticed almost three decades earlier. "As early as 1978, we became aware of the perilous situation facing the Baiji, with only about 300 dolphins remaining. Our research group was specifically established at that time for the study and conservation of the species," he said. The government and research institutions invested substantial human and financial resources in rescue efforts, including establishing protected areas and intensifying scientific research. However, the results were less than satisfactory and the number of Baiji dolphins steadily declined.
\nQiqi's death in 2002 followed by the declaration of functional extinction in 2007 sealed the fate of the species. "It was a tremendous tragedy and also a painful lesson," Wang said. But the silver lining was that it shifted the focus of conservation efforts to the Yangtze finless porpoise — the sole extant cetacean in the Yangtze River.
\nCompared to the Baiji, the Yangtze finless porpoise is smaller, lacks a dorsal fin, and has a shorter and broader rostrum. Wang Xi, a researcher from the Museum of Aquatic Organisms under the Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, said that the ancestors of the Yangtze finless porpoise migrated from the oceans hundreds of thousands of years ago, adapted to the freshwater environment and established habitats in the Yangtze River. Like the Baiji, they are also apex predators in the Yangtze ecosystem.
\nHowever, the spread of economic development and increase in human activities had led to a sharp decline in Yangtze finless porpoise population. Their numbers dropped from around 2,700 in the early 1990s to just about 1,800 in 2006. In 2012, a field investigation led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs found that only about 1,040 finless porpoises remained — 460 in Poyang Lake, 90 in Dongting Lake and the rest in the main stream of the Yangtze River. The alarming drop in numbers led the International Union for Conservation of Nature to classify the Yangtze finless porpoise as a critically endangered species in 2013.
\n"The chief cause of the decline was the surge in vessel traffic in the river," Wang said. "As a cetacean species highly dependent on echolocation for foraging and communication, the Yangtze finless porpoise is extremely sensitive to underwater noise. The noise generated by motorised vessels disrupts their behavioral patterns, impairs echolocation efficiency and even poses lethal threats."
\nIn addition, factors like vessel collisions, water pollution as well as habitat fragmentation caused by hydropower projects and dock construction further exacerbated population pressures.
\nAs a first step, the implementation of a three-pronged protection strategy was intensified. The strategy includes ex-situ conservation, in-situ conservation, and captive breeding and rearing.
\n"Ex-situ conservation is a critical strategy and acts as a genetic reservoir. It involves relocating the Yangtze finless porpoises to enclosed or semi-enclosed water bodies with ecological conditions similar to the Yangtze River for dedicated protection," Wang said. These porpoises are later reintroduced into the wild once the river's environment improves.
\nThe Tian'ezhou oxbow in Shishou, Hubei province, also a national nature reserve for the Baiji, was recognized as an ideal site for Yangtze finless porpoise ex-situ conservation because its water quality was comparable to the Yangtze River and there was no disturbance by ships. There are now more than 150 Yangtze finless porpoises living in the four ex-situ reserves and roughly 10 calves are born every year.
\nIn-situ conservation involves establishing nature reserves in areas with dense Yangtze finless porpoise populations. China has established eight such conservation areas along the Yangtze River's main stream and in Dongting and Poyang Lakes, covering over 30 percent of the river's middle and lower reaches.
\nCaptive breeding and rearing mainly take place at the Baiji Dolphinarium in Wuhan, where Qiqi once lived. The aquarium is now home to 12 finless porpoises, five of which were born under captive breeding conditions, including three second-generation porpoises, Wang said.
\nThanks to the three-pronged strategy and the measures taken to protect and restore the Yangtze River, including the Yangtze River Protection Law and the 10-year fishing ban, the Yangtze finless porpoise population has rebounded in recent years. From 1,012 finless porpoises in 2017, the population increased to 1,249 in 2022, marking the first-ever rebound since monitoring began. Wang says this is "extremely rare", because freshwater cetacean populations are typically hard to recover once they begin to decline.
\nWang Ding said that the survival conditions of many cetacean species worldwide are currently of great concern. Data from the IUCN show that, as of July 2020, there are 131 known cetacean species globally, among which 22 are classified as critically endangered and 20 as endangered.
\n"China's conservation efforts for the Yangtze finless porpoise have received high praise internationally, with its methods, like passive acoustic monitoring, being promoted in Southeast Asia. This technology is now used for monitoring and conserving Irrawaddy dolphins in Cambodia's Mekong River," Wang said.
\nWang Ding added that Chinese scientists are exploring the use of artificial intelligence in cetacean conservation and are collaborating with various countries to develop tailored conservation and technological solutions for them.
\n"An IUCN expert once said that 'China's conservation practices for the Yangtze finless porpoise have illuminated the dawn for the global conservation of cetacean species'," Wang said. "This is our pride and also our long-lasting commitment," he added.
\nlimenghan@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", + "content": "A Yangtze finless porpoise leaps out of the water in Yichang, Hubei province in 2020.
\nA Yangtze finless porpoise swims with a newborn calf in Yichang in 2023.
\nA Yangtze finless porpoise emerges from the water amid the morning mist in Poyang Lake, Jiangxi province, in Feb, 2021.
\nStaff members from the Yichang fishery administration rescues a Yangtze finless porpoise entangled in an abandoned string, in Hubei province, in Feb, 2022.
\nA painful setback can sometimes act as a catalyst for meaningful change. When the Baiji dolphin named Qiqi died in 2002, there was gloom in conservation circles. Qiqi, the sound of which means "rarity" in Chinese, had been living in captivity since it was rescued from the shallow waters of the Yangtze River in 1980.
\nThe gloom turned to shock five years later, in 2007, when the Royal Society published an article declaring the Baiji functionally extinct. Functional extinction means that the population of a species has declined to an extent that it can no longer sustain reproduction under natural conditions. But the decline of the Baiji spurred the authorities to focus their efforts to conserve the Yangtze finless porpoise, another endangered species living in the Yangtze River ecosystem.
\nThe Royal Society's article on the Baiji's decline was based on a sixweek field survey by scientists from seven countries, marking the first global extinction of a large vertebrate in over 50 years. Though it did not mean that the species was completely extinct, it underscored a far bigger problem plaguing the Yangtze River ecosystem.
\nThe Baiji, or the Yangtze River dolphin, is classified as a separate family, which means that its functional extinction represents a significant gap from an evolutionary perspective, according to Wang Ding, secretary-general of the Chinese National Committee for the Man and the Biosphere Programme of UNESCO.
\nIf the apex predator in the Yangtze River ecosystem could no longer survive, other species in the river would also gradually disappear under a domino effect, Wang added.
\nWang said the dangers facing the Baiji were noticed almost three decades earlier. "As early as 1978, we became aware of the perilous situation facing the Baiji, with only about 300 dolphins remaining. Our research group was specifically established at that time for the study and conservation of the species," he said. The government and research institutions invested substantial human and financial resources in rescue efforts, including establishing protected areas and intensifying scientific research. However, the results were less than satisfactory and the number of Baiji dolphins steadily declined.
\nQiqi's death in 2002 followed by the declaration of functional extinction in 2007 sealed the fate of the species. "It was a tremendous tragedy and also a painful lesson," Wang said. But the silver lining was that it shifted the focus of conservation efforts to the Yangtze finless porpoise — the sole extant cetacean in the Yangtze River.
\nCompared to the Baiji, the Yangtze finless porpoise is smaller, lacks a dorsal fin, and has a shorter and broader rostrum. Wang Xi, a researcher from the Museum of Aquatic Organisms under the Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, said that the ancestors of the Yangtze finless porpoise migrated from the oceans hundreds of thousands of years ago, adapted to the freshwater environment and established habitats in the Yangtze River. Like the Baiji, they are also apex predators in the Yangtze ecosystem.
\nHowever, the spread of economic development and increase in human activities had led to a sharp decline in Yangtze finless porpoise population. Their numbers dropped from around 2,700 in the early 1990s to just about 1,800 in 2006. In 2012, a field investigation led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs found that only about 1,040 finless porpoises remained — 460 in Poyang Lake, 90 in Dongting Lake and the rest in the main stream of the Yangtze River. The alarming drop in numbers led the International Union for Conservation of Nature to classify the Yangtze finless porpoise as a critically endangered species in 2013.
\n"The chief cause of the decline was the surge in vessel traffic in the river," Wang said. "As a cetacean species highly dependent on echolocation for foraging and communication, the Yangtze finless porpoise is extremely sensitive to underwater noise. The noise generated by motorised vessels disrupts their behavioral patterns, impairs echolocation efficiency and even poses lethal threats."
\nIn addition, factors like vessel collisions, water pollution as well as habitat fragmentation caused by hydropower projects and dock construction further exacerbated population pressures.
\nAs a first step, the implementation of a three-pronged protection strategy was intensified. The strategy includes ex-situ conservation, in-situ conservation, and captive breeding and rearing.
\n"Ex-situ conservation is a critical strategy and acts as a genetic reservoir. It involves relocating the Yangtze finless porpoises to enclosed or semi-enclosed water bodies with ecological conditions similar to the Yangtze River for dedicated protection," Wang said. These porpoises are later reintroduced into the wild once the river's environment improves.
\nThe Tian'ezhou oxbow in Shishou, Hubei province, also a national nature reserve for the Baiji, was recognized as an ideal site for Yangtze finless porpoise ex-situ conservation because its water quality was comparable to the Yangtze River and there was no disturbance by ships. There are now more than 150 Yangtze finless porpoises living in the four ex-situ reserves and roughly 10 calves are born every year.
\nIn-situ conservation involves establishing nature reserves in areas with dense Yangtze finless porpoise populations. China has established eight such conservation areas along the Yangtze River's main stream and in Dongting and Poyang Lakes, covering over 30 percent of the river's middle and lower reaches.
\nCaptive breeding and rearing mainly take place at the Baiji Dolphinarium in Wuhan, where Qiqi once lived. The aquarium is now home to 12 finless porpoises, five of which were born under captive breeding conditions, including three second-generation porpoises, Wang said.
\nThanks to the three-pronged strategy and the measures taken to protect and restore the Yangtze River, including the Yangtze River Protection Law and the 10-year fishing ban, the Yangtze finless porpoise population has rebounded in recent years. From 1,012 finless porpoises in 2017, the population increased to 1,249 in 2022, marking the first-ever rebound since monitoring began. Wang says this is "extremely rare", because freshwater cetacean populations are typically hard to recover once they begin to decline.
\nWang Ding said that the survival conditions of many cetacean species worldwide are currently of great concern. Data from the IUCN show that, as of July 2020, there are 131 known cetacean species globally, among which 22 are classified as critically endangered and 20 as endangered.
\n"China's conservation efforts for the Yangtze finless porpoise have received high praise internationally, with its methods, like passive acoustic monitoring, being promoted in Southeast Asia. This technology is now used for monitoring and conserving Irrawaddy dolphins in Cambodia's Mekong River," Wang said.
\nWang Ding added that Chinese scientists are exploring the use of artificial intelligence in cetacean conservation and are collaborating with various countries to develop tailored conservation and technological solutions for them.
\n"An IUCN expert once said that 'China's conservation practices for the Yangtze finless porpoise have illuminated the dawn for the global conservation of cetacean species'," Wang said. "This is our pride and also our long-lasting commitment," he added.
\nlimenghan@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/06/content_006_68e2c6eaed50ccabe151aa79.htm#006READ", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 06 Oct 2025 00:21:04 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "8f3c31cb682460a56f882ddf737e186d", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "006READ - Doom to boom", + "description": "The perilous journey of the Yangtze finless porpoise:
\nEarly 1990s: Total population estimated at 2,700
\n2006: Numbers decline to 1,800
\n2012: Field investigation reveals only about 1,040 remain
\n2013: Put on critically endangered list by International Union for Conservation of Nature
\n2017: Numbers down to 1,012 but decline now slower
\n2020: A 10-year fishing ban in the Yangtze River basin is imposed
\n2021: Elevated to first-level State protection
\n2022: Population rebounds to 1,249
\n", + "content": "The perilous journey of the Yangtze finless porpoise:
\nEarly 1990s: Total population estimated at 2,700
\n2006: Numbers decline to 1,800
\n2012: Field investigation reveals only about 1,040 remain
\n2013: Put on critically endangered list by International Union for Conservation of Nature
\n2017: Numbers down to 1,012 but decline now slower
\n2020: A 10-year fishing ban in the Yangtze River basin is imposed
\n2021: Elevated to first-level State protection
\n2022: Population rebounds to 1,249
\n", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/06/content_006_68e2c6eeed50ccabe151aa7a.htm#006READ", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 06 Oct 2025 00:21:04 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "52f70f19d5ac2b52e0f8331b59c07c1b", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "006READ - Retiree's photos protect endangered species", + "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/006/20251006_006_03_48017.png\")
Yang He photographs a Yangtze finless porpoise in Yichang, Hubei province, in Nov, 2023.
\nWhen Yang He was a child, the Yangtze finless porpoise was a common sight in the Yichang section of the Yangtze River. "Adults would scare us away from the river by saying that the 'jiangzhuzi' (the local term for the Yangtze finless porpoise) would push us into deep waters," recalls the 67-year-old Hubei native. But the spread of economic development and human activities have changed that. The population of the Yangtze finless porpoise has dwindled so much in the past 60 years that the apex predator of the Yangtze River ecosystem is now under first-level State protection.
\nBorn and raised along the Yangtze River, Yang has devoted himself to the conservation of the Yangtze finless porpoise, using his camera to document their lives and facilitate research and study. In the past six years, Yang has taken more than 100,000 photos of finless porpoises, all of which have been provided for free use in scientific research. "Many of the photos Yang He took are of significant scientific value," said Wang Ding, secretary-general of the Chinese National Committee for the Man and the Biosphere Programme, UNESCO.
\nInterestingly, Yang took up photography only after retirement. In 2017, he saw a Yangtze finless porpoise swimming along with a person in the Yangtze River. For Yang, it illustrated the perfect harmony between humanity and nature. Inspired by the scene, Yang took up professional photography and embarked on a journey to capture images of finless porpoises. In the past seven years, he has upgraded his equipment without caring about how much it cost.
\nEven so, Yang doesn't want to be labeled a "photographer". Instead, he prefers the title "grassroots guardian" because he finds immense happiness and fulfillment in observing, protecting and rescuing finless porpoises.
\nThree years ago, when he was out photographing on the Yangtze River, he saw a Yangtze finless porpoise thrashing violently in the water. Its tail had gotten entangled in an abandoned string. Porpoises are mammals and must surface regularly to breathe. If trapped in a net, the animal faces the risk of physical injuries, sinking due to exhaustion and even death by suffocation.
\nRealizing the urgency, Yang immediately called the local fishery administration for help. A rescue team reached the site within 15 minutes, and the local maritime authority issued an emergency halt order to all vessels in the area to facilitate the rescue operation. Thanks to the rapid response, the Yangtze finless porpoise was saved, and experts confirmed it was healthy enough to be released back into the river.
\nEven though it was confirmed that the rescued porpoise was safe, Yang wanted to see for himself. He visited the area almost every day, looking for signs of the animal, and eventually identified it by the distinctive scars on its tail.
\n"It must have recognized me too, because though finless porpoises are very alert animals, this one allowed me to photograph it from a very close distance," he said. Two months later, Yang realized that he had saved not one but two porpoises on that fateful day. When it had been rescued, the Yangtze finless porpoise was pregnant and Yang photographed it with a calf two months later.
\nWang Ding, who is also a researcher at the Institute of Hydrobiology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, emphasized the challenges of individual identification in wildlife conservation. He said traditional observation methods often fail to reliably distinguish animals in the field. "However," he added, "practitioners like Yang He leverage their hands-on experience to overcome these limitations."
\nYang said that thanks to the conservation efforts of patrol teams, scientists and volunteers, he has observed a noticeable improvement in the water quality and a significant increase in the population of the Yangtze finless porpoise. According to him, with the full implementation of the Yangtze River's 10-year fishing ban, the Yichang section of the Yangtze River has become "a nursery", with groups of finless porpoises coming for fertility preparation and childbirth. "Every citizen in Yichang is proud of the Yangtze finless porpoise conservation achievements, with the concept of comprehensive protection of the Yangtze River taking root," Yang said.
\nlimenghan@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", + "content": "Yang He photographs a Yangtze finless porpoise in Yichang, Hubei province, in Nov, 2023.
\nWhen Yang He was a child, the Yangtze finless porpoise was a common sight in the Yichang section of the Yangtze River. "Adults would scare us away from the river by saying that the 'jiangzhuzi' (the local term for the Yangtze finless porpoise) would push us into deep waters," recalls the 67-year-old Hubei native. But the spread of economic development and human activities have changed that. The population of the Yangtze finless porpoise has dwindled so much in the past 60 years that the apex predator of the Yangtze River ecosystem is now under first-level State protection.
\nBorn and raised along the Yangtze River, Yang has devoted himself to the conservation of the Yangtze finless porpoise, using his camera to document their lives and facilitate research and study. In the past six years, Yang has taken more than 100,000 photos of finless porpoises, all of which have been provided for free use in scientific research. "Many of the photos Yang He took are of significant scientific value," said Wang Ding, secretary-general of the Chinese National Committee for the Man and the Biosphere Programme, UNESCO.
\nInterestingly, Yang took up photography only after retirement. In 2017, he saw a Yangtze finless porpoise swimming along with a person in the Yangtze River. For Yang, it illustrated the perfect harmony between humanity and nature. Inspired by the scene, Yang took up professional photography and embarked on a journey to capture images of finless porpoises. In the past seven years, he has upgraded his equipment without caring about how much it cost.
\nEven so, Yang doesn't want to be labeled a "photographer". Instead, he prefers the title "grassroots guardian" because he finds immense happiness and fulfillment in observing, protecting and rescuing finless porpoises.
\nThree years ago, when he was out photographing on the Yangtze River, he saw a Yangtze finless porpoise thrashing violently in the water. Its tail had gotten entangled in an abandoned string. Porpoises are mammals and must surface regularly to breathe. If trapped in a net, the animal faces the risk of physical injuries, sinking due to exhaustion and even death by suffocation.
\nRealizing the urgency, Yang immediately called the local fishery administration for help. A rescue team reached the site within 15 minutes, and the local maritime authority issued an emergency halt order to all vessels in the area to facilitate the rescue operation. Thanks to the rapid response, the Yangtze finless porpoise was saved, and experts confirmed it was healthy enough to be released back into the river.
\nEven though it was confirmed that the rescued porpoise was safe, Yang wanted to see for himself. He visited the area almost every day, looking for signs of the animal, and eventually identified it by the distinctive scars on its tail.
\n"It must have recognized me too, because though finless porpoises are very alert animals, this one allowed me to photograph it from a very close distance," he said. Two months later, Yang realized that he had saved not one but two porpoises on that fateful day. When it had been rescued, the Yangtze finless porpoise was pregnant and Yang photographed it with a calf two months later.
\nWang Ding, who is also a researcher at the Institute of Hydrobiology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, emphasized the challenges of individual identification in wildlife conservation. He said traditional observation methods often fail to reliably distinguish animals in the field. "However," he added, "practitioners like Yang He leverage their hands-on experience to overcome these limitations."
\nYang said that thanks to the conservation efforts of patrol teams, scientists and volunteers, he has observed a noticeable improvement in the water quality and a significant increase in the population of the Yangtze finless porpoise. According to him, with the full implementation of the Yangtze River's 10-year fishing ban, the Yichang section of the Yangtze River has become "a nursery", with groups of finless porpoises coming for fertility preparation and childbirth. "Every citizen in Yichang is proud of the Yangtze finless porpoise conservation achievements, with the concept of comprehensive protection of the Yangtze River taking root," Yang said.
\nlimenghan@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/06/content_006_68e2c6f3ed50ccabe151aa7b.htm#006READ", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 06 Oct 2025 00:21:04 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "0a44cc1da9383028bab0137210d7cc2d", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "007IMAGE - 'Dream factory' for 'Chinese princesses'", + "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/007/20251006_007_01_23215.png\")
A girl dresses up like a gege in Beijing in March.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/007/20251006_007_01_9215.png\")
A tourist poses for a portrait in March against the red walls of the Forbidden City, which is a popular backdrop for photography.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/007/20251006_007_01_32215.png\")
Women with traditional Chinese-style makeup and styling stroll through the Wangfujing business district in Beijing, capital of China, in March.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/007/20251006_007_01_53215.png\")
Two gege wearing sunglasses livestream with their phone in Beijing in March.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/007/20251006_007_01_39215.png\")
A customer has her makeup done at a styling store in Beijing in March. Weekends and holidays are the busiest periods for the stores.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/007/20251006_007_01_46215.png\")
Visitors in traditional Chinese-style makeup and costumes walk at the Wangfu Century Building in Beijing, a hub for such makeup and styling shops, in March.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/007/20251006_007_01_60215.png\")
The experience of dressing in traditional Chinese styling is not limited to young people, as this photo from March shows middle-aged and elderly women in gege-style makeup and costumes in Beijing.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/007/20251006_007_01_71215.png\")
Women dressed up in "Guochao" or "China-chic" styling can be seen throughout the streets near Wangfujing, Beijing, in March.
\nIn the early morning, before the opening of the Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, the shutters roll up one by one in the basement of the Wangfu Century Building, about 800 meters from Donghuamen of the Palace Museum. Hundreds of intricately designed traditional costumes and makeup tools in the shops await customers eager to try traditional Chinese styling.
\nIn recent years, the revival of traditional culture, known as Guochao or "Chinachic", has spurred a new trend among young people: immersive experiences in traditional attire. The Wangfu Century Building and its surrounding areas, located in the heart of Wangfujing, a popular business district in China's capital, Beijing, have become a hub for such experiences. Shops there offer visitors a chance to indulge in a fast-paced transformation, especially the styling of gege, princesses of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The dressed-up visitors can walk through Beijing's modern buildings and take photos at various scenic spots, including the Palace Museum.
\nThe area has turned into a "dream factory" for fans of traditional Chinese fashion, providing a new trend to Beijing's cultural tourism.
\nYu Qian, head of the China Tourist Attractions Association, remarked, "The trend of gege makeup and attire has not only boosted related services, including makeup and photography, but also offered young people an immersive experience of role-playing and cultural identity."
\nHowever, many visitors, while sharing photos in traditional garb, have reported issues such as poor service experiences and a lack of transparency in the consumption process. Complaints often focus on areas such as inadequate standardization in makeup procedures, lack of personalized services, shared makeup tools causing skin allergies, poor photography skills, and hidden costs or consumption traps.
\nSince June 2023, commercial photography has been halted at places such as the Forbidden City. Some commercial photography agencies have shifted to other open tourist sites.
\n"Tourists are willing to pay for cultural experiences, and tourist sites should provide the necessary knowledge and services," Yu emphasized. By enhancing the design and management of cultural and tourism settings, such experiences can evolve from fleeting fantasies into sustainable urban memories, thereby unlocking the true cultural value behind the gege trend.
\n", + "content": "A girl dresses up like a gege in Beijing in March.
\nA tourist poses for a portrait in March against the red walls of the Forbidden City, which is a popular backdrop for photography.
\nWomen with traditional Chinese-style makeup and styling stroll through the Wangfujing business district in Beijing, capital of China, in March.
\nTwo gege wearing sunglasses livestream with their phone in Beijing in March.
\nA customer has her makeup done at a styling store in Beijing in March. Weekends and holidays are the busiest periods for the stores.
\nVisitors in traditional Chinese-style makeup and costumes walk at the Wangfu Century Building in Beijing, a hub for such makeup and styling shops, in March.
\nThe experience of dressing in traditional Chinese styling is not limited to young people, as this photo from March shows middle-aged and elderly women in gege-style makeup and costumes in Beijing.
\nWomen dressed up in "Guochao" or "China-chic" styling can be seen throughout the streets near Wangfujing, Beijing, in March.
\nIn the early morning, before the opening of the Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, the shutters roll up one by one in the basement of the Wangfu Century Building, about 800 meters from Donghuamen of the Palace Museum. Hundreds of intricately designed traditional costumes and makeup tools in the shops await customers eager to try traditional Chinese styling.
\nIn recent years, the revival of traditional culture, known as Guochao or "Chinachic", has spurred a new trend among young people: immersive experiences in traditional attire. The Wangfu Century Building and its surrounding areas, located in the heart of Wangfujing, a popular business district in China's capital, Beijing, have become a hub for such experiences. Shops there offer visitors a chance to indulge in a fast-paced transformation, especially the styling of gege, princesses of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The dressed-up visitors can walk through Beijing's modern buildings and take photos at various scenic spots, including the Palace Museum.
\nThe area has turned into a "dream factory" for fans of traditional Chinese fashion, providing a new trend to Beijing's cultural tourism.
\nYu Qian, head of the China Tourist Attractions Association, remarked, "The trend of gege makeup and attire has not only boosted related services, including makeup and photography, but also offered young people an immersive experience of role-playing and cultural identity."
\nHowever, many visitors, while sharing photos in traditional garb, have reported issues such as poor service experiences and a lack of transparency in the consumption process. Complaints often focus on areas such as inadequate standardization in makeup procedures, lack of personalized services, shared makeup tools causing skin allergies, poor photography skills, and hidden costs or consumption traps.
\nSince June 2023, commercial photography has been halted at places such as the Forbidden City. Some commercial photography agencies have shifted to other open tourist sites.
\n"Tourists are willing to pay for cultural experiences, and tourist sites should provide the necessary knowledge and services," Yu emphasized. By enhancing the design and management of cultural and tourism settings, such experiences can evolve from fleeting fantasies into sustainable urban memories, thereby unlocking the true cultural value behind the gege trend.
\n", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/06/content_007_68e2c6f7ed50ccabe151aa7c.htm#007IMAGE", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 06 Oct 2025 00:21:04 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "3a639609a661ab655782a425a42fb506", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "008TREND - Raising a glass to Ningxia", + "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/008/20251006_008_01_13556.png\")
Dulaan Wine Resort in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/008/20251006_008_01_22556.png\")
The artwork, Terroir Has a Native Place, at the inaugural Wine Terroir & Culture Biennale.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/008/20251006_008_01_29556.png\")
Another artwork, A Microcosm of Helan Mountain Terroir, at the biennale, which runs till December.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/008/20251006_008_01_47556.png\")
A sculpture at the biennale, located in Dulaan Wine Resort, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/008/20251006_008_01_36556.png\")
A scene from the seminar of the inaugural Wine Terroir & Culture Biennale in September.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/008/20251006_008_01_56556.png\")
At the biennale, Hao Linhai, founding president of the Helan Mountains East Foothill grape and wine federation, tastes award-winning wines.
\nAs a cultural dialogue that transcends mountains and seas, and a deep resonance centered on art and wine, the inaugural Wine Terroir & Culture Biennale was launched in September and will run till December in Dulaan Wine Resort in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region.
\nBy integrating "terroir culture" with the wine industry, the exhibition showcases wine's diversity, cultural depth, and innovation, aiming to provide a comprehensive and multilayered platform for exchange among global wine enthusiasts and professionals.
\nTerroir refers to the characteristic flavors imparted to a wine by the environment in which it is produced.
\nThe choice of venue for the biennale is no coincidence. After decades of development, the eastern foothills of the Helan Mountains have become one of China's leading wine regions, with one of the largest vineyard areas, the highest number of wineries, and the most international gold medals.
\nAccording to Huang Siming, director of the management committee of the wine industry park at the eastern foothills of Helan Mountains, "Every bottle of fine wine from the Helan Mountains' eastern foothills carries the nourishment of the Yellow River, the protection of the Helan Mountains, and the warmth of the frontier's sun".
\n"This year's launch of the Wine Terroir &Culture Biennale is a core initiative to deeply integrate the concept of terroir into the wine industry. From winery owners and experts to cultural artists, entrepreneurs and consumers, everyone is an indispensable note in this symphony of terroir culture," Huang said.
\n"We encourage more social forces to participate so that the fragrance of wine culture permeates every corner of life. Together, we aim to shape a 'World Capital of Wine' and an 'International Wine Tourism Destination', making this gift of the earth a beautiful experience that connects us all and brightens our lives," he added.
\nWang Ziyun, president of the Ningxia Helan Mountains East Foothill grape and wine federation, said: "Focusing on the theme of terroir culture, we aim to honor the history of the region, shape the spirit of pioneering winery owners, and celebrate the craftsmanship of master growers and winemakers.
\n"We express and present these stories through diverse cultural and artistic forms, bringing to life the historical scroll of the Helan Mountains East Foothill wine region, ensuring its legacy endures for generations."
\nIn the exhibition area of the Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, experts praised the successful cultivation and winemaking of highly cold-resistant grape varieties of Jiuxi Winemakers in Ningxia.
\nDoctors Li Shaohua and Dai Zhanwu agreed that these Chinese-developed varieties adapt well to Ningxia's environment, reduce costs, improve efficiency, and display distinct quality features, marking an important step in the localization of grape varieties in China's wine industry.
\nAccording to Tan Zhiyong, owner of Jiuxi Winemakers, its goal is to produce wines that resonate with Chinese consumers, drawing on Jiuxi's environment, the expertise of viticulture specialist Liang Yuwen, and scientific support from the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
\nWhile science and innovation are pushing the region forward, traditional practices also play a defining role.
\nGao Yuan, co-founder of Silver Heights winery, whose vineyards lie at the foot of the Helan Mountains, has long adhered to biodynamic practices in vineyard management.
\n"Grapes cultivated through biodynamic methods best express the characteristics of the terroir, making them irreplicable products," she said.
\n"The most challenging part is the farming experience, accumulated year after year with biodynamic practices; it cannot be bought, only understood through dedication by integrating with nature, and through repeated trials. Only then can we achieve high-quality wines and foster a sustainable, regenerative wine industry," Gao said.
\nA new dimension
\nBeyond the vineyards, another dimension of Ningxia's wine culture is also taking shape — the fusion of art and wine.
\nZheng Zifeng, head of Dulaan Wine Resort, said the town was planned from the outset to use art as a bridge to turn winemaking into a broader ecosystem of culture, tourism and lifestyle.
\nOver the past five years, Dulaan Wine Resort has pursued this vision, using art as a medium to help the world better understand the story of Chinese wine.
\nZheng believes that the inaugural Wine Terroir & Culture Biennale will mark a new starting point, sparking more artistic inspiration and fostering dialogue between artists and Ningxia wines.
\nThis exhibition will break the boundaries between cultural artworks and commercial products, promoting integration between wine, culture, art, and society. It also seeks to remove barriers between artists and winemakers, encouraging cross-disciplinary collaboration to create wine-related works that combine artistic and cultural value with commercial potential.
\nAmong the representatives of Ningxia's cultural entrepreneurs is Jia Wei, who sees unique strength in the Helan Mountains East Foothill region, which is shaped by dramatic day-night temperature differences, the nourishment of the Yellow River, and the shelter of the mountains — all of which contribute to the quality of its wines.
\nJia hopes to combine "wine plus art", making wineries spaces not only for winemaking but also for art exhibitions and cultural exchanges. Visitors to the Helan Mountains East Foothill wine region could then enjoy fine wines while experiencing the unique fusion of art and land.
\nThe works showcased at the biennale will feature qualities of permanence, mobility, commercial value, and digital integration, including the use of artificial intelligence. Exhibits will go beyond traditional formats by incorporating modern technology and cultural creativity, aiming to transcend the boundaries of time, space and technology.
\nThe event is guided by an expert advisory committee comprising leading wine professionals, cultural artists and business leaders from China and abroad. The committee reflects the terroir and cultural background of the region, while ensuring the exhibition's high standards, professionalism and global vision.
\n"When Chinese wine consumers and enthusiasts talk about terroir — when they realize that the search for good wine can be traced through the interwoven clues of sky, earth, people, region, soil, climate, grape varieties, and vineyards — it marks a sign of maturity in China's wine consumption," said Hao Linhai, then president of the Ningxia Helan Mountains East Foothill grape and wine federation, in a speech in 2023.
\nToday, Hao, founding president of the federation and now director of the organizing committee of the 2025 biennale, said the Wine Terroir & Culture Biennale aims to become a globally influential cultural brand event, elevating the status of China's wine regions, including the Helan Mountains East Foothill area.
\nHe added that through competitions, auctions and related events, the biennale also aims to raise the market value and consumer awareness of wine, while promoting the integration of "wine plus tourism plus culture" to create a new identity for the region.
\nContact the writers at liyingxue@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", + "content": "Dulaan Wine Resort in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region.
\nThe artwork, Terroir Has a Native Place, at the inaugural Wine Terroir & Culture Biennale.
\nAnother artwork, A Microcosm of Helan Mountain Terroir, at the biennale, which runs till December.
\nA sculpture at the biennale, located in Dulaan Wine Resort, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region.
\nA scene from the seminar of the inaugural Wine Terroir & Culture Biennale in September.
\nAt the biennale, Hao Linhai, founding president of the Helan Mountains East Foothill grape and wine federation, tastes award-winning wines.
\nAs a cultural dialogue that transcends mountains and seas, and a deep resonance centered on art and wine, the inaugural Wine Terroir & Culture Biennale was launched in September and will run till December in Dulaan Wine Resort in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region.
\nBy integrating "terroir culture" with the wine industry, the exhibition showcases wine's diversity, cultural depth, and innovation, aiming to provide a comprehensive and multilayered platform for exchange among global wine enthusiasts and professionals.
\nTerroir refers to the characteristic flavors imparted to a wine by the environment in which it is produced.
\nThe choice of venue for the biennale is no coincidence. After decades of development, the eastern foothills of the Helan Mountains have become one of China's leading wine regions, with one of the largest vineyard areas, the highest number of wineries, and the most international gold medals.
\nAccording to Huang Siming, director of the management committee of the wine industry park at the eastern foothills of Helan Mountains, "Every bottle of fine wine from the Helan Mountains' eastern foothills carries the nourishment of the Yellow River, the protection of the Helan Mountains, and the warmth of the frontier's sun".
\n"This year's launch of the Wine Terroir &Culture Biennale is a core initiative to deeply integrate the concept of terroir into the wine industry. From winery owners and experts to cultural artists, entrepreneurs and consumers, everyone is an indispensable note in this symphony of terroir culture," Huang said.
\n"We encourage more social forces to participate so that the fragrance of wine culture permeates every corner of life. Together, we aim to shape a 'World Capital of Wine' and an 'International Wine Tourism Destination', making this gift of the earth a beautiful experience that connects us all and brightens our lives," he added.
\nWang Ziyun, president of the Ningxia Helan Mountains East Foothill grape and wine federation, said: "Focusing on the theme of terroir culture, we aim to honor the history of the region, shape the spirit of pioneering winery owners, and celebrate the craftsmanship of master growers and winemakers.
\n"We express and present these stories through diverse cultural and artistic forms, bringing to life the historical scroll of the Helan Mountains East Foothill wine region, ensuring its legacy endures for generations."
\nIn the exhibition area of the Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, experts praised the successful cultivation and winemaking of highly cold-resistant grape varieties of Jiuxi Winemakers in Ningxia.
\nDoctors Li Shaohua and Dai Zhanwu agreed that these Chinese-developed varieties adapt well to Ningxia's environment, reduce costs, improve efficiency, and display distinct quality features, marking an important step in the localization of grape varieties in China's wine industry.
\nAccording to Tan Zhiyong, owner of Jiuxi Winemakers, its goal is to produce wines that resonate with Chinese consumers, drawing on Jiuxi's environment, the expertise of viticulture specialist Liang Yuwen, and scientific support from the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
\nWhile science and innovation are pushing the region forward, traditional practices also play a defining role.
\nGao Yuan, co-founder of Silver Heights winery, whose vineyards lie at the foot of the Helan Mountains, has long adhered to biodynamic practices in vineyard management.
\n"Grapes cultivated through biodynamic methods best express the characteristics of the terroir, making them irreplicable products," she said.
\n"The most challenging part is the farming experience, accumulated year after year with biodynamic practices; it cannot be bought, only understood through dedication by integrating with nature, and through repeated trials. Only then can we achieve high-quality wines and foster a sustainable, regenerative wine industry," Gao said.
\nA new dimension
\nBeyond the vineyards, another dimension of Ningxia's wine culture is also taking shape — the fusion of art and wine.
\nZheng Zifeng, head of Dulaan Wine Resort, said the town was planned from the outset to use art as a bridge to turn winemaking into a broader ecosystem of culture, tourism and lifestyle.
\nOver the past five years, Dulaan Wine Resort has pursued this vision, using art as a medium to help the world better understand the story of Chinese wine.
\nZheng believes that the inaugural Wine Terroir & Culture Biennale will mark a new starting point, sparking more artistic inspiration and fostering dialogue between artists and Ningxia wines.
\nThis exhibition will break the boundaries between cultural artworks and commercial products, promoting integration between wine, culture, art, and society. It also seeks to remove barriers between artists and winemakers, encouraging cross-disciplinary collaboration to create wine-related works that combine artistic and cultural value with commercial potential.
\nAmong the representatives of Ningxia's cultural entrepreneurs is Jia Wei, who sees unique strength in the Helan Mountains East Foothill region, which is shaped by dramatic day-night temperature differences, the nourishment of the Yellow River, and the shelter of the mountains — all of which contribute to the quality of its wines.
\nJia hopes to combine "wine plus art", making wineries spaces not only for winemaking but also for art exhibitions and cultural exchanges. Visitors to the Helan Mountains East Foothill wine region could then enjoy fine wines while experiencing the unique fusion of art and land.
\nThe works showcased at the biennale will feature qualities of permanence, mobility, commercial value, and digital integration, including the use of artificial intelligence. Exhibits will go beyond traditional formats by incorporating modern technology and cultural creativity, aiming to transcend the boundaries of time, space and technology.
\nThe event is guided by an expert advisory committee comprising leading wine professionals, cultural artists and business leaders from China and abroad. The committee reflects the terroir and cultural background of the region, while ensuring the exhibition's high standards, professionalism and global vision.
\n"When Chinese wine consumers and enthusiasts talk about terroir — when they realize that the search for good wine can be traced through the interwoven clues of sky, earth, people, region, soil, climate, grape varieties, and vineyards — it marks a sign of maturity in China's wine consumption," said Hao Linhai, then president of the Ningxia Helan Mountains East Foothill grape and wine federation, in a speech in 2023.
\nToday, Hao, founding president of the federation and now director of the organizing committee of the 2025 biennale, said the Wine Terroir & Culture Biennale aims to become a globally influential cultural brand event, elevating the status of China's wine regions, including the Helan Mountains East Foothill area.
\nHe added that through competitions, auctions and related events, the biennale also aims to raise the market value and consumer awareness of wine, while promoting the integration of "wine plus tourism plus culture" to create a new identity for the region.
\nContact the writers at liyingxue@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/06/content_008_68e2c6fced50ccabe151aa7d.htm#008TREND", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 06 Oct 2025 00:21:04 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "01fbee0d48fc78faa843be446bb6a4dd", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "010TRAVEL - Indonesia's islands compete for global spotlight", + "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/010/20251006_010_01_9651.png\")
A tourist stands on a cliff overlooking the stunning islands and turquoise waters of Komodo National Park in Indonesia.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/010/20251006_010_01_35651.png\")
The serene waters of Lake Toba, Indonesia's largest volcanic lake, cradled by lush hills.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/010/20251006_010_01_44651.png\")
A diver swims past bleached corals in the waters of Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia.
\nThe memorable beauty of Indonesia's tourist sites lies not only in their striking landscapes but also in the ambience of exchanges among people, including the way locals connect with visitors as best as they can.
\nOne such moment unfolded near Ijen Crater — popularly known as the "Sunrise of Java" — in Banyuwangi, East Java Province. Earlier this year, a video of a middle-aged villager living near the famous attraction went viral after she was seen warmly greeting Chinese visitors.
\n"This mango is 35,000 rupiah ($2) per kilogram. If you buy 3 kilos, it's 100,000 altogether," she said — in melodic Chinese.
\n"Zhege hen tian de, mingtian bijiao haochi ma," added the traditionally veiled fruit vendor, meaning: This one is very sweet, and tomorrow it will taste even better.
\nShe is not alone. At the same spot, another video captured a man calling out in Chinese to tourists, inviting them to his stall. Promising sweet durians and mangosteens, he even joked that if the fruit was not sweet, it would be free.
\nThe videos, which also circulated online, show a small group of Chinese visitors chatting with the fruit seller in astonishment, bursting into warm laughter when they learned she had taught herself Mandarin.
\nAs China emerges as a leading source of global tourists, such viral moments — together with the rising number of Chinese holidaymakers to Indonesia — have reportedly encouraged villagers around Ijen and beyond to take up Mandarin.
\nIjen Crater, a complex of composite volcanoes about 300 kilometers southeast of Surabaya, the capital of East Java and Indonesia's second-largest city, has seen visitor numbers grow steadily in recent years. Alongside the increase, local villagers selling fruit and other goods at the site have worked hard to bridge the language gap with foreign travelers.
\nToday, Ijen stands among Java's must-visit places, drawing not only Southeast Asian and Chinese tourists but also visitors from France, the United States, Japan and Russia.
\nWhile Java and nearby Bali remain Indonesia's top islands for foreign tourists — with Chinese visitors currently leading arrivals in Bali, as they did even before the pandemic — other destinations across the country's 17,000 islands are gaining ground with their beautiful mountains, pristine beaches and rich cultural heritage.
\nThe rise in foreign visitors to these outer islands has convinced more locals that speaking a foreign language has now become a necessity. Even in Bali, reports suggest there is still a shortage of local guides with adequate Chinese-language skills.
\nPaul Edmundus Talo, group managing director at Floressa Bali Tours, said demand is growing not only for local guides but also for restaurant employees, hotel workers and others with good English and Mandarin.
\nAt the moment, many Chinese groups still prefer to bring their own Chinese-speaking guides, he said. "That's why they are especially happy when they meet locals who can talk with them in Chinese — it adds a human touch to their journey."
\nTalo, who began his tourism career after earning a bachelor's degree from a Jakarta tourism academy and later completed a doctorate in tourism economics, has witnessed these trends firsthand. His company, Floressa Bali Tours — based in Denpasar, the capital of Bali Province — serves both Indonesian and foreign holidaymakers, organizing trips to destinations across the archipelago, including the farthest islands beyond Bali and Java.
\nKomodo National Park
\nMany Chinese visitors, Talo said, have been exceptionally impressed by East Nusa Tenggara, where they can see the world's largest lizards at Komodo National Park on Komodo Island and dive at nearby top sites.
\nAlthough there are no direct international flights to Komodo, foreign travelers can get there by first flying to Labuan Bajo, on the western tip of Flores Island. The journey takes about 2.5 hours nonstop from Jakarta or 1.5 hours direct from Surabaya, East Java.
\nFrom Labuan Bajo, visitors continue by boat — either a standard vessel or a speedboat — which takes one to two hours to reach Komodo.
\nAccommodation in Labuan Bajo ranges from regular hotels to liveaboard boats, the latter becoming increasingly popular. Many tourists now go straight from the airport or seaport onto a boat to begin their adventure.
\nKomodo is one of 10 places the Indonesian government has promoted as "priority" tourist sites, while four others — among them Lake Toba in North Sumatra — have been designated as "super-priority "destinations.
\nLooking further east, Talo is planning to expand leisure and adventure trips to Raja Ampat and other destinations in Papua — Indonesia's easternmost region, which borders Papua New Guinea and draws the majority of its visitors from abroad.
\nLocated in West Papua Province, Raja Ampat was named by The New York Times this year as one of the world's must-visit destinations, alongside the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador and Norway's Lofoten Islands.
\nAccording to the Raja Ampat Regency Office, tourist arrivals — mostly foreigners, including many from China — have steadily increased over the past five years.
\nLying within the Coral Triangle off West Papua, Raja Ampat is made up of four main islands and some 1,800 smaller ones, most of them uninhabited. The region is famed for its pristine turquoise waters and marine biodiversity.
\nA nonstop passenger flight from Jakarta to Sorong takes about four hours. From Sorong, travelers can continue on to Raja Ampat by standard or high-speed boat, reaching the islands in one to two hours.
\nThere are also flights from Jakarta to Sorong with stopovers in Makassar, South Sulawesi, or in Manado, the provincial capital of North Sulawesi. Since there are no direct international flights to Sorong yet, Chinese tourists often fly directly to Manado and then connect to Sorong if Raja Ampat is their main destination.
\nCurrently, three airlines serve the China-Manado route: TransNusa, China Southern Airlines and Sichuan Airlines. Manado itself has become a must-visit stop for many Chinese holidaymakers, offering picturesque hillsides and beaches, notably in Likupang and Bunaken, both known for their natural beauty and rich marine life.
\nWelcoming tourists
\nRaja Ampat authorities expect to welcome around 45,000 tourists this year, said Ellen Risamasu, head of the Raja Ampat Tourism Office, as reported by tempo.co. She acknowledged, however, that the destination remains costly for many travelers.
\nEven so, the projected figure is more than double the 19,800 visitors recorded in 2023 — though only about half of last year's total.
\nFor Jakarta resident Anika Soertjiady, the higher costs are justified. "Raja Ampat's clean and blue seawaters are really incredible for diving, and it is also a strongly recommended place for seafood lovers," she said, while showing photos of beautifully built bungalows on stilts.
\nFor foreign holidaymakers seeking destinations not too far from Jakarta, Lampung Province in southern Sumatra is well worth a visit. At Way Kambas National Park, visitors can see endangered Asian elephants in their natural habitat.
\nA flight from Jakarta to the provincial capital, Bandar Lampung, takes just 55 minutes. From the airport, travelers can rent a car and reach Way Kambas in about two hours.
\nI Putu Winastra, head of the Bali chapter of the Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies, said the government's priority should not only be on developing attractions but also on improving access.
\n"In tourism, it's not the destination — it's connectivity that matters most," Winastra said.
\nNo matter how impressive the attractions are, without direct flights or strong transport links, nobody comes, he said.
\nHe recalled that before the pandemic, Bali saw a surge in chartered flights, including many from China, which greatly boosted arrivals.
\n", + "content": "A tourist stands on a cliff overlooking the stunning islands and turquoise waters of Komodo National Park in Indonesia.
\nThe serene waters of Lake Toba, Indonesia's largest volcanic lake, cradled by lush hills.
\nA diver swims past bleached corals in the waters of Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia.
\nThe memorable beauty of Indonesia's tourist sites lies not only in their striking landscapes but also in the ambience of exchanges among people, including the way locals connect with visitors as best as they can.
\nOne such moment unfolded near Ijen Crater — popularly known as the "Sunrise of Java" — in Banyuwangi, East Java Province. Earlier this year, a video of a middle-aged villager living near the famous attraction went viral after she was seen warmly greeting Chinese visitors.
\n"This mango is 35,000 rupiah ($2) per kilogram. If you buy 3 kilos, it's 100,000 altogether," she said — in melodic Chinese.
\n"Zhege hen tian de, mingtian bijiao haochi ma," added the traditionally veiled fruit vendor, meaning: This one is very sweet, and tomorrow it will taste even better.
\nShe is not alone. At the same spot, another video captured a man calling out in Chinese to tourists, inviting them to his stall. Promising sweet durians and mangosteens, he even joked that if the fruit was not sweet, it would be free.
\nThe videos, which also circulated online, show a small group of Chinese visitors chatting with the fruit seller in astonishment, bursting into warm laughter when they learned she had taught herself Mandarin.
\nAs China emerges as a leading source of global tourists, such viral moments — together with the rising number of Chinese holidaymakers to Indonesia — have reportedly encouraged villagers around Ijen and beyond to take up Mandarin.
\nIjen Crater, a complex of composite volcanoes about 300 kilometers southeast of Surabaya, the capital of East Java and Indonesia's second-largest city, has seen visitor numbers grow steadily in recent years. Alongside the increase, local villagers selling fruit and other goods at the site have worked hard to bridge the language gap with foreign travelers.
\nToday, Ijen stands among Java's must-visit places, drawing not only Southeast Asian and Chinese tourists but also visitors from France, the United States, Japan and Russia.
\nWhile Java and nearby Bali remain Indonesia's top islands for foreign tourists — with Chinese visitors currently leading arrivals in Bali, as they did even before the pandemic — other destinations across the country's 17,000 islands are gaining ground with their beautiful mountains, pristine beaches and rich cultural heritage.
\nThe rise in foreign visitors to these outer islands has convinced more locals that speaking a foreign language has now become a necessity. Even in Bali, reports suggest there is still a shortage of local guides with adequate Chinese-language skills.
\nPaul Edmundus Talo, group managing director at Floressa Bali Tours, said demand is growing not only for local guides but also for restaurant employees, hotel workers and others with good English and Mandarin.
\nAt the moment, many Chinese groups still prefer to bring their own Chinese-speaking guides, he said. "That's why they are especially happy when they meet locals who can talk with them in Chinese — it adds a human touch to their journey."
\nTalo, who began his tourism career after earning a bachelor's degree from a Jakarta tourism academy and later completed a doctorate in tourism economics, has witnessed these trends firsthand. His company, Floressa Bali Tours — based in Denpasar, the capital of Bali Province — serves both Indonesian and foreign holidaymakers, organizing trips to destinations across the archipelago, including the farthest islands beyond Bali and Java.
\nKomodo National Park
\nMany Chinese visitors, Talo said, have been exceptionally impressed by East Nusa Tenggara, where they can see the world's largest lizards at Komodo National Park on Komodo Island and dive at nearby top sites.
\nAlthough there are no direct international flights to Komodo, foreign travelers can get there by first flying to Labuan Bajo, on the western tip of Flores Island. The journey takes about 2.5 hours nonstop from Jakarta or 1.5 hours direct from Surabaya, East Java.
\nFrom Labuan Bajo, visitors continue by boat — either a standard vessel or a speedboat — which takes one to two hours to reach Komodo.
\nAccommodation in Labuan Bajo ranges from regular hotels to liveaboard boats, the latter becoming increasingly popular. Many tourists now go straight from the airport or seaport onto a boat to begin their adventure.
\nKomodo is one of 10 places the Indonesian government has promoted as "priority" tourist sites, while four others — among them Lake Toba in North Sumatra — have been designated as "super-priority "destinations.
\nLooking further east, Talo is planning to expand leisure and adventure trips to Raja Ampat and other destinations in Papua — Indonesia's easternmost region, which borders Papua New Guinea and draws the majority of its visitors from abroad.
\nLocated in West Papua Province, Raja Ampat was named by The New York Times this year as one of the world's must-visit destinations, alongside the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador and Norway's Lofoten Islands.
\nAccording to the Raja Ampat Regency Office, tourist arrivals — mostly foreigners, including many from China — have steadily increased over the past five years.
\nLying within the Coral Triangle off West Papua, Raja Ampat is made up of four main islands and some 1,800 smaller ones, most of them uninhabited. The region is famed for its pristine turquoise waters and marine biodiversity.
\nA nonstop passenger flight from Jakarta to Sorong takes about four hours. From Sorong, travelers can continue on to Raja Ampat by standard or high-speed boat, reaching the islands in one to two hours.
\nThere are also flights from Jakarta to Sorong with stopovers in Makassar, South Sulawesi, or in Manado, the provincial capital of North Sulawesi. Since there are no direct international flights to Sorong yet, Chinese tourists often fly directly to Manado and then connect to Sorong if Raja Ampat is their main destination.
\nCurrently, three airlines serve the China-Manado route: TransNusa, China Southern Airlines and Sichuan Airlines. Manado itself has become a must-visit stop for many Chinese holidaymakers, offering picturesque hillsides and beaches, notably in Likupang and Bunaken, both known for their natural beauty and rich marine life.
\nWelcoming tourists
\nRaja Ampat authorities expect to welcome around 45,000 tourists this year, said Ellen Risamasu, head of the Raja Ampat Tourism Office, as reported by tempo.co. She acknowledged, however, that the destination remains costly for many travelers.
\nEven so, the projected figure is more than double the 19,800 visitors recorded in 2023 — though only about half of last year's total.
\nFor Jakarta resident Anika Soertjiady, the higher costs are justified. "Raja Ampat's clean and blue seawaters are really incredible for diving, and it is also a strongly recommended place for seafood lovers," she said, while showing photos of beautifully built bungalows on stilts.
\nFor foreign holidaymakers seeking destinations not too far from Jakarta, Lampung Province in southern Sumatra is well worth a visit. At Way Kambas National Park, visitors can see endangered Asian elephants in their natural habitat.
\nA flight from Jakarta to the provincial capital, Bandar Lampung, takes just 55 minutes. From the airport, travelers can rent a car and reach Way Kambas in about two hours.
\nI Putu Winastra, head of the Bali chapter of the Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies, said the government's priority should not only be on developing attractions but also on improving access.
\n"In tourism, it's not the destination — it's connectivity that matters most," Winastra said.
\nNo matter how impressive the attractions are, without direct flights or strong transport links, nobody comes, he said.
\nHe recalled that before the pandemic, Bali saw a surge in chartered flights, including many from China, which greatly boosted arrivals.
\n", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/06/content_010_68e2c709ed50ccabe151aa80.htm#010TRAVEL", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 06 Oct 2025 00:21:04 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "b5136e1bfaf41cea03ab84bb6b235bea", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "010TRAVEL - Visa policies bring more visitors to Bali, beyond", + "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/010/20251006_010_02_56651.png\")
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/010/20251006_010_02_18651.png\")
Labuan Bajo, where turquoise waters meet rugged cliffs, serves as the gateway to Komodo's legendary islands.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/010/20251006_010_02_25651.png\")
Tourists relax on Kuta Beach in Bali, Indonesia, enjoying the sun and sea.
\nMelania Dasilva, operational manager of L Bajo Hotel in eastern Indonesia, is among the tourism industry players who strongly welcome the government's ambitious policies to boost the country's travel sector.
\nShe highlighted initiatives such as Visa on Arrival and e-VoA, which have increased tourist arrivals, including to her hometown of Labuan Bajo on the western tip of Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara Province.
\nCurrently, Chinese nationals are eligible for VoA when entering Indonesia, along with visitors from Germany, Japan, Jordan, Russia, the United States and Uzbekistan.
\nThe government has also extended visa-free entry to all members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, as well as to travelers from Timor Leste; Suriname; Colombia; Hong Kong, China; Turkiye; and Brazil.
\nAs operational manager of a non-star hotel in Labuan Bajo, Dasilva said she had previously seen only a handful of foreign tourists staying at her property. That has changed, with numbers now on the rise, boosting L Bajo Hotel's profile. The new wave of guests includes visitors from Australia, Japan and China.
\nAmong Labuan Bajo's star-rated hotels, five-star ones mostly cater to foreign tourists — many arriving via Bali and planning trips to see the world's largest lizards at nearby Komodo National Park on Komodo Island, or to dive in the area's strikingly blue waters.
\nThe number of Chinese visitors to Labuan Bajo has surged 350 percent over the past two years, partly because of the government's visaon-arrival policy, Charles Christian Mathaus, head of Labuan Bajo's immigration office, said in June.
\nIn April, Chinese tourists accounted for nearly 29 percent of all foreign visitors to Labuan Bajo, detik.com reported.
\nServices at airports are also improving. Currently, there are fewer reports of long lines at the immigration gate of Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport.
\nIn the past, viral reports detailed visitors' "nightmare" experiences at Bali airport, claiming they had to wait hours in massive immigration lines. For Indonesia's tourism industry, such delays could discourage travelers from visiting the archipelago.
\nThe country's new visa system, which includes Visa on Arrival and e-VoA, allows tourists and business visitors to stay for up to 30 days upon arrival.
\nIndonesia introduced VoA in 2016 and e-VoA in 2022. While VoA can be purchased at the airport, e-VoA can be booked in advance, giving travelers flexibility. Both options — particularly e-VoA — help reduce long waits at immigration counters.
\nIn addition to Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport, and Manado's Sam Ratulangi Airport, international airports in Papua and South Papua provinces are also seeing growing numbers of travelers.
\n"With Visa on Arrival, visitors can more easily enter Indonesia and go to various destinations in our country, from Bali or Jakarta," said I Putu Winastra, head of the Bali chapter of the Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies.
\nWinastra, however, disagrees that the visa policy will lead to a drop in the number of travelers staying in Bali, noting that tourists may also explore other destinations such as Java, Labuan Bajo, Lake Toba, and sites in Papua.
\n"Reports that Bali is experiencing overtourism is groundless because what happens is tourist overconcentration, not overtourism," Winastra added.
\nHe admitted that overtourism can pose environmental risks, but added that "Bali is not just southern Bali", highlighting that the northern part of the "Island of the Gods "offers many promising destinations for visitors.
\nXi He Can, deputy head of Mandarin language education at a large school in Tangerang, Banten Province, said she has visited Bali several times and also seen Lake Toba in North Sumatra.
\nShe said she really loves these destinations, especially Bali's idyllic scenery, noting that "every time I go to Bali, my heart can be calm and relaxed, and return to nature".
\n"I love the culture of smiling among people, the slow pace of life and the human touch," said Xi, who has lived in Indonesia for 10 years after moving from a town in North China.
\nShe added that she has no plans to visit Indonesia's more distant provinces but intends to encourage her relatives, friends and others in China to come to Indonesia for leisure.
\nWidiyanti Putri Wardhana, Indonesia's tourism minister, said the government has set a target of attracting 14 to 16 million foreign tourists this year, most of whom are likely to make Bali their first destination, as has been the case for decades.
\n", + "content": "\nLabuan Bajo, where turquoise waters meet rugged cliffs, serves as the gateway to Komodo's legendary islands.
\nTourists relax on Kuta Beach in Bali, Indonesia, enjoying the sun and sea.
\nMelania Dasilva, operational manager of L Bajo Hotel in eastern Indonesia, is among the tourism industry players who strongly welcome the government's ambitious policies to boost the country's travel sector.
\nShe highlighted initiatives such as Visa on Arrival and e-VoA, which have increased tourist arrivals, including to her hometown of Labuan Bajo on the western tip of Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara Province.
\nCurrently, Chinese nationals are eligible for VoA when entering Indonesia, along with visitors from Germany, Japan, Jordan, Russia, the United States and Uzbekistan.
\nThe government has also extended visa-free entry to all members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, as well as to travelers from Timor Leste; Suriname; Colombia; Hong Kong, China; Turkiye; and Brazil.
\nAs operational manager of a non-star hotel in Labuan Bajo, Dasilva said she had previously seen only a handful of foreign tourists staying at her property. That has changed, with numbers now on the rise, boosting L Bajo Hotel's profile. The new wave of guests includes visitors from Australia, Japan and China.
\nAmong Labuan Bajo's star-rated hotels, five-star ones mostly cater to foreign tourists — many arriving via Bali and planning trips to see the world's largest lizards at nearby Komodo National Park on Komodo Island, or to dive in the area's strikingly blue waters.
\nThe number of Chinese visitors to Labuan Bajo has surged 350 percent over the past two years, partly because of the government's visaon-arrival policy, Charles Christian Mathaus, head of Labuan Bajo's immigration office, said in June.
\nIn April, Chinese tourists accounted for nearly 29 percent of all foreign visitors to Labuan Bajo, detik.com reported.
\nServices at airports are also improving. Currently, there are fewer reports of long lines at the immigration gate of Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport.
\nIn the past, viral reports detailed visitors' "nightmare" experiences at Bali airport, claiming they had to wait hours in massive immigration lines. For Indonesia's tourism industry, such delays could discourage travelers from visiting the archipelago.
\nThe country's new visa system, which includes Visa on Arrival and e-VoA, allows tourists and business visitors to stay for up to 30 days upon arrival.
\nIndonesia introduced VoA in 2016 and e-VoA in 2022. While VoA can be purchased at the airport, e-VoA can be booked in advance, giving travelers flexibility. Both options — particularly e-VoA — help reduce long waits at immigration counters.
\nIn addition to Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport, and Manado's Sam Ratulangi Airport, international airports in Papua and South Papua provinces are also seeing growing numbers of travelers.
\n"With Visa on Arrival, visitors can more easily enter Indonesia and go to various destinations in our country, from Bali or Jakarta," said I Putu Winastra, head of the Bali chapter of the Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies.
\nWinastra, however, disagrees that the visa policy will lead to a drop in the number of travelers staying in Bali, noting that tourists may also explore other destinations such as Java, Labuan Bajo, Lake Toba, and sites in Papua.
\n"Reports that Bali is experiencing overtourism is groundless because what happens is tourist overconcentration, not overtourism," Winastra added.
\nHe admitted that overtourism can pose environmental risks, but added that "Bali is not just southern Bali", highlighting that the northern part of the "Island of the Gods "offers many promising destinations for visitors.
\nXi He Can, deputy head of Mandarin language education at a large school in Tangerang, Banten Province, said she has visited Bali several times and also seen Lake Toba in North Sumatra.
\nShe said she really loves these destinations, especially Bali's idyllic scenery, noting that "every time I go to Bali, my heart can be calm and relaxed, and return to nature".
\n"I love the culture of smiling among people, the slow pace of life and the human touch," said Xi, who has lived in Indonesia for 10 years after moving from a town in North China.
\nShe added that she has no plans to visit Indonesia's more distant provinces but intends to encourage her relatives, friends and others in China to come to Indonesia for leisure.
\nWidiyanti Putri Wardhana, Indonesia's tourism minister, said the government has set a target of attracting 14 to 16 million foreign tourists this year, most of whom are likely to make Bali their first destination, as has been the case for decades.
\n", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/06/content_010_68e2c70eed50ccabe151aa81.htm#010TRAVEL", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 06 Oct 2025 00:21:04 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "a9526b20e2198ec43f7cb8d57a565447", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "011SPORTS - Remote county reaps net benefits", + "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/011/20251006_011_01_10167.png\")
Fans of Qingyuan's "Mushroom Warriors" quite literally drum up support for the team during an away Zhejiang Basketball Association match against Jinhua.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/011/20251006_011_01_22167.png\")
Qingyuan's players, many of them ordinary workers, have become local heroes, while fans are enthusiastic in their support. Across the town, posters of players fill public spaces, while videos of their efforts are shared widely online.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/011/20251006_011_01_15167.png\")
Qingyuan's players, many of them ordinary workers, have become local heroes, while fans are enthusiastic in their support. Across the town, posters of players fill public spaces, while videos of their efforts are shared widely online.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/011/20251006_011_01_31167.png\")
A recent Zhejiang Basketball Association game at the Hangzhou Olympic Center plays out in front of a near sell-out crowd.
\nOn a humid September night in Qingyuan, a remote hill county in southwestern Zhejiang province with about 140,000 residents, the local sports center was transformed into a cauldron of noise and light.
\nThe occasion was a ZheBA city clash between underdog Qingyuan and provincial capital Hangzhou, a metropolis of more than 10 million people. Inside the stadium, nearly 10,000 fans erupted in thunderous unison, rattling the steel roof. Beyond the arena, the tournament's impact pulsed through the town, filling cash registers and drawing the community closer together.
\nBasketball fever
\nThe tournament's influence stretched well past the court, energizing commerce and culture. Streets, shops and markets thrived in a way locals had never seen.
\n"Orders have been cascading like snowflakes," said Wang Jinyong, owner of a rice cake shop near the arena. "I simply can't keep up. On game days, fans from Hangzhou line up before the shop even opens. Zhe-BA has put our county in the spotlight and carried our delicacies far beyond the hills."
\nHis family's black rice cakes, once a local treat, now sell out within hours. Similarly, Fan Huafei, who runs an online mushroom store, said sales jumped nearly 30 percent. "Spectators taste our mushrooms courtside, then order online to share with friends and family. The tournament has given our produce wings."
\nAs night fell, barbecue stalls like Yao Ya's became gathering points. "Every evening is a full house," Yao said, flipping skewers over on smoky grills as laughter and chatter filled the streets.
\nTourism is also surging. Visitors camped in Lingtou village, blending outdoor leisure with basketball fever. "ZheBA has put this region on the map," said Yuan Ke, executive director of the Zhejiang RV and Camping Association.
\nMushroom warriors
\nThe county, known as China's mushroom capital, embraced the nickname "Mushroom Warriors" for its team. With the arena packed, hundreds of fans gathered in the central square to watch on a giant screen, waving bamboo tubes called gu shengtong.
\n"We chose bamboo for its symbolism and sustainability," said volunteer leader Ye Jiqin. "It lets everyone feel part of the rally."
\nThe local cinema even opened a hall for free live screenings. "The atmosphere rivals the arena itself," said manager Lu Tiefeng.
\nThe county has transformed into a living arena: streets are lined with banners, shop windows are plastered with posters and children wave flags. For many residents, the appeal is less about winning and more about the fight.
\n"Our players fight until the final buzzer," Ye said. "Their grit mirrors the spirit of our community."
\nWork and play
\nThe players, many of them ordinary workers, have become local heroes. Among them is guard Yao Dingtian, a bank clerk who scored 28 points in Qingyuan's 83-108 loss to Hangzhou.
\n"He embodies the spirit of a true hometown hero," said one elderly fan.
\nAt the bank, customers request Yao by name. "They say trusting him feels like trusting someone who never gives up," a colleague noted.
\nAcross the town, posters of players fill public spaces, while videos of their efforts spread widely online, turning the county into a trending topic.
\nFor Qingyuan, the final buzzer is not an ending but the start of a story still unfolding. To its people, the team's first victory feels like only a matter of time.
\n", + "content": "Fans of Qingyuan's "Mushroom Warriors" quite literally drum up support for the team during an away Zhejiang Basketball Association match against Jinhua.
\nQingyuan's players, many of them ordinary workers, have become local heroes, while fans are enthusiastic in their support. Across the town, posters of players fill public spaces, while videos of their efforts are shared widely online.
\nQingyuan's players, many of them ordinary workers, have become local heroes, while fans are enthusiastic in their support. Across the town, posters of players fill public spaces, while videos of their efforts are shared widely online.
\nA recent Zhejiang Basketball Association game at the Hangzhou Olympic Center plays out in front of a near sell-out crowd.
\nOn a humid September night in Qingyuan, a remote hill county in southwestern Zhejiang province with about 140,000 residents, the local sports center was transformed into a cauldron of noise and light.
\nThe occasion was a ZheBA city clash between underdog Qingyuan and provincial capital Hangzhou, a metropolis of more than 10 million people. Inside the stadium, nearly 10,000 fans erupted in thunderous unison, rattling the steel roof. Beyond the arena, the tournament's impact pulsed through the town, filling cash registers and drawing the community closer together.
\nBasketball fever
\nThe tournament's influence stretched well past the court, energizing commerce and culture. Streets, shops and markets thrived in a way locals had never seen.
\n"Orders have been cascading like snowflakes," said Wang Jinyong, owner of a rice cake shop near the arena. "I simply can't keep up. On game days, fans from Hangzhou line up before the shop even opens. Zhe-BA has put our county in the spotlight and carried our delicacies far beyond the hills."
\nHis family's black rice cakes, once a local treat, now sell out within hours. Similarly, Fan Huafei, who runs an online mushroom store, said sales jumped nearly 30 percent. "Spectators taste our mushrooms courtside, then order online to share with friends and family. The tournament has given our produce wings."
\nAs night fell, barbecue stalls like Yao Ya's became gathering points. "Every evening is a full house," Yao said, flipping skewers over on smoky grills as laughter and chatter filled the streets.
\nTourism is also surging. Visitors camped in Lingtou village, blending outdoor leisure with basketball fever. "ZheBA has put this region on the map," said Yuan Ke, executive director of the Zhejiang RV and Camping Association.
\nMushroom warriors
\nThe county, known as China's mushroom capital, embraced the nickname "Mushroom Warriors" for its team. With the arena packed, hundreds of fans gathered in the central square to watch on a giant screen, waving bamboo tubes called gu shengtong.
\n"We chose bamboo for its symbolism and sustainability," said volunteer leader Ye Jiqin. "It lets everyone feel part of the rally."
\nThe local cinema even opened a hall for free live screenings. "The atmosphere rivals the arena itself," said manager Lu Tiefeng.
\nThe county has transformed into a living arena: streets are lined with banners, shop windows are plastered with posters and children wave flags. For many residents, the appeal is less about winning and more about the fight.
\n"Our players fight until the final buzzer," Ye said. "Their grit mirrors the spirit of our community."
\nWork and play
\nThe players, many of them ordinary workers, have become local heroes. Among them is guard Yao Dingtian, a bank clerk who scored 28 points in Qingyuan's 83-108 loss to Hangzhou.
\n"He embodies the spirit of a true hometown hero," said one elderly fan.
\nAt the bank, customers request Yao by name. "They say trusting him feels like trusting someone who never gives up," a colleague noted.
\nAcross the town, posters of players fill public spaces, while videos of their efforts spread widely online, turning the county into a trending topic.
\nFor Qingyuan, the final buzzer is not an ending but the start of a story still unfolding. To its people, the team's first victory feels like only a matter of time.
\n", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/06/content_011_68e2c712ed50ccabe151aa82.htm#011SPORTS", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 06 Oct 2025 00:21:04 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "a2e64cdf6f7527e2a4e0ce208c1714cf", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "012SPORTS - Getting up to speed", + "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/012/20251006_012_01_33179.png\")
China's Shang Juncheng hits a return to Russia's Karen Khachanov during their singles match at the Rolex Shanghai Masters tennis tournament in Shanghai on Saturday.
\nNever a power hitter and never will he be, China's rising ace Shang Juncheng leans on his quick legs and tactical variety to outwit size and strength, enabling him to survive the brutally competitive world of men's tennis.
\nA sudden bone fracture in his right foot sustained at the Australian Open, however, cast a shadow on his meteoric rise on the ATP Tour, posing a serious threat to a budding career that has been built upon his speed and agility.
\nThe 20-year-old did pay a heavy price — he underwent the first surgery of his life, spent almost half a year in rehab and took a nosedive in the rankings, plummeting to No 238 all the way from a career-high No 47 a year ago.
\nYet, he left fans convinced that none of the setbacks would wear him down, proving it at the last and highest-caliber tournament of the year on home soil, the Rolex Shanghai Masters.
\nRelying on his familiar winning formula of fast movement combined with pinpoint shots and long rallies, Shang stunned world No 10 Karen Khachanov in straight sets in a second-round encounter with the big-serving Russian on Saturday to notch his first win over a top-10 opponent since he turned pro in 2021.
\nThe biggest win of his career to date also helped him reach the third round at a top-tier ATP 1000 tournament for the first time in his career, making him the youngest among three Chinese men who have advanced that far at a Masters tournament.
\nOnly his older compatriots Zhang Zhizhen and Wu Yibing have accomplished the feat, also in Shanghai in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
\nThe victory was Shang's fifth career win on the ATP 1000 series, where, aged 19, he became the youngest Chinese man ever to register a main-draw triumph at that level with a straight-sets win over Jordan Thompson at Indian Wells, California, in March last year.
\nThe serial setter of "youngest-ever" records in Chinese men's tennis will next take on Portugal's world No 51 Nuno Borges on Monday in the round of 32, looking to write more history under his name.
\n"It was an unbelievable match against Karen today. He's a very solid top-10 player. Coming into the match I didn't think too much, I just wanted to put on a show for the people," Shang said during his post-match on-court interview.
\n"I didn't start perfectly, but I kept fighting, kept focusing, no matter if I was winning or losing, though I'm glad that I got the win. Overall, I am happy with my performance, and would have been even if I had lost."
\nApart from his composure and precision, Shang attributed his scintillating form to the energy from his family who were cheering in the stands, including vocal support and some technical tips from his grandmother.
\n"I am super happy to have family here," Shang said before rushing into the stands to hug his most senior cheerleader. "Winning here, on such a big stage, means a lot, especially at home. Having them watch me do it is incredible."
\nShang's deeper run in Shanghai, after being eliminated in the second round last year by world No 1 Carlos Alcaraz, has served him up a much-needed confidence boost following his return from the long injury layoff.
\nSince coming back to play in July during the North American hard-court swing, Shang has suffered five losses, including two straight defeats recently at home in the ATP 250 Chengdu Open and ATP 500 China Open, as he tried to pick up his pace and regain his form.
\nIt seems that his form has arrived at the right time.
\nThe Shanghai Masters, as the highest-ranked event on the China Swing, offers the most generous prize pool and ranking-point haul during the final stretch of the season, and by fighting into the round of 32 Shang has already collected 50 points, helping him climb back to No 215 in the live ATP rankings, as well as pocketing a bonus of at least $60,400.
\nTo get over the hump mentally, following an injury that hampered his strength in movement, is worth far more, though, according to Shang.
\n"I am always a fast-moving player, and I've been used to counting on my advantage in speed when facing bigger and more powerful opponents," said Shang, who won his career first ATP Tour title in Chengdu last year thanks to his rapid-fire game.
\n"I feel like I've overcome a hurdle in my mind with the win over a top-10 opponent, and by getting over that mental obstacle, I've found the confidence in myself again.
\n"Of course, I won't be able to prevail every time I face a player in the top 10. But, with faith restored in myself physically and mentally, I feel like I could do it every time I step on the court on my best day."
\nShang and Khachanov twice traded breaks in the opening set. In the second set, Shang rode a string of winners to victory, claiming the final three games from 3-3 and rattling off the final six points of the match.
\n"Against players like Karen, you might only have one chance to close it out," said Shang. "If I don't, it might be the match, it might be a grind in the third set, you never know. But, I'm glad that I kept the focus, and that, in the end, it went smoothly."
\nIn an earlier second-round match on Saturday, China's current top-ranked man, Buyunchaokete, who is ranked 121st, was beaten by Italy's No 26 seed Luciano Darderi 6-4, 6-4 at the Grandstand 2 Court, ending his Shanghai campaign earlier than expected, leaving Shang as the last local favorite standing.
\nsunxiaochen@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", + "content": "China's Shang Juncheng hits a return to Russia's Karen Khachanov during their singles match at the Rolex Shanghai Masters tennis tournament in Shanghai on Saturday.
\nNever a power hitter and never will he be, China's rising ace Shang Juncheng leans on his quick legs and tactical variety to outwit size and strength, enabling him to survive the brutally competitive world of men's tennis.
\nA sudden bone fracture in his right foot sustained at the Australian Open, however, cast a shadow on his meteoric rise on the ATP Tour, posing a serious threat to a budding career that has been built upon his speed and agility.
\nThe 20-year-old did pay a heavy price — he underwent the first surgery of his life, spent almost half a year in rehab and took a nosedive in the rankings, plummeting to No 238 all the way from a career-high No 47 a year ago.
\nYet, he left fans convinced that none of the setbacks would wear him down, proving it at the last and highest-caliber tournament of the year on home soil, the Rolex Shanghai Masters.
\nRelying on his familiar winning formula of fast movement combined with pinpoint shots and long rallies, Shang stunned world No 10 Karen Khachanov in straight sets in a second-round encounter with the big-serving Russian on Saturday to notch his first win over a top-10 opponent since he turned pro in 2021.
\nThe biggest win of his career to date also helped him reach the third round at a top-tier ATP 1000 tournament for the first time in his career, making him the youngest among three Chinese men who have advanced that far at a Masters tournament.
\nOnly his older compatriots Zhang Zhizhen and Wu Yibing have accomplished the feat, also in Shanghai in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
\nThe victory was Shang's fifth career win on the ATP 1000 series, where, aged 19, he became the youngest Chinese man ever to register a main-draw triumph at that level with a straight-sets win over Jordan Thompson at Indian Wells, California, in March last year.
\nThe serial setter of "youngest-ever" records in Chinese men's tennis will next take on Portugal's world No 51 Nuno Borges on Monday in the round of 32, looking to write more history under his name.
\n"It was an unbelievable match against Karen today. He's a very solid top-10 player. Coming into the match I didn't think too much, I just wanted to put on a show for the people," Shang said during his post-match on-court interview.
\n"I didn't start perfectly, but I kept fighting, kept focusing, no matter if I was winning or losing, though I'm glad that I got the win. Overall, I am happy with my performance, and would have been even if I had lost."
\nApart from his composure and precision, Shang attributed his scintillating form to the energy from his family who were cheering in the stands, including vocal support and some technical tips from his grandmother.
\n"I am super happy to have family here," Shang said before rushing into the stands to hug his most senior cheerleader. "Winning here, on such a big stage, means a lot, especially at home. Having them watch me do it is incredible."
\nShang's deeper run in Shanghai, after being eliminated in the second round last year by world No 1 Carlos Alcaraz, has served him up a much-needed confidence boost following his return from the long injury layoff.
\nSince coming back to play in July during the North American hard-court swing, Shang has suffered five losses, including two straight defeats recently at home in the ATP 250 Chengdu Open and ATP 500 China Open, as he tried to pick up his pace and regain his form.
\nIt seems that his form has arrived at the right time.
\nThe Shanghai Masters, as the highest-ranked event on the China Swing, offers the most generous prize pool and ranking-point haul during the final stretch of the season, and by fighting into the round of 32 Shang has already collected 50 points, helping him climb back to No 215 in the live ATP rankings, as well as pocketing a bonus of at least $60,400.
\nTo get over the hump mentally, following an injury that hampered his strength in movement, is worth far more, though, according to Shang.
\n"I am always a fast-moving player, and I've been used to counting on my advantage in speed when facing bigger and more powerful opponents," said Shang, who won his career first ATP Tour title in Chengdu last year thanks to his rapid-fire game.
\n"I feel like I've overcome a hurdle in my mind with the win over a top-10 opponent, and by getting over that mental obstacle, I've found the confidence in myself again.
\n"Of course, I won't be able to prevail every time I face a player in the top 10. But, with faith restored in myself physically and mentally, I feel like I could do it every time I step on the court on my best day."
\nShang and Khachanov twice traded breaks in the opening set. In the second set, Shang rode a string of winners to victory, claiming the final three games from 3-3 and rattling off the final six points of the match.
\n"Against players like Karen, you might only have one chance to close it out," said Shang. "If I don't, it might be the match, it might be a grind in the third set, you never know. But, I'm glad that I kept the focus, and that, in the end, it went smoothly."
\nIn an earlier second-round match on Saturday, China's current top-ranked man, Buyunchaokete, who is ranked 121st, was beaten by Italy's No 26 seed Luciano Darderi 6-4, 6-4 at the Grandstand 2 Court, ending his Shanghai campaign earlier than expected, leaving Shang as the last local favorite standing.
\nsunxiaochen@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/06/content_012_68e2c716ed50ccabe151aa83.htm#012SPORTS", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 06 Oct 2025 00:21:04 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "bac07ab2c638b033f1122bab67bb0fa4", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "012SPORTS - Players embrace fan-tastic China Swing", + "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/012/20251006_012_02_15179.png\")
Italy's Jasmine Paolini (left) and Coco Gauff of the United States interact with fans during the China Open in Beijing.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-06/012/20251006_012_02_24179.png\")
Italy's Jasmine Paolini (left) and Coco Gauff of the United States interact with fans during the China Open in Beijing.
\nIt's developing into a tournament tradition in Beijing, and it's one that everyone seems to love.
\nFans giving their beloved international stars Chinese nicknames — sometimes creative, while most times hilarious — and teaching the players how to pronounce them in Mandarin has caught on at the China Open, shedding light on the fun reception the competitors have enjoyed in Beijing.
\nJust ask the United States' women's defending champion Coco Gauff, aka the "Fruit Salad Queen", how thoughtful her growing legion of fans is when it comes to flooding her with love and support, and the two-time major winner would rate it unmatched.
\nAfter all, her collection of gifts in Beijing has beaten her Christmas haul.
\n"I will say, the Chinese fans have been the nicest fans on tour by far. Just the gifts and everything ... It's more gifts than I've gotten on Christmas, and I was a pretty spoiled kid. It's just insane," Gauff said of the treatment she's received from fans during the ongoing "China Swing" of tournaments.
\n"I don't know if I'll get as many gifts elsewhere in the world. I hope the western side of the world can be as nice as the Chinese fans are," said the world No 3, who was eventually beaten by her 4th-ranked compatriot Amanda Anisimova 6-1, 6-2 in the semifinals on Saturday at the WTA 1000 tournament in Beijing.
\nWell aware of their idol's habits, including snacking on fruit salads during changeovers, Gauff's Chinese fans had been affectionately rooting for her with the regal moniker until the American star threw down a challenge.
\nAfter hearing that one of her fellow countrywomen Jessica Pegula's Chinese nicknames is "capybara", Gauff is looking for an equivalent.
\n"I would like to know what animal resonates with me," said Gauff, who has landed in Wuhan, capital of Hubei province, to play another WTA 1000 tournament, which is set to start on Monday.
\n"I mean, 'fruit salad' is cool, but I think being named after an animal is cooler. I would like to see what animal they think I am."
\nPerhaps, Pegula wanted something more innocuously straightforward as well, after learning about her other nickname, the one that has truly gone viral on Chinese social media.
\n"Da Fu", which literally translates to "Big Rich", has been how most of Pegula's growing legion of Chinese fans have been referring to her during her stay in Beijing, referencing her billionaire parents.
\nThe gifts Chinese fans had prepared for Pegula proved to be personal and meticulously curated, such as a key ring engraved with a likeness of her beloved dog Maddie, and a beautifully designed traditional paper fan bearing the inscription "Princess of Buffalo" in Chinese, honoring the American star's family roots in the New York state city.
\nThese aren't generic fan offerings, Pegula noted, but products of research, affection and understanding of their favorite players' lives beyond the baseline.
\n"Even though I did feel it last year, this year it feels like it's a lot more," Pegula said of her surprising popularity in Beijing, where she reached the semifinals last week. "I'm not sure why. Maybe over the years gaining fans and stuff like that. Or maybe I'm just embracing it a little bit more."
\n"They're so creative with a lot of the off-court stuff. They definitely research a lot of things. It's been a lot of fun. I definitely can feel a lot more support coming here."
\nRussian teen star Mirra Andreeva echoed the sentiment of her American colleagues, hailing the loyal and frenetic fan support in China as a unique motivation that she never feels anywhere else away from home.
\nThe 18-year-old world No 5 didn't go as far as expected in Beijing, stunned by British challenger Sonay Kartal in the fourth round, but didn't leave the Chinese capital empty-handed.
\nShe's gained a catchy new nickname "Xiao Mi La", a pun that means "Little Spicy Pepper" in English, with its Chinese pronunciation similar to "Little Mirra".
\n"I love the conditions here in Beijing. Also the support of the fans is unmatchable," said Andreeva, who was among the most-followed international players at the China Open, even during her practice sessions at the National Tennis Center.
\n"I always have, like, a full court. It's packed, even when I practice for 20 minutes. I was like, OK, I don't do anything that any other player doesn't do.
\n"For me, it also provides a lot of motivation, because they are genuinely supportive. They're so happy when you do well, like I'm part of their family. I receive so much support, it's just crazy."
\nEven with this year's China Swing still underway, Gauff says she's committed to reciprocating the love and loyalty of her Chinese fans by promising to come back next season.
\n"Every time someone gives me a gift, it's so personalized. You can tell they've been thinking about this thing for a couple of weeks, or got something made, before I came here," she said.
\n"It makes me want to come to this tournament, because I don't want someone to make something for me and I don't show up. Unless I'm injured, I'm going to definitely come here to Beijing (next year) because I love it."
\n", + "content": "Italy's Jasmine Paolini (left) and Coco Gauff of the United States interact with fans during the China Open in Beijing.
\nItaly's Jasmine Paolini (left) and Coco Gauff of the United States interact with fans during the China Open in Beijing.
\nIt's developing into a tournament tradition in Beijing, and it's one that everyone seems to love.
\nFans giving their beloved international stars Chinese nicknames — sometimes creative, while most times hilarious — and teaching the players how to pronounce them in Mandarin has caught on at the China Open, shedding light on the fun reception the competitors have enjoyed in Beijing.
\nJust ask the United States' women's defending champion Coco Gauff, aka the "Fruit Salad Queen", how thoughtful her growing legion of fans is when it comes to flooding her with love and support, and the two-time major winner would rate it unmatched.
\nAfter all, her collection of gifts in Beijing has beaten her Christmas haul.
\n"I will say, the Chinese fans have been the nicest fans on tour by far. Just the gifts and everything ... It's more gifts than I've gotten on Christmas, and I was a pretty spoiled kid. It's just insane," Gauff said of the treatment she's received from fans during the ongoing "China Swing" of tournaments.
\n"I don't know if I'll get as many gifts elsewhere in the world. I hope the western side of the world can be as nice as the Chinese fans are," said the world No 3, who was eventually beaten by her 4th-ranked compatriot Amanda Anisimova 6-1, 6-2 in the semifinals on Saturday at the WTA 1000 tournament in Beijing.
\nWell aware of their idol's habits, including snacking on fruit salads during changeovers, Gauff's Chinese fans had been affectionately rooting for her with the regal moniker until the American star threw down a challenge.
\nAfter hearing that one of her fellow countrywomen Jessica Pegula's Chinese nicknames is "capybara", Gauff is looking for an equivalent.
\n"I would like to know what animal resonates with me," said Gauff, who has landed in Wuhan, capital of Hubei province, to play another WTA 1000 tournament, which is set to start on Monday.
\n"I mean, 'fruit salad' is cool, but I think being named after an animal is cooler. I would like to see what animal they think I am."
\nPerhaps, Pegula wanted something more innocuously straightforward as well, after learning about her other nickname, the one that has truly gone viral on Chinese social media.
\n"Da Fu", which literally translates to "Big Rich", has been how most of Pegula's growing legion of Chinese fans have been referring to her during her stay in Beijing, referencing her billionaire parents.
\nThe gifts Chinese fans had prepared for Pegula proved to be personal and meticulously curated, such as a key ring engraved with a likeness of her beloved dog Maddie, and a beautifully designed traditional paper fan bearing the inscription "Princess of Buffalo" in Chinese, honoring the American star's family roots in the New York state city.
\nThese aren't generic fan offerings, Pegula noted, but products of research, affection and understanding of their favorite players' lives beyond the baseline.
\n"Even though I did feel it last year, this year it feels like it's a lot more," Pegula said of her surprising popularity in Beijing, where she reached the semifinals last week. "I'm not sure why. Maybe over the years gaining fans and stuff like that. Or maybe I'm just embracing it a little bit more."
\n"They're so creative with a lot of the off-court stuff. They definitely research a lot of things. It's been a lot of fun. I definitely can feel a lot more support coming here."
\nRussian teen star Mirra Andreeva echoed the sentiment of her American colleagues, hailing the loyal and frenetic fan support in China as a unique motivation that she never feels anywhere else away from home.
\nThe 18-year-old world No 5 didn't go as far as expected in Beijing, stunned by British challenger Sonay Kartal in the fourth round, but didn't leave the Chinese capital empty-handed.
\nShe's gained a catchy new nickname "Xiao Mi La", a pun that means "Little Spicy Pepper" in English, with its Chinese pronunciation similar to "Little Mirra".
\n"I love the conditions here in Beijing. Also the support of the fans is unmatchable," said Andreeva, who was among the most-followed international players at the China Open, even during her practice sessions at the National Tennis Center.
\n"I always have, like, a full court. It's packed, even when I practice for 20 minutes. I was like, OK, I don't do anything that any other player doesn't do.
\n"For me, it also provides a lot of motivation, because they are genuinely supportive. They're so happy when you do well, like I'm part of their family. I receive so much support, it's just crazy."
\nEven with this year's China Swing still underway, Gauff says she's committed to reciprocating the love and loyalty of her Chinese fans by promising to come back next season.
\n"Every time someone gives me a gift, it's so personalized. You can tell they've been thinking about this thing for a couple of weeks, or got something made, before I came here," she said.
\n"It makes me want to come to this tournament, because I don't want someone to make something for me and I don't show up. Unless I'm injured, I'm going to definitely come here to Beijing (next year) because I love it."
\n", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/06/content_012_68e2c71bed50ccabe151aa84.htm#012SPORTS", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 06 Oct 2025 00:21:04 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "0b3b8b0ea1cd0da2d7c84b3f533e356b", + "highlights": [] + }, { "title": "001FRONT - Xi hails China-Singapore partnership", - "description": "President Xi Jinping and Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam exchanged congratulations on Friday on the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
\nNoting that China and Singapore are friendly neighbors and important cooperation partners, Xi said that over the past 35 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the two countries have adhered to mutual respect, mutual trust and win-win cooperation.
\nThe bilateral relationship has continuously improved and been upgraded, with cooperation in various fields yielding fruitful results, Xi said. Furthermore, both sides have also advanced hand in hand in their respective modernization processes, bringing tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries, he added.
\nChina is willing to take the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to further deepen political mutual trust, promote high-level cooperation, strengthen people-to-people exchanges, and jointly safeguard the multilateral trading system and the basic norms governing international relations, in order to promote the all-around high-quality, future-oriented partnership between China and Singapore — contributing even more to regional and global peace and prosperity, Xi added.
\nShanmugaratnam noted that in 2023, Singapore-China relations were elevated to an all-around high-quality, future-oriented partnership, and cooperation between the two governments has continued to advance, constantly integrating new features and demonstrating foresight.
\nResponding to the demands of the times, both sides have actively expanded cooperation in new areas, while the peoples of the two countries have steadily strengthened cultural ties, Shanmugaratnam said. He expressed his firm belief that the two countries will continue to work closely together, pushing their bilateral relationship to new heights.
\nAlso on Friday, Premier Li Qiang and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong exchanged congratulatory messages.
\nLi said that China is ready to further strengthen the alignment of development strategies with Singapore, deepen high-level cooperation across various fields, and work together to uphold the multilateral trading system, in order to contribute to the development of both countries and the prosperity and stability of the region.
\nWong said that Singapore-China relations have continued to deepen over the years, with the building of strong mutual trust.
\nSingapore is willing to continue expanding cooperation with China in various fields and jointly safeguard free trade and the multilateral system, he added.
\nLuxembourg ties
\nPresident Xi also sent a congratulatory message on Friday to Luxembourg's Grand Duke Guillaume on his enthronement.
\nSince the establishment of diplomatic relations more than 50 years ago, the two countries have consistently treated each other with mutual respect and equality, Xi said in the message.
\nChina and Luxembourg have become a model of mutual achievement and win-win cooperation between countries of different sizes, systems and stages of development, he added.
\nHe noted that the two countries have achieved fruitful cooperation in areas such as steel, finance and logistics, and the Zhengzhou-Luxembourg Air Silk Road has contributed to the stability and smooth operation of the China-Europe industrial chain.
\nXi emphasized that he attaches great importance to the development of the bilateral relations and is willing to work together with Luxembourg's Grand Duke Guillaume to continuously take the relationship to new heights, better benefiting the peoples of both countries.
\nAlso on Friday, Xi sent a message to Luxembourg's retired Grand Duke Henri, extending greetings and best wishes.
\n", - "content": "President Xi Jinping and Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam exchanged congratulations on Friday on the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
\nNoting that China and Singapore are friendly neighbors and important cooperation partners, Xi said that over the past 35 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the two countries have adhered to mutual respect, mutual trust and win-win cooperation.
\nThe bilateral relationship has continuously improved and been upgraded, with cooperation in various fields yielding fruitful results, Xi said. Furthermore, both sides have also advanced hand in hand in their respective modernization processes, bringing tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries, he added.
\nChina is willing to take the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to further deepen political mutual trust, promote high-level cooperation, strengthen people-to-people exchanges, and jointly safeguard the multilateral trading system and the basic norms governing international relations, in order to promote the all-around high-quality, future-oriented partnership between China and Singapore — contributing even more to regional and global peace and prosperity, Xi added.
\nShanmugaratnam noted that in 2023, Singapore-China relations were elevated to an all-around high-quality, future-oriented partnership, and cooperation between the two governments has continued to advance, constantly integrating new features and demonstrating foresight.
\nResponding to the demands of the times, both sides have actively expanded cooperation in new areas, while the peoples of the two countries have steadily strengthened cultural ties, Shanmugaratnam said. He expressed his firm belief that the two countries will continue to work closely together, pushing their bilateral relationship to new heights.
\nAlso on Friday, Premier Li Qiang and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong exchanged congratulatory messages.
\nLi said that China is ready to further strengthen the alignment of development strategies with Singapore, deepen high-level cooperation across various fields, and work together to uphold the multilateral trading system, in order to contribute to the development of both countries and the prosperity and stability of the region.
\nWong said that Singapore-China relations have continued to deepen over the years, with the building of strong mutual trust.
\nSingapore is willing to continue expanding cooperation with China in various fields and jointly safeguard free trade and the multilateral system, he added.
\nLuxembourg ties
\nPresident Xi also sent a congratulatory message on Friday to Luxembourg's Grand Duke Guillaume on his enthronement.
\nSince the establishment of diplomatic relations more than 50 years ago, the two countries have consistently treated each other with mutual respect and equality, Xi said in the message.
\nChina and Luxembourg have become a model of mutual achievement and win-win cooperation between countries of different sizes, systems and stages of development, he added.
\nHe noted that the two countries have achieved fruitful cooperation in areas such as steel, finance and logistics, and the Zhengzhou-Luxembourg Air Silk Road has contributed to the stability and smooth operation of the China-Europe industrial chain.
\nXi emphasized that he attaches great importance to the development of the bilateral relations and is willing to work together with Luxembourg's Grand Duke Guillaume to continuously take the relationship to new heights, better benefiting the peoples of both countries.
\nAlso on Friday, Xi sent a message to Luxembourg's retired Grand Duke Henri, extending greetings and best wishes.
\n", + "description": "President Xi Jinping and Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam exchanged congratulations on Friday on the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
\nNoting that China and Singapore are friendly neighbors and important cooperation partners, Xi said that over the past 35 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the two countries have adhered to mutual respect, mutual trust and win-win cooperation.
\nThe bilateral relationship has continuously improved and been upgraded, with cooperation in various fields yielding fruitful results, Xi said. Furthermore, both sides have also advanced hand in hand in their respective modernization processes, bringing tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries, he added.
\nChina is willing to take the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to further deepen political mutual trust, promote high-level cooperation, strengthen people-to-people exchanges, and jointly safeguard the multilateral trading system and the basic norms governing international relations, in order to promote the all-around high-quality, future-oriented partnership between China and Singapore — contributing even more to regional and global peace and prosperity, Xi added.
\nShanmugaratnam noted that in 2023, Singapore-China relations were elevated to an all-around high-quality, future-oriented partnership, and cooperation between the two governments has continued to advance, constantly integrating new features and demonstrating foresight.
\nResponding to the demands of the times, both sides have actively expanded cooperation in new areas, while the peoples of the two countries have steadily strengthened cultural ties, Shanmugaratnam said. He expressed his firm belief that the two countries will continue to work closely together, pushing their bilateral relationship to new heights.
\nAlso on Friday, Premier Li Qiang and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong exchanged congratulatory messages.
\nLi said that China is ready to further strengthen the alignment of development strategies with Singapore, deepen high-level cooperation across various fields, and work together to uphold the multilateral trading system, in order to contribute to the development of both countries and the prosperity and stability of the region.
\nWong said that Singapore-China relations have continued to deepen over the years, with the building of strong mutual trust.
\nSingapore is willing to continue expanding cooperation with China in various fields and jointly safeguard free trade and the multilateral system, he added.
\nLuxembourg ties
\nPresident Xi also sent a congratulatory message on Friday to Luxembourg's Grand Duke Guillaume on his enthronement.
\nSince the establishment of diplomatic relations more than 50 years ago, the two countries have consistently treated each other with mutual respect and equality, Xi said in the message.
\nChina and Luxembourg have become a model of mutual achievement and win-win cooperation between countries of different sizes, systems and stages of development, he added.
\nHe noted that the two countries have achieved fruitful cooperation in areas such as steel, finance and logistics, and the Zhengzhou-Luxembourg Air Silk Road has contributed to the stability and smooth operation of the China-Europe industrial chain.
\nXi emphasized that he attaches great importance to the development of the bilateral relations and is willing to work together with Luxembourg's Grand Duke Guillaume to continuously take the relationship to new heights, better benefiting the peoples of both countries.
\nAlso on Friday, Xi sent a message to Luxembourg's retired Grand Duke Henri, extending greetings and best wishes.
\nPresident Xi Jinping and Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam exchanged congratulations on Friday on the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
\nNoting that China and Singapore are friendly neighbors and important cooperation partners, Xi said that over the past 35 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the two countries have adhered to mutual respect, mutual trust and win-win cooperation.
\nThe bilateral relationship has continuously improved and been upgraded, with cooperation in various fields yielding fruitful results, Xi said. Furthermore, both sides have also advanced hand in hand in their respective modernization processes, bringing tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries, he added.
\nChina is willing to take the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to further deepen political mutual trust, promote high-level cooperation, strengthen people-to-people exchanges, and jointly safeguard the multilateral trading system and the basic norms governing international relations, in order to promote the all-around high-quality, future-oriented partnership between China and Singapore — contributing even more to regional and global peace and prosperity, Xi added.
\nShanmugaratnam noted that in 2023, Singapore-China relations were elevated to an all-around high-quality, future-oriented partnership, and cooperation between the two governments has continued to advance, constantly integrating new features and demonstrating foresight.
\nResponding to the demands of the times, both sides have actively expanded cooperation in new areas, while the peoples of the two countries have steadily strengthened cultural ties, Shanmugaratnam said. He expressed his firm belief that the two countries will continue to work closely together, pushing their bilateral relationship to new heights.
\nAlso on Friday, Premier Li Qiang and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong exchanged congratulatory messages.
\nLi said that China is ready to further strengthen the alignment of development strategies with Singapore, deepen high-level cooperation across various fields, and work together to uphold the multilateral trading system, in order to contribute to the development of both countries and the prosperity and stability of the region.
\nWong said that Singapore-China relations have continued to deepen over the years, with the building of strong mutual trust.
\nSingapore is willing to continue expanding cooperation with China in various fields and jointly safeguard free trade and the multilateral system, he added.
\nLuxembourg ties
\nPresident Xi also sent a congratulatory message on Friday to Luxembourg's Grand Duke Guillaume on his enthronement.
\nSince the establishment of diplomatic relations more than 50 years ago, the two countries have consistently treated each other with mutual respect and equality, Xi said in the message.
\nChina and Luxembourg have become a model of mutual achievement and win-win cooperation between countries of different sizes, systems and stages of development, he added.
\nHe noted that the two countries have achieved fruitful cooperation in areas such as steel, finance and logistics, and the Zhengzhou-Luxembourg Air Silk Road has contributed to the stability and smooth operation of the China-Europe industrial chain.
\nXi emphasized that he attaches great importance to the development of the bilateral relations and is willing to work together with Luxembourg's Grand Duke Guillaume to continuously take the relationship to new heights, better benefiting the peoples of both countries.
\nAlso on Friday, Xi sent a message to Luxembourg's retired Grand Duke Henri, extending greetings and best wishes.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-03/001/20251003_001_02_68314.png\")
In a spectacular light show to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, 5,000 drones take to the skies over Southwest China's Chongqing on Wednesday evening.
\nIn a spectacular light show to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, 5,000 drones take to the skies over Southwest China's Chongqing on Wednesday evening.
\nIn a spectacular light show to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, 5,000 drones take to the skies over Southwest China's Chongqing on Wednesday evening.
\n", + "content": "In a spectacular light show to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, 5,000 drones take to the skies over Southwest China's Chongqing on Wednesday evening.
\n", "category": "", "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/03/content_001_68ded7c0ed50ccabe151a8ff.htm#001FRONT", "creator": "", @@ -10897,8 +11557,8 @@ }, { "title": "002NATION - Plan to raise rewards for violation tips seen as big market boost", - "description": "China's latest move to sharply raise rewards for whistleblowers will effectively improve the integrity and transparency of its securities and futures markets, analysts said, as authorities step up efforts to address misconduct and boost investor confidence.
\nThe China Securities Regulatory Commission, the country's top securities regulator, together with the Ministry of Finance, unveiled a proposal earlier this week to raise cash incentives for individuals providing credible tipoffs on serious violations.
\nThe maximum reward in eligible cases has been raised to 1 million yuan ($140,460) from 100,000 yuan.
\nThe proposal would lift whistleblower rewards to 3 percent of fines and confiscations in each case, up from the current 1 percent, the regulatory commission said in a statement.
\nBy significantly raising the stakes for tipsters, the government aims to deter market malpractice ranging from insider trading to fraudulent disclosures.
\nMarket watchers said the policy will help create a fairer and more disciplined trading environment, ensuring that listed companies and market participants operate under stricter compliance standards.
\nHu Guopeng, chief analyst at Sealand Securities, said that in the longer term, this could reduce systemic risks, strengthen investor protection, and support the healthy functioning of China's capital market as it strives to attract more long-term domestic and foreign investment.
\nQin Tai, chief macroeconomic analyst at Huajin Securities, said that by offering stronger protection and incentives, China signals that its capital markets are maturing and increasingly compatible with international standards of transparency and accountability.
\nHighlighting that this move reflects policymakers' intent to empower investors, Qin said it will encourage public participation in market oversight, which will not only strengthen deterrence against misconduct, but also help foster a culture of integrity in which investors feel more protected and engaged in the system.
\nAccording to the CSRC, the proposed rules also refine the reward criteria. Major cases that severely disrupt the order of the securities and futures markets, seriously endanger financial security, or gravely infringe upon investors' lawful rights and interests are now included in the scope of rewardable cases.
\nAnonymous whistleblowers who provide supplementary materials as required, as well as whistleblowers who have played a secondary or assisting role in the violations, may also be granted rewards if they meet the criteria, according to the statement.
\nDing Rijia, a professor of economics at China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing, said that while the proposed rules would strengthen deterrence, regulators must also guard against possible overreactions in the market.
\n"If investors interpret rising whistleblower cases as a sign of hidden risks, it could unsettle sentiment in the short term," he warned, adding that careful communication will be needed to balance strict oversight with market stability.
\nChina has been steadily expanding the institutional opening-up of its capital market during the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) period. The number of foreign-controlled securities, funds and futures firms has risen significantly, with the CSRC approving 13 new entrants in these sectors.
\nThe number of Qualified Foreign Institutional Investors, or QFIIs, had expanded to 907 by the end of August, with their holdings of Chinese shares valued at 949.3 billion yuan, according to the CSRC.
\nAccording to the newly disclosed data for the second quarter of 2025, the total market value of northbound funds, or overseas capital flowing into A shares via stock connect programs linking the Shanghai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong exchanges, has reached 2.29 trillion yuan, up more than 2 percent from the previous quarter.
\nzhongnan@chinadaily.com.cn
\nChina's latest move to sharply raise rewards for whistleblowers will effectively improve the integrity and transparency of its securities and futures markets, analysts said, as authorities step up efforts to address misconduct and boost investor confidence.
\nThe China Securities Regulatory Commission, the country's top securities regulator, together with the Ministry of Finance, unveiled a proposal earlier this week to raise cash incentives for individuals providing credible tipoffs on serious violations.
\nThe maximum reward in eligible cases has been raised to 1 million yuan ($140,460) from 100,000 yuan.
\nThe proposal would lift whistleblower rewards to 3 percent of fines and confiscations in each case, up from the current 1 percent, the regulatory commission said in a statement.
\nBy significantly raising the stakes for tipsters, the government aims to deter market malpractice ranging from insider trading to fraudulent disclosures.
\nMarket watchers said the policy will help create a fairer and more disciplined trading environment, ensuring that listed companies and market participants operate under stricter compliance standards.
\nHu Guopeng, chief analyst at Sealand Securities, said that in the longer term, this could reduce systemic risks, strengthen investor protection, and support the healthy functioning of China's capital market as it strives to attract more long-term domestic and foreign investment.
\nQin Tai, chief macroeconomic analyst at Huajin Securities, said that by offering stronger protection and incentives, China signals that its capital markets are maturing and increasingly compatible with international standards of transparency and accountability.
\nHighlighting that this move reflects policymakers' intent to empower investors, Qin said it will encourage public participation in market oversight, which will not only strengthen deterrence against misconduct, but also help foster a culture of integrity in which investors feel more protected and engaged in the system.
\nAccording to the CSRC, the proposed rules also refine the reward criteria. Major cases that severely disrupt the order of the securities and futures markets, seriously endanger financial security, or gravely infringe upon investors' lawful rights and interests are now included in the scope of rewardable cases.
\nAnonymous whistleblowers who provide supplementary materials as required, as well as whistleblowers who have played a secondary or assisting role in the violations, may also be granted rewards if they meet the criteria, according to the statement.
\nDing Rijia, a professor of economics at China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing, said that while the proposed rules would strengthen deterrence, regulators must also guard against possible overreactions in the market.
\n"If investors interpret rising whistleblower cases as a sign of hidden risks, it could unsettle sentiment in the short term," he warned, adding that careful communication will be needed to balance strict oversight with market stability.
\nChina has been steadily expanding the institutional opening-up of its capital market during the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) period. The number of foreign-controlled securities, funds and futures firms has risen significantly, with the CSRC approving 13 new entrants in these sectors.
\nThe number of Qualified Foreign Institutional Investors, or QFIIs, had expanded to 907 by the end of August, with their holdings of Chinese shares valued at 949.3 billion yuan, according to the CSRC.
\nAccording to the newly disclosed data for the second quarter of 2025, the total market value of northbound funds, or overseas capital flowing into A shares via stock connect programs linking the Shanghai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong exchanges, has reached 2.29 trillion yuan, up more than 2 percent from the previous quarter.
\nzhongnan@chinadaily.com.cn
\nChina's latest move to sharply raise rewards for whistleblowers will effectively improve the integrity and transparency of its securities and futures markets, analysts said, as authorities step up efforts to address misconduct and boost investor confidence.
\nThe China Securities Regulatory Commission, the country's top securities regulator, together with the Ministry of Finance, unveiled a proposal earlier this week to raise cash incentives for individuals providing credible tipoffs on serious violations.
\nThe maximum reward in eligible cases has been raised to 1 million yuan ($140,460) from 100,000 yuan.
\nThe proposal would lift whistleblower rewards to 3 percent of fines and confiscations in each case, up from the current 1 percent, the regulatory commission said in a statement.
\nBy significantly raising the stakes for tipsters, the government aims to deter market malpractice ranging from insider trading to fraudulent disclosures.
\nMarket watchers said the policy will help create a fairer and more disciplined trading environment, ensuring that listed companies and market participants operate under stricter compliance standards.
\nHu Guopeng, chief analyst at Sealand Securities, said that in the longer term, this could reduce systemic risks, strengthen investor protection, and support the healthy functioning of China's capital market as it strives to attract more long-term domestic and foreign investment.
\nQin Tai, chief macroeconomic analyst at Huajin Securities, said that by offering stronger protection and incentives, China signals that its capital markets are maturing and increasingly compatible with international standards of transparency and accountability.
\nHighlighting that this move reflects policymakers' intent to empower investors, Qin said it will encourage public participation in market oversight, which will not only strengthen deterrence against misconduct, but also help foster a culture of integrity in which investors feel more protected and engaged in the system.
\nAccording to the CSRC, the proposed rules also refine the reward criteria. Major cases that severely disrupt the order of the securities and futures markets, seriously endanger financial security, or gravely infringe upon investors' lawful rights and interests are now included in the scope of rewardable cases.
\nAnonymous whistleblowers who provide supplementary materials as required, as well as whistleblowers who have played a secondary or assisting role in the violations, may also be granted rewards if they meet the criteria, according to the statement.
\nDing Rijia, a professor of economics at China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing, said that while the proposed rules would strengthen deterrence, regulators must also guard against possible overreactions in the market.
\n"If investors interpret rising whistleblower cases as a sign of hidden risks, it could unsettle sentiment in the short term," he warned, adding that careful communication will be needed to balance strict oversight with market stability.
\nChina has been steadily expanding the institutional opening-up of its capital market during the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) period. The number of foreign-controlled securities, funds and futures firms has risen significantly, with the CSRC approving 13 new entrants in these sectors.
\nThe number of Qualified Foreign Institutional Investors, or QFIIs, had expanded to 907 by the end of August, with their holdings of Chinese shares valued at 949.3 billion yuan, according to the CSRC.
\nAccording to the newly disclosed data for the second quarter of 2025, the total market value of northbound funds, or overseas capital flowing into A shares via stock connect programs linking the Shanghai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong exchanges, has reached 2.29 trillion yuan, up more than 2 percent from the previous quarter.
\nzhongnan@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", + "content": "China's latest move to sharply raise rewards for whistleblowers will effectively improve the integrity and transparency of its securities and futures markets, analysts said, as authorities step up efforts to address misconduct and boost investor confidence.
\nThe China Securities Regulatory Commission, the country's top securities regulator, together with the Ministry of Finance, unveiled a proposal earlier this week to raise cash incentives for individuals providing credible tipoffs on serious violations.
\nThe maximum reward in eligible cases has been raised to 1 million yuan ($140,460) from 100,000 yuan.
\nThe proposal would lift whistleblower rewards to 3 percent of fines and confiscations in each case, up from the current 1 percent, the regulatory commission said in a statement.
\nBy significantly raising the stakes for tipsters, the government aims to deter market malpractice ranging from insider trading to fraudulent disclosures.
\nMarket watchers said the policy will help create a fairer and more disciplined trading environment, ensuring that listed companies and market participants operate under stricter compliance standards.
\nHu Guopeng, chief analyst at Sealand Securities, said that in the longer term, this could reduce systemic risks, strengthen investor protection, and support the healthy functioning of China's capital market as it strives to attract more long-term domestic and foreign investment.
\nQin Tai, chief macroeconomic analyst at Huajin Securities, said that by offering stronger protection and incentives, China signals that its capital markets are maturing and increasingly compatible with international standards of transparency and accountability.
\nHighlighting that this move reflects policymakers' intent to empower investors, Qin said it will encourage public participation in market oversight, which will not only strengthen deterrence against misconduct, but also help foster a culture of integrity in which investors feel more protected and engaged in the system.
\nAccording to the CSRC, the proposed rules also refine the reward criteria. Major cases that severely disrupt the order of the securities and futures markets, seriously endanger financial security, or gravely infringe upon investors' lawful rights and interests are now included in the scope of rewardable cases.
\nAnonymous whistleblowers who provide supplementary materials as required, as well as whistleblowers who have played a secondary or assisting role in the violations, may also be granted rewards if they meet the criteria, according to the statement.
\nDing Rijia, a professor of economics at China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing, said that while the proposed rules would strengthen deterrence, regulators must also guard against possible overreactions in the market.
\n"If investors interpret rising whistleblower cases as a sign of hidden risks, it could unsettle sentiment in the short term," he warned, adding that careful communication will be needed to balance strict oversight with market stability.
\nChina has been steadily expanding the institutional opening-up of its capital market during the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) period. The number of foreign-controlled securities, funds and futures firms has risen significantly, with the CSRC approving 13 new entrants in these sectors.
\nThe number of Qualified Foreign Institutional Investors, or QFIIs, had expanded to 907 by the end of August, with their holdings of Chinese shares valued at 949.3 billion yuan, according to the CSRC.
\nAccording to the newly disclosed data for the second quarter of 2025, the total market value of northbound funds, or overseas capital flowing into A shares via stock connect programs linking the Shanghai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong exchanges, has reached 2.29 trillion yuan, up more than 2 percent from the previous quarter.
\nzhongnan@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", "category": "", "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/03/content_002_68ded7deed50ccabe151a907.htm#002NATION", "creator": "", @@ -11029,8 +11689,8 @@ }, { "title": "004WORLD - Africa urged to diversify trade markets", - "description": "African countries are lobbying for renewal of the crucial trade deal while trying to diversify trade amid rising trade protectionism from the United States, as the African Growth and Opportunity Act, or AGOA, expired on Tuesday.
\nLaunched in 2000, the act is a flagship US trade preference program that allows eligible sub-Saharan African countries to export goods duty-free to the US under specific conditions. However, with the rise of trade protectionism in the US, many fear the program will not be renewed.
\nSpeaking at the South Africa-US Trade and Investment Dialogue in New York last week, South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa noted that the act underpins thousands of jobs in auto assembly plants, farms and high-tech manufacturing hubs.
\n"Predictable, preferential access to the US market is vital not only to South Africa but to American companies that depend on reliable imports," he said, appealing to the US to renew the trade deal.
\nJoseph Upile Matola, acting head of the economic resilience and inclusion program at the South African Institute of International Affairs, warned that non-renewal would deprive African countries of "a very important market" that supports manufacturing, agriculture, clothing and textiles.
\nHe said chances of the act being renewed are "very minimal" but added that a renewal would be "a pleasant surprise".
\nHe called on African governments to accelerate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area to boost intra-African trade and cushion against future shocks.
\n"The US itself has lost some markets around the world due to other countries' retaliation and change in consumer sentiments across regions like Europe and Canada as consumers ditch America," he said.
\nZero-tariff policy
\nMatola pointed to China as an alternative market, citing its recent zero-tariff offer to 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations.
\nKganki Matabane, chief executive officer of the Black Business Council in South Africa, echoed doubts over the act's future.
\n"We know there are discussions going on between South Africa and the US, but we don't think we have enough time to salvage AGOA. So far, things are not promising," said Matabane.
\nThe South African government should continue negotiating with the US for the renewal of AGOA even as it diversifies its markets by exploring Africa, Asia and the Gulf, he added.
\n"China is a big market and ready. Many of our farmers are supplying citrus fruits to the US, and are now looking for opportunities in China," Matabane added.
\nKhulekani Mathe, CEO of Business Unity South Africa, concurred with Matabane that South Africa should explore other markets.
\nLast week, BUSA signed a memorandum of understanding with the South Africa-China Economic and Trade Association, which represents Chinese companies operating in South Africa.
\nUnder the deal, BUSA will share regulatory information while the association provides market intelligence about China.
\nIn Kenya, the Kenya Private Sector Alliance, or KEPSA, has urged the US to renew the deal for 16 years or provide a two-year transition window to allow time for a bilateral trade deal pact between Kenya and the US.
\nCarole Kariuki, KEPSA CEO, said that AGOA has played a positive role in Africa over the past 25 years, noting that it has supported industries, created jobs and transformed lives.
\nKenyan President William Ruto raised the same issue with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Ruto said that Kenya exported $600 million worth of apparel to the US last year and aims to surpass $2 billion by 2030.
\nLast week, Kenya's parliament passed a motion urging expedited extension of AGOA, citing its critical role in the country's economy, exports and job creation.
\nJane Kagiri, a woman representative from Laikipia, Kenya, who sponsored the motion, warned of potential economic disruptions if urgent action is not taken.
\n"Women comprise approximately 75 percent of AGOA's direct beneficiaries, and their incomes directly support education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation," she said.
\nedithmutethya@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", - "content": "African countries are lobbying for renewal of the crucial trade deal while trying to diversify trade amid rising trade protectionism from the United States, as the African Growth and Opportunity Act, or AGOA, expired on Tuesday.
\nLaunched in 2000, the act is a flagship US trade preference program that allows eligible sub-Saharan African countries to export goods duty-free to the US under specific conditions. However, with the rise of trade protectionism in the US, many fear the program will not be renewed.
\nSpeaking at the South Africa-US Trade and Investment Dialogue in New York last week, South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa noted that the act underpins thousands of jobs in auto assembly plants, farms and high-tech manufacturing hubs.
\n"Predictable, preferential access to the US market is vital not only to South Africa but to American companies that depend on reliable imports," he said, appealing to the US to renew the trade deal.
\nJoseph Upile Matola, acting head of the economic resilience and inclusion program at the South African Institute of International Affairs, warned that non-renewal would deprive African countries of "a very important market" that supports manufacturing, agriculture, clothing and textiles.
\nHe said chances of the act being renewed are "very minimal" but added that a renewal would be "a pleasant surprise".
\nHe called on African governments to accelerate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area to boost intra-African trade and cushion against future shocks.
\n"The US itself has lost some markets around the world due to other countries' retaliation and change in consumer sentiments across regions like Europe and Canada as consumers ditch America," he said.
\nZero-tariff policy
\nMatola pointed to China as an alternative market, citing its recent zero-tariff offer to 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations.
\nKganki Matabane, chief executive officer of the Black Business Council in South Africa, echoed doubts over the act's future.
\n"We know there are discussions going on between South Africa and the US, but we don't think we have enough time to salvage AGOA. So far, things are not promising," said Matabane.
\nThe South African government should continue negotiating with the US for the renewal of AGOA even as it diversifies its markets by exploring Africa, Asia and the Gulf, he added.
\n"China is a big market and ready. Many of our farmers are supplying citrus fruits to the US, and are now looking for opportunities in China," Matabane added.
\nKhulekani Mathe, CEO of Business Unity South Africa, concurred with Matabane that South Africa should explore other markets.
\nLast week, BUSA signed a memorandum of understanding with the South Africa-China Economic and Trade Association, which represents Chinese companies operating in South Africa.
\nUnder the deal, BUSA will share regulatory information while the association provides market intelligence about China.
\nIn Kenya, the Kenya Private Sector Alliance, or KEPSA, has urged the US to renew the deal for 16 years or provide a two-year transition window to allow time for a bilateral trade deal pact between Kenya and the US.
\nCarole Kariuki, KEPSA CEO, said that AGOA has played a positive role in Africa over the past 25 years, noting that it has supported industries, created jobs and transformed lives.
\nKenyan President William Ruto raised the same issue with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Ruto said that Kenya exported $600 million worth of apparel to the US last year and aims to surpass $2 billion by 2030.
\nLast week, Kenya's parliament passed a motion urging expedited extension of AGOA, citing its critical role in the country's economy, exports and job creation.
\nJane Kagiri, a woman representative from Laikipia, Kenya, who sponsored the motion, warned of potential economic disruptions if urgent action is not taken.
\n"Women comprise approximately 75 percent of AGOA's direct beneficiaries, and their incomes directly support education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation," she said.
\nedithmutethya@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", + "description": "African countries are lobbying for renewal of the crucial trade deal while trying to diversify trade amid rising trade protectionism from the United States, as the African Growth and Opportunity Act, or AGOA, expired on Tuesday.
\nLaunched in 2000, the act is a flagship US trade preference program that allows eligible sub-Saharan African countries to export goods duty-free to the US under specific conditions. However, with the rise of trade protectionism in the US, many fear the program will not be renewed.
\nSpeaking at the South Africa-US Trade and Investment Dialogue in New York last week, South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa noted that the act underpins thousands of jobs in auto assembly plants, farms and high-tech manufacturing hubs.
\n"Predictable, preferential access to the US market is vital not only to South Africa but to American companies that depend on reliable imports," he said, appealing to the US to renew the trade deal.
\nJoseph Upile Matola, acting head of the economic resilience and inclusion program at the South African Institute of International Affairs, warned that non-renewal would deprive African countries of "a very important market" that supports manufacturing, agriculture, clothing and textiles.
\nHe said chances of the act being renewed are "very minimal" but added that a renewal would be "a pleasant surprise".
\nHe called on African governments to accelerate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area to boost intra-African trade and cushion against future shocks.
\n"The US itself has lost some markets around the world due to other countries' retaliation and change in consumer sentiments across regions like Europe and Canada as consumers ditch America," he said.
\nZero-tariff policy
\nMatola pointed to China as an alternative market, citing its recent zero-tariff offer to 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations.
\nKganki Matabane, chief executive officer of the Black Business Council in South Africa, echoed doubts over the act's future.
\n"We know there are discussions going on between South Africa and the US, but we don't think we have enough time to salvage AGOA. So far, things are not promising," said Matabane.
\nThe South African government should continue negotiating with the US for the renewal of AGOA even as it diversifies its markets by exploring Africa, Asia and the Gulf, he added.
\n"China is a big market and ready. Many of our farmers are supplying citrus fruits to the US, and are now looking for opportunities in China," Matabane added.
\nKhulekani Mathe, CEO of Business Unity South Africa, concurred with Matabane that South Africa should explore other markets.
\nLast week, BUSA signed a memorandum of understanding with the South Africa-China Economic and Trade Association, which represents Chinese companies operating in South Africa.
\nUnder the deal, BUSA will share regulatory information while the association provides market intelligence about China.
\nIn Kenya, the Kenya Private Sector Alliance, or KEPSA, has urged the US to renew the deal for 16 years or provide a two-year transition window to allow time for a bilateral trade deal pact between Kenya and the US.
\nCarole Kariuki, KEPSA CEO, said that AGOA has played a positive role in Africa over the past 25 years, noting that it has supported industries, created jobs and transformed lives.
\nKenyan President William Ruto raised the same issue with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Ruto said that Kenya exported $600 million worth of apparel to the US last year and aims to surpass $2 billion by 2030.
\nLast week, Kenya's parliament passed a motion urging expedited extension of AGOA, citing its critical role in the country's economy, exports and job creation.
\nJane Kagiri, a woman representative from Laikipia, Kenya, who sponsored the motion, warned of potential economic disruptions if urgent action is not taken.
\n"Women comprise approximately 75 percent of AGOA's direct beneficiaries, and their incomes directly support education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation," she said.
\nedithmutethya@chinadaily.com.cn
\nAfrican countries are lobbying for renewal of the crucial trade deal while trying to diversify trade amid rising trade protectionism from the United States, as the African Growth and Opportunity Act, or AGOA, expired on Tuesday.
\nLaunched in 2000, the act is a flagship US trade preference program that allows eligible sub-Saharan African countries to export goods duty-free to the US under specific conditions. However, with the rise of trade protectionism in the US, many fear the program will not be renewed.
\nSpeaking at the South Africa-US Trade and Investment Dialogue in New York last week, South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa noted that the act underpins thousands of jobs in auto assembly plants, farms and high-tech manufacturing hubs.
\n"Predictable, preferential access to the US market is vital not only to South Africa but to American companies that depend on reliable imports," he said, appealing to the US to renew the trade deal.
\nJoseph Upile Matola, acting head of the economic resilience and inclusion program at the South African Institute of International Affairs, warned that non-renewal would deprive African countries of "a very important market" that supports manufacturing, agriculture, clothing and textiles.
\nHe said chances of the act being renewed are "very minimal" but added that a renewal would be "a pleasant surprise".
\nHe called on African governments to accelerate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area to boost intra-African trade and cushion against future shocks.
\n"The US itself has lost some markets around the world due to other countries' retaliation and change in consumer sentiments across regions like Europe and Canada as consumers ditch America," he said.
\nZero-tariff policy
\nMatola pointed to China as an alternative market, citing its recent zero-tariff offer to 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations.
\nKganki Matabane, chief executive officer of the Black Business Council in South Africa, echoed doubts over the act's future.
\n"We know there are discussions going on between South Africa and the US, but we don't think we have enough time to salvage AGOA. So far, things are not promising," said Matabane.
\nThe South African government should continue negotiating with the US for the renewal of AGOA even as it diversifies its markets by exploring Africa, Asia and the Gulf, he added.
\n"China is a big market and ready. Many of our farmers are supplying citrus fruits to the US, and are now looking for opportunities in China," Matabane added.
\nKhulekani Mathe, CEO of Business Unity South Africa, concurred with Matabane that South Africa should explore other markets.
\nLast week, BUSA signed a memorandum of understanding with the South Africa-China Economic and Trade Association, which represents Chinese companies operating in South Africa.
\nUnder the deal, BUSA will share regulatory information while the association provides market intelligence about China.
\nIn Kenya, the Kenya Private Sector Alliance, or KEPSA, has urged the US to renew the deal for 16 years or provide a two-year transition window to allow time for a bilateral trade deal pact between Kenya and the US.
\nCarole Kariuki, KEPSA CEO, said that AGOA has played a positive role in Africa over the past 25 years, noting that it has supported industries, created jobs and transformed lives.
\nKenyan President William Ruto raised the same issue with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Ruto said that Kenya exported $600 million worth of apparel to the US last year and aims to surpass $2 billion by 2030.
\nLast week, Kenya's parliament passed a motion urging expedited extension of AGOA, citing its critical role in the country's economy, exports and job creation.
\nJane Kagiri, a woman representative from Laikipia, Kenya, who sponsored the motion, warned of potential economic disruptions if urgent action is not taken.
\n"Women comprise approximately 75 percent of AGOA's direct beneficiaries, and their incomes directly support education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation," she said.
\nedithmutethya@chinadaily.com.cn
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-03/004/20251003_004_06_16423.png\")
Firefighters tackle the blaze after a Russian air attack that hit a market in Kharkiv on Wednesday.
\nWASHINGTON — The United States will provide Ukraine with intelligence on long-range energy infrastructure targets within Russia, two officials told Reuters on Wednesday, as it weighs whether to send Kyiv missiles that could be used in such strikes.
\nThe US is also asking NATO allies to provide similar support, the US officials said, confirming details first reported by the Wall Street Journal.
\nWashington has long been sharing intelligence with Kyiv, but the Wall Street Journal reported that it will now be easier for Ukraine to target infrastructure, such as refineries, pipelines and power plants, thereby depriving the Kremlin of revenue and oil.
\nNeither the White House nor Ukraine's mission to the United Nations immediately responded to separate requests for comment from Reuters.
\nThe Kremlin responded on Thursday by saying that the US and the NATO military alliance already supplied Ukraine with intelligence on a regular basis.
\n"The United States of America transmits intelligence to Ukraine on a regular basis online," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
\n"The supply and use of the entire infrastructure of NATO and the United States to collect and transfer intelligence to Ukrainians is obvious."
\nThe move comes as the United States also considers a Ukrainian request to obtain Tomahawks, which have a range of 2,500 kilometers, easily enough to hit Moscow and most of European Russia if fired from Ukraine. Kyiv has also developed its own long-range missile, named the Flamingo, but the quantities are unknown as the missile is still in early production.
\nUS President Donald Trump began his second term in January, vowing to quickly end the conflict.
\nRussia's UN Ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, said earlier on Wednesday that "this is a situation where quick fixes do not work", during a news conference to mark the start of Russia's October presidency of the UN Security Council.
\nNebenzia also cited Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov as saying that if the US decided to supply Ukraine with Tomahawks, "it will not change the situation on the battlefield".
\nEnergy revenue remains the Kremlin's single most important source of cash, making oil and gas exports a central target of Western sanctions.
\nEarlier on Wednesday, the finance ministers of the Group of Seven nations announced that they will take joint steps to increase pressure on Russia by targeting those who continue to purchase Russian oil and those facilitating circumvention.
\n", - "content": "Firefighters tackle the blaze after a Russian air attack that hit a market in Kharkiv on Wednesday.
\nWASHINGTON — The United States will provide Ukraine with intelligence on long-range energy infrastructure targets within Russia, two officials told Reuters on Wednesday, as it weighs whether to send Kyiv missiles that could be used in such strikes.
\nThe US is also asking NATO allies to provide similar support, the US officials said, confirming details first reported by the Wall Street Journal.
\nWashington has long been sharing intelligence with Kyiv, but the Wall Street Journal reported that it will now be easier for Ukraine to target infrastructure, such as refineries, pipelines and power plants, thereby depriving the Kremlin of revenue and oil.
\nNeither the White House nor Ukraine's mission to the United Nations immediately responded to separate requests for comment from Reuters.
\nThe Kremlin responded on Thursday by saying that the US and the NATO military alliance already supplied Ukraine with intelligence on a regular basis.
\n"The United States of America transmits intelligence to Ukraine on a regular basis online," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
\n"The supply and use of the entire infrastructure of NATO and the United States to collect and transfer intelligence to Ukrainians is obvious."
\nThe move comes as the United States also considers a Ukrainian request to obtain Tomahawks, which have a range of 2,500 kilometers, easily enough to hit Moscow and most of European Russia if fired from Ukraine. Kyiv has also developed its own long-range missile, named the Flamingo, but the quantities are unknown as the missile is still in early production.
\nUS President Donald Trump began his second term in January, vowing to quickly end the conflict.
\nRussia's UN Ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, said earlier on Wednesday that "this is a situation where quick fixes do not work", during a news conference to mark the start of Russia's October presidency of the UN Security Council.
\nNebenzia also cited Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov as saying that if the US decided to supply Ukraine with Tomahawks, "it will not change the situation on the battlefield".
\nEnergy revenue remains the Kremlin's single most important source of cash, making oil and gas exports a central target of Western sanctions.
\nEarlier on Wednesday, the finance ministers of the Group of Seven nations announced that they will take joint steps to increase pressure on Russia by targeting those who continue to purchase Russian oil and those facilitating circumvention.
\n", + "description": "Firefighters tackle the blaze after a Russian air attack that hit a market in Kharkiv on Wednesday.
\nWASHINGTON — The United States will provide Ukraine with intelligence on long-range energy infrastructure targets within Russia, two officials told Reuters on Wednesday, as it weighs whether to send Kyiv missiles that could be used in such strikes.
\nThe US is also asking NATO allies to provide similar support, the US officials said, confirming details first reported by the Wall Street Journal.
\nWashington has long been sharing intelligence with Kyiv, but the Wall Street Journal reported that it will now be easier for Ukraine to target infrastructure, such as refineries, pipelines and power plants, thereby depriving the Kremlin of revenue and oil.
\nNeither the White House nor Ukraine's mission to the United Nations immediately responded to separate requests for comment from Reuters.
\nThe Kremlin responded on Thursday by saying that the US and the NATO military alliance already supplied Ukraine with intelligence on a regular basis.
\n"The United States of America transmits intelligence to Ukraine on a regular basis online," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
\n"The supply and use of the entire infrastructure of NATO and the United States to collect and transfer intelligence to Ukrainians is obvious."
\nThe move comes as the United States also considers a Ukrainian request to obtain Tomahawks, which have a range of 2,500 kilometers, easily enough to hit Moscow and most of European Russia if fired from Ukraine. Kyiv has also developed its own long-range missile, named the Flamingo, but the quantities are unknown as the missile is still in early production.
\nUS President Donald Trump began his second term in January, vowing to quickly end the conflict.
\nRussia's UN Ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, said earlier on Wednesday that "this is a situation where quick fixes do not work", during a news conference to mark the start of Russia's October presidency of the UN Security Council.
\nNebenzia also cited Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov as saying that if the US decided to supply Ukraine with Tomahawks, "it will not change the situation on the battlefield".
\nEnergy revenue remains the Kremlin's single most important source of cash, making oil and gas exports a central target of Western sanctions.
\nEarlier on Wednesday, the finance ministers of the Group of Seven nations announced that they will take joint steps to increase pressure on Russia by targeting those who continue to purchase Russian oil and those facilitating circumvention.
\nFirefighters tackle the blaze after a Russian air attack that hit a market in Kharkiv on Wednesday.
\nWASHINGTON — The United States will provide Ukraine with intelligence on long-range energy infrastructure targets within Russia, two officials told Reuters on Wednesday, as it weighs whether to send Kyiv missiles that could be used in such strikes.
\nThe US is also asking NATO allies to provide similar support, the US officials said, confirming details first reported by the Wall Street Journal.
\nWashington has long been sharing intelligence with Kyiv, but the Wall Street Journal reported that it will now be easier for Ukraine to target infrastructure, such as refineries, pipelines and power plants, thereby depriving the Kremlin of revenue and oil.
\nNeither the White House nor Ukraine's mission to the United Nations immediately responded to separate requests for comment from Reuters.
\nThe Kremlin responded on Thursday by saying that the US and the NATO military alliance already supplied Ukraine with intelligence on a regular basis.
\n"The United States of America transmits intelligence to Ukraine on a regular basis online," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
\n"The supply and use of the entire infrastructure of NATO and the United States to collect and transfer intelligence to Ukrainians is obvious."
\nThe move comes as the United States also considers a Ukrainian request to obtain Tomahawks, which have a range of 2,500 kilometers, easily enough to hit Moscow and most of European Russia if fired from Ukraine. Kyiv has also developed its own long-range missile, named the Flamingo, but the quantities are unknown as the missile is still in early production.
\nUS President Donald Trump began his second term in January, vowing to quickly end the conflict.
\nRussia's UN Ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, said earlier on Wednesday that "this is a situation where quick fixes do not work", during a news conference to mark the start of Russia's October presidency of the UN Security Council.
\nNebenzia also cited Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov as saying that if the US decided to supply Ukraine with Tomahawks, "it will not change the situation on the battlefield".
\nEnergy revenue remains the Kremlin's single most important source of cash, making oil and gas exports a central target of Western sanctions.
\nEarlier on Wednesday, the finance ministers of the Group of Seven nations announced that they will take joint steps to increase pressure on Russia by targeting those who continue to purchase Russian oil and those facilitating circumvention.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-03/008/20251003_008_01_14146.png\")
Tourists from the Datong Yungang International Airport pose for a group photo in front of the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-03/008/20251003_008_01_21146.png\")
On the morning of Aug 25, a flight prepares for takeoff from Nanchang, Jiangxi, destined for Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. This marks Jiangxi's first direct flight to Malaysia following the mutual visa exemption agreement between China and Malaysia.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-03/008/20251003_008_01_35146.png\")
\nYang Xiuli can't stop talking about this wonderful deal she got while traveling to Thailand recently. Earlier this month, the 26-year-old traveled from Beijing to Datong in Shanxi province by train and from there flew to Bangkok, Thailand. The round-trip flight for two from Datong to Bangkok cost only 890 yuan ($125.27).
\n"On a high-speed train, the journey from Beijing to Datong (340 kilometers) takes less than two hours, the same time it takes to get from Xizhimen to Daxing airport (a little over 50 km) in Beijing by taxi, but the airfare from Datong to Bangkok is less than half the airfare from Beijing to Bangkok. Missing out on such a deal would have been foolish," Yang said.
\n"Even though these tickets cost less, the airline didn't compromise on punctuality, basic services, or flight safety. We had a comfortable flying experience both to and fro. In fact, the cheap tickets were a smart choice — the money we saved allowed us to spend more on food and other experiences in Thailand, offering us greater value for money," she said.
\nAnd theirs wasn't an isolated case.
\nCheaper gateway
\nWhile standard airfare between major cities can be high, young travelers like Yang are changing the tourism economics by employing creative strategies, such as by combining bullet train travel with newly launched regional airport routes that cost 70 percent cheaper than when flying from major cities.
\nThousands of young people from big cities like Beijing and Shanghai are taking high-speed trains to second- and third-tier cities like Datong and Yuncheng in Shanxi province and Linyi in Shandong province to catch newly launched direct international flights. Using such routes they are able to fly to destinations like Bangkok, Moscow, and Seoul for half the usual price or even less.
\nThe Datong Yungang International Airport actually exceeded Yang's expectations. "From entering the airport to reaching the boarding gate, it took us just 10 minutes. It takes longer to walk from security check to the boarding gate at Beijing's Daxing airport," she said.
\nThe efficiency of this small airport is its biggest advantage. There are no long lines or complex pathways, allowing travelers to come and go almost as they please. The service at the airport is equally good. "The staff at the airport proactively offer guidance and are very patient," Yang said.
\nThis efficient and convenient experience is also why more young people are choosing to fly overseas from smaller city airports. Compared to long lines and waits at major international airports in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, these smaller airports provide a relaxed and enjoyable travel experience.
\nTicketing apps indicate that round-trip flights from Beijing to Bangkok cost around 2,300 to 2,400 yuan. However, departing from Datong, including the high-speed train ticket from Beijing to Datong, brings the total round-trip cost per person to only 600-700 yuan.
\nSmart deals
\nFor young travelers, it isn't just about finding a good bargain; it's also about making smart consumption choices.
\n"When young people can travel abroad at a lower cost, why not?" said Sun Jiashan, a researcher at the Central Academy of Culture and Tourism Management. He believes this trend cannot simply be defined as "budget travel" or consumption downgrade.
\n"When the new generation views overseas travel as a regular consumption choice, they focus more on the value of their travel experience. This actually represents an upgrade in cultural consumption — they have higher demands for the quality and intrinsic value of travel," Sun said.
\nThis phenomenon has parallels in the "grand tour "culture that has existed in Western countries for a long time, he said.
\nSun mentioned that during a recent conference in Thailand, he observed many "digital nomads", or remote workers, from Western countries choosing to live long-term in Thailand, where the cost of living is relatively low, instead of indulging in luxury consumption.
\nMoreover, the availability of low-cost tickets is a result of a combination of government subsidies and market mechanisms.
\nMany of Datong's international routes are contracted by Shanxi Baohua Travel Agency, with most flights chartered for group tours. When there aren't enough group travelers, the agency sells the remaining seats online at low prices, often accompanied by government subsidies, according to local media reports.
\nZhao Sikai, a route manager at Shenzhen Airlines' Changsha office in Hunan province, confirmed this model: "Part of the reason is that local governments provide route subsidies to stimulate local tourism and the economy, effectively reducing the airlines' operational risks and allowing them to offer ultra-low-cost tickets."
\nThis model is spreading across the country. Tickets on routes like Yuncheng to Japan's Nagoya, Linyi to Osaka, and Jinan in Shandong to Seoul cost significantly lower than that for direct flights from first-tier cities.
\nAt the end of August, Nanchang in Jiangxi province resumed direct flights to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with one-way tickets costing only a few hundred yuan, and each flight saw over 90 percent occupancy.
\nBefore the National Day holiday, international flights from Changsha and Zhangjiajie in Hunan province to popular overseas destinations like Seoul and Bangkok were priced only between 600 and 800 yuan.
\nTourism boost
\nAdditionally, these cheap flights are also luring foreign tourists.
\nFrom January to August this year, Chinese immigration authorities processed a total of 460 million border crossings — marking a 14.9 percent surge year on year. Notably, arrivals by foreigners surged 27.8 percent (over 50 million) during this period. Within this group, 240-hour visa-free entry approvals reached nearly 16 million travelers.
\nOn the evening of Aug 25, a Malaysian tourist surnamed Yang flew from Kuala Lumpur to Jiangxi. He said it's much more convenient for foreigners wanting to visit Jiangxi this way. Earlier, they had to first fly to Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou and then to a tier-II or tier-III city. "Traveling to Jiangxi used to be quite cumbersome when there were no direct flights. This province has many beautiful cities, like Shangrao and Jingdezhen. The pictures we saw online is truly stunning, and we're excited to explore," Yang said.
\nThis aligns with the observations of Li Gaochao, assistant general manager of Shanxi Baohua travel agency: "The significance of opening international routes in Datong is more about 'bringing in'. Through these international flights, we have attracted inbound tourist groups from Mongolia, Thailand, Russia, and other countries."
\nDatong's implementation of a 240-hour visa-free transit policy last year has further enhanced its appeal, according to Li.
\n"Allowing foreign tourists to choose Datong as their entry point into Shanxi province and encouraging them to spend more time traveling in Datong has increased inbound tourism in Datong and Shanxi," Li said.
\nInterestingly, travelers choosing to depart from Datong aren't all young people. Zhang Haifeng, marketing manager at Datong Yungang International Airport, said that the type of travelers varies depending on the destination and season.
\n"Younger people and students make up a higher proportion of those traveling to South Korea, while there are more older groups traveling to Russia. During peak holiday season, there are more families with children; on weekdays, there are more retirees and older travelers," Zhang said.
\nThis diverse customer structure gives international routes from tier-II and tier-III city airports greater resilience in tourism. Even during the off-peak season, there is a stable customer base to support flight operations.
\nLast year's hit game Black Myth: Wukong brought a flood of attention to Datong. Several of Datong's attractions, featured as locations in the game, quickly became popular spots for social media check-ins. Datong has also become one of the must-visit "hidden gem" cities.
\nLocal residents have noticeably felt the change. To make parking easier for self-driving tourists, lawns inside Datong city have transformed into parking lots; many new hotels have sprung up, and the frequency of locals dining at restaurants inside the city's walls during holidays has reduced.
\nA local netizen explained it thus on social media platform Xiaohongshu (RedNote): "First, we want to make room for visitors, and second, because the restaurants are, anyway, too crowded."
\nIntroducing cost-effective international direct flights is also an attempt to improve Datong's economy. The idea is to lure tourists by offering cheap tickets and give a boost to the local hotel and dining sector, as also other forms of consumption.
\nZhang Xiaojing, a tour guide from Shanxi with 20 years of experience in travel agencies, has witnessed the positive changes brought about by the opening of these international routes. "For us, the increase in outbound tours provides us more job opportunities. I'm proud to offer services and assistance to travelers going abroad," Zhang said.
\nShe believes these international routes will attract more foreign tourists to Datong and Shanxi, "which will certainly promote the development of local tourism and other industries, increase employment opportunities, and make Datong and Shanxi internationally renowned cultural and tourist destinations sooner rather than later".
\nBooming outbound tourism
\nAccording to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's statistical survey report for the third quarter of 2024, the outbound tourism market is steadily recovering after the COVID-19 pandemic.
\nIn the third quarter of 2024, outbound tourism accounted for about 9 percent of the total tourism market, up from 5 percent in the fourth quarter of 2023.
\nAlthough it has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels — in the fourth quarter of 2019, outbound tourism accounted for 22 percent of the total tourism market — the recovery momentum is clear.
\nThe emergence of low-cost international tickets is giving a strong boost to the recovery of the outbound tourism market. According to ticketing platform data, the recent increase in bookings for international flights marked "departing before National Day" is evident, with inquiries and bookings for popular destinations like Bangkok and Seoul particularly prominent. Low-cost tickets are becoming a key factor in attracting travelers to plan their trips in advance.
\nHowever, whether this low-cost model is sustainable remains a question. Li said: "Discounted tickets are just one way for airlines to lure customers and promote sales, with only a limited number of passengers available for each flight. But adjustments will be made based on actual conditions later."
\nIn this wave of "bargain travel", young people are redefining the value of travel with their actions. For them, travel is no longer a luxury but a smart lifestyle choice.
\nAs Yang indicated, the money they saved allowed them to spend more on food and other experiences in Thailand. She has already planned her next trip: "Datong also has flights to and from Russia. I'm already planning a trip to chase the northern lights in Russia."
\nYang also plans to go back to Datong for skiing in winter: "The ski resorts are great, and the food and accommodation offer good value."
\nContact the writers at zhaoruinan@chinadaily.com.cn.
\n", - "content": "Tourists from the Datong Yungang International Airport pose for a group photo in front of the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia.
\nOn the morning of Aug 25, a flight prepares for takeoff from Nanchang, Jiangxi, destined for Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. This marks Jiangxi's first direct flight to Malaysia following the mutual visa exemption agreement between China and Malaysia.
\n\nYang Xiuli can't stop talking about this wonderful deal she got while traveling to Thailand recently. Earlier this month, the 26-year-old traveled from Beijing to Datong in Shanxi province by train and from there flew to Bangkok, Thailand. The round-trip flight for two from Datong to Bangkok cost only 890 yuan ($125.27).
\n"On a high-speed train, the journey from Beijing to Datong (340 kilometers) takes less than two hours, the same time it takes to get from Xizhimen to Daxing airport (a little over 50 km) in Beijing by taxi, but the airfare from Datong to Bangkok is less than half the airfare from Beijing to Bangkok. Missing out on such a deal would have been foolish," Yang said.
\n"Even though these tickets cost less, the airline didn't compromise on punctuality, basic services, or flight safety. We had a comfortable flying experience both to and fro. In fact, the cheap tickets were a smart choice — the money we saved allowed us to spend more on food and other experiences in Thailand, offering us greater value for money," she said.
\nAnd theirs wasn't an isolated case.
\nCheaper gateway
\nWhile standard airfare between major cities can be high, young travelers like Yang are changing the tourism economics by employing creative strategies, such as by combining bullet train travel with newly launched regional airport routes that cost 70 percent cheaper than when flying from major cities.
\nThousands of young people from big cities like Beijing and Shanghai are taking high-speed trains to second- and third-tier cities like Datong and Yuncheng in Shanxi province and Linyi in Shandong province to catch newly launched direct international flights. Using such routes they are able to fly to destinations like Bangkok, Moscow, and Seoul for half the usual price or even less.
\nThe Datong Yungang International Airport actually exceeded Yang's expectations. "From entering the airport to reaching the boarding gate, it took us just 10 minutes. It takes longer to walk from security check to the boarding gate at Beijing's Daxing airport," she said.
\nThe efficiency of this small airport is its biggest advantage. There are no long lines or complex pathways, allowing travelers to come and go almost as they please. The service at the airport is equally good. "The staff at the airport proactively offer guidance and are very patient," Yang said.
\nThis efficient and convenient experience is also why more young people are choosing to fly overseas from smaller city airports. Compared to long lines and waits at major international airports in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, these smaller airports provide a relaxed and enjoyable travel experience.
\nTicketing apps indicate that round-trip flights from Beijing to Bangkok cost around 2,300 to 2,400 yuan. However, departing from Datong, including the high-speed train ticket from Beijing to Datong, brings the total round-trip cost per person to only 600-700 yuan.
\nSmart deals
\nFor young travelers, it isn't just about finding a good bargain; it's also about making smart consumption choices.
\n"When young people can travel abroad at a lower cost, why not?" said Sun Jiashan, a researcher at the Central Academy of Culture and Tourism Management. He believes this trend cannot simply be defined as "budget travel" or consumption downgrade.
\n"When the new generation views overseas travel as a regular consumption choice, they focus more on the value of their travel experience. This actually represents an upgrade in cultural consumption — they have higher demands for the quality and intrinsic value of travel," Sun said.
\nThis phenomenon has parallels in the "grand tour "culture that has existed in Western countries for a long time, he said.
\nSun mentioned that during a recent conference in Thailand, he observed many "digital nomads", or remote workers, from Western countries choosing to live long-term in Thailand, where the cost of living is relatively low, instead of indulging in luxury consumption.
\nMoreover, the availability of low-cost tickets is a result of a combination of government subsidies and market mechanisms.
\nMany of Datong's international routes are contracted by Shanxi Baohua Travel Agency, with most flights chartered for group tours. When there aren't enough group travelers, the agency sells the remaining seats online at low prices, often accompanied by government subsidies, according to local media reports.
\nZhao Sikai, a route manager at Shenzhen Airlines' Changsha office in Hunan province, confirmed this model: "Part of the reason is that local governments provide route subsidies to stimulate local tourism and the economy, effectively reducing the airlines' operational risks and allowing them to offer ultra-low-cost tickets."
\nThis model is spreading across the country. Tickets on routes like Yuncheng to Japan's Nagoya, Linyi to Osaka, and Jinan in Shandong to Seoul cost significantly lower than that for direct flights from first-tier cities.
\nAt the end of August, Nanchang in Jiangxi province resumed direct flights to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with one-way tickets costing only a few hundred yuan, and each flight saw over 90 percent occupancy.
\nBefore the National Day holiday, international flights from Changsha and Zhangjiajie in Hunan province to popular overseas destinations like Seoul and Bangkok were priced only between 600 and 800 yuan.
\nTourism boost
\nAdditionally, these cheap flights are also luring foreign tourists.
\nFrom January to August this year, Chinese immigration authorities processed a total of 460 million border crossings — marking a 14.9 percent surge year on year. Notably, arrivals by foreigners surged 27.8 percent (over 50 million) during this period. Within this group, 240-hour visa-free entry approvals reached nearly 16 million travelers.
\nOn the evening of Aug 25, a Malaysian tourist surnamed Yang flew from Kuala Lumpur to Jiangxi. He said it's much more convenient for foreigners wanting to visit Jiangxi this way. Earlier, they had to first fly to Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou and then to a tier-II or tier-III city. "Traveling to Jiangxi used to be quite cumbersome when there were no direct flights. This province has many beautiful cities, like Shangrao and Jingdezhen. The pictures we saw online is truly stunning, and we're excited to explore," Yang said.
\nThis aligns with the observations of Li Gaochao, assistant general manager of Shanxi Baohua travel agency: "The significance of opening international routes in Datong is more about 'bringing in'. Through these international flights, we have attracted inbound tourist groups from Mongolia, Thailand, Russia, and other countries."
\nDatong's implementation of a 240-hour visa-free transit policy last year has further enhanced its appeal, according to Li.
\n"Allowing foreign tourists to choose Datong as their entry point into Shanxi province and encouraging them to spend more time traveling in Datong has increased inbound tourism in Datong and Shanxi," Li said.
\nInterestingly, travelers choosing to depart from Datong aren't all young people. Zhang Haifeng, marketing manager at Datong Yungang International Airport, said that the type of travelers varies depending on the destination and season.
\n"Younger people and students make up a higher proportion of those traveling to South Korea, while there are more older groups traveling to Russia. During peak holiday season, there are more families with children; on weekdays, there are more retirees and older travelers," Zhang said.
\nThis diverse customer structure gives international routes from tier-II and tier-III city airports greater resilience in tourism. Even during the off-peak season, there is a stable customer base to support flight operations.
\nLast year's hit game Black Myth: Wukong brought a flood of attention to Datong. Several of Datong's attractions, featured as locations in the game, quickly became popular spots for social media check-ins. Datong has also become one of the must-visit "hidden gem" cities.
\nLocal residents have noticeably felt the change. To make parking easier for self-driving tourists, lawns inside Datong city have transformed into parking lots; many new hotels have sprung up, and the frequency of locals dining at restaurants inside the city's walls during holidays has reduced.
\nA local netizen explained it thus on social media platform Xiaohongshu (RedNote): "First, we want to make room for visitors, and second, because the restaurants are, anyway, too crowded."
\nIntroducing cost-effective international direct flights is also an attempt to improve Datong's economy. The idea is to lure tourists by offering cheap tickets and give a boost to the local hotel and dining sector, as also other forms of consumption.
\nZhang Xiaojing, a tour guide from Shanxi with 20 years of experience in travel agencies, has witnessed the positive changes brought about by the opening of these international routes. "For us, the increase in outbound tours provides us more job opportunities. I'm proud to offer services and assistance to travelers going abroad," Zhang said.
\nShe believes these international routes will attract more foreign tourists to Datong and Shanxi, "which will certainly promote the development of local tourism and other industries, increase employment opportunities, and make Datong and Shanxi internationally renowned cultural and tourist destinations sooner rather than later".
\nBooming outbound tourism
\nAccording to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's statistical survey report for the third quarter of 2024, the outbound tourism market is steadily recovering after the COVID-19 pandemic.
\nIn the third quarter of 2024, outbound tourism accounted for about 9 percent of the total tourism market, up from 5 percent in the fourth quarter of 2023.
\nAlthough it has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels — in the fourth quarter of 2019, outbound tourism accounted for 22 percent of the total tourism market — the recovery momentum is clear.
\nThe emergence of low-cost international tickets is giving a strong boost to the recovery of the outbound tourism market. According to ticketing platform data, the recent increase in bookings for international flights marked "departing before National Day" is evident, with inquiries and bookings for popular destinations like Bangkok and Seoul particularly prominent. Low-cost tickets are becoming a key factor in attracting travelers to plan their trips in advance.
\nHowever, whether this low-cost model is sustainable remains a question. Li said: "Discounted tickets are just one way for airlines to lure customers and promote sales, with only a limited number of passengers available for each flight. But adjustments will be made based on actual conditions later."
\nIn this wave of "bargain travel", young people are redefining the value of travel with their actions. For them, travel is no longer a luxury but a smart lifestyle choice.
\nAs Yang indicated, the money they saved allowed them to spend more on food and other experiences in Thailand. She has already planned her next trip: "Datong also has flights to and from Russia. I'm already planning a trip to chase the northern lights in Russia."
\nYang also plans to go back to Datong for skiing in winter: "The ski resorts are great, and the food and accommodation offer good value."
\nContact the writers at zhaoruinan@chinadaily.com.cn.
\n", + "description": "Tourists from the Datong Yungang International Airport pose for a group photo in front of the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia.
\nOn the morning of Aug 25, a flight prepares for takeoff from Nanchang, Jiangxi, destined for Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. This marks Jiangxi's first direct flight to Malaysia following the mutual visa exemption agreement between China and Malaysia.
\n\nYang Xiuli can't stop talking about this wonderful deal she got while traveling to Thailand recently. Earlier this month, the 26-year-old traveled from Beijing to Datong in Shanxi province by train and from there flew to Bangkok, Thailand. The round-trip flight for two from Datong to Bangkok cost only 890 yuan ($125.27).
\n"On a high-speed train, the journey from Beijing to Datong (340 kilometers) takes less than two hours, the same time it takes to get from Xizhimen to Daxing airport (a little over 50 km) in Beijing by taxi, but the airfare from Datong to Bangkok is less than half the airfare from Beijing to Bangkok. Missing out on such a deal would have been foolish," Yang said.
\n"Even though these tickets cost less, the airline didn't compromise on punctuality, basic services, or flight safety. We had a comfortable flying experience both to and fro. In fact, the cheap tickets were a smart choice — the money we saved allowed us to spend more on food and other experiences in Thailand, offering us greater value for money," she said.
\nAnd theirs wasn't an isolated case.
\nCheaper gateway
\nWhile standard airfare between major cities can be high, young travelers like Yang are changing the tourism economics by employing creative strategies, such as by combining bullet train travel with newly launched regional airport routes that cost 70 percent cheaper than when flying from major cities.
\nThousands of young people from big cities like Beijing and Shanghai are taking high-speed trains to second- and third-tier cities like Datong and Yuncheng in Shanxi province and Linyi in Shandong province to catch newly launched direct international flights. Using such routes they are able to fly to destinations like Bangkok, Moscow, and Seoul for half the usual price or even less.
\nThe Datong Yungang International Airport actually exceeded Yang's expectations. "From entering the airport to reaching the boarding gate, it took us just 10 minutes. It takes longer to walk from security check to the boarding gate at Beijing's Daxing airport," she said.
\nThe efficiency of this small airport is its biggest advantage. There are no long lines or complex pathways, allowing travelers to come and go almost as they please. The service at the airport is equally good. "The staff at the airport proactively offer guidance and are very patient," Yang said.
\nThis efficient and convenient experience is also why more young people are choosing to fly overseas from smaller city airports. Compared to long lines and waits at major international airports in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, these smaller airports provide a relaxed and enjoyable travel experience.
\nTicketing apps indicate that round-trip flights from Beijing to Bangkok cost around 2,300 to 2,400 yuan. However, departing from Datong, including the high-speed train ticket from Beijing to Datong, brings the total round-trip cost per person to only 600-700 yuan.
\nSmart deals
\nFor young travelers, it isn't just about finding a good bargain; it's also about making smart consumption choices.
\n"When young people can travel abroad at a lower cost, why not?" said Sun Jiashan, a researcher at the Central Academy of Culture and Tourism Management. He believes this trend cannot simply be defined as "budget travel" or consumption downgrade.
\n"When the new generation views overseas travel as a regular consumption choice, they focus more on the value of their travel experience. This actually represents an upgrade in cultural consumption — they have higher demands for the quality and intrinsic value of travel," Sun said.
\nThis phenomenon has parallels in the "grand tour "culture that has existed in Western countries for a long time, he said.
\nSun mentioned that during a recent conference in Thailand, he observed many "digital nomads", or remote workers, from Western countries choosing to live long-term in Thailand, where the cost of living is relatively low, instead of indulging in luxury consumption.
\nMoreover, the availability of low-cost tickets is a result of a combination of government subsidies and market mechanisms.
\nMany of Datong's international routes are contracted by Shanxi Baohua Travel Agency, with most flights chartered for group tours. When there aren't enough group travelers, the agency sells the remaining seats online at low prices, often accompanied by government subsidies, according to local media reports.
\nZhao Sikai, a route manager at Shenzhen Airlines' Changsha office in Hunan province, confirmed this model: "Part of the reason is that local governments provide route subsidies to stimulate local tourism and the economy, effectively reducing the airlines' operational risks and allowing them to offer ultra-low-cost tickets."
\nThis model is spreading across the country. Tickets on routes like Yuncheng to Japan's Nagoya, Linyi to Osaka, and Jinan in Shandong to Seoul cost significantly lower than that for direct flights from first-tier cities.
\nAt the end of August, Nanchang in Jiangxi province resumed direct flights to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with one-way tickets costing only a few hundred yuan, and each flight saw over 90 percent occupancy.
\nBefore the National Day holiday, international flights from Changsha and Zhangjiajie in Hunan province to popular overseas destinations like Seoul and Bangkok were priced only between 600 and 800 yuan.
\nTourism boost
\nAdditionally, these cheap flights are also luring foreign tourists.
\nFrom January to August this year, Chinese immigration authorities processed a total of 460 million border crossings — marking a 14.9 percent surge year on year. Notably, arrivals by foreigners surged 27.8 percent (over 50 million) during this period. Within this group, 240-hour visa-free entry approvals reached nearly 16 million travelers.
\nOn the evening of Aug 25, a Malaysian tourist surnamed Yang flew from Kuala Lumpur to Jiangxi. He said it's much more convenient for foreigners wanting to visit Jiangxi this way. Earlier, they had to first fly to Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou and then to a tier-II or tier-III city. "Traveling to Jiangxi used to be quite cumbersome when there were no direct flights. This province has many beautiful cities, like Shangrao and Jingdezhen. The pictures we saw online is truly stunning, and we're excited to explore," Yang said.
\nThis aligns with the observations of Li Gaochao, assistant general manager of Shanxi Baohua travel agency: "The significance of opening international routes in Datong is more about 'bringing in'. Through these international flights, we have attracted inbound tourist groups from Mongolia, Thailand, Russia, and other countries."
\nDatong's implementation of a 240-hour visa-free transit policy last year has further enhanced its appeal, according to Li.
\n"Allowing foreign tourists to choose Datong as their entry point into Shanxi province and encouraging them to spend more time traveling in Datong has increased inbound tourism in Datong and Shanxi," Li said.
\nInterestingly, travelers choosing to depart from Datong aren't all young people. Zhang Haifeng, marketing manager at Datong Yungang International Airport, said that the type of travelers varies depending on the destination and season.
\n"Younger people and students make up a higher proportion of those traveling to South Korea, while there are more older groups traveling to Russia. During peak holiday season, there are more families with children; on weekdays, there are more retirees and older travelers," Zhang said.
\nThis diverse customer structure gives international routes from tier-II and tier-III city airports greater resilience in tourism. Even during the off-peak season, there is a stable customer base to support flight operations.
\nLast year's hit game Black Myth: Wukong brought a flood of attention to Datong. Several of Datong's attractions, featured as locations in the game, quickly became popular spots for social media check-ins. Datong has also become one of the must-visit "hidden gem" cities.
\nLocal residents have noticeably felt the change. To make parking easier for self-driving tourists, lawns inside Datong city have transformed into parking lots; many new hotels have sprung up, and the frequency of locals dining at restaurants inside the city's walls during holidays has reduced.
\nA local netizen explained it thus on social media platform Xiaohongshu (RedNote): "First, we want to make room for visitors, and second, because the restaurants are, anyway, too crowded."
\nIntroducing cost-effective international direct flights is also an attempt to improve Datong's economy. The idea is to lure tourists by offering cheap tickets and give a boost to the local hotel and dining sector, as also other forms of consumption.
\nZhang Xiaojing, a tour guide from Shanxi with 20 years of experience in travel agencies, has witnessed the positive changes brought about by the opening of these international routes. "For us, the increase in outbound tours provides us more job opportunities. I'm proud to offer services and assistance to travelers going abroad," Zhang said.
\nShe believes these international routes will attract more foreign tourists to Datong and Shanxi, "which will certainly promote the development of local tourism and other industries, increase employment opportunities, and make Datong and Shanxi internationally renowned cultural and tourist destinations sooner rather than later".
\nBooming outbound tourism
\nAccording to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's statistical survey report for the third quarter of 2024, the outbound tourism market is steadily recovering after the COVID-19 pandemic.
\nIn the third quarter of 2024, outbound tourism accounted for about 9 percent of the total tourism market, up from 5 percent in the fourth quarter of 2023.
\nAlthough it has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels — in the fourth quarter of 2019, outbound tourism accounted for 22 percent of the total tourism market — the recovery momentum is clear.
\nThe emergence of low-cost international tickets is giving a strong boost to the recovery of the outbound tourism market. According to ticketing platform data, the recent increase in bookings for international flights marked "departing before National Day" is evident, with inquiries and bookings for popular destinations like Bangkok and Seoul particularly prominent. Low-cost tickets are becoming a key factor in attracting travelers to plan their trips in advance.
\nHowever, whether this low-cost model is sustainable remains a question. Li said: "Discounted tickets are just one way for airlines to lure customers and promote sales, with only a limited number of passengers available for each flight. But adjustments will be made based on actual conditions later."
\nIn this wave of "bargain travel", young people are redefining the value of travel with their actions. For them, travel is no longer a luxury but a smart lifestyle choice.
\nAs Yang indicated, the money they saved allowed them to spend more on food and other experiences in Thailand. She has already planned her next trip: "Datong also has flights to and from Russia. I'm already planning a trip to chase the northern lights in Russia."
\nYang also plans to go back to Datong for skiing in winter: "The ski resorts are great, and the food and accommodation offer good value."
\nContact the writers at zhaoruinan@chinadaily.com.cn.
\nTourists from the Datong Yungang International Airport pose for a group photo in front of the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia.
\nOn the morning of Aug 25, a flight prepares for takeoff from Nanchang, Jiangxi, destined for Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. This marks Jiangxi's first direct flight to Malaysia following the mutual visa exemption agreement between China and Malaysia.
\n\nYang Xiuli can't stop talking about this wonderful deal she got while traveling to Thailand recently. Earlier this month, the 26-year-old traveled from Beijing to Datong in Shanxi province by train and from there flew to Bangkok, Thailand. The round-trip flight for two from Datong to Bangkok cost only 890 yuan ($125.27).
\n"On a high-speed train, the journey from Beijing to Datong (340 kilometers) takes less than two hours, the same time it takes to get from Xizhimen to Daxing airport (a little over 50 km) in Beijing by taxi, but the airfare from Datong to Bangkok is less than half the airfare from Beijing to Bangkok. Missing out on such a deal would have been foolish," Yang said.
\n"Even though these tickets cost less, the airline didn't compromise on punctuality, basic services, or flight safety. We had a comfortable flying experience both to and fro. In fact, the cheap tickets were a smart choice — the money we saved allowed us to spend more on food and other experiences in Thailand, offering us greater value for money," she said.
\nAnd theirs wasn't an isolated case.
\nCheaper gateway
\nWhile standard airfare between major cities can be high, young travelers like Yang are changing the tourism economics by employing creative strategies, such as by combining bullet train travel with newly launched regional airport routes that cost 70 percent cheaper than when flying from major cities.
\nThousands of young people from big cities like Beijing and Shanghai are taking high-speed trains to second- and third-tier cities like Datong and Yuncheng in Shanxi province and Linyi in Shandong province to catch newly launched direct international flights. Using such routes they are able to fly to destinations like Bangkok, Moscow, and Seoul for half the usual price or even less.
\nThe Datong Yungang International Airport actually exceeded Yang's expectations. "From entering the airport to reaching the boarding gate, it took us just 10 minutes. It takes longer to walk from security check to the boarding gate at Beijing's Daxing airport," she said.
\nThe efficiency of this small airport is its biggest advantage. There are no long lines or complex pathways, allowing travelers to come and go almost as they please. The service at the airport is equally good. "The staff at the airport proactively offer guidance and are very patient," Yang said.
\nThis efficient and convenient experience is also why more young people are choosing to fly overseas from smaller city airports. Compared to long lines and waits at major international airports in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, these smaller airports provide a relaxed and enjoyable travel experience.
\nTicketing apps indicate that round-trip flights from Beijing to Bangkok cost around 2,300 to 2,400 yuan. However, departing from Datong, including the high-speed train ticket from Beijing to Datong, brings the total round-trip cost per person to only 600-700 yuan.
\nSmart deals
\nFor young travelers, it isn't just about finding a good bargain; it's also about making smart consumption choices.
\n"When young people can travel abroad at a lower cost, why not?" said Sun Jiashan, a researcher at the Central Academy of Culture and Tourism Management. He believes this trend cannot simply be defined as "budget travel" or consumption downgrade.
\n"When the new generation views overseas travel as a regular consumption choice, they focus more on the value of their travel experience. This actually represents an upgrade in cultural consumption — they have higher demands for the quality and intrinsic value of travel," Sun said.
\nThis phenomenon has parallels in the "grand tour "culture that has existed in Western countries for a long time, he said.
\nSun mentioned that during a recent conference in Thailand, he observed many "digital nomads", or remote workers, from Western countries choosing to live long-term in Thailand, where the cost of living is relatively low, instead of indulging in luxury consumption.
\nMoreover, the availability of low-cost tickets is a result of a combination of government subsidies and market mechanisms.
\nMany of Datong's international routes are contracted by Shanxi Baohua Travel Agency, with most flights chartered for group tours. When there aren't enough group travelers, the agency sells the remaining seats online at low prices, often accompanied by government subsidies, according to local media reports.
\nZhao Sikai, a route manager at Shenzhen Airlines' Changsha office in Hunan province, confirmed this model: "Part of the reason is that local governments provide route subsidies to stimulate local tourism and the economy, effectively reducing the airlines' operational risks and allowing them to offer ultra-low-cost tickets."
\nThis model is spreading across the country. Tickets on routes like Yuncheng to Japan's Nagoya, Linyi to Osaka, and Jinan in Shandong to Seoul cost significantly lower than that for direct flights from first-tier cities.
\nAt the end of August, Nanchang in Jiangxi province resumed direct flights to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with one-way tickets costing only a few hundred yuan, and each flight saw over 90 percent occupancy.
\nBefore the National Day holiday, international flights from Changsha and Zhangjiajie in Hunan province to popular overseas destinations like Seoul and Bangkok were priced only between 600 and 800 yuan.
\nTourism boost
\nAdditionally, these cheap flights are also luring foreign tourists.
\nFrom January to August this year, Chinese immigration authorities processed a total of 460 million border crossings — marking a 14.9 percent surge year on year. Notably, arrivals by foreigners surged 27.8 percent (over 50 million) during this period. Within this group, 240-hour visa-free entry approvals reached nearly 16 million travelers.
\nOn the evening of Aug 25, a Malaysian tourist surnamed Yang flew from Kuala Lumpur to Jiangxi. He said it's much more convenient for foreigners wanting to visit Jiangxi this way. Earlier, they had to first fly to Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou and then to a tier-II or tier-III city. "Traveling to Jiangxi used to be quite cumbersome when there were no direct flights. This province has many beautiful cities, like Shangrao and Jingdezhen. The pictures we saw online is truly stunning, and we're excited to explore," Yang said.
\nThis aligns with the observations of Li Gaochao, assistant general manager of Shanxi Baohua travel agency: "The significance of opening international routes in Datong is more about 'bringing in'. Through these international flights, we have attracted inbound tourist groups from Mongolia, Thailand, Russia, and other countries."
\nDatong's implementation of a 240-hour visa-free transit policy last year has further enhanced its appeal, according to Li.
\n"Allowing foreign tourists to choose Datong as their entry point into Shanxi province and encouraging them to spend more time traveling in Datong has increased inbound tourism in Datong and Shanxi," Li said.
\nInterestingly, travelers choosing to depart from Datong aren't all young people. Zhang Haifeng, marketing manager at Datong Yungang International Airport, said that the type of travelers varies depending on the destination and season.
\n"Younger people and students make up a higher proportion of those traveling to South Korea, while there are more older groups traveling to Russia. During peak holiday season, there are more families with children; on weekdays, there are more retirees and older travelers," Zhang said.
\nThis diverse customer structure gives international routes from tier-II and tier-III city airports greater resilience in tourism. Even during the off-peak season, there is a stable customer base to support flight operations.
\nLast year's hit game Black Myth: Wukong brought a flood of attention to Datong. Several of Datong's attractions, featured as locations in the game, quickly became popular spots for social media check-ins. Datong has also become one of the must-visit "hidden gem" cities.
\nLocal residents have noticeably felt the change. To make parking easier for self-driving tourists, lawns inside Datong city have transformed into parking lots; many new hotels have sprung up, and the frequency of locals dining at restaurants inside the city's walls during holidays has reduced.
\nA local netizen explained it thus on social media platform Xiaohongshu (RedNote): "First, we want to make room for visitors, and second, because the restaurants are, anyway, too crowded."
\nIntroducing cost-effective international direct flights is also an attempt to improve Datong's economy. The idea is to lure tourists by offering cheap tickets and give a boost to the local hotel and dining sector, as also other forms of consumption.
\nZhang Xiaojing, a tour guide from Shanxi with 20 years of experience in travel agencies, has witnessed the positive changes brought about by the opening of these international routes. "For us, the increase in outbound tours provides us more job opportunities. I'm proud to offer services and assistance to travelers going abroad," Zhang said.
\nShe believes these international routes will attract more foreign tourists to Datong and Shanxi, "which will certainly promote the development of local tourism and other industries, increase employment opportunities, and make Datong and Shanxi internationally renowned cultural and tourist destinations sooner rather than later".
\nBooming outbound tourism
\nAccording to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's statistical survey report for the third quarter of 2024, the outbound tourism market is steadily recovering after the COVID-19 pandemic.
\nIn the third quarter of 2024, outbound tourism accounted for about 9 percent of the total tourism market, up from 5 percent in the fourth quarter of 2023.
\nAlthough it has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels — in the fourth quarter of 2019, outbound tourism accounted for 22 percent of the total tourism market — the recovery momentum is clear.
\nThe emergence of low-cost international tickets is giving a strong boost to the recovery of the outbound tourism market. According to ticketing platform data, the recent increase in bookings for international flights marked "departing before National Day" is evident, with inquiries and bookings for popular destinations like Bangkok and Seoul particularly prominent. Low-cost tickets are becoming a key factor in attracting travelers to plan their trips in advance.
\nHowever, whether this low-cost model is sustainable remains a question. Li said: "Discounted tickets are just one way for airlines to lure customers and promote sales, with only a limited number of passengers available for each flight. But adjustments will be made based on actual conditions later."
\nIn this wave of "bargain travel", young people are redefining the value of travel with their actions. For them, travel is no longer a luxury but a smart lifestyle choice.
\nAs Yang indicated, the money they saved allowed them to spend more on food and other experiences in Thailand. She has already planned her next trip: "Datong also has flights to and from Russia. I'm already planning a trip to chase the northern lights in Russia."
\nYang also plans to go back to Datong for skiing in winter: "The ski resorts are great, and the food and accommodation offer good value."
\nContact the writers at zhaoruinan@chinadaily.com.cn.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-03/012/20251003_012_01_23681.png\")
Luo Qiong first discovered orienteering while studying at Sichuan Tourism University. Now the outgoing 22-year-old is an integral part of the Chinese team that competed at the recent Chengdu World Games.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-03/012/20251003_012_01_14681.png\")
Luo Qiong first discovered orienteering while studying at Sichuan Tourism University. Now the outgoing 22-year-old is an integral part of the Chinese team that competed at the recent Chengdu World Games.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-03/012/20251003_012_01_32681.png\")
Luo Qiong first discovered orienteering while studying at Sichuan Tourism University. Now the outgoing 22-year-old is an integral part of the Chinese team that competed at the recent Chengdu World Games.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-03/012/20251003_012_01_59681.png\")
\nAmong all of the Chinese athletes, the 22-year-old orienteering specialist Luo Qiong tends to stand out — with voluminous, fiery red curls reminiscent of Merida from the Disney movie Brave, sun-kissed skin and bright, expressive eyes.
\nAt August's Chengdu World Games, she placed 17th in the women's middle-distance foot orienteering event — the highest finish among all Asian competitors, and China's best-ever result in the discipline at the Games.
\nIt's hard to imagine that this beaming woman of the Yi ethic group, radiant with youthful energy, was once an introverted and insecure high school girl. She used to struggle with acne, and would burst into tears when her short, curly hair became so tangled and unmanageable that she called it a "cowpat".
\nEverything changed in 2022, during her freshman year, when she discovered orienteering — a sport she admits she'd never heard of before.
\nAfter enrolling at Sichuan Tourism University, she found herself with more free time than she'd ever had in high school, and often felt adrift.
\nThen, an upperclassman invited her to join the university's orienteering club.
\nBefore the entrance test, she trained with the team and was immediately drawn to the close-knit, family-like atmosphere.
\n"The seniors were incredibly warm, and took great care of us freshmen. We often ate together, played Frisbee and board games, and went trail running in the mountains on weekends. Anything was fun as long as we were together," she recalled.
\nThe entry benchmark was running five kilometers in under 25 minutes.
\nLuo, who'd practiced aerobics before university, had never run that far continuously. But, captivated by the club's vibe, she was determined to try.
\nShe trained hard every day on the track, eventually clocking 23 minutes in the test — officially entering the niche sport that blends pacing, navigation, fitness and decision-making.
\nOrienteerers navigate unfamiliar terrain using a detailed map and a compass to locate hidden control points. The core challenge lies in making rapid strategic decisions — choosing efficient routes, interpreting terrain, balancing speed and accuracy — all while pushing through varied landscapes to complete the course swiftly and precisely.
\n"It's a sport that truly tests your patience and resilience," said Luo.
\n"Races rarely go perfectly. I often take a wrong route. What matters is whether you can stay calm after making a mistake and readjust quickly."
\nShe admitted that, early on, a wrong turn would fluster her and ruin the rest of her race. "But, after more than three years, I've learned to accept errors, correct them immediately, and move on. That's the best way to recover." Her efforts gradually paid off.
\nAt a national competition in 2024, she took second place in the elite sprint event, earning a spot on the national team.
\n"An orienteerer's ceiling depends on physical fitness. Luo is a new-generation talent on our team. Her stamina, endurance and speed give her an edge among her female teammates. We have high hopes for her," said Liang Xiyuan, coach of the Chinese national team.
\nHe noted that the Chinese team is competitive in sprint events in Asia, but still trails traditional powerhouses like Switzerland, Sweden and the Czech Republic.
\nThe Chengdu Games were Luo's first international competition, and the Sichuan province native observed how top foreign athletes remained intensely focused during races, yet were relaxed off the field.
\n"They all seemed happy and truly enjoyed competing. It shattered my stereotype of athletes," she said. "I want to be a happy athlete too."
\nIn the year since joining the national team, she has traveled extensively for training and competitions.
\n"I love exploring new places. As my skills improve, I get to train in more locations and experience new things."
\nNow, her World Games performance has brought her into the spotlight.
\nShe's often recognized by people in her everyday life, has secured commercial endorsements and frequently receives compliments on her looks — which she accepts with a confident smile.
\n"In high school, I worked hard but was still average — my grades were middling, teachers didn't notice me. I never thought I was pretty back then.
\nIt wasn't until university when I found orienteering, a sport that suits me. It taught me the life lessons to just solve problems and move on, and the philosophy that there's no need to overthink things or hold myself back."
\nEven now, she still occasionally gets acne flare-ups.
\n"But It doesn't bother me anymore."
\nxingwen@chinadaily.com.cn
\nLuo Qiong first discovered orienteering while studying at Sichuan Tourism University. Now the outgoing 22-year-old is an integral part of the Chinese team that competed at the recent Chengdu World Games.
\nLuo Qiong first discovered orienteering while studying at Sichuan Tourism University. Now the outgoing 22-year-old is an integral part of the Chinese team that competed at the recent Chengdu World Games.
\nLuo Qiong first discovered orienteering while studying at Sichuan Tourism University. Now the outgoing 22-year-old is an integral part of the Chinese team that competed at the recent Chengdu World Games.
\n\nAmong all of the Chinese athletes, the 22-year-old orienteering specialist Luo Qiong tends to stand out — with voluminous, fiery red curls reminiscent of Merida from the Disney movie Brave, sun-kissed skin and bright, expressive eyes.
\nAt August's Chengdu World Games, she placed 17th in the women's middle-distance foot orienteering event — the highest finish among all Asian competitors, and China's best-ever result in the discipline at the Games.
\nIt's hard to imagine that this beaming woman of the Yi ethic group, radiant with youthful energy, was once an introverted and insecure high school girl. She used to struggle with acne, and would burst into tears when her short, curly hair became so tangled and unmanageable that she called it a "cowpat".
\nEverything changed in 2022, during her freshman year, when she discovered orienteering — a sport she admits she'd never heard of before.
\nAfter enrolling at Sichuan Tourism University, she found herself with more free time than she'd ever had in high school, and often felt adrift.
\nThen, an upperclassman invited her to join the university's orienteering club.
\nBefore the entrance test, she trained with the team and was immediately drawn to the close-knit, family-like atmosphere.
\n"The seniors were incredibly warm, and took great care of us freshmen. We often ate together, played Frisbee and board games, and went trail running in the mountains on weekends. Anything was fun as long as we were together," she recalled.
\nThe entry benchmark was running five kilometers in under 25 minutes.
\nLuo, who'd practiced aerobics before university, had never run that far continuously. But, captivated by the club's vibe, she was determined to try.
\nShe trained hard every day on the track, eventually clocking 23 minutes in the test — officially entering the niche sport that blends pacing, navigation, fitness and decision-making.
\nOrienteerers navigate unfamiliar terrain using a detailed map and a compass to locate hidden control points. The core challenge lies in making rapid strategic decisions — choosing efficient routes, interpreting terrain, balancing speed and accuracy — all while pushing through varied landscapes to complete the course swiftly and precisely.
\n"It's a sport that truly tests your patience and resilience," said Luo.
\n"Races rarely go perfectly. I often take a wrong route. What matters is whether you can stay calm after making a mistake and readjust quickly."
\nShe admitted that, early on, a wrong turn would fluster her and ruin the rest of her race. "But, after more than three years, I've learned to accept errors, correct them immediately, and move on. That's the best way to recover." Her efforts gradually paid off.
\nAt a national competition in 2024, she took second place in the elite sprint event, earning a spot on the national team.
\n"An orienteerer's ceiling depends on physical fitness. Luo is a new-generation talent on our team. Her stamina, endurance and speed give her an edge among her female teammates. We have high hopes for her," said Liang Xiyuan, coach of the Chinese national team.
\nHe noted that the Chinese team is competitive in sprint events in Asia, but still trails traditional powerhouses like Switzerland, Sweden and the Czech Republic.
\nThe Chengdu Games were Luo's first international competition, and the Sichuan province native observed how top foreign athletes remained intensely focused during races, yet were relaxed off the field.
\n"They all seemed happy and truly enjoyed competing. It shattered my stereotype of athletes," she said. "I want to be a happy athlete too."
\nIn the year since joining the national team, she has traveled extensively for training and competitions.
\n"I love exploring new places. As my skills improve, I get to train in more locations and experience new things."
\nNow, her World Games performance has brought her into the spotlight.
\nShe's often recognized by people in her everyday life, has secured commercial endorsements and frequently receives compliments on her looks — which she accepts with a confident smile.
\n"In high school, I worked hard but was still average — my grades were middling, teachers didn't notice me. I never thought I was pretty back then.
\nIt wasn't until university when I found orienteering, a sport that suits me. It taught me the life lessons to just solve problems and move on, and the philosophy that there's no need to overthink things or hold myself back."
\nEven now, she still occasionally gets acne flare-ups.
\n"But It doesn't bother me anymore."
\nxingwen@chinadaily.com.cn
\nLuo Qiong first discovered orienteering while studying at Sichuan Tourism University. Now the outgoing 22-year-old is an integral part of the Chinese team that competed at the recent Chengdu World Games.
\nLuo Qiong first discovered orienteering while studying at Sichuan Tourism University. Now the outgoing 22-year-old is an integral part of the Chinese team that competed at the recent Chengdu World Games.
\nLuo Qiong first discovered orienteering while studying at Sichuan Tourism University. Now the outgoing 22-year-old is an integral part of the Chinese team that competed at the recent Chengdu World Games.
\n\nAmong all of the Chinese athletes, the 22-year-old orienteering specialist Luo Qiong tends to stand out — with voluminous, fiery red curls reminiscent of Merida from the Disney movie Brave, sun-kissed skin and bright, expressive eyes.
\nAt August's Chengdu World Games, she placed 17th in the women's middle-distance foot orienteering event — the highest finish among all Asian competitors, and China's best-ever result in the discipline at the Games.
\nIt's hard to imagine that this beaming woman of the Yi ethic group, radiant with youthful energy, was once an introverted and insecure high school girl. She used to struggle with acne, and would burst into tears when her short, curly hair became so tangled and unmanageable that she called it a "cowpat".
\nEverything changed in 2022, during her freshman year, when she discovered orienteering — a sport she admits she'd never heard of before.
\nAfter enrolling at Sichuan Tourism University, she found herself with more free time than she'd ever had in high school, and often felt adrift.
\nThen, an upperclassman invited her to join the university's orienteering club.
\nBefore the entrance test, she trained with the team and was immediately drawn to the close-knit, family-like atmosphere.
\n"The seniors were incredibly warm, and took great care of us freshmen. We often ate together, played Frisbee and board games, and went trail running in the mountains on weekends. Anything was fun as long as we were together," she recalled.
\nThe entry benchmark was running five kilometers in under 25 minutes.
\nLuo, who'd practiced aerobics before university, had never run that far continuously. But, captivated by the club's vibe, she was determined to try.
\nShe trained hard every day on the track, eventually clocking 23 minutes in the test — officially entering the niche sport that blends pacing, navigation, fitness and decision-making.
\nOrienteerers navigate unfamiliar terrain using a detailed map and a compass to locate hidden control points. The core challenge lies in making rapid strategic decisions — choosing efficient routes, interpreting terrain, balancing speed and accuracy — all while pushing through varied landscapes to complete the course swiftly and precisely.
\n"It's a sport that truly tests your patience and resilience," said Luo.
\n"Races rarely go perfectly. I often take a wrong route. What matters is whether you can stay calm after making a mistake and readjust quickly."
\nShe admitted that, early on, a wrong turn would fluster her and ruin the rest of her race. "But, after more than three years, I've learned to accept errors, correct them immediately, and move on. That's the best way to recover." Her efforts gradually paid off.
\nAt a national competition in 2024, she took second place in the elite sprint event, earning a spot on the national team.
\n"An orienteerer's ceiling depends on physical fitness. Luo is a new-generation talent on our team. Her stamina, endurance and speed give her an edge among her female teammates. We have high hopes for her," said Liang Xiyuan, coach of the Chinese national team.
\nHe noted that the Chinese team is competitive in sprint events in Asia, but still trails traditional powerhouses like Switzerland, Sweden and the Czech Republic.
\nThe Chengdu Games were Luo's first international competition, and the Sichuan province native observed how top foreign athletes remained intensely focused during races, yet were relaxed off the field.
\n"They all seemed happy and truly enjoyed competing. It shattered my stereotype of athletes," she said. "I want to be a happy athlete too."
\nIn the year since joining the national team, she has traveled extensively for training and competitions.
\n"I love exploring new places. As my skills improve, I get to train in more locations and experience new things."
\nNow, her World Games performance has brought her into the spotlight.
\nShe's often recognized by people in her everyday life, has secured commercial endorsements and frequently receives compliments on her looks — which she accepts with a confident smile.
\n"In high school, I worked hard but was still average — my grades were middling, teachers didn't notice me. I never thought I was pretty back then.
\nIt wasn't until university when I found orienteering, a sport that suits me. It taught me the life lessons to just solve problems and move on, and the philosophy that there's no need to overthink things or hold myself back."
\nEven now, she still occasionally gets acne flare-ups.
\n"But It doesn't bother me anymore."
\nxingwen@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", + "content": "Luo Qiong first discovered orienteering while studying at Sichuan Tourism University. Now the outgoing 22-year-old is an integral part of the Chinese team that competed at the recent Chengdu World Games.
\nLuo Qiong first discovered orienteering while studying at Sichuan Tourism University. Now the outgoing 22-year-old is an integral part of the Chinese team that competed at the recent Chengdu World Games.
\nLuo Qiong first discovered orienteering while studying at Sichuan Tourism University. Now the outgoing 22-year-old is an integral part of the Chinese team that competed at the recent Chengdu World Games.
\n\nAmong all of the Chinese athletes, the 22-year-old orienteering specialist Luo Qiong tends to stand out — with voluminous, fiery red curls reminiscent of Merida from the Disney movie Brave, sun-kissed skin and bright, expressive eyes.
\nAt August's Chengdu World Games, she placed 17th in the women's middle-distance foot orienteering event — the highest finish among all Asian competitors, and China's best-ever result in the discipline at the Games.
\nIt's hard to imagine that this beaming woman of the Yi ethic group, radiant with youthful energy, was once an introverted and insecure high school girl. She used to struggle with acne, and would burst into tears when her short, curly hair became so tangled and unmanageable that she called it a "cowpat".
\nEverything changed in 2022, during her freshman year, when she discovered orienteering — a sport she admits she'd never heard of before.
\nAfter enrolling at Sichuan Tourism University, she found herself with more free time than she'd ever had in high school, and often felt adrift.
\nThen, an upperclassman invited her to join the university's orienteering club.
\nBefore the entrance test, she trained with the team and was immediately drawn to the close-knit, family-like atmosphere.
\n"The seniors were incredibly warm, and took great care of us freshmen. We often ate together, played Frisbee and board games, and went trail running in the mountains on weekends. Anything was fun as long as we were together," she recalled.
\nThe entry benchmark was running five kilometers in under 25 minutes.
\nLuo, who'd practiced aerobics before university, had never run that far continuously. But, captivated by the club's vibe, she was determined to try.
\nShe trained hard every day on the track, eventually clocking 23 minutes in the test — officially entering the niche sport that blends pacing, navigation, fitness and decision-making.
\nOrienteerers navigate unfamiliar terrain using a detailed map and a compass to locate hidden control points. The core challenge lies in making rapid strategic decisions — choosing efficient routes, interpreting terrain, balancing speed and accuracy — all while pushing through varied landscapes to complete the course swiftly and precisely.
\n"It's a sport that truly tests your patience and resilience," said Luo.
\n"Races rarely go perfectly. I often take a wrong route. What matters is whether you can stay calm after making a mistake and readjust quickly."
\nShe admitted that, early on, a wrong turn would fluster her and ruin the rest of her race. "But, after more than three years, I've learned to accept errors, correct them immediately, and move on. That's the best way to recover." Her efforts gradually paid off.
\nAt a national competition in 2024, she took second place in the elite sprint event, earning a spot on the national team.
\n"An orienteerer's ceiling depends on physical fitness. Luo is a new-generation talent on our team. Her stamina, endurance and speed give her an edge among her female teammates. We have high hopes for her," said Liang Xiyuan, coach of the Chinese national team.
\nHe noted that the Chinese team is competitive in sprint events in Asia, but still trails traditional powerhouses like Switzerland, Sweden and the Czech Republic.
\nThe Chengdu Games were Luo's first international competition, and the Sichuan province native observed how top foreign athletes remained intensely focused during races, yet were relaxed off the field.
\n"They all seemed happy and truly enjoyed competing. It shattered my stereotype of athletes," she said. "I want to be a happy athlete too."
\nIn the year since joining the national team, she has traveled extensively for training and competitions.
\n"I love exploring new places. As my skills improve, I get to train in more locations and experience new things."
\nNow, her World Games performance has brought her into the spotlight.
\nShe's often recognized by people in her everyday life, has secured commercial endorsements and frequently receives compliments on her looks — which she accepts with a confident smile.
\n"In high school, I worked hard but was still average — my grades were middling, teachers didn't notice me. I never thought I was pretty back then.
\nIt wasn't until university when I found orienteering, a sport that suits me. It taught me the life lessons to just solve problems and move on, and the philosophy that there's no need to overthink things or hold myself back."
\nEven now, she still occasionally gets acne flare-ups.
\n"But It doesn't bother me anymore."
\nxingwen@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", "category": "", "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/03/content_012_68ded82ced50ccabe151a91b.htm#012SPORTS", "creator": "", @@ -11337,8 +11997,8 @@ }, { "title": "001FRONT - Tianwen 2 advances on key mission", - "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-02/001/20251002_001_01_88496.png\")
An image taken by China's Tianwen 2 asteroid sampling spacecraft's monitor camera, released on Wednesday, shows Earth, the probe's white-colored return capsule and a national flag.
\nChina's Tianwen 2 asteroid sampling spacecraft has been on its interplanetary itinerary for more than four months, and is now over 43 million kilometers away from Earth, according to the China National Space Administration.
\nThe robotic probe is currently traveling on a transfer trajectory toward its destination, a near-Earth asteroid called 2016 HO3, and is in good working condition, the space administration said in a news release on Wednesday.
\nIt is about 45 million km from the celestial body, the administration added.
\nThe CNSA also released an image taken by the craft's monitor camera, showing Earth and the probe's white-colored return capsule and a national flag.
\nThe Tianwen 2 mission, which is China's first attempt to bring pristine asteroid samples back to Earth, was launched on May 29, when a Long March 3B rocket carrying the robotic probe blasted off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan province.
\nThe probe's primary objective is to reach 2016 HO3, a small asteroid that is 40 to 100 meters wide, in the summer of 2026. It will study the celestial body up close using a suite of 11 instruments including cameras, spectrometers and radars, before deploying special devices to collect surface substances.
\nThe asteroid, which is also known as 469219 Kamo'oalewa, orbits the sun and, therefore, is a constant companion of Earth. It is too distant to be considered a true satellite of Earth, but is the best and most stable example to date of a quasi-satellite.
\nAfter the asteroid samples are collected, the Tianwen 2 probe will fly back to Earth's orbit and send a capsule containing the precious materials to the ground.
\nThe samples will be distributed among scientists, who will examine their physical properties, chemical and mineralogical content and isotopic composition, contributing to studies on the formation and evolution of asteroids and the early solar system.
\nDelivering the samples to Earth will not be the end of the mission. The Tianwen 2 spacecraft will then enter the second phase of its journey, flying toward a main-belt comet called 311P to conduct a remote-sensing survey and transmitting the data back to Earth for scientific research, according to the CNSA.
\nThe entire mission is expected to yield groundbreaking discoveries and expand the understanding of Earth and small celestial bodies inside the solar system, scientists said.
\nIn another development, China's Chang'e 6 lunar mission was presented on Monday with the 2025 IAF World Space Award in the team category at the 76th International Astronautical Congress in Sydney organized by the International Astronautical Federation.
\nThe federation recognized the Chinese robotic mission as "the world's first lunar sampling return from the far side of the moon" that marks "a historical milestone in human lunar exploration".
\nzhaolei@chinadaily.com.cn
\nAn image taken by China's Tianwen 2 asteroid sampling spacecraft's monitor camera, released on Wednesday, shows Earth, the probe's white-colored return capsule and a national flag.
\nChina's Tianwen 2 asteroid sampling spacecraft has been on its interplanetary itinerary for more than four months, and is now over 43 million kilometers away from Earth, according to the China National Space Administration.
\nThe robotic probe is currently traveling on a transfer trajectory toward its destination, a near-Earth asteroid called 2016 HO3, and is in good working condition, the space administration said in a news release on Wednesday.
\nIt is about 45 million km from the celestial body, the administration added.
\nThe CNSA also released an image taken by the craft's monitor camera, showing Earth and the probe's white-colored return capsule and a national flag.
\nThe Tianwen 2 mission, which is China's first attempt to bring pristine asteroid samples back to Earth, was launched on May 29, when a Long March 3B rocket carrying the robotic probe blasted off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan province.
\nThe probe's primary objective is to reach 2016 HO3, a small asteroid that is 40 to 100 meters wide, in the summer of 2026. It will study the celestial body up close using a suite of 11 instruments including cameras, spectrometers and radars, before deploying special devices to collect surface substances.
\nThe asteroid, which is also known as 469219 Kamo'oalewa, orbits the sun and, therefore, is a constant companion of Earth. It is too distant to be considered a true satellite of Earth, but is the best and most stable example to date of a quasi-satellite.
\nAfter the asteroid samples are collected, the Tianwen 2 probe will fly back to Earth's orbit and send a capsule containing the precious materials to the ground.
\nThe samples will be distributed among scientists, who will examine their physical properties, chemical and mineralogical content and isotopic composition, contributing to studies on the formation and evolution of asteroids and the early solar system.
\nDelivering the samples to Earth will not be the end of the mission. The Tianwen 2 spacecraft will then enter the second phase of its journey, flying toward a main-belt comet called 311P to conduct a remote-sensing survey and transmitting the data back to Earth for scientific research, according to the CNSA.
\nThe entire mission is expected to yield groundbreaking discoveries and expand the understanding of Earth and small celestial bodies inside the solar system, scientists said.
\nIn another development, China's Chang'e 6 lunar mission was presented on Monday with the 2025 IAF World Space Award in the team category at the 76th International Astronautical Congress in Sydney organized by the International Astronautical Federation.
\nThe federation recognized the Chinese robotic mission as "the world's first lunar sampling return from the far side of the moon" that marks "a historical milestone in human lunar exploration".
\nzhaolei@chinadaily.com.cn
\nAn image taken by China's Tianwen 2 asteroid sampling spacecraft's monitor camera, released on Wednesday, shows Earth, the probe's white-colored return capsule and a national flag.
\nChina's Tianwen 2 asteroid sampling spacecraft has been on its interplanetary itinerary for more than four months, and is now over 43 million kilometers away from Earth, according to the China National Space Administration.
\nThe robotic probe is currently traveling on a transfer trajectory toward its destination, a near-Earth asteroid called 2016 HO3, and is in good working condition, the space administration said in a news release on Wednesday.
\nIt is about 45 million km from the celestial body, the administration added.
\nThe CNSA also released an image taken by the craft's monitor camera, showing Earth and the probe's white-colored return capsule and a national flag.
\nThe Tianwen 2 mission, which is China's first attempt to bring pristine asteroid samples back to Earth, was launched on May 29, when a Long March 3B rocket carrying the robotic probe blasted off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan province.
\nThe probe's primary objective is to reach 2016 HO3, a small asteroid that is 40 to 100 meters wide, in the summer of 2026. It will study the celestial body up close using a suite of 11 instruments including cameras, spectrometers and radars, before deploying special devices to collect surface substances.
\nThe asteroid, which is also known as 469219 Kamo'oalewa, orbits the sun and, therefore, is a constant companion of Earth. It is too distant to be considered a true satellite of Earth, but is the best and most stable example to date of a quasi-satellite.
\nAfter the asteroid samples are collected, the Tianwen 2 probe will fly back to Earth's orbit and send a capsule containing the precious materials to the ground.
\nThe samples will be distributed among scientists, who will examine their physical properties, chemical and mineralogical content and isotopic composition, contributing to studies on the formation and evolution of asteroids and the early solar system.
\nDelivering the samples to Earth will not be the end of the mission. The Tianwen 2 spacecraft will then enter the second phase of its journey, flying toward a main-belt comet called 311P to conduct a remote-sensing survey and transmitting the data back to Earth for scientific research, according to the CNSA.
\nThe entire mission is expected to yield groundbreaking discoveries and expand the understanding of Earth and small celestial bodies inside the solar system, scientists said.
\nIn another development, China's Chang'e 6 lunar mission was presented on Monday with the 2025 IAF World Space Award in the team category at the 76th International Astronautical Congress in Sydney organized by the International Astronautical Federation.
\nThe federation recognized the Chinese robotic mission as "the world's first lunar sampling return from the far side of the moon" that marks "a historical milestone in human lunar exploration".
\nzhaolei@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", + "content": "An image taken by China's Tianwen 2 asteroid sampling spacecraft's monitor camera, released on Wednesday, shows Earth, the probe's white-colored return capsule and a national flag.
\nChina's Tianwen 2 asteroid sampling spacecraft has been on its interplanetary itinerary for more than four months, and is now over 43 million kilometers away from Earth, according to the China National Space Administration.
\nThe robotic probe is currently traveling on a transfer trajectory toward its destination, a near-Earth asteroid called 2016 HO3, and is in good working condition, the space administration said in a news release on Wednesday.
\nIt is about 45 million km from the celestial body, the administration added.
\nThe CNSA also released an image taken by the craft's monitor camera, showing Earth and the probe's white-colored return capsule and a national flag.
\nThe Tianwen 2 mission, which is China's first attempt to bring pristine asteroid samples back to Earth, was launched on May 29, when a Long March 3B rocket carrying the robotic probe blasted off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan province.
\nThe probe's primary objective is to reach 2016 HO3, a small asteroid that is 40 to 100 meters wide, in the summer of 2026. It will study the celestial body up close using a suite of 11 instruments including cameras, spectrometers and radars, before deploying special devices to collect surface substances.
\nThe asteroid, which is also known as 469219 Kamo'oalewa, orbits the sun and, therefore, is a constant companion of Earth. It is too distant to be considered a true satellite of Earth, but is the best and most stable example to date of a quasi-satellite.
\nAfter the asteroid samples are collected, the Tianwen 2 probe will fly back to Earth's orbit and send a capsule containing the precious materials to the ground.
\nThe samples will be distributed among scientists, who will examine their physical properties, chemical and mineralogical content and isotopic composition, contributing to studies on the formation and evolution of asteroids and the early solar system.
\nDelivering the samples to Earth will not be the end of the mission. The Tianwen 2 spacecraft will then enter the second phase of its journey, flying toward a main-belt comet called 311P to conduct a remote-sensing survey and transmitting the data back to Earth for scientific research, according to the CNSA.
\nThe entire mission is expected to yield groundbreaking discoveries and expand the understanding of Earth and small celestial bodies inside the solar system, scientists said.
\nIn another development, China's Chang'e 6 lunar mission was presented on Monday with the 2025 IAF World Space Award in the team category at the 76th International Astronautical Congress in Sydney organized by the International Astronautical Federation.
\nThe federation recognized the Chinese robotic mission as "the world's first lunar sampling return from the far side of the moon" that marks "a historical milestone in human lunar exploration".
\nzhaolei@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", "category": "", "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/02/content_001_68dd82efed50ccabe151a82a.htm#001FRONT", "creator": "", @@ -11557,8 +12217,8 @@ }, { "title": "002NATION - Strong progress seen in culture, tourism", - "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-02/002/20251002_002_06_29653.png\")
Vehicles cross the Second Yangtze River Bridge in Wuhan, Hubei province, on Wednesday, the first day of the National Day holiday, with various places experiencing peak travel traffic.
\nChina has made significant achievements in cultural and tourism development during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), officials said at a media briefing on Monday.
\nThis is reflected in flourishing cultural works, expanding public services, advanced heritage protection, thriving industries and deepened international exchanges, said Minister of Culture and Tourism Sun Yeli.
\nThe sector has promoted both cultural prosperity and tourism recovery, contributing to high-quality economic and social development and meeting people's growing needs for a better life, he noted.
\nIn 2024, China's cultural industries generated 19.14 trillion yuan($2.69 trillion) in revenue, up 37.7 percent from 2020, with 78,000 major cultural enterprises in operation, according to the ministry.
\nTourism rebounded strongly after the pandemic. In the first half of 2025, domestic tourists made 3.29 billion trips and spent 3.15 trillion yuan, both record highs, it reported.
\n"Outstanding cultural resources are more fully tapped and utilized, while more cultural and creative elements are organically integrated into tourism development. This not only makes tourism more meaningful and attractive, but also allows visitors to experience cultural charm and gain spiritual enjoyment during their travels," Sun said.
\nHe pointed out that integrated "culture plus tourism" development has fueled demand in areas such as heritage tours, red tourism, study tours and live performances, while cross-sector synergies with commerce, sports and agriculture have expanded employment and consumption.
\nIn particular, the ministry reported that over 60 percent of attendees at large-scale performances, including concerts and music festivals, travel between cities, reflecting the powerful draw of these events and the growing trend of cultural tourism.
\nLast year, museums nationwide received nearly 1.5 billion visits, while intangible cultural heritage practices such as zanhuawei (the floral hair wreath) in Fujian province and fish lantern displays in Anhui province have attracted a growing number of tourists eager to experience their distinctive charm, according to the ministry.
\nDuring the 2021-25 period, China's artistic creation ecosystem has been continuously optimized, leading to a sustained enrichment in the supply of outstanding literary and artistic works, said Lu Yingchuan, vice-minister of culture and tourism.
\nA steady stream of high-quality masterpieces has emerged, providing the public with abundant spiritual nourishment, Lu observed.
\nMajor art productions, such as the large-scale stage epic The Great Journey, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of China in 2021, have resonated strongly with audiences, while projects like the dance poem drama A Tapestry of a Legendary Land have blended traditional aesthetics with contemporary appeal, packing in audiences. Since 2021, the dance drama has been staged more than 800 times.
\nThe China National Arts Fund has supported more than 3,500 projects, and public events such as national art festivals and fine arts exhibitions have brought more quality works to the people. Additionally, public services have covered urban and rural areas, significantly enhancing visitor experiences. By the end of 2024, the country had more than 3,200 public libraries, nearly 44,000 cultural centers, and more than 40,000 new cultural spaces nationwide, the ministry reported.
\nSmart libraries and cloud platforms now directly deliver services to people. Popular cultural activities such as village galas, folk song events and square dancing are thriving. Tourism services have also improved, with about 150,000 toilets newly built or renovated under the toilet revolution, Sun said.
\nAdditionally, cultural relic protection, archaeology and museum reforms have all advanced, supported by the revised Law on the Protection of Cultural Relics and the fourth national cultural relics census.
\nIntangible cultural heritage protection has deepened, with 325 new national-level projects and 942 newly recognized national-level inheritors, Sun said.
\nBeijing's Central Axis, the Xixia Imperial Tombs in Northwest China, Chinese tea culture, and the Spring Festival were recently inscribed on UNESCO heritage lists, bringing China's number of World Heritage sites to 60 and ICH items to 44.
\nPolicies on visas, payments and tax refunds have been optimized to attract more inbound visitors. The campaigns "Travel in China" and "Shopping in China" are becoming new global trends, Sun said, showcasing both the appeal of Chinese culture and the country's openness.
\nZhang Hui, a professor with the School of Economics and Management at Beijing Jiaotong University, emphasized that the cultural and tourism industry is becoming a significant engine driving economic growth, as consumer demand continues to upgrade.
\nHe proposed the development of more engaging destinations that incorporate diverse spatial forms, embrace green development principles, and continuously innovate in experiences, functions and activities.
\nTo build such a destination, it is important to foster new productive forces and new consumption capacity as the core drivers, he said.
\nyangfeiyue@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", - "content": "Vehicles cross the Second Yangtze River Bridge in Wuhan, Hubei province, on Wednesday, the first day of the National Day holiday, with various places experiencing peak travel traffic.
\nChina has made significant achievements in cultural and tourism development during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), officials said at a media briefing on Monday.
\nThis is reflected in flourishing cultural works, expanding public services, advanced heritage protection, thriving industries and deepened international exchanges, said Minister of Culture and Tourism Sun Yeli.
\nThe sector has promoted both cultural prosperity and tourism recovery, contributing to high-quality economic and social development and meeting people's growing needs for a better life, he noted.
\nIn 2024, China's cultural industries generated 19.14 trillion yuan($2.69 trillion) in revenue, up 37.7 percent from 2020, with 78,000 major cultural enterprises in operation, according to the ministry.
\nTourism rebounded strongly after the pandemic. In the first half of 2025, domestic tourists made 3.29 billion trips and spent 3.15 trillion yuan, both record highs, it reported.
\n"Outstanding cultural resources are more fully tapped and utilized, while more cultural and creative elements are organically integrated into tourism development. This not only makes tourism more meaningful and attractive, but also allows visitors to experience cultural charm and gain spiritual enjoyment during their travels," Sun said.
\nHe pointed out that integrated "culture plus tourism" development has fueled demand in areas such as heritage tours, red tourism, study tours and live performances, while cross-sector synergies with commerce, sports and agriculture have expanded employment and consumption.
\nIn particular, the ministry reported that over 60 percent of attendees at large-scale performances, including concerts and music festivals, travel between cities, reflecting the powerful draw of these events and the growing trend of cultural tourism.
\nLast year, museums nationwide received nearly 1.5 billion visits, while intangible cultural heritage practices such as zanhuawei (the floral hair wreath) in Fujian province and fish lantern displays in Anhui province have attracted a growing number of tourists eager to experience their distinctive charm, according to the ministry.
\nDuring the 2021-25 period, China's artistic creation ecosystem has been continuously optimized, leading to a sustained enrichment in the supply of outstanding literary and artistic works, said Lu Yingchuan, vice-minister of culture and tourism.
\nA steady stream of high-quality masterpieces has emerged, providing the public with abundant spiritual nourishment, Lu observed.
\nMajor art productions, such as the large-scale stage epic The Great Journey, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of China in 2021, have resonated strongly with audiences, while projects like the dance poem drama A Tapestry of a Legendary Land have blended traditional aesthetics with contemporary appeal, packing in audiences. Since 2021, the dance drama has been staged more than 800 times.
\nThe China National Arts Fund has supported more than 3,500 projects, and public events such as national art festivals and fine arts exhibitions have brought more quality works to the people. Additionally, public services have covered urban and rural areas, significantly enhancing visitor experiences. By the end of 2024, the country had more than 3,200 public libraries, nearly 44,000 cultural centers, and more than 40,000 new cultural spaces nationwide, the ministry reported.
\nSmart libraries and cloud platforms now directly deliver services to people. Popular cultural activities such as village galas, folk song events and square dancing are thriving. Tourism services have also improved, with about 150,000 toilets newly built or renovated under the toilet revolution, Sun said.
\nAdditionally, cultural relic protection, archaeology and museum reforms have all advanced, supported by the revised Law on the Protection of Cultural Relics and the fourth national cultural relics census.
\nIntangible cultural heritage protection has deepened, with 325 new national-level projects and 942 newly recognized national-level inheritors, Sun said.
\nBeijing's Central Axis, the Xixia Imperial Tombs in Northwest China, Chinese tea culture, and the Spring Festival were recently inscribed on UNESCO heritage lists, bringing China's number of World Heritage sites to 60 and ICH items to 44.
\nPolicies on visas, payments and tax refunds have been optimized to attract more inbound visitors. The campaigns "Travel in China" and "Shopping in China" are becoming new global trends, Sun said, showcasing both the appeal of Chinese culture and the country's openness.
\nZhang Hui, a professor with the School of Economics and Management at Beijing Jiaotong University, emphasized that the cultural and tourism industry is becoming a significant engine driving economic growth, as consumer demand continues to upgrade.
\nHe proposed the development of more engaging destinations that incorporate diverse spatial forms, embrace green development principles, and continuously innovate in experiences, functions and activities.
\nTo build such a destination, it is important to foster new productive forces and new consumption capacity as the core drivers, he said.
\nyangfeiyue@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", + "description": "Vehicles cross the Second Yangtze River Bridge in Wuhan, Hubei province, on Wednesday, the first day of the National Day holiday, with various places experiencing peak travel traffic.
\nChina has made significant achievements in cultural and tourism development during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), officials said at a media briefing on Monday.
\nThis is reflected in flourishing cultural works, expanding public services, advanced heritage protection, thriving industries and deepened international exchanges, said Minister of Culture and Tourism Sun Yeli.
\nThe sector has promoted both cultural prosperity and tourism recovery, contributing to high-quality economic and social development and meeting people's growing needs for a better life, he noted.
\nIn 2024, China's cultural industries generated 19.14 trillion yuan($2.69 trillion) in revenue, up 37.7 percent from 2020, with 78,000 major cultural enterprises in operation, according to the ministry.
\nTourism rebounded strongly after the pandemic. In the first half of 2025, domestic tourists made 3.29 billion trips and spent 3.15 trillion yuan, both record highs, it reported.
\n"Outstanding cultural resources are more fully tapped and utilized, while more cultural and creative elements are organically integrated into tourism development. This not only makes tourism more meaningful and attractive, but also allows visitors to experience cultural charm and gain spiritual enjoyment during their travels," Sun said.
\nHe pointed out that integrated "culture plus tourism" development has fueled demand in areas such as heritage tours, red tourism, study tours and live performances, while cross-sector synergies with commerce, sports and agriculture have expanded employment and consumption.
\nIn particular, the ministry reported that over 60 percent of attendees at large-scale performances, including concerts and music festivals, travel between cities, reflecting the powerful draw of these events and the growing trend of cultural tourism.
\nLast year, museums nationwide received nearly 1.5 billion visits, while intangible cultural heritage practices such as zanhuawei (the floral hair wreath) in Fujian province and fish lantern displays in Anhui province have attracted a growing number of tourists eager to experience their distinctive charm, according to the ministry.
\nDuring the 2021-25 period, China's artistic creation ecosystem has been continuously optimized, leading to a sustained enrichment in the supply of outstanding literary and artistic works, said Lu Yingchuan, vice-minister of culture and tourism.
\nA steady stream of high-quality masterpieces has emerged, providing the public with abundant spiritual nourishment, Lu observed.
\nMajor art productions, such as the large-scale stage epic The Great Journey, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of China in 2021, have resonated strongly with audiences, while projects like the dance poem drama A Tapestry of a Legendary Land have blended traditional aesthetics with contemporary appeal, packing in audiences. Since 2021, the dance drama has been staged more than 800 times.
\nThe China National Arts Fund has supported more than 3,500 projects, and public events such as national art festivals and fine arts exhibitions have brought more quality works to the people. Additionally, public services have covered urban and rural areas, significantly enhancing visitor experiences. By the end of 2024, the country had more than 3,200 public libraries, nearly 44,000 cultural centers, and more than 40,000 new cultural spaces nationwide, the ministry reported.
\nSmart libraries and cloud platforms now directly deliver services to people. Popular cultural activities such as village galas, folk song events and square dancing are thriving. Tourism services have also improved, with about 150,000 toilets newly built or renovated under the toilet revolution, Sun said.
\nAdditionally, cultural relic protection, archaeology and museum reforms have all advanced, supported by the revised Law on the Protection of Cultural Relics and the fourth national cultural relics census.
\nIntangible cultural heritage protection has deepened, with 325 new national-level projects and 942 newly recognized national-level inheritors, Sun said.
\nBeijing's Central Axis, the Xixia Imperial Tombs in Northwest China, Chinese tea culture, and the Spring Festival were recently inscribed on UNESCO heritage lists, bringing China's number of World Heritage sites to 60 and ICH items to 44.
\nPolicies on visas, payments and tax refunds have been optimized to attract more inbound visitors. The campaigns "Travel in China" and "Shopping in China" are becoming new global trends, Sun said, showcasing both the appeal of Chinese culture and the country's openness.
\nZhang Hui, a professor with the School of Economics and Management at Beijing Jiaotong University, emphasized that the cultural and tourism industry is becoming a significant engine driving economic growth, as consumer demand continues to upgrade.
\nHe proposed the development of more engaging destinations that incorporate diverse spatial forms, embrace green development principles, and continuously innovate in experiences, functions and activities.
\nTo build such a destination, it is important to foster new productive forces and new consumption capacity as the core drivers, he said.
\nyangfeiyue@chinadaily.com.cn
\nVehicles cross the Second Yangtze River Bridge in Wuhan, Hubei province, on Wednesday, the first day of the National Day holiday, with various places experiencing peak travel traffic.
\nChina has made significant achievements in cultural and tourism development during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), officials said at a media briefing on Monday.
\nThis is reflected in flourishing cultural works, expanding public services, advanced heritage protection, thriving industries and deepened international exchanges, said Minister of Culture and Tourism Sun Yeli.
\nThe sector has promoted both cultural prosperity and tourism recovery, contributing to high-quality economic and social development and meeting people's growing needs for a better life, he noted.
\nIn 2024, China's cultural industries generated 19.14 trillion yuan($2.69 trillion) in revenue, up 37.7 percent from 2020, with 78,000 major cultural enterprises in operation, according to the ministry.
\nTourism rebounded strongly after the pandemic. In the first half of 2025, domestic tourists made 3.29 billion trips and spent 3.15 trillion yuan, both record highs, it reported.
\n"Outstanding cultural resources are more fully tapped and utilized, while more cultural and creative elements are organically integrated into tourism development. This not only makes tourism more meaningful and attractive, but also allows visitors to experience cultural charm and gain spiritual enjoyment during their travels," Sun said.
\nHe pointed out that integrated "culture plus tourism" development has fueled demand in areas such as heritage tours, red tourism, study tours and live performances, while cross-sector synergies with commerce, sports and agriculture have expanded employment and consumption.
\nIn particular, the ministry reported that over 60 percent of attendees at large-scale performances, including concerts and music festivals, travel between cities, reflecting the powerful draw of these events and the growing trend of cultural tourism.
\nLast year, museums nationwide received nearly 1.5 billion visits, while intangible cultural heritage practices such as zanhuawei (the floral hair wreath) in Fujian province and fish lantern displays in Anhui province have attracted a growing number of tourists eager to experience their distinctive charm, according to the ministry.
\nDuring the 2021-25 period, China's artistic creation ecosystem has been continuously optimized, leading to a sustained enrichment in the supply of outstanding literary and artistic works, said Lu Yingchuan, vice-minister of culture and tourism.
\nA steady stream of high-quality masterpieces has emerged, providing the public with abundant spiritual nourishment, Lu observed.
\nMajor art productions, such as the large-scale stage epic The Great Journey, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of China in 2021, have resonated strongly with audiences, while projects like the dance poem drama A Tapestry of a Legendary Land have blended traditional aesthetics with contemporary appeal, packing in audiences. Since 2021, the dance drama has been staged more than 800 times.
\nThe China National Arts Fund has supported more than 3,500 projects, and public events such as national art festivals and fine arts exhibitions have brought more quality works to the people. Additionally, public services have covered urban and rural areas, significantly enhancing visitor experiences. By the end of 2024, the country had more than 3,200 public libraries, nearly 44,000 cultural centers, and more than 40,000 new cultural spaces nationwide, the ministry reported.
\nSmart libraries and cloud platforms now directly deliver services to people. Popular cultural activities such as village galas, folk song events and square dancing are thriving. Tourism services have also improved, with about 150,000 toilets newly built or renovated under the toilet revolution, Sun said.
\nAdditionally, cultural relic protection, archaeology and museum reforms have all advanced, supported by the revised Law on the Protection of Cultural Relics and the fourth national cultural relics census.
\nIntangible cultural heritage protection has deepened, with 325 new national-level projects and 942 newly recognized national-level inheritors, Sun said.
\nBeijing's Central Axis, the Xixia Imperial Tombs in Northwest China, Chinese tea culture, and the Spring Festival were recently inscribed on UNESCO heritage lists, bringing China's number of World Heritage sites to 60 and ICH items to 44.
\nPolicies on visas, payments and tax refunds have been optimized to attract more inbound visitors. The campaigns "Travel in China" and "Shopping in China" are becoming new global trends, Sun said, showcasing both the appeal of Chinese culture and the country's openness.
\nZhang Hui, a professor with the School of Economics and Management at Beijing Jiaotong University, emphasized that the cultural and tourism industry is becoming a significant engine driving economic growth, as consumer demand continues to upgrade.
\nHe proposed the development of more engaging destinations that incorporate diverse spatial forms, embrace green development principles, and continuously innovate in experiences, functions and activities.
\nTo build such a destination, it is important to foster new productive forces and new consumption capacity as the core drivers, he said.
\nyangfeiyue@chinadaily.com.cn
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-02/003/20251002_003_02_26495.png\")
Travelers from Russia pose for photographs at a tourist attraction in Chongqing on Sept 16.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-02/003/20251002_003_02_33495.png\")
Russian consumers check out accessories at a shopping street in Heihe, Heilongjiang province, on Sept 15.
\nChina's visa-free policy for Russian citizens holding ordinary passports sends a strong and positive signal to the business communities on both sides, and such measures will further strengthen economic ties between the two major economies, Russian business leaders said.
\nChinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun announced on Sept 2 that the country had decided to trial a visa-free policy for Russian ordinary passport holders starting from Sept 15, 2025, to Sept 14, 2026, allowing stays of up to 30 days for purposes such as business travel, tourism, as well as other private visits, people-to-people exchanges or transit.
\n"Russian holders of ordinary passports who come to China for business, travel and sightseeing, visiting relatives and friends, exchange visits, and transit for no more than 30 days can enter the country visa-free," Guo said, adding that, under the strategic guidance of the heads of state of both countries, Sino-Russia relations have been consistently healthy.
\nTwo days later, Russian President Vladimir Putin responded to the friendly policy, describing it as "an extremely kind gesture" and claiming Russia would respond in kind.
\n"Undoubtedly, this will lead to more Russian citizens visiting China and contribute to the development of business, commercial ties and personal exchanges alike," Putin said, according to a release by the Kremlin website.
\nPavel Titov, president of the Abrau-Durso Group of Companies, said the news excites the Russian business community as the policy makes it considerably easier for them to foster deeper, more trusting relationships with their Chinese partners.
\nThe company, which is a leader in the sparkling wine market in Russia, has launched a flagship store on China's online retail giant JD. It is focusing on expanding its assortment on JD and deepening its engagement with Chinese wine lovers through livestreams and tastings.
\n"In our business, a handshake, a shared meal, and tasting wine together build a stronger foundation than any email ever could. Now, we can visit our partners more frequently to strategize, celebrate successes and address challenges face-to-face," Titov said.
\nThe visa-free policy streamlines the logistics of business travel, said Rustem Muratov, CEO of Moscow-based Binnopharm Group, a biopharmaceutical major in the country.
\nMuratov said the company's subsidiary, Shanghai Binnopharm Chemical Co Ltd, has successfully integrated into the Chinese financial system through the use of banking instruments such as bank acceptance bills, and recently obtained its first corporate loan worth 5 million yuan ($701,825) at a favorable interest rate of 5 percent.
\nMuratov said the visa-free regime simplifies the logistics of business travel, and is especially important considering the significant number of contacts and projects requiring continuous in-person presence. Regular visits enable business partners not only to conduct negotiations, but also to establish solid, trust-based relationships with partners and take part in key industry events.
\nThe need for Russian company executives and employees to travel to China had been increasing even before the policy was announced. Surana Radnaeva, CEO of Sinoruss, a Russian legal consultancy, said the number of business trips by Russian companies to China increased by 27 percent in the first half. China now accounts for 20 percent of all business trips by Russian businesses, compared to 15 percent a year earlier.
\nRussian businesspeople primarily visit Shanghai; Beijing; Guangdong province's Guangzhou and Shenzhen; and Harbin, Heilongjiang province, while the most active industry officials traveling to China are from the energy, oil and gas, and high-tech sectors, Radnaeva said.
\nBusiness trips by employees in the energy and oil and gas sectors grew by 58 percent, accounting for 43 percent of all trips, while trips by high-tech equipment suppliers saw a 93 percent increase, raising their share to 7 percent. Clearly, these numbers will grow significantly now that the full-fledged visa-free policy with China has been introduced, she said.
\nMarking China as a key export market, Russian integrated petrochemical company Sibur is jointly implementing large-scale and ambitious projects in the production of synthetic materials with China Petroleum and Chemical Corp, or Sinopec. One of the flagship projects is the Amur Gas Chemical Complex, which is scheduled to be commissioned in 2026.
\nA spokesperson for Sibur told China Daily that while the visa waiver initiative may not have a direct impact on business operations, it will significantly facilitate interactions between Sibur and its Chinese partners. The removal of visa requirements will make travel easier for Russian experts going to China.
\n"Thanks to the visa-free policy, a significantly larger number of Russian entrepreneurs will be able to attend global and regional business events in China, like forums, exhibitions, conferences, both industry-specific and general, such as the Canton Fair, China International Industry Fair, Yiwu International Commodities Fair," Radnaeva added.
\nBusiness visits from Russian regions to China will also become much easier, and more diverse, Radnaeva said. Last year saw the "Days of the Vologda Region" and "Days of the Irkutsk Region" held in China. At the end of 2025, the "Days of Primorsky Krai" will be held in Liaoning province. Visits by Russian governors and regional delegations of various levels, as well as business missions from industry organizations, will become more frequent. This will give a strong impetus to interregional business cooperation.
\nIn terms of trade volume, China is by far Russia's leading partner, while last year Russia ranked fifth among China's foreign trade partners, according to the Russian leader.
\nFigures from China's General Administration of Customs released last month showed total trade between China and Russia stood at $19.14 billion in July, up 8.7 percent from June.
\nMoreover, bilateral trade in 2024 rose to $244.8 billion, making China the largest trading partner of Russia for 15 consecutive years.
\nTitov said Russian business sectors certainly have higher expectations for bilateral economic activity.
\nHe noted that the visa-free policy is a powerful catalyst for business. Growth, he said, is driven not only by large corporations, but by the thousands of small and medium-sized firms that underpin trade.
\n"By removing a major barrier, China has enabled entrepreneurs to pursue opportunities more directly. We see this policy as a very pragmatic step that will undoubtedly stimulate economic energy and raise our business prospects in China," he said.
\nRadnaeva agreed. She said cross-border ties between the regions of the Russian Federation and China will strengthen, boosting trade, investment, industrial cooperation and more.
\nRussian entrepreneurs are seeking to find business partners in China, and the visa-free regime will greatly facilitate this process. Moreover, there is awareness in Russia of the opportunities and benefits of China's preferential economic zones, and there is a demand from Russian businesses to establish production in them, she added.
\nrenqi@chinadaily.com.cn
\nTravelers from Russia pose for photographs at a tourist attraction in Chongqing on Sept 16.
\nRussian consumers check out accessories at a shopping street in Heihe, Heilongjiang province, on Sept 15.
\nChina's visa-free policy for Russian citizens holding ordinary passports sends a strong and positive signal to the business communities on both sides, and such measures will further strengthen economic ties between the two major economies, Russian business leaders said.
\nChinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun announced on Sept 2 that the country had decided to trial a visa-free policy for Russian ordinary passport holders starting from Sept 15, 2025, to Sept 14, 2026, allowing stays of up to 30 days for purposes such as business travel, tourism, as well as other private visits, people-to-people exchanges or transit.
\n"Russian holders of ordinary passports who come to China for business, travel and sightseeing, visiting relatives and friends, exchange visits, and transit for no more than 30 days can enter the country visa-free," Guo said, adding that, under the strategic guidance of the heads of state of both countries, Sino-Russia relations have been consistently healthy.
\nTwo days later, Russian President Vladimir Putin responded to the friendly policy, describing it as "an extremely kind gesture" and claiming Russia would respond in kind.
\n"Undoubtedly, this will lead to more Russian citizens visiting China and contribute to the development of business, commercial ties and personal exchanges alike," Putin said, according to a release by the Kremlin website.
\nPavel Titov, president of the Abrau-Durso Group of Companies, said the news excites the Russian business community as the policy makes it considerably easier for them to foster deeper, more trusting relationships with their Chinese partners.
\nThe company, which is a leader in the sparkling wine market in Russia, has launched a flagship store on China's online retail giant JD. It is focusing on expanding its assortment on JD and deepening its engagement with Chinese wine lovers through livestreams and tastings.
\n"In our business, a handshake, a shared meal, and tasting wine together build a stronger foundation than any email ever could. Now, we can visit our partners more frequently to strategize, celebrate successes and address challenges face-to-face," Titov said.
\nThe visa-free policy streamlines the logistics of business travel, said Rustem Muratov, CEO of Moscow-based Binnopharm Group, a biopharmaceutical major in the country.
\nMuratov said the company's subsidiary, Shanghai Binnopharm Chemical Co Ltd, has successfully integrated into the Chinese financial system through the use of banking instruments such as bank acceptance bills, and recently obtained its first corporate loan worth 5 million yuan ($701,825) at a favorable interest rate of 5 percent.
\nMuratov said the visa-free regime simplifies the logistics of business travel, and is especially important considering the significant number of contacts and projects requiring continuous in-person presence. Regular visits enable business partners not only to conduct negotiations, but also to establish solid, trust-based relationships with partners and take part in key industry events.
\nThe need for Russian company executives and employees to travel to China had been increasing even before the policy was announced. Surana Radnaeva, CEO of Sinoruss, a Russian legal consultancy, said the number of business trips by Russian companies to China increased by 27 percent in the first half. China now accounts for 20 percent of all business trips by Russian businesses, compared to 15 percent a year earlier.
\nRussian businesspeople primarily visit Shanghai; Beijing; Guangdong province's Guangzhou and Shenzhen; and Harbin, Heilongjiang province, while the most active industry officials traveling to China are from the energy, oil and gas, and high-tech sectors, Radnaeva said.
\nBusiness trips by employees in the energy and oil and gas sectors grew by 58 percent, accounting for 43 percent of all trips, while trips by high-tech equipment suppliers saw a 93 percent increase, raising their share to 7 percent. Clearly, these numbers will grow significantly now that the full-fledged visa-free policy with China has been introduced, she said.
\nMarking China as a key export market, Russian integrated petrochemical company Sibur is jointly implementing large-scale and ambitious projects in the production of synthetic materials with China Petroleum and Chemical Corp, or Sinopec. One of the flagship projects is the Amur Gas Chemical Complex, which is scheduled to be commissioned in 2026.
\nA spokesperson for Sibur told China Daily that while the visa waiver initiative may not have a direct impact on business operations, it will significantly facilitate interactions between Sibur and its Chinese partners. The removal of visa requirements will make travel easier for Russian experts going to China.
\n"Thanks to the visa-free policy, a significantly larger number of Russian entrepreneurs will be able to attend global and regional business events in China, like forums, exhibitions, conferences, both industry-specific and general, such as the Canton Fair, China International Industry Fair, Yiwu International Commodities Fair," Radnaeva added.
\nBusiness visits from Russian regions to China will also become much easier, and more diverse, Radnaeva said. Last year saw the "Days of the Vologda Region" and "Days of the Irkutsk Region" held in China. At the end of 2025, the "Days of Primorsky Krai" will be held in Liaoning province. Visits by Russian governors and regional delegations of various levels, as well as business missions from industry organizations, will become more frequent. This will give a strong impetus to interregional business cooperation.
\nIn terms of trade volume, China is by far Russia's leading partner, while last year Russia ranked fifth among China's foreign trade partners, according to the Russian leader.
\nFigures from China's General Administration of Customs released last month showed total trade between China and Russia stood at $19.14 billion in July, up 8.7 percent from June.
\nMoreover, bilateral trade in 2024 rose to $244.8 billion, making China the largest trading partner of Russia for 15 consecutive years.
\nTitov said Russian business sectors certainly have higher expectations for bilateral economic activity.
\nHe noted that the visa-free policy is a powerful catalyst for business. Growth, he said, is driven not only by large corporations, but by the thousands of small and medium-sized firms that underpin trade.
\n"By removing a major barrier, China has enabled entrepreneurs to pursue opportunities more directly. We see this policy as a very pragmatic step that will undoubtedly stimulate economic energy and raise our business prospects in China," he said.
\nRadnaeva agreed. She said cross-border ties between the regions of the Russian Federation and China will strengthen, boosting trade, investment, industrial cooperation and more.
\nRussian entrepreneurs are seeking to find business partners in China, and the visa-free regime will greatly facilitate this process. Moreover, there is awareness in Russia of the opportunities and benefits of China's preferential economic zones, and there is a demand from Russian businesses to establish production in them, she added.
\nrenqi@chinadaily.com.cn
\nTravelers from Russia pose for photographs at a tourist attraction in Chongqing on Sept 16.
\nRussian consumers check out accessories at a shopping street in Heihe, Heilongjiang province, on Sept 15.
\nChina's visa-free policy for Russian citizens holding ordinary passports sends a strong and positive signal to the business communities on both sides, and such measures will further strengthen economic ties between the two major economies, Russian business leaders said.
\nChinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun announced on Sept 2 that the country had decided to trial a visa-free policy for Russian ordinary passport holders starting from Sept 15, 2025, to Sept 14, 2026, allowing stays of up to 30 days for purposes such as business travel, tourism, as well as other private visits, people-to-people exchanges or transit.
\n"Russian holders of ordinary passports who come to China for business, travel and sightseeing, visiting relatives and friends, exchange visits, and transit for no more than 30 days can enter the country visa-free," Guo said, adding that, under the strategic guidance of the heads of state of both countries, Sino-Russia relations have been consistently healthy.
\nTwo days later, Russian President Vladimir Putin responded to the friendly policy, describing it as "an extremely kind gesture" and claiming Russia would respond in kind.
\n"Undoubtedly, this will lead to more Russian citizens visiting China and contribute to the development of business, commercial ties and personal exchanges alike," Putin said, according to a release by the Kremlin website.
\nPavel Titov, president of the Abrau-Durso Group of Companies, said the news excites the Russian business community as the policy makes it considerably easier for them to foster deeper, more trusting relationships with their Chinese partners.
\nThe company, which is a leader in the sparkling wine market in Russia, has launched a flagship store on China's online retail giant JD. It is focusing on expanding its assortment on JD and deepening its engagement with Chinese wine lovers through livestreams and tastings.
\n"In our business, a handshake, a shared meal, and tasting wine together build a stronger foundation than any email ever could. Now, we can visit our partners more frequently to strategize, celebrate successes and address challenges face-to-face," Titov said.
\nThe visa-free policy streamlines the logistics of business travel, said Rustem Muratov, CEO of Moscow-based Binnopharm Group, a biopharmaceutical major in the country.
\nMuratov said the company's subsidiary, Shanghai Binnopharm Chemical Co Ltd, has successfully integrated into the Chinese financial system through the use of banking instruments such as bank acceptance bills, and recently obtained its first corporate loan worth 5 million yuan ($701,825) at a favorable interest rate of 5 percent.
\nMuratov said the visa-free regime simplifies the logistics of business travel, and is especially important considering the significant number of contacts and projects requiring continuous in-person presence. Regular visits enable business partners not only to conduct negotiations, but also to establish solid, trust-based relationships with partners and take part in key industry events.
\nThe need for Russian company executives and employees to travel to China had been increasing even before the policy was announced. Surana Radnaeva, CEO of Sinoruss, a Russian legal consultancy, said the number of business trips by Russian companies to China increased by 27 percent in the first half. China now accounts for 20 percent of all business trips by Russian businesses, compared to 15 percent a year earlier.
\nRussian businesspeople primarily visit Shanghai; Beijing; Guangdong province's Guangzhou and Shenzhen; and Harbin, Heilongjiang province, while the most active industry officials traveling to China are from the energy, oil and gas, and high-tech sectors, Radnaeva said.
\nBusiness trips by employees in the energy and oil and gas sectors grew by 58 percent, accounting for 43 percent of all trips, while trips by high-tech equipment suppliers saw a 93 percent increase, raising their share to 7 percent. Clearly, these numbers will grow significantly now that the full-fledged visa-free policy with China has been introduced, she said.
\nMarking China as a key export market, Russian integrated petrochemical company Sibur is jointly implementing large-scale and ambitious projects in the production of synthetic materials with China Petroleum and Chemical Corp, or Sinopec. One of the flagship projects is the Amur Gas Chemical Complex, which is scheduled to be commissioned in 2026.
\nA spokesperson for Sibur told China Daily that while the visa waiver initiative may not have a direct impact on business operations, it will significantly facilitate interactions between Sibur and its Chinese partners. The removal of visa requirements will make travel easier for Russian experts going to China.
\n"Thanks to the visa-free policy, a significantly larger number of Russian entrepreneurs will be able to attend global and regional business events in China, like forums, exhibitions, conferences, both industry-specific and general, such as the Canton Fair, China International Industry Fair, Yiwu International Commodities Fair," Radnaeva added.
\nBusiness visits from Russian regions to China will also become much easier, and more diverse, Radnaeva said. Last year saw the "Days of the Vologda Region" and "Days of the Irkutsk Region" held in China. At the end of 2025, the "Days of Primorsky Krai" will be held in Liaoning province. Visits by Russian governors and regional delegations of various levels, as well as business missions from industry organizations, will become more frequent. This will give a strong impetus to interregional business cooperation.
\nIn terms of trade volume, China is by far Russia's leading partner, while last year Russia ranked fifth among China's foreign trade partners, according to the Russian leader.
\nFigures from China's General Administration of Customs released last month showed total trade between China and Russia stood at $19.14 billion in July, up 8.7 percent from June.
\nMoreover, bilateral trade in 2024 rose to $244.8 billion, making China the largest trading partner of Russia for 15 consecutive years.
\nTitov said Russian business sectors certainly have higher expectations for bilateral economic activity.
\nHe noted that the visa-free policy is a powerful catalyst for business. Growth, he said, is driven not only by large corporations, but by the thousands of small and medium-sized firms that underpin trade.
\n"By removing a major barrier, China has enabled entrepreneurs to pursue opportunities more directly. We see this policy as a very pragmatic step that will undoubtedly stimulate economic energy and raise our business prospects in China," he said.
\nRadnaeva agreed. She said cross-border ties between the regions of the Russian Federation and China will strengthen, boosting trade, investment, industrial cooperation and more.
\nRussian entrepreneurs are seeking to find business partners in China, and the visa-free regime will greatly facilitate this process. Moreover, there is awareness in Russia of the opportunities and benefits of China's preferential economic zones, and there is a demand from Russian businesses to establish production in them, she added.
\nrenqi@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", + "content": "Travelers from Russia pose for photographs at a tourist attraction in Chongqing on Sept 16.
\nRussian consumers check out accessories at a shopping street in Heihe, Heilongjiang province, on Sept 15.
\nChina's visa-free policy for Russian citizens holding ordinary passports sends a strong and positive signal to the business communities on both sides, and such measures will further strengthen economic ties between the two major economies, Russian business leaders said.
\nChinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun announced on Sept 2 that the country had decided to trial a visa-free policy for Russian ordinary passport holders starting from Sept 15, 2025, to Sept 14, 2026, allowing stays of up to 30 days for purposes such as business travel, tourism, as well as other private visits, people-to-people exchanges or transit.
\n"Russian holders of ordinary passports who come to China for business, travel and sightseeing, visiting relatives and friends, exchange visits, and transit for no more than 30 days can enter the country visa-free," Guo said, adding that, under the strategic guidance of the heads of state of both countries, Sino-Russia relations have been consistently healthy.
\nTwo days later, Russian President Vladimir Putin responded to the friendly policy, describing it as "an extremely kind gesture" and claiming Russia would respond in kind.
\n"Undoubtedly, this will lead to more Russian citizens visiting China and contribute to the development of business, commercial ties and personal exchanges alike," Putin said, according to a release by the Kremlin website.
\nPavel Titov, president of the Abrau-Durso Group of Companies, said the news excites the Russian business community as the policy makes it considerably easier for them to foster deeper, more trusting relationships with their Chinese partners.
\nThe company, which is a leader in the sparkling wine market in Russia, has launched a flagship store on China's online retail giant JD. It is focusing on expanding its assortment on JD and deepening its engagement with Chinese wine lovers through livestreams and tastings.
\n"In our business, a handshake, a shared meal, and tasting wine together build a stronger foundation than any email ever could. Now, we can visit our partners more frequently to strategize, celebrate successes and address challenges face-to-face," Titov said.
\nThe visa-free policy streamlines the logistics of business travel, said Rustem Muratov, CEO of Moscow-based Binnopharm Group, a biopharmaceutical major in the country.
\nMuratov said the company's subsidiary, Shanghai Binnopharm Chemical Co Ltd, has successfully integrated into the Chinese financial system through the use of banking instruments such as bank acceptance bills, and recently obtained its first corporate loan worth 5 million yuan ($701,825) at a favorable interest rate of 5 percent.
\nMuratov said the visa-free regime simplifies the logistics of business travel, and is especially important considering the significant number of contacts and projects requiring continuous in-person presence. Regular visits enable business partners not only to conduct negotiations, but also to establish solid, trust-based relationships with partners and take part in key industry events.
\nThe need for Russian company executives and employees to travel to China had been increasing even before the policy was announced. Surana Radnaeva, CEO of Sinoruss, a Russian legal consultancy, said the number of business trips by Russian companies to China increased by 27 percent in the first half. China now accounts for 20 percent of all business trips by Russian businesses, compared to 15 percent a year earlier.
\nRussian businesspeople primarily visit Shanghai; Beijing; Guangdong province's Guangzhou and Shenzhen; and Harbin, Heilongjiang province, while the most active industry officials traveling to China are from the energy, oil and gas, and high-tech sectors, Radnaeva said.
\nBusiness trips by employees in the energy and oil and gas sectors grew by 58 percent, accounting for 43 percent of all trips, while trips by high-tech equipment suppliers saw a 93 percent increase, raising their share to 7 percent. Clearly, these numbers will grow significantly now that the full-fledged visa-free policy with China has been introduced, she said.
\nMarking China as a key export market, Russian integrated petrochemical company Sibur is jointly implementing large-scale and ambitious projects in the production of synthetic materials with China Petroleum and Chemical Corp, or Sinopec. One of the flagship projects is the Amur Gas Chemical Complex, which is scheduled to be commissioned in 2026.
\nA spokesperson for Sibur told China Daily that while the visa waiver initiative may not have a direct impact on business operations, it will significantly facilitate interactions between Sibur and its Chinese partners. The removal of visa requirements will make travel easier for Russian experts going to China.
\n"Thanks to the visa-free policy, a significantly larger number of Russian entrepreneurs will be able to attend global and regional business events in China, like forums, exhibitions, conferences, both industry-specific and general, such as the Canton Fair, China International Industry Fair, Yiwu International Commodities Fair," Radnaeva added.
\nBusiness visits from Russian regions to China will also become much easier, and more diverse, Radnaeva said. Last year saw the "Days of the Vologda Region" and "Days of the Irkutsk Region" held in China. At the end of 2025, the "Days of Primorsky Krai" will be held in Liaoning province. Visits by Russian governors and regional delegations of various levels, as well as business missions from industry organizations, will become more frequent. This will give a strong impetus to interregional business cooperation.
\nIn terms of trade volume, China is by far Russia's leading partner, while last year Russia ranked fifth among China's foreign trade partners, according to the Russian leader.
\nFigures from China's General Administration of Customs released last month showed total trade between China and Russia stood at $19.14 billion in July, up 8.7 percent from June.
\nMoreover, bilateral trade in 2024 rose to $244.8 billion, making China the largest trading partner of Russia for 15 consecutive years.
\nTitov said Russian business sectors certainly have higher expectations for bilateral economic activity.
\nHe noted that the visa-free policy is a powerful catalyst for business. Growth, he said, is driven not only by large corporations, but by the thousands of small and medium-sized firms that underpin trade.
\n"By removing a major barrier, China has enabled entrepreneurs to pursue opportunities more directly. We see this policy as a very pragmatic step that will undoubtedly stimulate economic energy and raise our business prospects in China," he said.
\nRadnaeva agreed. She said cross-border ties between the regions of the Russian Federation and China will strengthen, boosting trade, investment, industrial cooperation and more.
\nRussian entrepreneurs are seeking to find business partners in China, and the visa-free regime will greatly facilitate this process. Moreover, there is awareness in Russia of the opportunities and benefits of China's preferential economic zones, and there is a demand from Russian businesses to establish production in them, she added.
\nrenqi@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", "category": "", "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/02/content_003_68dd8314ed50ccabe151a836.htm#003COVER", "creator": "", @@ -11687,28 +12347,6 @@ "hash": "1fcda3588e741104838ab8064c405692", "highlights": [] }, - { - "title": "004WORLD - Briefly", - "description": "MIDDLE EAST
\nIsrael says it will block access to north Gaza
\nThe Israeli military said it will close on Wednesday the last remaining route for residents of southern Gaza to access the north, as it presses its offensive on Gaza City. Meanwhile, the international flotilla trying to deliver aid to Gaza said on Wednesday that several of its boats were approached by unidentified vessels, some navigating without lights. The Global Sumud Flotilla stated in a post on Telegram that the vessels have departed, and participants have implemented security protocols in anticipation of a possible interception.
\nINDONESIA
\n91 people feared trapped under rubble
\nIndonesia's disaster management agency said on Wednesday that at least 91 people were trapped after a school building collapsed on Monday in the Sidoarjo Regency of East Java Province. Abdul Muhari, spokesman for the National Disaster Management Agency, said that as of Tuesday evening, the accident had left three people dead and more than 90 injured, with 26 still hospitalized. Hundreds of rescuers from various agencies have been deployed to the site. Due to concerns that the use of heavy machinery could trigger further collapse, rescue workers have focused on manual excavation.
\nGERMANY
\nBeer festival grounds closed after fire, blasts
\nThe Munich Oktoberfest grounds will remain temporarily closed on Wednesday, German police said, hours after a fire and explosions rocked a building elsewhere in the southern city. The organizers of the beer festival said on their website that a "bomb threat" had been received. Police said explosive devices had been found in a residential building in northern Munich and that they were investigating any possible link to the Oktoberfest, held annually near the center of the Bavarian capital on the Theresienwiese grounds.
\nMIDDLE EAST
\nIsrael says it will block access to north Gaza
\nThe Israeli military said it will close on Wednesday the last remaining route for residents of southern Gaza to access the north, as it presses its offensive on Gaza City. Meanwhile, the international flotilla trying to deliver aid to Gaza said on Wednesday that several of its boats were approached by unidentified vessels, some navigating without lights. The Global Sumud Flotilla stated in a post on Telegram that the vessels have departed, and participants have implemented security protocols in anticipation of a possible interception.
\nINDONESIA
\n91 people feared trapped under rubble
\nIndonesia's disaster management agency said on Wednesday that at least 91 people were trapped after a school building collapsed on Monday in the Sidoarjo Regency of East Java Province. Abdul Muhari, spokesman for the National Disaster Management Agency, said that as of Tuesday evening, the accident had left three people dead and more than 90 injured, with 26 still hospitalized. Hundreds of rescuers from various agencies have been deployed to the site. Due to concerns that the use of heavy machinery could trigger further collapse, rescue workers have focused on manual excavation.
\nGERMANY
\nBeer festival grounds closed after fire, blasts
\nThe Munich Oktoberfest grounds will remain temporarily closed on Wednesday, German police said, hours after a fire and explosions rocked a building elsewhere in the southern city. The organizers of the beer festival said on their website that a "bomb threat" had been received. Police said explosive devices had been found in a residential building in northern Munich and that they were investigating any possible link to the Oktoberfest, held annually near the center of the Bavarian capital on the Theresienwiese grounds.
\nChina showcased the unique charm and vibrant vitality of its culture and tourism attractions at the Tourism EXPO Japan held in Aichi Prefecture.
\nTourism EXPO Japan, one of the world's largest tourism festivals, saw its latest edition run from Sept 25 to 28 at the Aichi Sky Expo in Tokoname. The first two days were dedicated to trade and media, featuring exhibitions and business meetings among industry professionals, while the final days were open to the public.
\nThis year's China Pavilion, themed "Nihao (Hello), China", was organized by the China National Tourist Office in Tokyo. Featuring more than 60 exhibitors, including 18 regional tourism authorities and five Chinese airlines. The pavilion highlighted China's latest inbound travel services, its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the richness of its traditional culture.
\nFor the first time, the pavilion was also invited to perform on the main stage of the expo event. In a 30-minute showcase, traditional lion dance, face-changing, and ethnic songs were performed to present the distinctive charm of Chinese culture.
\nTakaji Satomi, a member of Japan's House of Councillors, was impressed after receiving a scented sachet at the exhibition area of Yangzhou, Jiangsu province, saying, "These kinds of spices and incense products are not only popular in China, but also make excellent souvenirs for overseas visitors."
\nYe Yuan, representing an exhibitor from Hainan province, said that Hainan takes this expo as an important opportunity to showcase the province and introduce it to more people. "Hainan boasts mountains and rivers, along with beautiful natural scenery. Its golf courses are also excellent," she said.
\nHaruka Nonomura, chief of the tour planning division, Chubu regional sales department, at travel agency HIS, said that China offers not only a wealth of World Cultural Heritage sites but also stunning natural landscapes.
\n"One trip is never enough — you find new charms every time. Such variety is what makes China so special," she said.
\nShe also mentioned that since the easing of visa policies last year, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of travelers to China.
\nPolicy benefits
\nSince Nov 30, China has implemented a visa-free policy for ordinary Japanese passport holders, allowing stays of up to 30 days for business, tourism, family visits, exchange programs and transit purposes.
\nWith the simplification of visa procedures, visiting China has become much more convenient for travelers, Nonomura said, adding that this has also made sales and promotional activities for travel agencies "much easier".
\nAn event aimed at enhancing awareness and promoting China's World Cultural Heritage Sites was held alongside the expo, with participants seeking to further strengthen China-Japan exchanges.
\nHironobu Nara, deputy commissioner for international tourism at Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, said that tourism promotions from various regions of China, along with exchange meetings between the Japanese and Chinese tourism industries, offer valuable opportunities to appreciate China's rich and diverse cultural charms.
\nHiroki Nakamura, director-general of Japan's Chubu District Transport Bureau, sees tourism as an "important bridge" between people and cultures. He hopes that such exchange activities will enhance mutual understanding and deepen friendship between the peoples.
\nNakamura also expressed hope that more Chinese tourists will not only visit major Japanese cities but also explore local regions to experience Japan's diverse charms.
\n"China is ready to work with Japan to boost people-to-people exchanges through tourism and culture, strengthen public support, and promote healthy, stable China-Japan relations," she said.
\nhoujunjie@chinadaily.com.cn
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-02/005/20251002_005_01_19158.png\")
A Chongdada pet steward and his car. His work includes feeding, cleaning, and updating owners via group chats.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-02/005/20251002_005_01_26158.png\")
Chongdada's vehicles are fitted with pet cameras, and temperature and humidity controls.
\nWhen Tu Fan relocated with her 12 cats from Beijing to Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, she rented an expensive truck, assuming the animals would travel comfortably. After more than 10 hours on the road, however, the outcome was grim.
\n"The cats were almost all frightened, covered in urine and feces," Tu said. "The smell was overwhelming, and most of my belongings had to be thrown away." The ordeal convinced her that there had to be a better way.
\nA Peking University graduate, Tu had previously pursued education and live-streaming ventures, but she eventually recognized the unmet needs of pet owners like herself. In a stroke of fortune, she met her future business partner, Wang Jingjing, in 2023.
\nWang had already created a simple online program for pet transport requests. "It was like a very simple version of the ride-hailing platform Didi," Tu said. The program had quickly gone viral, stressing servers.
\nThe success came with unexpected problems. Orders drew complaints as third-party transporters treated pets like cargo, and in some cases, animals went missing.
\nBy the time Tu joined, Wang had already converted a vehicle for pets and secured official registration. Tu saw the potential but also the gap: most pet owners lacked access to such services. Drawing on her livestreaming and marketing experience, she began building an online presence through blogs, short videos, and customer outreach.
\nThe pair named their new venture Chongdada, and from there, the company grew rapidly.
\nThey expanded their fleet and technology, fitted each crate with temperature and humidity controls, and added monitoring cameras. They even developed a behavior recognition model that detects whether an animal is resting, eating, or showing signs of stress.
\n"The model notifies us, for example, if a cat has defecated," Tu said. "Our staff can handle it immediately."
\nSuch upgrades arrived just as demand was booming. According to Zhiyan Consulting, China's pet transportation market grew from roughly 22 billion yuan ($3.1 billion) in 2020 to about 32 billion yuan in 2024, a compound annual growth rate close to 10 percent.
\nYet the industry has long faced complaints about opaque operations, weak monitoring, and inconsistent safety. Chongdada sought to counter those fears with transparent data, standardized processes, and attentive care.
\nPricing depends on factors such as species, size, cage dimensions, distance, city tiers, and service levels. Premium rides average about 1,300 yuan, with spaces resembling business-class seats. Each trip is stocked with new supplies such as litter boxes, bedding, and bowls.
\nMuch of the work falls to pet stewards. On board, they feed animals, clean up, walk dogs when needed, and relay updates to owners through online chat groups. The service adapts to each animal, from cats and dogs to rabbits and reptiles.
\nWith more than 200 modified vehicles and 31 company-operated stations serving 42 routes nationwide, Chongdada has grown into one of the leading players, reaching nearly all provinces and autonomous regions.
\nFor pet owners, that growth translates into peace of mind.
\nCustomer Chen Kexin booked a premium cabin, paying more than 700 yuan to transport her timid cat from Ningbo, Zhejiang province, to Shenzhen, Guangdong province.
\n"My cat usually refuses food and water on the road, but this time she arrived calm and immediately ate," Chen said.
\n"We've grown fast because we are addressing a real need," Tu said.
\nChen's experience reflects a wider shift: pet travel options are multiplying. Ride-hailing platforms such as Didi and Hello now offer pet-friendly express cars and delivery services in most major cities, giving owners more options for routine trips to veterinarians or grooming salons.
\nAs options multiply, experts warn that pet mobility must be balanced with public interests.
\n"Pet travel services meet the needs of some owners, but they also have to consider other groups," said Xu Guangjian, a professor at the School of Public Administration and Policy of Renmin University of China in Beijing, in a report by Xinhua News Agency. "Public spaces have different characteristics, and if proper pet facilities aren't in place to separate people and animals effectively, opening them to pets is not advisable."
\nThe industry momentum has also caught the attention of policymakers. In August, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs issued new guidelines for designated animal-transport checkpoints to curb illegal shipments, prevent disease, and build traceability systems.
\nIn June, the rail authorities widened a high-speed rail pilot to 25 stations and 38 services on eight mainlines, allowing passengers to consign one small healthy cat or dog on their train, according to Xinhua.
\nChinese airlines also began offering "pets in cabin" service. China Eastern Airlines launched a program in Taiyuan, Shanxi province and has since expanded it to more routes.
\nguoyanqi@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", - "content": "A Chongdada pet steward and his car. His work includes feeding, cleaning, and updating owners via group chats.
\nChongdada's vehicles are fitted with pet cameras, and temperature and humidity controls.
\nWhen Tu Fan relocated with her 12 cats from Beijing to Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, she rented an expensive truck, assuming the animals would travel comfortably. After more than 10 hours on the road, however, the outcome was grim.
\n"The cats were almost all frightened, covered in urine and feces," Tu said. "The smell was overwhelming, and most of my belongings had to be thrown away." The ordeal convinced her that there had to be a better way.
\nA Peking University graduate, Tu had previously pursued education and live-streaming ventures, but she eventually recognized the unmet needs of pet owners like herself. In a stroke of fortune, she met her future business partner, Wang Jingjing, in 2023.
\nWang had already created a simple online program for pet transport requests. "It was like a very simple version of the ride-hailing platform Didi," Tu said. The program had quickly gone viral, stressing servers.
\nThe success came with unexpected problems. Orders drew complaints as third-party transporters treated pets like cargo, and in some cases, animals went missing.
\nBy the time Tu joined, Wang had already converted a vehicle for pets and secured official registration. Tu saw the potential but also the gap: most pet owners lacked access to such services. Drawing on her livestreaming and marketing experience, she began building an online presence through blogs, short videos, and customer outreach.
\nThe pair named their new venture Chongdada, and from there, the company grew rapidly.
\nThey expanded their fleet and technology, fitted each crate with temperature and humidity controls, and added monitoring cameras. They even developed a behavior recognition model that detects whether an animal is resting, eating, or showing signs of stress.
\n"The model notifies us, for example, if a cat has defecated," Tu said. "Our staff can handle it immediately."
\nSuch upgrades arrived just as demand was booming. According to Zhiyan Consulting, China's pet transportation market grew from roughly 22 billion yuan ($3.1 billion) in 2020 to about 32 billion yuan in 2024, a compound annual growth rate close to 10 percent.
\nYet the industry has long faced complaints about opaque operations, weak monitoring, and inconsistent safety. Chongdada sought to counter those fears with transparent data, standardized processes, and attentive care.
\nPricing depends on factors such as species, size, cage dimensions, distance, city tiers, and service levels. Premium rides average about 1,300 yuan, with spaces resembling business-class seats. Each trip is stocked with new supplies such as litter boxes, bedding, and bowls.
\nMuch of the work falls to pet stewards. On board, they feed animals, clean up, walk dogs when needed, and relay updates to owners through online chat groups. The service adapts to each animal, from cats and dogs to rabbits and reptiles.
\nWith more than 200 modified vehicles and 31 company-operated stations serving 42 routes nationwide, Chongdada has grown into one of the leading players, reaching nearly all provinces and autonomous regions.
\nFor pet owners, that growth translates into peace of mind.
\nCustomer Chen Kexin booked a premium cabin, paying more than 700 yuan to transport her timid cat from Ningbo, Zhejiang province, to Shenzhen, Guangdong province.
\n"My cat usually refuses food and water on the road, but this time she arrived calm and immediately ate," Chen said.
\n"We've grown fast because we are addressing a real need," Tu said.
\nChen's experience reflects a wider shift: pet travel options are multiplying. Ride-hailing platforms such as Didi and Hello now offer pet-friendly express cars and delivery services in most major cities, giving owners more options for routine trips to veterinarians or grooming salons.
\nAs options multiply, experts warn that pet mobility must be balanced with public interests.
\n"Pet travel services meet the needs of some owners, but they also have to consider other groups," said Xu Guangjian, a professor at the School of Public Administration and Policy of Renmin University of China in Beijing, in a report by Xinhua News Agency. "Public spaces have different characteristics, and if proper pet facilities aren't in place to separate people and animals effectively, opening them to pets is not advisable."
\nThe industry momentum has also caught the attention of policymakers. In August, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs issued new guidelines for designated animal-transport checkpoints to curb illegal shipments, prevent disease, and build traceability systems.
\nIn June, the rail authorities widened a high-speed rail pilot to 25 stations and 38 services on eight mainlines, allowing passengers to consign one small healthy cat or dog on their train, according to Xinhua.
\nChinese airlines also began offering "pets in cabin" service. China Eastern Airlines launched a program in Taiyuan, Shanxi province and has since expanded it to more routes.
\nguoyanqi@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", - "category": "", - "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/02/content_005_68dd832eed50ccabe151a83c.htm#005PEOPLE", - "creator": "", - "pubDate": "Thu, 02 Oct 2025 00:21:04 +0000", - "enclosure": "", - "enclosureType": "", - "image": "", - "id": "", - "language": "", - "folder": "双语", - "feed": "ChinaDaily", - "read": false, - "favorite": false, - "created": false, - "tags": [], - "hash": "301fbc80527d73dca3d59c294d72ea3d", - "highlights": [] - }, { "title": "005PEOPLE - Young lawyer opts to defend furry friends", "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-02/005/20251002_005_02_35158.png\")
Pet lawyer Cui Can plays with his cat in a park in Chengdu, Sichuan province.
\nWhen lawyer Cui Can recalled his first pet-related case, his tone turned reflective.
\nIt was February this year, and the dispute involved a client who had entrusted two cats, a mother and her offspring, to a pet sitter found on the social media app Xiaohongshu, or RedNote. Just three days into the boarding period, both cats fell from a 19th floor and died.
\n"The emotional toll on the owner was immense. Those cats had been with him since they were kittens. He was devastated," Cui said. The case never made it to court. Instead, Cui helped negotiate a settlement worth a few thousand yuan, paid out in small monthly installments by the sitter, a recent university graduate who claimed financial hardship.
\n"In many pet-related disputes, litigation is impractical. The emotional and financial costs often outweigh the compensation," said Cui. "My role usually involves mediation to help parties reach an outcome that acknowledges the loss, not just in monetary terms."
\nCui, 27, has been practicing law in Chengdu, Sichuan province, since 2020. After graduating in 2021, he worked at a firm for several years before going independent in 2023.Like many young lawyers, he initially handled a broad range of civil cases. But the intense workload began to take its toll. It was during a late night at his desk, accompanied only by his long-haired cat, Ultraman, that he had an epiphany.
\n"I was overworked, constantly stressed. Ultraman was there with me; quiet, comforting. That's when I started asking myself what I really wanted to do," he said. "Pets had always been part of my life. Why not focus on legal issues affecting them?"
\nEarlier this year, Cui decided to specialize in pet-related disputes — a niche few lawyers in China have entered. Since then, he has handled cases involving medical malpractice, sales fraud, custody battles, and wrongful death. He enjoys being called a pet lawyer.
\nAmong the most heart-wrenching was a case from Xi'an, Shaanxi province. A young man's dog died during a routine dental procedure after the clinic failed to conduct pre-anesthesia assessments. The owner, who had raised the dog since high school, developed severe depression afterward.
\n"That case was never about the money. He wanted an apology, an explanation, some form of accountability," Cui said. "But the clinic wouldn't admit fault. They just said, 'Sue us if you want.'"
\nSuch incidents are occurring against the backdrop of a rapidly expanding pet population. According to a report issued by Goldman Sachs in February 2024, the number of pets in China surpassed that of children under the age of four for the first time that year. By 2030, the pet population is projected to be nearly twice as large as the population of young children.
\nAs pet ownership surges in China, such disputes are becoming more common. Pets are increasingly viewed as family members, yet the legal system has been slow to adapt.
\nChina still lacks a dedicated animal protection law. In cases of abuse or negligence, lawyers often resort to general provisions in the Civil Code or rely on charges like "picking quarrels and provoking trouble". It's a catch-all offense that leads to minimal penalties, according to Cui.
\n"The legal vacuum is the biggest challenge," Cui said. "Without clear statutes, it's difficult to protect pets or their owners effectively."
\nEven when laws do apply, practical obstacles remain. Many owners lack crucial evidence — medical records, contracts, transaction details — or struggle to identify the real parties behind pet stores or online sellers. Veterinary forensics is underdeveloped, and judges often lack expert opinions to rely on.
\nYet Cui remains optimistic. In March, he founded the Pet Legal Alliance, a WeChat network of more than 1,000 legal professionals nationwide. Members must be practicing lawyers and pet owners themselves, "because you have to understand the emotional bond to do this work," Cui said.
\nThe group shares resources, discusses landmark cases, and pushes for stronger industry standards. Some are already advising local governments on drafting animal protection regulations.
\nCui's approach is pragmatic. He prefers mediation to litigation and often encourages clients to consider emotional closure over prolonged legal battles. "Not everyone can endure repeated court hearings, especially when they're grieving," he said. "Sometimes moving forward is more important than fighting on."
\nStill, he believes change is coming. "Pets are not property. They are life companions. The law should reflect that," he said. "This isn't just a professional shift for me. It's personal."
\nIn his Chengdu office, surrounded by legal texts and a photo of Ultraman, Cui said with determination, "We're building something meaningful, one case at a time."
\nzhaoruinan@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", @@ -11775,28 +12391,6 @@ "hash": "331581a95ecb0a8fe95e0b6c934d25a6", "highlights": [] }, - { - "title": "005PEOPLE - Final farewells for creatures great and small", - "description": "In just two years, 30-year-old Zhang Yingjun has guided more than 1,000 families in Dalian, Liaoning province, through the difficult task of saying goodbye to their pets.
\nThe animals range from common companions like cats and dogs to rabbits, hamsters, parrots, guinea pigs, and even a fox.
\n"For many owners, these animals are not just pets; they are friends and emotional pillars," said Zhang.
\n"Our work ensures that departed pets are treated with dignity and provides comfort to grieving owners," she said.
\nChina's booming pet economy and stronger emotional bonds between people and their animals have fueled demand for pet funerals. The industry was worth 1.83 billion yuan ($257.4 million) in 2023 and is projected to approach 10 billion yuan by 2030, as Xinhua News Agency cited in an industry report.
\nEchoing that trend, Zhang said that more people now call themselves "pet parents" and willingly spend on professional after-life services for their "fur babies".
\nAt Rainbow Garden, her shop in Dalian's Shahekou district, services cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand yuan.
\n"In 2023, our revenue exceeded 1 million yuan, and business is still growing," she said.
\nWhen an order comes in, Zhang or a colleague meets the family and brings the pet to the shop.
\nEach farewell ceremony is shaped around the pet's story, its personality, and the owner's wishes.
\nAfter cleaning and preparing the pet's body, it is placed on a small bed in the farewell room with fresh wood shavings and a lit candle. The door is then closed to give the owner one last private moment.
\nIn 2023, the owner of a fox wrote in the shop's farewell notebook: "If possible, I hope one day I can open my eyes and find you coming back to the yard to look for me."
\nThe words stayed with Zhang. Such moments, she said, make the work feel meaningful.
\nAfter cremation, ashes may be placed in a memorial room, kept in customized urns, or laid to rest through tree, sea, or traditional burial.
\nZhang's team also provides paw-print keepsakes and memorial art made from fur or ashes, such as portraits or necklaces.
\n"Life-size hand-painted portraits of pets are the most popular," she said. "Seeing customers find solace through our work brings an incomparable sense of achievement and fulfillment."
\nA master's graduate of a top university, Zhang initially worked at a college but found the job draining and exhausting.
\nShe resigned at the end of 2022 and opened a pet funeral home in the northeastern port city.
\nHer career change, she said, was driven by her love of animals. "When my Exotic Shorthair cat suddenly died of heart disease, I was devastated. Everything happened so fast. I was in a daze and stumbled across a pet cremation service."
\n"I felt regretful, as if I never had the chance to say goodbye properly," she said.
\nThat experience led her to choose the pet funeral industry, which was still relatively untapped at the time.
\n"Many people didn't understand my decision," Zhang said. "They thought my last work was stable, respectable, and secure, while what I'm doing now sounds somewhat 'unlucky' to some. But I know exactly what I want."
\nHer client base is diverse, though predominantly composed of clients under 30.
\nShe added that as more young people live alone, pets have increasingly become a source of companionship and emotional healing.
\n"More people are willing to pay for high-quality pet food, supplies, and medical services. That opens new business opportunities within the industry," Zhang said.
\nLast year, a Beijing-based pet undertaker whose screen name is Yinghao launched training programs for aspiring pet funeral directors. To date, he has trained about 30 people in small groups. "We keep the numbers small because we carefully select each trainee," Yinghao said, adding that his goal is to raise industry standards by cultivating high-quality operators who can drive healthy competition and provide better services.
\nZhang believes pet funeral services have emerged in response to evolving social needs. However, the industry still faces challenges from inconsistent pricing and improper handling of remains due to the lack of standardized regulations.
\nShe believes the sector should continue moving toward clearer standards and better oversight.
\n"I hope to develop our pet funeral home into a nationally recognized pet service brand with high-quality after-life services and emotional support to more pet owners," Zhang said.
\nzhangxiaomin@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", - "content": "In just two years, 30-year-old Zhang Yingjun has guided more than 1,000 families in Dalian, Liaoning province, through the difficult task of saying goodbye to their pets.
\nThe animals range from common companions like cats and dogs to rabbits, hamsters, parrots, guinea pigs, and even a fox.
\n"For many owners, these animals are not just pets; they are friends and emotional pillars," said Zhang.
\n"Our work ensures that departed pets are treated with dignity and provides comfort to grieving owners," she said.
\nChina's booming pet economy and stronger emotional bonds between people and their animals have fueled demand for pet funerals. The industry was worth 1.83 billion yuan ($257.4 million) in 2023 and is projected to approach 10 billion yuan by 2030, as Xinhua News Agency cited in an industry report.
\nEchoing that trend, Zhang said that more people now call themselves "pet parents" and willingly spend on professional after-life services for their "fur babies".
\nAt Rainbow Garden, her shop in Dalian's Shahekou district, services cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand yuan.
\n"In 2023, our revenue exceeded 1 million yuan, and business is still growing," she said.
\nWhen an order comes in, Zhang or a colleague meets the family and brings the pet to the shop.
\nEach farewell ceremony is shaped around the pet's story, its personality, and the owner's wishes.
\nAfter cleaning and preparing the pet's body, it is placed on a small bed in the farewell room with fresh wood shavings and a lit candle. The door is then closed to give the owner one last private moment.
\nIn 2023, the owner of a fox wrote in the shop's farewell notebook: "If possible, I hope one day I can open my eyes and find you coming back to the yard to look for me."
\nThe words stayed with Zhang. Such moments, she said, make the work feel meaningful.
\nAfter cremation, ashes may be placed in a memorial room, kept in customized urns, or laid to rest through tree, sea, or traditional burial.
\nZhang's team also provides paw-print keepsakes and memorial art made from fur or ashes, such as portraits or necklaces.
\n"Life-size hand-painted portraits of pets are the most popular," she said. "Seeing customers find solace through our work brings an incomparable sense of achievement and fulfillment."
\nA master's graduate of a top university, Zhang initially worked at a college but found the job draining and exhausting.
\nShe resigned at the end of 2022 and opened a pet funeral home in the northeastern port city.
\nHer career change, she said, was driven by her love of animals. "When my Exotic Shorthair cat suddenly died of heart disease, I was devastated. Everything happened so fast. I was in a daze and stumbled across a pet cremation service."
\n"I felt regretful, as if I never had the chance to say goodbye properly," she said.
\nThat experience led her to choose the pet funeral industry, which was still relatively untapped at the time.
\n"Many people didn't understand my decision," Zhang said. "They thought my last work was stable, respectable, and secure, while what I'm doing now sounds somewhat 'unlucky' to some. But I know exactly what I want."
\nHer client base is diverse, though predominantly composed of clients under 30.
\nShe added that as more young people live alone, pets have increasingly become a source of companionship and emotional healing.
\n"More people are willing to pay for high-quality pet food, supplies, and medical services. That opens new business opportunities within the industry," Zhang said.
\nLast year, a Beijing-based pet undertaker whose screen name is Yinghao launched training programs for aspiring pet funeral directors. To date, he has trained about 30 people in small groups. "We keep the numbers small because we carefully select each trainee," Yinghao said, adding that his goal is to raise industry standards by cultivating high-quality operators who can drive healthy competition and provide better services.
\nZhang believes pet funeral services have emerged in response to evolving social needs. However, the industry still faces challenges from inconsistent pricing and improper handling of remains due to the lack of standardized regulations.
\nShe believes the sector should continue moving toward clearer standards and better oversight.
\n"I hope to develop our pet funeral home into a nationally recognized pet service brand with high-quality after-life services and emotional support to more pet owners," Zhang said.
\nzhangxiaomin@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", - "category": "", - "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/02/content_005_68dd8336ed50ccabe151a83e.htm#005PEOPLE", - "creator": "", - "pubDate": "Thu, 02 Oct 2025 00:21:04 +0000", - "enclosure": "", - "enclosureType": "", - "image": "", - "id": "", - "language": "", - "folder": "双语", - "feed": "ChinaDaily", - "read": false, - "favorite": false, - "created": false, - "tags": [], - "hash": "aba36136d3fd4251a5112d5e4b8456ce", - "highlights": [] - }, { "title": "006READ - The extraordinary world of the ordinary", "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-02/006/20251002_006_01_34876.png\")
Worldly Land (top) and The Age of Goodbyes (above) by Malaysian author Li Zishu.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-02/006/20251002_006_01_33876.png\")
Worldly Land (top) and The Age of Goodbyes (above) by Malaysian author Li Zishu.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-02/006/20251002_006_01_55876.png\")
Malaysian writer Li Zishu has had her novel Liu Su Di (Worldly Land) published on the Chinese mainland, which has sparked interest in Sinophone Malaysian literature.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-02/006/20251002_006_01_17876.png\")
Recent works by Malaysian authors include A Mother with No Name (top) by Lim Suat Hong (center) and Ren Gong Shao Nyu (Artificial Girl) by Gong Wanhui.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-02/006/20251002_006_01_12876.png\")
Recent works by Malaysian authors include A Mother with No Name (top) by Lim Suat Hong (center) and Ren Gong Shao Nyu (Artificial Girl) by Gong Wanhui.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-02/006/20251002_006_01_63876.png\")
Recent works by Malaysian authors include A Mother with No Name (top) by Lim Suat Hong (center) and Ren Gong Shao Nyu (Artificial Girl) by Gong Wanhui.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-02/006/20251002_006_01_46876.png\")
A bustling restaurant in Ipoh.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-02/006/20251002_006_01_24876.png\")
Chinese temples are common in Ipoh, a Malaysian city that has inspired Li Zishu's novel Worldly Land.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-02/006/20251002_006_01_37876.png\")
A long line of enthusiastic readers waits for Li Zishu's autograph during this year's Beijing International Book Fair in June.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-02/006/20251002_006_01_72876.png\")
\nFour years ago, Malaysian writer Li Zishu published her full-length novel Liu Su Di (Worldly Land) on the Chinese mainland. Its ongoing popularity has sparked much interest in Sinophone Malaysian literature — literary works written in Chinese by Malaysian authors — a niche genre that offers Chinese readers an alternative perspective on their cultural roots and traditions.
\nAlthough other Malaysian writers such as Ng Kim Chew and Chang Kuei-hsing have explored themes such as the trauma experienced by the Chinese diaspora, the community's Chinese identity within the multicultural society of Malaysia, and Malaysian history and politics, their works have often adopted a magic realist style, focusing on the tropical country's rainforests, rubber plantations, animals and damp weather.
\nHowever, Li, who has been part of the literary circle for three decades and has won major Sinophone Malaysian literary awards, has adopted a more realistic approach that is closer to daily life to write something true to her mind and will. Liu Su Di was completed and published in 2020, a full decade after her previous full-length work, The Age of Goodbyes.
\nAccording to Han Jingqun, editor-in-chief of Beijing October Arts and Literature Publishing House, the novel's publisher on the Chinese mainland, more than 250,000 copies have been sold since the release of this simplified Chinese version in 2021. More than 33,000 readers have rated the work 9.2 out of 10 on the review site Douban. Another 100,000 users have expressed their interest in reading it.
\nWorldly Land tells the story of a visually impaired woman, Gu Yinxia, and the people around her. It is interwoven with the vicissitudes of the Chinese community in Malaysian society over the past half-century. All the characters, from different races and cultural backgrounds, live in a high-rise apartment building of some 300 households in a city called Xidu(City of Tin), modeled after Li's hometown Ipoh, a northern Malaysian mountain city.
\nChen Yucheng, one of the book's editors, says Li has delivered a grounded piece of writing that is sincere and authentic. The language is evocative and exudes a rare empathy for the novel's characters, settings and emotions. Half a century flows like a stream, touching the hearts of ordinary folk.
\n"Each individual's rise and fall is infused with the author's careful reflection on history, a distanced observation of contemporary politics and a complex exploration of the ethnic identity of the overseas Chinese," he says.
\nUnexpected popularity
\nDavid Der-wei Wang, a professor of Chinese literature at Harvard University, writes in the work's preface that Ipoh, known for its tin mines, attracted waves of Chinese immigrants in the mid-19th century, and this gave birth to a rich Chinese culture.
\nMeanwhile, the city is characterized by its multicultural society where Malays, Indians, Indonesians, Chinese and Bangladeshis live together.
\nWang says Li has adopted a gentler style of writing compared to her earlier works to highlight little-known aspects of inclusivity and empathy in her reflections on the Chinese community in Malaysian society.
\n"Li has injected a rare warmth into contemporary Sinophone Malaysian literature," Wang writes.
\nLi did not expect her Sinophone work to be so popular in China. She has been traveling frequently to the country to give lectures, attend seminars and exchange ideas with industry insiders.
\nShe serves on the jury of this year's Blancpain-Imaginist Literary Prize, co-organized by Swiss luxury watch brand Blancpain and Chinese publisher Imaginist. The annual award recognizes a Chinese writer under 45 and comes with a cash prize of 300,000 yuan ($42,000) and a Blancpain watch. The winner will be announced in October.
\nWorldly Land has also inspired enthusiastic readers to travel to Ipoh to visit the places described in the novel and share photos and vlogs on social media platforms. Some of these posts have received thousands of likes.
\nHowever, at this year's Beijing International Book Fair in June, Li said her popularity in China did not extend to her home country, where the Chinese language is seldom part of the mainstream.
\n"If someone decides to write in Chinese in Malaysia, it is purely out of a love for writing and the Chinese language," she says.
\n"You must write without regret or complaint. Otherwise, you will be consumed by frustration, lamenting the limited readership or the few publishers willing to release your work. We are aware of this situation."
\nThe speech she gave in June was fittingly titled "A Craft on an Ocean: Sinophone Malaysian Literature Through My Eyes", echoing Wang's view that Chinese literature has, amid the anxiety expressed by the Sinophone Malaysian community about the survival and continuity of Chinese culture, demonstrated remarkable resilience despite the impact of new media.
\nLi says: "Although Worldly Land is not a blockbuster, it continues to sell well even today, several years after its release. This phenomenon brings me great comfort, and I hope this novel will outlast me, the author."
\nShe adds that she is touched by the recognition it has received from readers and their willingness to recommend the book to others. "As a Sinophone Malaysian writer, it often feels like being a lone craft in a vast ocean, with few to hear my calls. Yet, unexpectedly, I have encountered a large ship full of readers who are there to support me, offering (me) a place to dock and a helping hand. I believe this is just the beginning."
\nLi says she is planning a collection of short stories about immigrant communities.
\nMeanwhile, the wild popularity of Worldly Land has prompted Li not only to explore ways to increase the exposure of her fellow writers to potential publishers in China, but also to reflect on the literary genre from a broader perspective.
\nGaining ground
\nRecently, more works of Sinophone Malaysian literature have made their way to the Chinese market. Last year, two books by Ho Sok Fong were published on the Chinese mainland.
\nIn July, Gong Wanhui's full-length novel Ren Gong Shao Nyu (Artificial Girl) was released.
\nIn 2024, this work won the grand prize of Sinophone Malaysian literature at the biennial Hua Zong (Floral Trail) Literature Award, one of Malaysia's most prestigious Chinese-language literature awards, given by Sin Chew Daily. Worldly Land was the winner of this prize in 2022.
\nThis August saw the launch of Lim Suat Hong's debut nonfiction work, A Mother with No Name, which tells the story of the arduous life of her mother Tee Kin and her reflections on the mother-daughter relationship — one of the most complex of human connections.
\nLim has been living in China for 20 years. After her mother passed away, Lim spent six years documenting Tee's life.
\nShe was born into a large Chinese family in Malaysia, the eldest daughter who was not favored, the mother of five children, the wife of a gambler and the sole breadwinner who kept the family going with her tailoring shop. Yet, at her funeral, she was simply referred to as the nameless "Madame Tee of the Lim Family".
\nWang Meng, the book's editor at Horizon Books, a branch of the Shanghai People's Publishing House, says that like Worldly Land, which is a landmark work in its genre, Lim's work focuses on ordinary people's everyday lives in a small town. It presents the experiences and secret family history of a Chinese woman from the working class. Its keenly observed and delicate portrayal of life is set amid descriptions of Southeast Asian customs.
\n"It is precisely this writing based on real-life experiences, expressed in incredibly honest and sincere language, that I believe will resonate emotionally with Chinese readers," she adds.
\nLi has publicly lauded the works of both Gong and Lim.
\nAt the Beijing International Book Fair, Li said that in the past Sinophone Malaysian literature may have overly emphasized its identity in an effort to stand out.
\n"However, a truly capable writer is one who can write about universal life experiences while still conveying the distinctiveness of Sinophone Malaysian writers," she says.
\n"When I wrote about these ordinary people and their lives in Worldly Land using a certain tone and style, I realized that I was writing about the same group of Chinese people, whether in Malaysia or on the Chinese mainland. Yet, others may not be able to create a novel like Worldly Land. Sinophone Malaysian literature will truly thrive when our writers possess this confidence."
\nLi encourages young writers from Malaysia to read works by emerging authors from the Chinese mainland, paying particular attention to their writing style and experimental approaches that differ from those of established writers.
\n"I would recommend that Sinophone Malaysian writers view themselves as part of the broader Chinese-speaking world, learn more about the entire Chinese community, and observe how their contemporaries are creating, both in terms of method and approach," she says.
\nContact the writer at fangaiqing@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", @@ -11819,28 +12413,6 @@ "hash": "999caa0d44fea6462509c2dead905ee1", "highlights": [] }, - { - "title": "007IMAGE - Ordinary lives, extraordinary dreams", - "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-02/007/20251002_007_01_81290.png\")
Miao checks the growth of crab seedlings on June 24 in Nanjing.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-02/007/20251002_007_01_73290.png\")
Miao spends time playing with his two children at home in Nanjing.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-02/007/20251002_007_01_117290.png\")
On June 26, Ruan Zhexiang and the young players at his primary school sweat it out in training together.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-02/007/20251002_007_01_19290.png\")
In the sixth round of the Suchao on July 5, Nanjing draws 0-0 with Suzhou at home, with Li Jiajun (left) battling as a key player.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-02/007/20251002_007_01_37290.png\")
In a crab pond in Nanjing, Miao's father rows a boat while Miao scatters crab feed on June 24.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-02/007/20251002_007_01_99290.png\")
As a youth training coach, Ruan remains exceptionally busy throughout the summer vacation.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-02/007/20251002_007_01_55290.png\")
Ruan (second from the right) battles for the ball during the match between Nanjing and Yancheng in Suchao on Aug 17 in Nanjing.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-02/007/20251002_007_01_12290.png\")
Before the match between Changzhou and Nanjing in Suchao, Miao (third from the left) uses his jersey to shield a ball-kid from the rain during the national anthem on June 21 in Changzhou.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-02/007/20251002_007_01_17290.png\")
Li takes a selfie with young students at Yuhuatai High School in Nanjing in July.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-02/007/20251002_007_01_10290.png\")
Miao Ming competes for a header during the Nanjing vs Yancheng match in the 2025 Jiangsu Football City League, or Suchao, on Aug 17 in Nanjing.
\nAt 4 am on June 24 in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, Miao Ming was already hard at work with his father at their crab farm. Clad in a black T-shirt, shorts and rubber boots, it was hard to tell that just days earlier, he had been fiercely competing for the Nanjing team in the 2025 Jiangsu Football City League, known as Suchao.
\nFor over 30 years, Miao's parents have dedicated themselves to crab farming. Yet at age 11, Miao's path took an unexpected turn when he joined the Jiangsu Sainty youth team. His parents, though often too busy to accompany him, realized that football could be a promising new path for him, so they have supported him ever since.
\n"I enjoy playing football and relaxing through crab farming," Miao said. After completing his tasks at the crab farm, he returns home to his wife and children, seamlessly transitioning between his roles as an athlete, a farmer and a family man.
\nMeanwhile, elsewhere in Nanjing, his teammates Ruan Zhexiang and Li Jiajun embody the spirit of "football youth training".
\nAt Nanjing Yihe Primary School, youth coach Ruan shares his experiences and techniques from his matches in Suchao with his students, who are thrilled to see their coach compete in the league, enriching their training sessions with real-world experiences. After school, he makes the long drive to the Nanjing team's training ground, finding deep fulfillment in his dual calling.
\nLi, a promising talent that has emerged from the Nanjing football youth training system, returns to his alma mater, Yuhuatai High School, to inspire younger students with his perseverance and dedication to the sport.
\nOn July 5, as a new round of Suchao matches unfolded in Nanjing, these three players, each with a unique story, converged on the same field. Their ordinary lives, interwoven with extraordinary dreams, created a day that was anything but ordinary. As they stood united, they proved that through dedication both on and off the field, dreams can indeed become reality.
\n", - "content": "Miao checks the growth of crab seedlings on June 24 in Nanjing.
\nMiao spends time playing with his two children at home in Nanjing.
\nOn June 26, Ruan Zhexiang and the young players at his primary school sweat it out in training together.
\nIn the sixth round of the Suchao on July 5, Nanjing draws 0-0 with Suzhou at home, with Li Jiajun (left) battling as a key player.
\nIn a crab pond in Nanjing, Miao's father rows a boat while Miao scatters crab feed on June 24.
\nAs a youth training coach, Ruan remains exceptionally busy throughout the summer vacation.
\nRuan (second from the right) battles for the ball during the match between Nanjing and Yancheng in Suchao on Aug 17 in Nanjing.
\nBefore the match between Changzhou and Nanjing in Suchao, Miao (third from the left) uses his jersey to shield a ball-kid from the rain during the national anthem on June 21 in Changzhou.
\nLi takes a selfie with young students at Yuhuatai High School in Nanjing in July.
\nMiao Ming competes for a header during the Nanjing vs Yancheng match in the 2025 Jiangsu Football City League, or Suchao, on Aug 17 in Nanjing.
\nAt 4 am on June 24 in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, Miao Ming was already hard at work with his father at their crab farm. Clad in a black T-shirt, shorts and rubber boots, it was hard to tell that just days earlier, he had been fiercely competing for the Nanjing team in the 2025 Jiangsu Football City League, known as Suchao.
\nFor over 30 years, Miao's parents have dedicated themselves to crab farming. Yet at age 11, Miao's path took an unexpected turn when he joined the Jiangsu Sainty youth team. His parents, though often too busy to accompany him, realized that football could be a promising new path for him, so they have supported him ever since.
\n"I enjoy playing football and relaxing through crab farming," Miao said. After completing his tasks at the crab farm, he returns home to his wife and children, seamlessly transitioning between his roles as an athlete, a farmer and a family man.
\nMeanwhile, elsewhere in Nanjing, his teammates Ruan Zhexiang and Li Jiajun embody the spirit of "football youth training".
\nAt Nanjing Yihe Primary School, youth coach Ruan shares his experiences and techniques from his matches in Suchao with his students, who are thrilled to see their coach compete in the league, enriching their training sessions with real-world experiences. After school, he makes the long drive to the Nanjing team's training ground, finding deep fulfillment in his dual calling.
\nLi, a promising talent that has emerged from the Nanjing football youth training system, returns to his alma mater, Yuhuatai High School, to inspire younger students with his perseverance and dedication to the sport.
\nOn July 5, as a new round of Suchao matches unfolded in Nanjing, these three players, each with a unique story, converged on the same field. Their ordinary lives, interwoven with extraordinary dreams, created a day that was anything but ordinary. As they stood united, they proved that through dedication both on and off the field, dreams can indeed become reality.
\n", - "category": "", - "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/02/content_007_68dd833fed50ccabe151a840.htm#007IMAGE", - "creator": "", - "pubDate": "Thu, 02 Oct 2025 00:21:04 +0000", - "enclosure": "", - "enclosureType": "", - "image": "", - "id": "", - "language": "", - "folder": "双语", - "feed": "ChinaDaily", - "read": false, - "favorite": false, - "created": false, - "tags": [], - "hash": "4c2359f15274bad91929d27141ff73d1", - "highlights": [] - }, { "title": "008TREND - Urban parks turning a new chapter", "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-02/008/20251002_008_01_9571.png\")
Bailupo Book Bar on the Egret Slope of Shenzhen Bay Park is considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in Shenzhen, Guangdong province.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-02/008/20251002_008_01_23571.png\")
Nanyuanshe is a bookstore hidden in Nanyuan Forest Wetland Park in Beijing.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-02/008/20251002_008_01_33571.png\")
My Book Heaven in Temple of Earth bookstore attracts many visitors.
\nDuring a visit to a park in southern Beijing, Shi Yifan happened to find a bookstore nestled within woodland. Since then, the 30-year-old has come to read every couple of weeks.
\nNanyuanshe, the bookstore in Nanyuan Forest Wetland Park in the capital's Fengtai district, is hidden among the lush greenery of locust trees. The wooden building is wrapped in floor-to-ceiling glass and sparrows often gather on the dry grass nearby.
\nOn a sunny day and inside the bookstore, sunlight spills over books, creating a peaceful and enchanting setting for reading.
\n"On my day off, I usually visit the park to take a walk and relax with a book. I love this bookstore because it's surrounded by nature. The beautiful scenery fills me with energy and vitality and contrasts with bookstores in enclosed commercial areas. Being close to nature helps me find peace while reading," Shi said.
\nBut there is a constant flow of visitors in the bookstore, she admitted. However, this brings a sense of movement, with people constantly coming and going, which she finds quite pleasant.
\n"I don't mind the noise because when I'm here reading, I can also observe the lively interactions around me such as parents playing with their children, couples enjoying each other's company, and friends taking photos or soaking up the sunlight. It all feels vibrant and full of life," she said.
\nIn recent years, parks across major cities in China have transformed from areas for morning exercises and flower admiring into hubs of cultural and social activity. The aroma of coffee and books, and the lively atmosphere of human interaction have created a new consumer landscape.
\nIn Beijing, numerous parks have enthusiastically adopted this trend, creating vibrant, multifunctional spaces. For example, Beijisi Park features an innovative area that seamlessly integrates a bookstore, cafe, and restaurant, offering visitors a unique blend of relaxation, culture, and dining in one location.
\nAccording to the space manager, the average customer stay at the bookstore is five times longer than at typical bookstores in shopping malls, Beijing Youth Daily reported in August.
\nSimilarly, in Wuhan, Hubei province, visitors can enjoy a scenic walk along the shaded path of Guishan Mountain before arriving at a bookshop. From a porch, visitors can take in stunning views of the Yangtze River Bridge and Yellow Crane Tower.
\nWang Jianhong, Nanyuanshe founder, said: "My store aims to provide a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Visitors can enjoy literature amid the tranquillity of greenery and birdsong. People can find peace and reconnect with their souls through reading.
\n"The bookstore was designed to integrate cultural and natural spaces, offering outdoor lawns where readers can immerse themselves in books while surrounded by nature. It helps foster a deep connection between readers and their environment."
\nThe new trend brings readers back to physical books and offers a fresh, relaxing way to enjoy reading outside, he added.
\nAccording to data from Open-Book, a leading provider of information services for the book industry, the gross sales value in the book retail market, based on list prices, saw a year-on-year decline of 1.52 percent in 2024. Despite this downturn, book sales through short video e-commerce platforms experienced positive growth.
\nPhysical bookstores, meanwhile, are adapting by offering new ways to enjoy reading in natural settings, helping them navigate challenging times.
\nFor visitors like Cao Wei, who often visits the wetland park with his three-year-old daughter, the bookstore provides a unique combination of recreation and learning opportunities.
\n"We come to play in the park and then relax at the bookstore. It's a perfect spot to cool down with a coffee. I want my daughter to connect with nature and develop a love for reading," the 34-year-old said.
\nHe expressed a desire for more educational events, such as reading lectures or activities related to the park's history and environment.
\n"I'd love to learn more about the park's past as a royal hunting ground. I hope my daughter can grow closer to nature, moving beyond modern attractions like amusement parks to discover the wonders of plants, animals, and ecology," he said.
\nWang, the bookstore owner, is dedicated to preserving the cultural essence of the bookstore. "We're not trying to become a trendy social media hot spot," he said.
\n"Instead, our focus is on offering a meaningful experience that resonates with visitors. We want this to be a place for thought and reflection."
\nDespite the challenges of managing a small venue with a large number of visitors, Wang remains undeterred. "It's difficult to meet everyone's expectations, but we strive to create a welcoming space where people feel at home," he said.
\nPan Ziliang, founder of the Aosen Bookstore, which stands in Beijing's Olympic Forest Park, said it offers a green landscape enriched by diverse trees and seasonal changes.
\n"Unlike traditional bookstores, Aosen Bookstore features a year-round plant-based landscape and we host book clubs, painting exhibitions, and activities aligned with the four seasons and 24 solar terms."
\nIn addition, the bookstore regularly holds a wide range of cultural activities such as creative markets and traditional handicraft workshops, Pan said.
\n"Some of our events center on seasons, festivals, natural science, and art. We provide diverse activities for families with children and enhance the cultural experiences of visitors of all ages," he said.
\nSituated in the Olympic Forest Park, with an area of 6.8 square kilometers, the bookstore places a special emphasis on Olympic-themed books.
\nAlso located at the northern end of the Beijing Central Axis, the shop offers books on the history, culture, and intangible cultural heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage site, Pan added.
\nHe Qicong, associate professor from Beijing Normal University's Institute of Culture Innovation and Communication, said: "Physical bookstores reflect a city's unique cultural essence, rather than (solely) generating high profits. Parks are vital for social harmony and residents' well-being. Green spaces reduce mental stress. It helps capture the essence of the reading experience by allowing readers to read, sip tea, and relax in a bright, clean bookstore."
\nPhysical bookstores are expanding into parks and scenic areas, creating a blend of culture, tourism, commerce, and wellness. This offers a significant opportunity for the bookstore industry to survive and tackle declining offline sales, she added.
\nTo succeed, bookstores should become trendy destinations. Young readers are the future, and social media check-ins cater to the preferences of Generation Z, born between mid-1990s to early 2010s.
\n"However, equating social media check-ins with successful bookstore operations is oversimplified. It would be disastrous for the bookstore industry," she said.
\nlihongyang@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", @@ -11863,28 +12435,6 @@ "hash": "a922e970485483258baff42a9e0216b6", "highlights": [] }, - { - "title": "008TREND - Cities revitalizing green spaces with reading areas", - "description": "Urban parks in China are evolving into spaces for tourists to enjoy both nature and books, thanks to policies that integrate bookstores into recreational areas.
\nLeading this trend are cities such as Beijing, Wuhan in Hubei province, and Shenzhen in Guangdong province. In late August, the Beijing government announced a public consultation for the draft revision of the Beijing park ordinance, inviting feedback to enrich public cultural services in parks.
\nA key aspect of this revision allows parks to redevelop vacated spaces for public facilities, including bookstores, horticultural stations, and exhibition areas. The revision also encourages policies that support hosting cultural, artistic, sports, and festival events in parks, such as book markets and horticultural experiences.
\nBy 2025, the capital's Fengtai district aims to set up 1,000 shared reading spots in libraries, schools, parks, enterprises, hotels, and hospitals. The district is dedicated to making reading resources accessible within a 15-minute radius for all residents, according to its cultural and tourism bureau.
\nIn early 2022, Beijing's forestry and parks bureau took steps to revitalize park activities by encouraging park management agencies to attract social capital for investment, construction, and operation of various service projects. The projects include dining and retail, sightseeing and entertainment, sports and fitness, and smart management, aiming to invigorate park business, according to the trial Beijing park ancillary service project operation access standards.
\nA bunch of bookstores opened in parks across Wuhan, Hubei province, in recent years. The city has taken measures to support bookstores. In a supporting document released in 2022, the city promised to provide financial support for new bookstores in key locations including airports, communities, and tourist spots.
\nTo receive these subsidies, bookstores must have at least 50 square meters of retail space and ensure that at least 70 percent of their inventory consists of noneducational books.
\nShenzhen in Guangdong province has transformed underused park buildings into themed reading spaces, each designed to reflect the unique character and natural beauty of the surrounding area. To facilitate access and engagement, the Shen iPark WeChat applet provides a digital guide to the city's park bookstores. This tool allows users to check the operational status of these facilities in real time, making it easier for visitors to plan their visits, Jingbao newspaper reported in March 2024.
\nHe Qicong, associate professor from Beijing Normal University's Institute of Culture Innovation and Communication, said that the Chinese government provides substantial and sustainable support for physical bookstores. Nearly every province and major city has policies in place to support bookstores. Park bookstores have emerged as a key innovation in the industry.
\nCurrently, there are three main types of support. The first is that new bookstores in parks and similar eco-friendly locations receive financial assistance, she said.
\nIn addition, the government purchases services from or rewards park bookstores that host outstanding reading and cultural events. Administrative measures are used to allocate vacated spaces in parks to bookstores, offering low rent, rent-free arrangements, or rent subsidies, she said.
\n", - "content": "Urban parks in China are evolving into spaces for tourists to enjoy both nature and books, thanks to policies that integrate bookstores into recreational areas.
\nLeading this trend are cities such as Beijing, Wuhan in Hubei province, and Shenzhen in Guangdong province. In late August, the Beijing government announced a public consultation for the draft revision of the Beijing park ordinance, inviting feedback to enrich public cultural services in parks.
\nA key aspect of this revision allows parks to redevelop vacated spaces for public facilities, including bookstores, horticultural stations, and exhibition areas. The revision also encourages policies that support hosting cultural, artistic, sports, and festival events in parks, such as book markets and horticultural experiences.
\nBy 2025, the capital's Fengtai district aims to set up 1,000 shared reading spots in libraries, schools, parks, enterprises, hotels, and hospitals. The district is dedicated to making reading resources accessible within a 15-minute radius for all residents, according to its cultural and tourism bureau.
\nIn early 2022, Beijing's forestry and parks bureau took steps to revitalize park activities by encouraging park management agencies to attract social capital for investment, construction, and operation of various service projects. The projects include dining and retail, sightseeing and entertainment, sports and fitness, and smart management, aiming to invigorate park business, according to the trial Beijing park ancillary service project operation access standards.
\nA bunch of bookstores opened in parks across Wuhan, Hubei province, in recent years. The city has taken measures to support bookstores. In a supporting document released in 2022, the city promised to provide financial support for new bookstores in key locations including airports, communities, and tourist spots.
\nTo receive these subsidies, bookstores must have at least 50 square meters of retail space and ensure that at least 70 percent of their inventory consists of noneducational books.
\nShenzhen in Guangdong province has transformed underused park buildings into themed reading spaces, each designed to reflect the unique character and natural beauty of the surrounding area. To facilitate access and engagement, the Shen iPark WeChat applet provides a digital guide to the city's park bookstores. This tool allows users to check the operational status of these facilities in real time, making it easier for visitors to plan their visits, Jingbao newspaper reported in March 2024.
\nHe Qicong, associate professor from Beijing Normal University's Institute of Culture Innovation and Communication, said that the Chinese government provides substantial and sustainable support for physical bookstores. Nearly every province and major city has policies in place to support bookstores. Park bookstores have emerged as a key innovation in the industry.
\nCurrently, there are three main types of support. The first is that new bookstores in parks and similar eco-friendly locations receive financial assistance, she said.
\nIn addition, the government purchases services from or rewards park bookstores that host outstanding reading and cultural events. Administrative measures are used to allocate vacated spaces in parks to bookstores, offering low rent, rent-free arrangements, or rent subsidies, she said.
\n", - "category": "", - "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/02/content_008_68dd8347ed50ccabe151a842.htm#008TREND", - "creator": "", - "pubDate": "Thu, 02 Oct 2025 00:21:04 +0000", - "enclosure": "", - "enclosureType": "", - "image": "", - "id": "", - "language": "", - "folder": "双语", - "feed": "ChinaDaily", - "read": false, - "favorite": false, - "created": false, - "tags": [], - "hash": "375c8197e123625d1800e72d9b76970a", - "highlights": [] - }, { "title": "010TRAVEL - Cinema breathes life into Shanxi's timeless heritage", "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-02/010/20251002_010_01_32667.png\")
A statue of a Buddhist guardian deity is enshrined at Tiefo Temple in Jincheng, Shanxi province. The temple has a history of more than 500 years.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-02/010/20251002_010_01_36667.png\")
Tourists visit Chongqing Temple in Changzhi, Shanxi province.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-02/010/20251002_010_01_47667.png\")
A poster for Nobody, the blockbuster animation that released on Aug 2.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-02/010/20251002_010_01_56667.png\")
Visitors admire the spectacular Hukou Waterfall in Linfen, Shanxi, in August.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-02/010/20251002_010_01_67667.png\")
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-02/010/20251002_010_01_69667.png\")
\nThe recent animated blockbuster Nobody is setting records and moving audiences to tears. Its retelling of the classic tale Journey to the West, colored with references to real-world locations, is inspiring some to make their own journey.
\nThe story follows a pig and a toad, two overlooked yaoguai(supernatural beings) who run afoul of their boss at Langlang Mountain. Escaping capture, they team up with a weasel and an ape to form a group modeled after the Monkey King and his companions.
\nHoping to gain immortality, the quartet sets out to obtain Buddhist scriptures. Along the way, they fight evil, save lives, and come to believe they are true Buddhists. But when unmasked as impostors, they are condemned as frauds. In the end, they sacrificed themselves to save a group of children — yet remain unnamed.
\n"This is not a cartoon, this is me looking in the mirror," one netizen commented. The film critiques how society favors the privileged, like the heroes of Journey to the West, while marginalizing those of humble origins. It also satirizes the workplace grind and clients' demands, while probing the universal desire to become something greater.
\nBy Sept 18, the film, which premiered on Aug 2, had earned 1.61 billion yuan ($226 million), according to ticketing platform Maoyan, making it the highest-grossing domestic 2D animated film in Chinese history.
\nRoutes on a theme
\nThe film's popularity has sparked renewed interest in the depicted settings, which are based on existing locations. Li Zao, the film's chief producer, drew inspiration from around Shanxi province, including the majestic landscapes of the Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon, the murals at Yong'an Temple, and the architecture of Foguang Temple dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907).
\nRecently, the province's Department of Culture and Tourism partnered with Shanghai Film Infinity, a subsidiary of Shanghai Film Group, to promote the blockbuster. The province has created two travel itineraries inspired by the film that highlight natural and historical sites across the region.
\nWith the theme "Come to Shanxi and find the version of yourself you love", the campaign links the film's IP to 10 real-life Shanxi sites. The itineraries include a three-day northern route focused on temples and grottoes and a four-day southern route highlighting nature.
\nTourists can pick up pocket-sized booklets that combine a "role test" with a stamp-collection game. After filling out a questionnaire about travel habits, visitors are matched with characters in the film. Collecting stamps at designated spots earns them co-branded souvenirs and limited-edition seals featuring characters.
\nIn late August, tour guide Lyu Wei from Shanxi Yaowang Travel Agency led the first group of tourists to explore the northern route.
\nLyu compared this campaign with traditional tours, saying that it emphasizes a more emotional connection.
\n"I felt every tourist resonating with the characters," he said. "It's like: 'What if I were a faceless yaoguai? I'd hold my head high and march forward boldly.' Everyone dared to shed prejudices, stay true to themselves and walk their own path without worrying so much about others' opinions. That spirit showed throughout the trip."
\nTourist Lu Jianhong, 35, from Jinzhong, Shanxi, said he was impressed by the ancient buildings in the film, and visited Foguang Temple with "a sense of pilgrimage".
\n"Entering the temple and standing on the central axis, I saw the East Hall towering on the high slope — majestic, ancient and grand. It was a feeling of wonder that words cannot fully capture," he said. "The real temple is even more magnificent and ancient than how it was portrayed in the film. It gave me a feeling of dreaming back to the Tang Dynasty."
\nBuilt in 857, Foguang Temple preserves four Tang-era forms: architecture, sculpture, murals and calligraphy. "It is a unique treasure trove of art, history and culture unparalleled anywhere else in the country," said Wang Ning, a relics protection worker at the temple.
\nAccording to Wang, it is the largest and best-preserved wooden Tang structure in China, and it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2009.
\nVisitor Li Lingxia said the animated film drew her to the Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon in Changzhi city's Huguan county.
\n"The layered ink-painting style of the mountains and the sense of adventure in crossing mountains and ridges depicted in the animation deeply resonated with me," she said. "When I saw the serene lake at Eight Springs Gorge, the natural caves of the North Gate, and the glass viewing platform, I was captivated by the enchanting atmosphere. Nature felt alive with spirit."
\nAnother traveler, Zhang Jun, met a couple who were also fans of the film.
\nZhang said: "We started chatting about the scene where the yaoguai patrol the mountain along the stream, and realized we were all looking for its real-life counterpart. A passing tour guide overheard our conversation and pointed to a nearby peak that looked identical to the one in the film.
\n"We followed his suggestion and took photos — the rocks matched perfectly. Bonding over a shared IP was far more memorable than any staged interaction."
\nCheng Kaixian, general manager of Shanxi Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon Tourism Development, said the site has partnered with several films and TV operas, boosting tourist numbers.
\n"Directors often use the peril of Eight Springs Gorge's 100-foot abysses to symbolize the challenges faced by characters, and its waterfalls as metaphors for vitality and emotional flow," she said.
\nThe canyon plans to launch a themed route called Journey to the West: Eight Trials at Eight Springs, featuring eight iconic landmarks woven into challenge-based tasks, such as a kayak race.
\n"Film and television are dynamic calling cards for scenic areas," she said. "The key is linking attractions with storylines and technology so visitors become protagonists, not just spectators."
\nSource of inspiration
\nAt a roundtable discussion in Taiyuan, the provincial capital, Yu Shui, director of Nobody, explained why Shanxi became the setting: "Because I was born and raised here. Everything I saw, thought, and experienced as a child, including the historical sites my parents took me to, stayed with me."
\n"Even though I might not have fully understood them back then, as I grew older, I began to feel a deep, almost instinctive resonance with this heritage," he added.
\nYu recalled visiting Foguang Temple for inspiration, saying that the weather had been particularly beautiful that day, with clear blue skies and white clouds. As he climbed the steps and saw the East Hall, he had been deeply moved and had truly felt like crying. He said that it gave him a sense of psychological connection, as if he could resonate with the ancient builders and artisans from more than 1,000 years ago.
\nTo forge a uniquely Chinese animation aesthetic, Yu and his team conducted extensive field research across Shanxi to translate its ancient architecture onto the big screen. They even borrowed the name of the real-life village of Beizhang.
\nHe added that integrating Shanxi landmarks and traditional architecture was primarily a narrative choice to add depth and beauty to the project.
\nCultural treasures
\nShanxi leads China with 531 State-level cultural relic protection units. Around 85 percent of the nation's existing wooden structures that were built in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) or earlier are located in the province, according to the Shanxi Cultural Relics Bureau.
\n"With more than 3,500 ancient villages, Shanxi preserves generations of joys and sorrows within its blue bricks and black tiles," said Wang Aiqin, head of the Shanxi Department of Culture and Tourism. "Every stone slab tells a story of the past. Detachment, tranquility, antiquity and harmony embody the unique charm of Shanxi."
\nShanxi has consistently inspired literary and cinematic art, from the classic 1964 animated film Havoc in Heaven to 2024's international hit video game Black Myth: Wukong, both of which similarly adapted Journey to the West.
\n"The collaboration between Shanxi and Nobody could become a benchmark for integrating cultural tourism IPs in China," said Gan Lu, a researcher at the Hainan Culture and Tourism Integration Product Design and Development Base.
\n"It merges modern animation with Shanxi's profound historical and cultural heritage," she said. "Across Shanxi, there are numerous temples and grottoes preserving a wealth of vivid and unique sculptures and murals, providing a solid historical and cultural foundation for virtual IP. The shift from sightseeing to immersive experience extends stays and boosts spending."
\nGan added that combining film, television and tourism marks the arrival of the experience economy era, in which providing consumers with emotional satisfaction and lasting memories is the core focus. It is a form of advanced content marketing that transforms cultural emotion into economic value, she said.
\nAccording to a market report released by travel agency Ctrip in late August, searches for Nobody's featured settings surged 380 percent year-on-year, boosting tourism orders in Datong, home to many ancient temples, by 40 percent.
\n"Cultural relics inspire animation, games and films, while those works add value and help sustain relics," said Zhang Jin, president of the cultural relics preservation and adaptive utilization division at the Tsinghua Tongheng Planning and Design Institute in Beijing.
\n"With modern online cultural products being embraced by young audiences, little-known relics gain popularity," she said. "The influence of IP expands to a broader space with more potential for commercialization."
\nContact the writers at chenmeiling@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", @@ -11907,28 +12457,6 @@ "hash": "eb7388639edb579785ee624674e5ba69", "highlights": [] }, - { - "title": "011SPORTS - MAKING A RACKET ABOUT PICKLEBALL", - "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-02/011/20251002_011_01_9286.png\")
Fans gather at the Hebi Gymnasium in Hebi, Henan province, for the recent 2025 Li-Ning Cup National Pickleball Championships.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-02/011/20251002_011_01_36286.png\")
As the sport grows in China, so will demand for equipment and apparel.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-02/011/20251002_011_01_31286.png\")
The 2025 Li-Ning Cup National Pickleball Championships in Hebi drew 311 athletes from 25 teams across the country.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-02/011/20251002_011_01_14286.png\")
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-02/011/20251002_011_01_48286.png\")
\nIn the historical area of Xunxian county in Hebi, Henan province, dazzling lights and the sound of drums filled the air around the 600-year-old city wall. With the help of modern lighting and visual effects, a spectacular live show delivered an audiovisual feast, blending deep cultural heritage with youthful energy.
\nThis unique performance marked the opening ceremony of the 2025 Li-Ning Cup National Pickleball Championships. Held at the end of September, the event reflected pickleball's rapid rise in China, with increasingly standardized competitions, growing participation and expanding connections with industries such as culture and tourism.
\nMany people in China may still be unfamiliar with pickleball, though they might have seen pictures or courts: the paddle is larger than a table tennis racket, but smaller than a tennis racket, the ball is a perforated plastic one, and the court is roughly the size of a badminton court.
\nOriginating in the United States in the 1960s, the sport has exploded in popularity globally in recent years, thanks to its accessibility and social nature. It is widely seen as the fastest-growing emerging racket sport.
\nIn China, pickleball's history is short. It was only in 2024 that the Chinese Tennis Association officially launched a national pickleball competition system. Just one year later, the sport has already found a bigger stage.
\nThe four-day national championships in Hebi featured both team and individual events, drawing 311 athletes from 25 teams across the country. The tournament not only showcased the diversity and competitive appeal of pickleball, but also provided athletes with a broad platform to demonstrate their skills.
\nOne such player is Liu Miao, a physical education teacher and mixed doubles athlete for the Beijing team. He only started playing pickleball in 2023, but quickly fell in love with it.
\n"Pickleball has a low barrier to entry — you can play on a badminton court, it's easy to learn and it doesn't demand as much physical stamina. People of all ages can enjoy it," Liu said. His Beijing squad includes players as young as 22 and as old as 50.
\nAs pickleball continues to spread in China, it is winning fans spanning generations. "There are so many pickleball tournaments now — I practically have a match every week," Liu said.
\nThe choice of Hebi as host was no coincidence. In 2023, the city introduced pickleball and, with the support of the Henan provincial sports bureau, positioned it as a key development sport.
\nIn just two years, Hebi has built more than 800 courts, trained over 260 professional coaches and referees, and inspired more than 120,000 residents to play, making it a new trend in nationwide fitness.
\nAccording to Mayor Li Ke, Hebi has become both a "pioneer" and a "model city "for pickleball in Henan province. Beyond hosting national championships and international exhibitions, Hebi has built a grassroots competition system featuring municipal open tournaments, county-level championships, and community-based events.
\n"Pickleball is gradually becoming a new lifestyle for local residents," Li said.
\nOver the past two years, Hebi has adopted a dual approach of "bringing in talent and sending people out". The city has also pioneered a "campus-plus-professional" dual-track model, with more than 70,000 young participants building a solid grassroots base for the sport.
\nLi noted that pickleball has not only ignited citizens' enthusiasm for exercise, but also become a "new calling card" for Hebi's urban identity.
\nLooking ahead, the city plans to further improve venues, cultivate professional talent and strengthen industry integration, making pickleball a driver of high-quality development.
\nHebi also showcased its meticulous preparation — what locals call "embroidery skills" — from event organization and cultural-tourism services, to atmosphere creation and safety measures.
\nDuring the tournament, the city launched a "Watch the Games, Tour Hebi" initiative, offering five curated travel routes for guests. Special ticket discounts were introduced: free admission for tournament participants and half-price tickets for one companion.
\nNational Momentum
\nSong Hongfei, secretary-general of the China Pickleball Circuit, explained that the national championships also serve a broader purpose. "The main goal is to assess the development level of pickleball across provinces and cities — since each region sent its top athletes to compete — and to explore and establish competition rules and systems for the sport itself," he said.
\nSong emphasized that testing competitive standards will help strengthen promotion efforts in cities nationwide. At the same time, hosting such events boosts the profile of host cities and stimulates cultural and tourism development.
\n"As a new sport, one of our biggest challenges is how to build a standardized competition system and how to better integrate pickleball with urban culture and tourism," he added.
\nSong noted that pickleball's growth in China has been uneven, historically stronger in the south than in the north. But, with the expansion of national tours in recent years, this gap has narrowed significantly.
\nThe sport is now thriving among all age groups, from youths to seniors, and across professions.
\n"Pickleball has a low entry barrier, strong safety and controlled intensity. The courts are small, the risks are minimal and it can be played in many formats and locations," Song said.
\nHe recalled how marathons experienced an explosive boom in China more than a decade ago, and expressed hope that pickleball could follow a similar trajectory.
\n"The rise of pickleball brings huge demographic dividends," Song noted.
\n"As the sport develops, a large number of institutions and enterprises will get involved — from building venues and producing equipment and apparel, to offering training courses and hosting tournaments. All of these industries will grow quickly."
\nSong believes pickleball entered a phase of accelerated development last year, as the Chinese Tennis Association began standardizing competitions. The next step, he said, is to strengthen the connection between events and related industries.
\n"This sport is easy to learn, accessible to nearly all age groups, low-cost, quick to roll out in fitness venues and highly safe. That's why it has been particularly welcomed by schools and sports departments," he said.
\nCurrently, the number of pickleball participants in China is estimated to be between one and two million, and Song predicts that, within five years, the number could surpass 10 million.
\nIn the past two years, pickleball has developed rapidly in China. This year alone, the pickleball tour has surpassed 100 events, and the total number of competitions at all levels is expected to exceed 300 by the end of the year.
\nBai Xilin, director of the tennis administrative center under the General Administration of Sport of China, noted that the General Office of the State Council recently issued its guidance on unlocking the potential of sports consumption and further promoting the high-quality development of the sports industry.
\nThe document sets out the overall goal of cultivating a number of internationally influential sports enterprises and events by 2030, with the total scale of the sports industry exceeding 7 trillion yuan ($981 billion).Notably, its very first section explicitly highlights support for the healthy and regulated development of emerging sports projects and competitions.
\n"The staging of the National Pickleball Championships is a crucial step in responding to national policy, improving the competitive system for pickleball and fostering the integration of sports consumption with urban development," Bai said.
\nHe added: "As the highest-level stage for pickleball enthusiasts and athletes nationwide, this event not only tests the depth of talent and competitive standard of the sport in China, but also serves as a platform for players from across the country to exchange experiences and build friendships.
\n"At the same time, it offers a concentrated showcase of Hebi's urban development, city landscape and the vibrant spirit of its people."
\nliyingxue@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", - "content": "Fans gather at the Hebi Gymnasium in Hebi, Henan province, for the recent 2025 Li-Ning Cup National Pickleball Championships.
\nAs the sport grows in China, so will demand for equipment and apparel.
\nThe 2025 Li-Ning Cup National Pickleball Championships in Hebi drew 311 athletes from 25 teams across the country.
\n\n\nIn the historical area of Xunxian county in Hebi, Henan province, dazzling lights and the sound of drums filled the air around the 600-year-old city wall. With the help of modern lighting and visual effects, a spectacular live show delivered an audiovisual feast, blending deep cultural heritage with youthful energy.
\nThis unique performance marked the opening ceremony of the 2025 Li-Ning Cup National Pickleball Championships. Held at the end of September, the event reflected pickleball's rapid rise in China, with increasingly standardized competitions, growing participation and expanding connections with industries such as culture and tourism.
\nMany people in China may still be unfamiliar with pickleball, though they might have seen pictures or courts: the paddle is larger than a table tennis racket, but smaller than a tennis racket, the ball is a perforated plastic one, and the court is roughly the size of a badminton court.
\nOriginating in the United States in the 1960s, the sport has exploded in popularity globally in recent years, thanks to its accessibility and social nature. It is widely seen as the fastest-growing emerging racket sport.
\nIn China, pickleball's history is short. It was only in 2024 that the Chinese Tennis Association officially launched a national pickleball competition system. Just one year later, the sport has already found a bigger stage.
\nThe four-day national championships in Hebi featured both team and individual events, drawing 311 athletes from 25 teams across the country. The tournament not only showcased the diversity and competitive appeal of pickleball, but also provided athletes with a broad platform to demonstrate their skills.
\nOne such player is Liu Miao, a physical education teacher and mixed doubles athlete for the Beijing team. He only started playing pickleball in 2023, but quickly fell in love with it.
\n"Pickleball has a low barrier to entry — you can play on a badminton court, it's easy to learn and it doesn't demand as much physical stamina. People of all ages can enjoy it," Liu said. His Beijing squad includes players as young as 22 and as old as 50.
\nAs pickleball continues to spread in China, it is winning fans spanning generations. "There are so many pickleball tournaments now — I practically have a match every week," Liu said.
\nThe choice of Hebi as host was no coincidence. In 2023, the city introduced pickleball and, with the support of the Henan provincial sports bureau, positioned it as a key development sport.
\nIn just two years, Hebi has built more than 800 courts, trained over 260 professional coaches and referees, and inspired more than 120,000 residents to play, making it a new trend in nationwide fitness.
\nAccording to Mayor Li Ke, Hebi has become both a "pioneer" and a "model city "for pickleball in Henan province. Beyond hosting national championships and international exhibitions, Hebi has built a grassroots competition system featuring municipal open tournaments, county-level championships, and community-based events.
\n"Pickleball is gradually becoming a new lifestyle for local residents," Li said.
\nOver the past two years, Hebi has adopted a dual approach of "bringing in talent and sending people out". The city has also pioneered a "campus-plus-professional" dual-track model, with more than 70,000 young participants building a solid grassroots base for the sport.
\nLi noted that pickleball has not only ignited citizens' enthusiasm for exercise, but also become a "new calling card" for Hebi's urban identity.
\nLooking ahead, the city plans to further improve venues, cultivate professional talent and strengthen industry integration, making pickleball a driver of high-quality development.
\nHebi also showcased its meticulous preparation — what locals call "embroidery skills" — from event organization and cultural-tourism services, to atmosphere creation and safety measures.
\nDuring the tournament, the city launched a "Watch the Games, Tour Hebi" initiative, offering five curated travel routes for guests. Special ticket discounts were introduced: free admission for tournament participants and half-price tickets for one companion.
\nNational Momentum
\nSong Hongfei, secretary-general of the China Pickleball Circuit, explained that the national championships also serve a broader purpose. "The main goal is to assess the development level of pickleball across provinces and cities — since each region sent its top athletes to compete — and to explore and establish competition rules and systems for the sport itself," he said.
\nSong emphasized that testing competitive standards will help strengthen promotion efforts in cities nationwide. At the same time, hosting such events boosts the profile of host cities and stimulates cultural and tourism development.
\n"As a new sport, one of our biggest challenges is how to build a standardized competition system and how to better integrate pickleball with urban culture and tourism," he added.
\nSong noted that pickleball's growth in China has been uneven, historically stronger in the south than in the north. But, with the expansion of national tours in recent years, this gap has narrowed significantly.
\nThe sport is now thriving among all age groups, from youths to seniors, and across professions.
\n"Pickleball has a low entry barrier, strong safety and controlled intensity. The courts are small, the risks are minimal and it can be played in many formats and locations," Song said.
\nHe recalled how marathons experienced an explosive boom in China more than a decade ago, and expressed hope that pickleball could follow a similar trajectory.
\n"The rise of pickleball brings huge demographic dividends," Song noted.
\n"As the sport develops, a large number of institutions and enterprises will get involved — from building venues and producing equipment and apparel, to offering training courses and hosting tournaments. All of these industries will grow quickly."
\nSong believes pickleball entered a phase of accelerated development last year, as the Chinese Tennis Association began standardizing competitions. The next step, he said, is to strengthen the connection between events and related industries.
\n"This sport is easy to learn, accessible to nearly all age groups, low-cost, quick to roll out in fitness venues and highly safe. That's why it has been particularly welcomed by schools and sports departments," he said.
\nCurrently, the number of pickleball participants in China is estimated to be between one and two million, and Song predicts that, within five years, the number could surpass 10 million.
\nIn the past two years, pickleball has developed rapidly in China. This year alone, the pickleball tour has surpassed 100 events, and the total number of competitions at all levels is expected to exceed 300 by the end of the year.
\nBai Xilin, director of the tennis administrative center under the General Administration of Sport of China, noted that the General Office of the State Council recently issued its guidance on unlocking the potential of sports consumption and further promoting the high-quality development of the sports industry.
\nThe document sets out the overall goal of cultivating a number of internationally influential sports enterprises and events by 2030, with the total scale of the sports industry exceeding 7 trillion yuan ($981 billion).Notably, its very first section explicitly highlights support for the healthy and regulated development of emerging sports projects and competitions.
\n"The staging of the National Pickleball Championships is a crucial step in responding to national policy, improving the competitive system for pickleball and fostering the integration of sports consumption with urban development," Bai said.
\nHe added: "As the highest-level stage for pickleball enthusiasts and athletes nationwide, this event not only tests the depth of talent and competitive standard of the sport in China, but also serves as a platform for players from across the country to exchange experiences and build friendships.
\n"At the same time, it offers a concentrated showcase of Hebi's urban development, city landscape and the vibrant spirit of its people."
\nliyingxue@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", - "category": "", - "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/02/content_011_68dd8358ed50ccabe151a846.htm#011SPORTS", - "creator": "", - "pubDate": "Thu, 02 Oct 2025 00:21:04 +0000", - "enclosure": "", - "enclosureType": "", - "image": "", - "id": "", - "language": "", - "folder": "双语", - "feed": "ChinaDaily", - "read": false, - "favorite": false, - "created": false, - "tags": [], - "hash": "1869340da05aa325cbb897378bc5e449", - "highlights": [] - }, { "title": "012SPORTS - Sinner teaches Learner harsh lesson", "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-02/012/20251002_012_01_30757.png\")
World No 2 Jannik Sinner of Italy hits a backhand return to Learner Tien of the United States.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-02/012/20251002_012_01_14757.png\")
Tien, 19, relishes playing in his first Tour-level final in Beijing.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-02/012/20251002_012_01_23757.png\")
Italy's Jannik Sinner celebrates with his team after winning his second China Open men's singles trophy by beating Learner Tien of the United States in straight sets on Wednesday.
\nNo Alcaraz, no problem — without his toughest foe prowling across the net, Jannik Sinner reigned supreme in Beijing, claiming his second China Open title on Wednesday with an effortless straight-sets win over teen star Learner Tien.
\nThe Italian world No 2, having bagged 500 ranking points and about $750,000 in prize money, stays in hot pursuit of Spain's top-ranked star Carlos Alcaraz, who beat Sinner in last year's final in Beijing, but skipped the ATP 500 tournament this year, in the race to finish 2025 as men's No 1.
\nWith Alcaraz also taking the crown in Tokyo on Tuesday, both men remain in contention to finish the season on top of the world, but the Spaniard's injury-enforced withdrawal from the Rolex Shanghai Masters, a top-tier ATP 1000 tournament, is expected to allow Sinner a shot at significantly narrowing the current 590-point gap.
\nThe Italian three-time major winner will fly to Shanghai to defend his Masters title in the East China metropolis, beginning from the second round.
\nAfter Shanghai, he will compete head-to-head against Alcaraz at the two remaining key tournaments — the final Masters in Paris (Oct 27-Nov 2) and the ATP Finals in Turin, Italy(Nov 9-16) — for the season-ending top honor.
\n"We will try to improve and push as much as we can. Let's see how the end of the season is going to look," Sinner said during his on-court interview after thrashing Tien 6-2, 6-2 in just 73 minutes in front of Beijing's National Tennis Center's packed Diamond Court.
\nWinning his second title in Beijing, following his first in 2023, gave him his third title of the year and his 21st in total. Sinner attributed his good form in the Chinese capital to the enthusiastic fan support and his freshness going into the end of the season.
\n"I feel like the crowd here has always been very special to me, already a couple of years ago when I first came," said Sinner, who joins only Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal as a multi-title winner in Beijing.
\n"When you win, again, a title where you have already won one before, it's a very special place. It was, for sure, a couple of years ago, a turning point for my career, playing some great tennis against great opponents. This, I will always remember.
\n"The support has been amazing since day one. Seeing a packed stadium for the final, it's amazing. The crowd was very nice. That's why I wrote 'thank you'," Sinner said referring to the note he scribbled on the camera after his final victory.
\n"I managed to play incredibly well at the end of the season, because I made some choices earlier on by not playing couple of tournaments ... It was not easy.
\n"But, at the same time, I used the time to work on things. We've been practicing very hard. I feel like, physically, I'm getting slightly better every time."
\nThe 24-year-old Italian, whose two other titles this year came at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, is the fourth player in 2025 to win three or more titles. Alcaraz leads the way with eight on the year.
\nLearning curve
\nIt was the 19-year-old Tien's first Tour-level final appearance, and the rising star, who was born in California to Vietnamese parents, relished his first trip to Beijing, seeing it as a great learning curve.
\n"It's been a great week. Obviously, I would have loved to go all the way. Regardless, I'm super happy with the week. It's my first semifinal, my first final, so I'm very happy with the progress I'm making," said Tien, who's expected to move 16 places up the rankings to No 36 next week.
\n"It's my first time playing here in Beijing, and my second week in China. It's been great. The support I felt every match has been great. I've really been enjoying it.
\n"I'm learning a lot week to week, just playing more matches. This is my first year on tour, so I think, every week, I'm gaining a lot of experience, playing a lot of new players, playing in different environments; just a lot of different matchups.
\n"It's all great, all these experiences I'm getting," said Tien, who's been working with new coach Michael Chang, who became the youngest ever men's major champion when he won the French Open at 17 in 1989.
\nThe rich experience brought by Chang, also an American-born player with Asian heritage, was vital for his breakout on the ATP Tour, Tien reckoned.
\n"I think the experience he has playing and coaching brings a lot, because I'm kind of someone starting off and I don't have that much experience," said Tien, who's gone five for seven against top-10 players in 2025 so far.
\n"I think just the experience he has from playing and coaching previously has just really helped me a lot.
\n"It's a new perspective that's really kind of opened my eyes. A fresh face, fresh voice has just been great."
\nDespite his lopsided win on Wednesday, Sinner predicted that Tien will stick around as a regular, tough opponent for everyone in the top echelon of the game.
\n"You've shown throughout the whole season what a talent you are," Sinner told Tien during the award ceremony.
\n"Keep going. You're playing incredible tennis. I wish you all the best for the rest of the season and, obviously, for your whole career. Hopefully, we can share more moments like this in the future."
\nA total of 13,041 spectators watched the final between Sinner and Tien, reaching a new high in single-day stadium attendance this year at the center court, according to China Open's organizers.
\nsunxiaochen@chinadaily.com.cn
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-02/012/20251002_012_02_42757.png\")
Gael Monfils
\nPARIS — Perennial crowd favorite and former world No 6-ranked Gael Monfils says he will retire at the end of the 2026 tennis season.
\nAt 39, the French veteran, renowned for his spectacular style of play and athleticism, announced Wednesday in a message posted on social media that "the year ahead will be my last as a professional tennis player".
\n"I held a racket in my hands for the first time at two-and-a-half, and began playing professionally at 18," Monfils wrote. "The opportunity to turn my passion into a profession is a privilege I have cherished during every match and moment of my 21-year career. Though this game means the world to me, I am tremendously at peace with my decision."
\nMonfils has won 13 titles. His best results at Grand Slams are two semifinals, at the 2008 French Open and 2016 US Open.
\n"While I came close, I never did win a Grand Slam during my career. I won't pretend that I expect to do so during the next year," Monfils said, adding that he has no regrets.
\n"What I do have is the feeling that I have been lucky: insanely, stupidly lucky," he said. "I've had the chance to play during a golden age of tennis, alongside some of the greatest names in the history of our sport: (Roger) Federer, (Rafael) Nadal, (Novak) Djokovic, (Andy) Murray."
\nFollowing in the footsteps of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Gilles Simon and Richard Gasquet, he is the last member of a group of talented French players dubbed "The Musketeers" to call it quits.
\nIn January, Monfils became the oldest player to win an ATP Tour title, achieving the feat in Auckland, New Zealand, when he claimed his 13th tour title 20 years after his first at the age of 38 years and 132 days. He took over from Federer, who was 38 years and 74 days old when he won the final tour title of his career, the Swiss Indoor title at Basel in 2019.
\nMonfils married Ukrainian player Elina Svitolina in 2021 and the couple have a daughter together. Monfils is currently ranked 53rd.
\n"To every person who ever cheered, or shouted in real life or at a TV screen: 'Allez, Gael!' Your energy and love are truly everything to me," Monfils said.
\n", - "content": "Gael Monfils
\nPARIS — Perennial crowd favorite and former world No 6-ranked Gael Monfils says he will retire at the end of the 2026 tennis season.
\nAt 39, the French veteran, renowned for his spectacular style of play and athleticism, announced Wednesday in a message posted on social media that "the year ahead will be my last as a professional tennis player".
\n"I held a racket in my hands for the first time at two-and-a-half, and began playing professionally at 18," Monfils wrote. "The opportunity to turn my passion into a profession is a privilege I have cherished during every match and moment of my 21-year career. Though this game means the world to me, I am tremendously at peace with my decision."
\nMonfils has won 13 titles. His best results at Grand Slams are two semifinals, at the 2008 French Open and 2016 US Open.
\n"While I came close, I never did win a Grand Slam during my career. I won't pretend that I expect to do so during the next year," Monfils said, adding that he has no regrets.
\n"What I do have is the feeling that I have been lucky: insanely, stupidly lucky," he said. "I've had the chance to play during a golden age of tennis, alongside some of the greatest names in the history of our sport: (Roger) Federer, (Rafael) Nadal, (Novak) Djokovic, (Andy) Murray."
\nFollowing in the footsteps of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Gilles Simon and Richard Gasquet, he is the last member of a group of talented French players dubbed "The Musketeers" to call it quits.
\nIn January, Monfils became the oldest player to win an ATP Tour title, achieving the feat in Auckland, New Zealand, when he claimed his 13th tour title 20 years after his first at the age of 38 years and 132 days. He took over from Federer, who was 38 years and 74 days old when he won the final tour title of his career, the Swiss Indoor title at Basel in 2019.
\nMonfils married Ukrainian player Elina Svitolina in 2021 and the couple have a daughter together. Monfils is currently ranked 53rd.
\n"To every person who ever cheered, or shouted in real life or at a TV screen: 'Allez, Gael!' Your energy and love are truly everything to me," Monfils said.
\n", - "category": "", - "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/02/content_012_68dd8361ed50ccabe151a848.htm#012SPORTS", - "creator": "", - "pubDate": "Thu, 02 Oct 2025 00:21:04 +0000", - "enclosure": "", - "enclosureType": "", - "image": "", - "id": "", - "language": "", - "folder": "双语", - "feed": "ChinaDaily", - "read": false, - "favorite": false, - "created": false, - "tags": [], - "hash": "930cf1eb86b95da9e01718ad16561db7", - "highlights": [] - }, { "title": "001FRONT - Xi: Forge ahead in advancing modernization", "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-01/001/20251001_001_01_59739.png\")
President Xi Jinping, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, addresses a reception held on Tuesday at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
\nPresident Xi Jinping has called on the Chinese people to continue drawing on historical experience and forge ahead with determination in advancing Chinese modernization, as the country prepares to mark its National Day on Oct 1.
\nXi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks on Tuesday while addressing a reception held in Beijing to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
\nXi said that over the past 76 years, under the Party's leadership, the Chinese people have relied on self-reliance and unremitting struggle to achieve remarkable accomplishments that will be remembered by history.
\n"Looking back, the Chinese nation has advanced from the brink of peril to the great journey of rejuvenation. The path has been arduous and filled with hardships, but it has also been full of passion and triumphant progress," he said.
\nIn his address, Xi recalled the grand commemorations hosted earlier in September marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War.
\nThe events, he said, have greatly inspired the national spirit, motivated patriotic enthusiasm and forged the strength of working hard.
\n"We must continue to draw on historical experience to build our country better, and to ensure that the cause pioneered by the older generations of leaders and revolutionary martyrs continues to thrive," Xi said.
\nHighlighting the progress made this year in various undertakings despite complex circumstances, Xi said that China has further deepened reforms across the board, advanced high-quality development, improved people's livelihoods and made new headway in exercising full and rigorous Party self-governance.
\nAs the 20th CPC Central Committee will convene its fourth plenary session in October to discuss major issues related to the formulation of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) for national economic and social development, Xi called for efforts on the new journey in the new era to plan and implement the goals, tasks and strategic measures for the period and to secure decisive progress toward the basic realization of socialist modernization.
\nTo fully, faithfully and resolutely implement the "one country, two systems" policy, Xi stressed the importance of supporting the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions in better integrating into the country's overall development, developing the economy and improving people's well-being.
\nXi also called for deepening cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, firmly opposing "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and external interference, and resolutely safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
\nFacing a rapidly evolving international landscape unseen in a century, he underlined the need to champion the shared values of humanity, practice genuine multilateralism, and advance the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative, so as to jointly build a community with a shared future for humanity.
\n"The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is a noble cause unprecedented in human history. Both aspirations and challenges inspire us to forge ahead with a spirit of urgency and perseverance," Xi said.
\nThe reception, held at the Great Hall of the People, brought together dignitaries including Party and State leaders, foreign envoys and recipients of national honors.
\nmojingxi@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", @@ -11995,28 +12501,6 @@ "hash": "fccde852530fe261d655edf5265881bc", "highlights": [] }, - { - "title": "001FRONT - Leaders pay tribute to fallen heroes on Martyrs' Day", - "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-01/001/20251001_001_02_51739.png\")
President Xi Jinping and other leaders walk up to the Monument to the People's Heroes at Tian'anmen Square in central Beijing as guards of honor present flower baskets to honor fallen heroes on Tuesday, Martyrs' Day.
\nPresident Xi Jinping and other leaders of the Communist Party of China and the State attended a ceremony at Tian'anmen Square in central Beijing on Tuesday to present flower baskets to honor fallen heroes.
\nThe event was held to mark Martyrs' Day, one day ahead of the National Day in China. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War.
\nTuesday was the 12th Martyrs' Day. In 2014, China's top legislature approved Sept 30 as Martyrs' Day to commemorate those who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of the Chinese people and the development of the country.
\nAt around 10 am, Xi and other leaders — Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng — arrived at the square. They were joined by representatives from all walks of life.
\nAmong the attendees carrying flowers were veterans, relatives of martyrs, recipients of national medals and honorary titles, role models, students and children.
\nAs the ceremony started, all attendees sang the national anthem, and then paid a silent tribute to the fallen heroes.
\nNine large flower baskets, with ribbons that read "Eternal Glory to the People's Heroes", were placed in a line. As the military band played Flower Presenting Melody, 18 guards of honor steadily lifted the baskets, walked slowly to the Monument to the People's Heroes and laid them on the pedestal.
\nXi and other leaders approached the foot of the monument, where Xi took a few steps forward and straightened the ribbons on the baskets. They then walked around the monument to pay their respects.
\nPeople at the ceremony said they were inspired by the solemn moment and would carry forward the spirit of the martyrs and draw strength from it.
\nChen Shuyan, a fourth-grade student from Cuiwei Primary School in Beijing's Haidian district, who presented a flower at the ceremony, said, "Standing in front of the monument, I felt my heart fill with respect."
\nExpressing her gratitude for the sacrifices of national heroes, Chen said she feels more determined to cherish today's peace and prosperity.
\njihaisheng@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", - "content": "President Xi Jinping and other leaders walk up to the Monument to the People's Heroes at Tian'anmen Square in central Beijing as guards of honor present flower baskets to honor fallen heroes on Tuesday, Martyrs' Day.
\nPresident Xi Jinping and other leaders of the Communist Party of China and the State attended a ceremony at Tian'anmen Square in central Beijing on Tuesday to present flower baskets to honor fallen heroes.
\nThe event was held to mark Martyrs' Day, one day ahead of the National Day in China. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War.
\nTuesday was the 12th Martyrs' Day. In 2014, China's top legislature approved Sept 30 as Martyrs' Day to commemorate those who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of the Chinese people and the development of the country.
\nAt around 10 am, Xi and other leaders — Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng — arrived at the square. They were joined by representatives from all walks of life.
\nAmong the attendees carrying flowers were veterans, relatives of martyrs, recipients of national medals and honorary titles, role models, students and children.
\nAs the ceremony started, all attendees sang the national anthem, and then paid a silent tribute to the fallen heroes.
\nNine large flower baskets, with ribbons that read "Eternal Glory to the People's Heroes", were placed in a line. As the military band played Flower Presenting Melody, 18 guards of honor steadily lifted the baskets, walked slowly to the Monument to the People's Heroes and laid them on the pedestal.
\nXi and other leaders approached the foot of the monument, where Xi took a few steps forward and straightened the ribbons on the baskets. They then walked around the monument to pay their respects.
\nPeople at the ceremony said they were inspired by the solemn moment and would carry forward the spirit of the martyrs and draw strength from it.
\nChen Shuyan, a fourth-grade student from Cuiwei Primary School in Beijing's Haidian district, who presented a flower at the ceremony, said, "Standing in front of the monument, I felt my heart fill with respect."
\nExpressing her gratitude for the sacrifices of national heroes, Chen said she feels more determined to cherish today's peace and prosperity.
\njihaisheng@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", - "category": "", - "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/01/content_001_68dc280bed50ccabe151a79b.htm#001FRONT", - "creator": "", - "pubDate": "Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:21:05 +0000", - "enclosure": "", - "enclosureType": "", - "image": "", - "id": "", - "language": "", - "folder": "双语", - "feed": "ChinaDaily", - "read": false, - "favorite": false, - "created": false, - "tags": [], - "hash": "1a12c85d3b8a1bd5f381fac89f6d4370", - "highlights": [] - }, { "title": "001FRONT - Continuing the cause of national rejuvenation", "description": "President Xi Jinping's speech at the reception marking the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on Tuesday reviewed the great transformations of China over the past 76 years and charted the course for advancing Chinese modernization and contributing to global peace and development.
\nHe emphasized that the nation's monumental achievements — through self-reliance and continuous struggle — are fundamentally rooted in the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China and the tireless efforts of all ethnic groups.
\nThis journey has seen the Chinese nation evolve from a state of peril to a path of great rejuvenation. To ensure that the great cause pioneered by the older generations of leaders and revolutionary martyrs continues to flourish, the nation should continue to leverage its historical experience. The nation now has more solid material foundations and stronger institutional underpinnings for its modernization, and as Xi urged, it should firmly adhere to the Party's leadership so it can seize the day and maintain a firm grasp on the country's development and progress.
\nThe country will continue to forge ahead, and not be swayed by fallacies, or cowed by pressure and intimidation, meeting any obstacles and difficulties it encounters head on. The recent commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War serves as a reminder of how national spirit and unity can triumph over adversity.
\nDespite the achievements that have been made, there is still a long way to go to build a modern socialist country in all respects. The 15th Five-Year Plan, which draws on the collective wisdom of the nation, will chart the country's course from 2026 to 2030. The 20th CPC Central Committee will study and formulate proposals for the plan at its fourth plenary session in Beijing later this month, mapping out the goals, tasks and strategic measures to ensure decisive progress toward the basic realization of socialist modernization.
\nXi's emphasis on the importance of supporting Hong Kong and Macao in integrating into the overall national development to improve livelihoods and prosperity shows Beijing's intent to give strong support to the two special administrative regions' development in the new era.
\nEqually firm is China's resolve to deepen cross-Strait exchanges. The rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is now on an irreversible historical course and the country will resolutely safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity. That the national unity is the foundation of rejuvenation should be taken as a grave warning to the secessionists that their attempt to separate Taiwan from the motherland is doomed to fail.
\nIn the face of a rapidly evolving international landscape, China will continue to champion the common values of all humanity and practice true multilateralism. By implementing the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative, China is actively working to push the reform of the global governance system and build a community with a shared future for humanity.
\nAs the country prepares for the next phase of its modernization journey, Xi's call for the entire nation to unite closely around the Party, forge ahead, and work diligently is a resounding mandate to compose a more splendid chapter in the history of the nation and make fresh contributions to peace, progress and prosperity for all humanity.
\n", @@ -12039,28 +12523,6 @@ "hash": "c07dea57f5d4332507f533cf14881be5", "highlights": [] }, - { - "title": "001FRONT - STUDENTS SING PRAISES OF WAR HEROES", - "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-01/001/20251001_003_02_23930.png\")
Students from Beihang University take a group photo after performing in a mass choir during the V-Day parade at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing on Sept 3.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-01/001/20251001_003_02_18930.png\")
Students clap while listening to a speech at the semester's opening ceremony at Renmin University of China in Beijing.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-01/001/20251001_003_02_32930.png\")
Sun Yuxuan shares his thoughts with fellow students during the semester's opening ceremony at Beihang University.
\nWhen Sun Yuxuan, a doctoral student from the School of Transportation Science and Engineering at Beihang University in Beijing, stood before thousands of freshmen at the school's opening ceremony in early September and sang On the Songhua River, he was channeling history.
\nThe folk ballad recalls the suffering and resilience of Northeast China during the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45).
\nHis performance, part of a broader national commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, resonated deeply.
\n"My hometown is on the Songhua River in the northeast, where there are forests and coal mines, and soybeans and sorghum across mountains and fields," he sang with deep emotion.
\nA video of his singing became very popular online, amassing over 3 million views.
\n"This song carries the historical memory of my hometown and embodies the national spirit," said Sun, who is from Jilin city in Jilin province. "It's not just a melody — it's an emotional bridge to the past."
\nWith the 80th anniversary of the end of the war coinciding with the new school year, opening ceremonies have featured performances celebrating the great struggle and China's ultimate victory.
\nIn classrooms, auditoriums and galleries nationwide, the new academic year began not only with new knowledge, but with old memories — memories of a war that changed the world, and a spirit that continues to shape China's future.
\nSun was also a member of the mass choir that performed at the grand parade held in Beijing on Sept 3. Rehearsing through scorching summer days and chilly rainy nights, he and fellow choir members began to embody the very perseverance they sang about.
\nDuring evening rehearsals that stretched late into the night, they worked tirelessly under the stars — an effort he described as "practicing by starlight and moonlight".
\n"Through our persistence, we hope to prove to the predecessors who fought in the war of resistance that our young generation is capable and responsible," Sun said.
\nMany may think Red songs are a thing of the past, and that they may not sound as diverse as modern music, he said. But the reason these songs have stood the test of time is that they carry profound historical meaning and deep emotion. Singing Red songs is not just about the melody — it's about telling the stories behind them and passing on their spiritual strength, he said.
\nUnder ordinary circumstances, people might not feel it deeply. But when you truly immerse yourself in the moment — whether at a grand event held at Tian'anmen Square or watching on television — they will be moved, he said. "As Chinese people, when we listen with a heart full of love for our country, we can understand why these melodies remain timeless."
\nThis spirit of perseverance was echoed on university campuses across the country. At Renmin University of China in Beijing, the opening ceremony held in late August served as a profound historical tribute.
\nZhang Donggang, the university's Party secretary, welcomed students by underscoring the institution's origins in the revolutionary flames of the war of resistance.
\nHe said RUC is a university that marches courageously on the journey toward national rejuvenation, one that inherits a glorious revolutionary tradition and flows with distinct Red genes, as well as being the first university founded by the Communist Party of China.
\nHe urged the class of 2025 to uphold the spirit of the Shaanbei Public School — the predecessor of the university — and embrace the core values of loyalty that reassure the Party, dedication that serves the people, truth-seeking through practical action, and pioneering through tireless endeavor.
\nA particularly moving moment came when Chen Hong, a descendant of war martyr Zhao Yiman, appeared alongside a digital avatar of her grandmother to revisit the spirit of the war years in letters.
\nChen shared excerpts from her grandmother's family letter, noting that her father — the first student enrolled in the university's diplomacy department — had handwritten a copy of the letter for her.
\nChen shared: "Dear student, always remember the arduous years of the war of resistance. Remember those who fought for national survival, for rejuvenation, and for human justice."
\nShe encouraged students to draw strength from the deeds of heroes and grow into pillars capable of shouldering the great task of national rejuvenation.
\nFor Li Zhixuan, an undergraduate student at the university's business school and a former soldier, the ceremony carried deep personal resonance.
\n"In the army, I learned responsibility and commitment. Today, hearing stories of heroes like Zhao Yiman, I understand that retiring from service doesn't mean retiring from spirit," Li said.
\n"The war spirit, for me, is the drive to push through academic challenges, to step up as a student leader when tired, and to hold firm in my beliefs."
\nAnother freshman, Yu Ziran from the university's School of Public Administration, was raised on family stories of the war.
\nHis great-grandparents and grandfather were Party members, and tales of heroic war heroes were his childhood bedtime stories. "The seeds of history were planted in me long ago," Yu said.
\n"Today, at Renmin University, they are reawakening."
\nAt Nanchang University in Jiangxi province, some 3,700 freshmen gathered in the indoor stadium to watch the live broadcast of the Sept 3 commemoration in Beijing.
\nAmong them was Liu Zhen, a postgraduate student in Marxist studies, who had proactively asked his teacher to organize a collective viewing session for his class. "In the resonance, in the veterans' firm gazes, and in the steady march of the People's Liberation Army, I saw the great spirit of the war of resistance," Liu said.
\nSince arriving to study six years ago, Liu has visited all the major sites of the important revolutionary heartland such as the Nanchang August 1 Uprising Memorial Hall. He got to know how the People's Liberation Army emerged from Jiangxi.
\nLast August, he became a volunteer teacher in Guizhou province. There, he took students to cinemas, cultural centers and martyrs' cemeteries, sharing stories of revolutionary heroes. In June, he led 29 students from Guizhou to Nanchang to revisit the memorial hall. "I want to pass on the Red spirit to the next generation," he said.
\n"I will study hard, spread these Red stories, and turn patriotic will into action."
\nAt the Communication University of China, the commemoration of the end of the war took a powerful visual form through an art exhibition, which featured 124 works, including 100 traditional Chinese paintings by doctoral students and 24 oil paintings by Russian artists.
\nLiao Xiangzhong, the university's Party secretary, framed the exhibition as both an artistic and political endeavor — a "comprehensive exam" evaluating students' political awareness and artistic skill.
\nThe event has shown that students have integrated their artistic pursuits into national cultural development, Liao said.
\n"These works demonstrate the doctoral students' firm political conviction, deep national sentiment, and strong sense of mission," he added.
\nDoctoral student Lu Ming presented two ink paintings: Black Mountains, White Waters — Yang Jingyu and Black Mountains, White Waters — Zhou Baozhong, portraying two legendary commanders of the northeast army unit.
\nLu depicted General Yang in a critical charge scene, holding a pistol, eyes filled with determination and belief, contrasting the intensity of the combat with the commander's calm decisiveness. For General Zhou, Lu set the scene in a snowy birch forest, highlighting both the harsh environment and the resilience of the troops. "I used gray tones to portray skin, reflecting both the bitter cold and the harshness of the struggle," he explained.
\nThe exhibition not only guides viewers to remember history and honor the martyrs, but also inspires patriotism on a spiritual level, providing robust support for inheriting the Chinese nation's spiritual lineage and promoting cultural development in the new era, he said.
\nDing Zhe, another doctoral candidate, described her work White Mountains, Black Waters, Casting Loyal Souls as a "spiritual dialogue "with the past. "Art is how we refuse to forget," she said. "Through ink, I tried to reconstruct the spiritual aura of the land — the steadfastness of the mountains, the vastness of the snow. Behind those simple brushstrokes lie countless unknown heroes who protected the motherland with their lives."
\nArt is also a universal language for conveying the message of peace to the world. It transcends borders and cultures, directly speaking to the human heart, she said. "Through such creative expression, we are not only looking back at the past but also making a forward-looking statement: May courage be passed down, may sacrifice be remembered, and may peace become a shared vision for the global village."
\nzoushuo@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", - "content": "Students from Beihang University take a group photo after performing in a mass choir during the V-Day parade at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing on Sept 3.
\nStudents clap while listening to a speech at the semester's opening ceremony at Renmin University of China in Beijing.
\nSun Yuxuan shares his thoughts with fellow students during the semester's opening ceremony at Beihang University.
\nWhen Sun Yuxuan, a doctoral student from the School of Transportation Science and Engineering at Beihang University in Beijing, stood before thousands of freshmen at the school's opening ceremony in early September and sang On the Songhua River, he was channeling history.
\nThe folk ballad recalls the suffering and resilience of Northeast China during the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45).
\nHis performance, part of a broader national commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, resonated deeply.
\n"My hometown is on the Songhua River in the northeast, where there are forests and coal mines, and soybeans and sorghum across mountains and fields," he sang with deep emotion.
\nA video of his singing became very popular online, amassing over 3 million views.
\n"This song carries the historical memory of my hometown and embodies the national spirit," said Sun, who is from Jilin city in Jilin province. "It's not just a melody — it's an emotional bridge to the past."
\nWith the 80th anniversary of the end of the war coinciding with the new school year, opening ceremonies have featured performances celebrating the great struggle and China's ultimate victory.
\nIn classrooms, auditoriums and galleries nationwide, the new academic year began not only with new knowledge, but with old memories — memories of a war that changed the world, and a spirit that continues to shape China's future.
\nSun was also a member of the mass choir that performed at the grand parade held in Beijing on Sept 3. Rehearsing through scorching summer days and chilly rainy nights, he and fellow choir members began to embody the very perseverance they sang about.
\nDuring evening rehearsals that stretched late into the night, they worked tirelessly under the stars — an effort he described as "practicing by starlight and moonlight".
\n"Through our persistence, we hope to prove to the predecessors who fought in the war of resistance that our young generation is capable and responsible," Sun said.
\nMany may think Red songs are a thing of the past, and that they may not sound as diverse as modern music, he said. But the reason these songs have stood the test of time is that they carry profound historical meaning and deep emotion. Singing Red songs is not just about the melody — it's about telling the stories behind them and passing on their spiritual strength, he said.
\nUnder ordinary circumstances, people might not feel it deeply. But when you truly immerse yourself in the moment — whether at a grand event held at Tian'anmen Square or watching on television — they will be moved, he said. "As Chinese people, when we listen with a heart full of love for our country, we can understand why these melodies remain timeless."
\nThis spirit of perseverance was echoed on university campuses across the country. At Renmin University of China in Beijing, the opening ceremony held in late August served as a profound historical tribute.
\nZhang Donggang, the university's Party secretary, welcomed students by underscoring the institution's origins in the revolutionary flames of the war of resistance.
\nHe said RUC is a university that marches courageously on the journey toward national rejuvenation, one that inherits a glorious revolutionary tradition and flows with distinct Red genes, as well as being the first university founded by the Communist Party of China.
\nHe urged the class of 2025 to uphold the spirit of the Shaanbei Public School — the predecessor of the university — and embrace the core values of loyalty that reassure the Party, dedication that serves the people, truth-seeking through practical action, and pioneering through tireless endeavor.
\nA particularly moving moment came when Chen Hong, a descendant of war martyr Zhao Yiman, appeared alongside a digital avatar of her grandmother to revisit the spirit of the war years in letters.
\nChen shared excerpts from her grandmother's family letter, noting that her father — the first student enrolled in the university's diplomacy department — had handwritten a copy of the letter for her.
\nChen shared: "Dear student, always remember the arduous years of the war of resistance. Remember those who fought for national survival, for rejuvenation, and for human justice."
\nShe encouraged students to draw strength from the deeds of heroes and grow into pillars capable of shouldering the great task of national rejuvenation.
\nFor Li Zhixuan, an undergraduate student at the university's business school and a former soldier, the ceremony carried deep personal resonance.
\n"In the army, I learned responsibility and commitment. Today, hearing stories of heroes like Zhao Yiman, I understand that retiring from service doesn't mean retiring from spirit," Li said.
\n"The war spirit, for me, is the drive to push through academic challenges, to step up as a student leader when tired, and to hold firm in my beliefs."
\nAnother freshman, Yu Ziran from the university's School of Public Administration, was raised on family stories of the war.
\nHis great-grandparents and grandfather were Party members, and tales of heroic war heroes were his childhood bedtime stories. "The seeds of history were planted in me long ago," Yu said.
\n"Today, at Renmin University, they are reawakening."
\nAt Nanchang University in Jiangxi province, some 3,700 freshmen gathered in the indoor stadium to watch the live broadcast of the Sept 3 commemoration in Beijing.
\nAmong them was Liu Zhen, a postgraduate student in Marxist studies, who had proactively asked his teacher to organize a collective viewing session for his class. "In the resonance, in the veterans' firm gazes, and in the steady march of the People's Liberation Army, I saw the great spirit of the war of resistance," Liu said.
\nSince arriving to study six years ago, Liu has visited all the major sites of the important revolutionary heartland such as the Nanchang August 1 Uprising Memorial Hall. He got to know how the People's Liberation Army emerged from Jiangxi.
\nLast August, he became a volunteer teacher in Guizhou province. There, he took students to cinemas, cultural centers and martyrs' cemeteries, sharing stories of revolutionary heroes. In June, he led 29 students from Guizhou to Nanchang to revisit the memorial hall. "I want to pass on the Red spirit to the next generation," he said.
\n"I will study hard, spread these Red stories, and turn patriotic will into action."
\nAt the Communication University of China, the commemoration of the end of the war took a powerful visual form through an art exhibition, which featured 124 works, including 100 traditional Chinese paintings by doctoral students and 24 oil paintings by Russian artists.
\nLiao Xiangzhong, the university's Party secretary, framed the exhibition as both an artistic and political endeavor — a "comprehensive exam" evaluating students' political awareness and artistic skill.
\nThe event has shown that students have integrated their artistic pursuits into national cultural development, Liao said.
\n"These works demonstrate the doctoral students' firm political conviction, deep national sentiment, and strong sense of mission," he added.
\nDoctoral student Lu Ming presented two ink paintings: Black Mountains, White Waters — Yang Jingyu and Black Mountains, White Waters — Zhou Baozhong, portraying two legendary commanders of the northeast army unit.
\nLu depicted General Yang in a critical charge scene, holding a pistol, eyes filled with determination and belief, contrasting the intensity of the combat with the commander's calm decisiveness. For General Zhou, Lu set the scene in a snowy birch forest, highlighting both the harsh environment and the resilience of the troops. "I used gray tones to portray skin, reflecting both the bitter cold and the harshness of the struggle," he explained.
\nThe exhibition not only guides viewers to remember history and honor the martyrs, but also inspires patriotism on a spiritual level, providing robust support for inheriting the Chinese nation's spiritual lineage and promoting cultural development in the new era, he said.
\nDing Zhe, another doctoral candidate, described her work White Mountains, Black Waters, Casting Loyal Souls as a "spiritual dialogue "with the past. "Art is how we refuse to forget," she said. "Through ink, I tried to reconstruct the spiritual aura of the land — the steadfastness of the mountains, the vastness of the snow. Behind those simple brushstrokes lie countless unknown heroes who protected the motherland with their lives."
\nArt is also a universal language for conveying the message of peace to the world. It transcends borders and cultures, directly speaking to the human heart, she said. "Through such creative expression, we are not only looking back at the past but also making a forward-looking statement: May courage be passed down, may sacrifice be remembered, and may peace become a shared vision for the global village."
\nzoushuo@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", - "category": "", - "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/01/content_001_68dc2814ed50ccabe151a79d.htm#001FRONT", - "creator": "", - "pubDate": "Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:21:05 +0000", - "enclosure": "", - "enclosureType": "", - "image": "", - "id": "", - "language": "", - "folder": "双语", - "feed": "ChinaDaily", - "read": false, - "favorite": false, - "created": false, - "tags": [], - "hash": "a6d264d82c712ac8fe4769937331fc5e", - "highlights": [] - }, { "title": "002NATION - Fifty expats awarded for contributions", "description": "China on Tuesday conferred the 2025 Chinese Government Friendship Award on 50 foreign experts working in the country in recognition of their contributions to the nation's development.
\nState Councilor Shen Yiqin presented the Friendship Award to the honorees at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
\nOn behalf of the Chinese government, Shen extended congratulations to the laureates and expressed sincere greetings and heartfelt thanks to all foreign experts and their families for their support.
\nShe noted that foreign experts, working hand in hand with the Chinese people, have made significant contributions to advancing Chinese modernization and promoting friendship and cooperation between China and the rest of the world, which will always be remembered.
\nAs China maps out its economic and social development plan for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period, she said the country has firm confidence and ample capability to achieve long-term, stable growth and bring new momentum and opportunities to the world.
\nShen emphasized that China will remain committed to high-standard opening-up, actively promote innovation-driven cooperation, and deepen reforms in talent-development systems and mechanisms. More high-caliber overseas talent will be welcomed to work, innovate and start businesses in China, she added.
\nShen also expressed the hope that foreign experts would fully leverage their expertise in the great endeavor of Chinese modernization and join hands with the Chinese people to write a new chapter of mutual learning and common development between China and the world.
\nJames Healy, an international communication expert and a senior editor at China Daily, is among the winners of the 2025 Chinese Government Friendship Award. Known for his concise yet vivid writing style, Healy offers incisive interpretations of China's proposals and wisdom.
\nThe Friendship Award is the highest honor to commend foreign experts who have made outstanding contributions to China's modernization drive. Since its establishment in 1991, more than 2,000 foreign experts have received the award.
\nGordon Trimble, one of the recipients of this year's award, is now a professor at Fujian Hwa Nan Women's College. From his great-grand aunt to himself, four generations of his family have devoted their efforts to promoting the development of science and education in Fujian province.
\nTrimble's great-grand aunt Lydia Trimble founded the predecessor of Pingtan Experimental Primary School in 1908, while his grandfather Garnet Trimble practiced medicine in Nanping, Fujian, for 14 years following in his aunt's footsteps.
\nTrimble recalled how his father had returned to China in 1989, carrying old photographs in search of long-lost friends. His father, who was born in China, had left for the United States in 1927 at the age of 12.
\nWhen asked why his father still felt such a deep bond with China after so many years abroad, Trimble explained that one difference lies in language: people born in China learn Chinese as their first language, while those born in the US learn English — even if they may look very Chinese.
\nContact the writers at zhaojia@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", @@ -12083,28 +12545,6 @@ "hash": "30181746a704efda77c1f468fd36a14b", "highlights": [] }, - { - "title": "002NATION - PLA Navy ships in HK", - "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-01/002/20251001_002_02_37395.png\")
Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy ship Qi Jiguang sails through Victoria Harbour in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Tuesday. The training vessel and Yimengshan, a landing ship of the PLA Navy, are visiting the Hong Kong SAR. They will be open for public visits at the PLA Hong Kong Garrison's naval base in Stonecutters Island.
\n", - "content": "Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy ship Qi Jiguang sails through Victoria Harbour in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Tuesday. The training vessel and Yimengshan, a landing ship of the PLA Navy, are visiting the Hong Kong SAR. They will be open for public visits at the PLA Hong Kong Garrison's naval base in Stonecutters Island.
\n", - "category": "", - "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/01/content_002_68dc281ced50ccabe151a79f.htm#002NATION", - "creator": "", - "pubDate": "Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:21:05 +0000", - "enclosure": "", - "enclosureType": "", - "image": "", - "id": "", - "language": "", - "folder": "双语", - "feed": "ChinaDaily", - "read": false, - "favorite": false, - "created": false, - "tags": [], - "hash": "0e5a4435c33e9c88c44350b5de3f22a3", - "highlights": [] - }, { "title": "002NATION - September manufacturing PMI rises; market demand seen to be recovering", "description": "China's official manufacturing purchasing managers' index for September stood at 49.8, up from 49.4 in August and marking the second consecutive monthly increase, according to data released on Tuesday by the National Bureau of Statistics.
\nBased on changes in sub-indices and sector-specific indicators, analysts suggest market demand is stabilizing and recovering, with accelerated production expansion and sustained rapid growth in new growth drivers.
\nWen Tao, an analyst at the China Logistics Information Center, said market demand has recently shown signs of vitality, with economic growth momentum continuing to solidify.
\nIn September, as the impact of extreme weather conditions — including high temperatures and heavy rainfall — largely subsided, coupled with the continued implementation of policies to expand domestic demand and stimulate growth, manufacturing market demand stabilized and recovered. The new orders index reached 49.7, up from 49.5 in August.
\nMeanwhile, the decline in export demand has narrowed, driven by factors such as the sustained strengthening of China's "new trio "of exports — electric passenger vehicles, lithium batteries and solar cells, the stable performance of the equipment industry, and the continued advancement of export market diversification strategies. The new export orders index reached 47.8, up from 47.2 in the previous month.
\nNew growth drivers continued to expand at a relatively rapid pace. In September, the PMI for equipment manufacturing stood at 51.9, up from 50.5 in August. High-tech manufacturing also maintained steady expansion, with its PMI at 51.6. Both the production and new orders indices of the sector have been in the expansion zone for eight consecutive months, indicating that high-tech manufacturing is on a sustained upward trajectory.
\nDriven by the push to achieve economic targets in the final year of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) period, macro policies are expected to be further intensified and implemented in the fourth quarter, injecting new momentum and confidence into the market. Additionally, factors such as holidays and promotional seasons will boost consumer demand, while infrastructure development and key projects will drive demand for basic raw materials and equipment, said Wen.
\nAnalysts at Golden Credit Rating International wrote in a report that the manufacturing PMI index rebounded at a relatively fast pace in September. This recovery was driven by several factors: the full dissipation of the impact of hot and rainy weather, the effectiveness of consumption-boosting policies, sustained growth in exports, and the outcome of trade talks between the Chinese and US delegations in Madrid, Spain.
\nOverall, macroeconomic conditions showed a slight improvement. However, the property market continued its adjustment that month, and consumer spending remained weak, the analysts said in the report.
\nThe main highlight of the September manufacturing PMI was that apart from the high-tech manufacturing PMI — a gauge of new quality productive forces — which stood at 51.6, down slightly from the previous month but still in a relatively strong expansion range, the equipment manufacturing PMI jumped significantly to 51.9, according to the report.
\nThe analysts said they believe that the impact of high US tariffs on global trade and Chinese exports may become more pronounced in the fourth quarter, while the effects of adjustments in the domestic real estate market also warrant continued attention.
\nHowever, they pointed out that marked by the accelerated deployment of a 500-billion-yuan ($70 billion) new policy-based financial instrument, a new round of growth-stabilizing policies is expected to be rolled out successively. These measures will focus on bolstering fiscal support, easing monetary policy, and intensifying efforts to stabilize the real estate market. Such actions will provide crucial support for stabilizing macroeconomic operations in the fourth quarter.
\nLi Chao, a spokeswoman for the National Development and Reform Commission, said on Monday that China will introduce a new policy-based financial instrument worth 500 billion yuan. The NDRC is working with relevant parties to swiftly channel the funds to specific projects, and it will urge local governments to accelerate project construction.
\nSince September, policies have continued to be introduced in a moderate and steady manner.
\nGovernment bond issuance has accelerated, the central bank has injected liquidity through various policy instruments, multiple first-tier cities have eased property market policies, the new policy-based financial instrument has been rolled out more quickly, and measures to support service consumption have been strengthened — all of which have jointly contributed to a marginal improvement in the economy, particularly in manufacturing, said Wen Bin, chief economist at China Minsheng Bank, and Wang Jingwen, director of the Macro Research Center affiliated to the China Minsheng Bank Research Institute, in a research note.
\nThey said that current macro policies are in a phase of "continued effort with timely strengthening", characterized mainly by a gradual and stabilizing approach. Since the pressure to achieve the full-year economic and social development targets is relatively manageable, policies are focused on the dual objectives of stabilizing short-term growth and advancing long-term structural adjustments.
\njiangxueqing@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", @@ -12127,28 +12567,6 @@ "hash": "eb7a71b8561781a8a4de7a68d5452db0", "highlights": [] }, - { - "title": "002NATION - Briefly", - "description": "Party chiefs named for Liaoning, Inner Mongolia
\nThe Communist Party of China Central Committee has appointed Wang Weizhong as the new secretary of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Regional Committee of the CPC. Sun Shaocheng will no longer serve as Party secretary of the autonomous region. Wang was deputy secretary of the Guangdong Provincial Committee of the CPC and governor of Guangdong.
\nThe CPC Central Committee has also appointed Xu Kunlin as the new secretary of the CPC Liaoning Provincial Committee. Hao Peng will no longer serve as Party secretary of the province. Xu was deputy secretary of the Jiangsu Provincial Committee of the CPC and governor of Jiangsu.
\nCPC Central Committee's Intl Dept gets new head
\nLiu Haixing has been appointed minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, according to the department's official website. Liu, born in April 1963, is a member of the 20th CPC Central Committee. After joining the Foreign Ministry in 1985, Liu became a seasoned diplomat and served as assistant foreign minister and director-general of the ministry's department of European affairs. Before the new post, he served as the executive deputy director of the general office of the National Security Commission of the CPC Central Committee.
\n", - "content": "Party chiefs named for Liaoning, Inner Mongolia
\nThe Communist Party of China Central Committee has appointed Wang Weizhong as the new secretary of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Regional Committee of the CPC. Sun Shaocheng will no longer serve as Party secretary of the autonomous region. Wang was deputy secretary of the Guangdong Provincial Committee of the CPC and governor of Guangdong.
\nThe CPC Central Committee has also appointed Xu Kunlin as the new secretary of the CPC Liaoning Provincial Committee. Hao Peng will no longer serve as Party secretary of the province. Xu was deputy secretary of the Jiangsu Provincial Committee of the CPC and governor of Jiangsu.
\nCPC Central Committee's Intl Dept gets new head
\nLiu Haixing has been appointed minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, according to the department's official website. Liu, born in April 1963, is a member of the 20th CPC Central Committee. After joining the Foreign Ministry in 1985, Liu became a seasoned diplomat and served as assistant foreign minister and director-general of the ministry's department of European affairs. Before the new post, he served as the executive deputy director of the general office of the National Security Commission of the CPC Central Committee.
\n", - "category": "", - "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/01/content_002_68dc2825ed50ccabe151a7a1.htm#002NATION", - "creator": "", - "pubDate": "Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:21:05 +0000", - "enclosure": "", - "enclosureType": "", - "image": "", - "id": "", - "language": "", - "folder": "双语", - "feed": "ChinaDaily", - "read": false, - "favorite": false, - "created": false, - "tags": [], - "hash": "7d7c9c974c24ac05be88e1a387280ede", - "highlights": [] - }, { "title": "002NATION - New exhibition showcases wartime rescue of artifacts", "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-01/002/20251001_002_05_26395.png\")
Wang Xudong (left), director of the Palace Museum in Beijing, introduces a cultural relic on Tuesday to guests at the opening ceremony of an exhibition commemorating the southward evacuation of the museum's artifacts in the 1930s.
\nIt was probably one of the largest wartime rescue missions of cultural relics in history.
\nIn 1933, when invading Japanese forces had advanced to the Great Wall, staff of the Palace Museum in Beijing soon launched a project to evacuate precious cultural relics that were housed in this former Chinese imperial palace as well as other key venues in Beijing via a southward route in case the items fell into the enemy's hands.
\nDecades later, the bravery and determination of this mission was remembered on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the museum and the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45).
\nAn exhibition commemorating the southward evacuation of the artifacts opened in the museum's Shenwumen (Gate of Divine Prowess) Gallery on Tuesday. Through cultural relics that were part of that trek — including porcelain, paintings and jade as well as related old photos, documents and other exhibits — an epic effort to safeguard the lineage of a country's civilization was unveiled for visitors.
\n"The arduous southward journey during the war of resistance, marked by numerous twists and turns, reflects the tumultuous national history and collective memory of the Chinese people," Wang Xudong, director of the Palace Museum, said at the opening ceremony of the exhibition.
\n"These cultural treasures represent the preservation and continuation of the brilliant Chinese civilization," he said. "They not only embody the unity and resilience of the Chinese nation in times of crisis, but also illustrate the enduring appeal of Chinese culture."
\nWang said the museum had devoted itself to study relevant historical files and explore the value of the relocated relics, and the exhibition was the fruit of its endeavors.
\nThe first batch of evacuated relics set off on its journey in February 1933 from the square before Shenwumen.
\nMore than 13,400 crates of artifacts from the Palace Museum and around 6,000 crates from other venues, including Guozijian, the former imperial academy, were relocated.
\nAfter the evacuation of relics from Beijing to Shanghai and Nanjing — then China's national capital and present-day capital city of Jiangsu province — the relic protectors also built warehouses in Nanjing. Even during the tough years in the 1930s, some of these artifacts were escorted to the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union for exhibitions.
\nHowever, as the war spread to East China in 1937, these relocated treasures had to be evacuated again westward to Chongqing, as well as Hunan, Guizhou and Sichuan provinces. Following China's victory in the war in 1945, the relics began traveling again on the journey home.
\n"We also want to remind people how precious peace is through these relics that once endured the war and remained intact," said Xu Wanling, curator of the exhibition.
\nA wooden crate that once held the relics is displayed in the center of the Shenwumen Gallery. Covered by various seals through the years of turmoil and being a crucial witness to history, it had already become a key cultural relic as well, the curator noted.
\nNot a single artifact was lost in the yearslong trek, but not all relics finally returned to Beijing. For instance, about one-fifth of them were shipped to Taiwan in 1948 due to the civil war. They later became the cornerstone of the Palace Museum in Taipei.
\n"Numerous cultural workers participated in the mission to safeguard national treasures, and they were fearless in the face of difficulties and continued studies of the cultural relics," said Shih Chin-wen, secretary-general of Taiwan-based Sheen Chuen-Chi Cultural & Educational Foundation, a co-organizer of the exhibition.
\n"It reflected the Chinese nation's perseverance and an unstoppable cultural legacy," she said.
\nwangkaihao@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", @@ -12171,28 +12589,6 @@ "hash": "57bbeaab8a01bbf7e87a7ff453263e82", "highlights": [] }, - { - "title": "002NATION - Xi: Forge ahead in advancing modernization", - "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-01/002/20251001_001_01_59739.png\")
President Xi Jinping, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, addresses a reception held on Tuesday at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
\nPresident Xi Jinping has called on the Chinese people to continue drawing on historical experience and forge ahead with determination in advancing Chinese modernization, as the country prepares to mark its National Day on Oct 1.
\nXi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks on Tuesday while addressing a reception held in Beijing to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
\nXi said that over the past 76 years, under the Party's leadership, the Chinese people have relied on self-reliance and unremitting struggle to achieve remarkable accomplishments that will be remembered by history.
\n"Looking back, the Chinese nation has advanced from the brink of peril to the great journey of rejuvenation. The path has been arduous and filled with hardships, but it has also been full of passion and triumphant progress," he said.
\nIn his address, Xi recalled the grand commemorations hosted earlier in September marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War.
\nThe events, he said, have greatly inspired the national spirit, motivated patriotic enthusiasm and forged the strength of working hard.
\n"We must continue to draw on historical experience to build our country better, and to ensure that the cause pioneered by the older generations of leaders and revolutionary martyrs continues to thrive," Xi said.
\nHighlighting the progress made this year in various undertakings despite complex circumstances, Xi said that China has further deepened reforms across the board, advanced high-quality development, improved people's livelihoods and made new headway in exercising full and rigorous Party self-governance.
\nAs the 20th CPC Central Committee will convene its fourth plenary session in October to discuss major issues related to the formulation of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) for national economic and social development, Xi called for efforts on the new journey in the new era to plan and implement the goals, tasks and strategic measures for the period and to secure decisive progress toward the basic realization of socialist modernization.
\nTo fully, faithfully and resolutely implement the "one country, two systems" policy, Xi stressed the importance of supporting the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions in better integrating into the country's overall development, developing the economy and improving people's well-being.
\nXi also called for deepening cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, firmly opposing "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and external interference, and resolutely safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
\nFacing a rapidly evolving international landscape unseen in a century, he underlined the need to champion the shared values of humanity, practice genuine multilateralism, and advance the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative, so as to jointly build a community with a shared future for humanity.
\n"The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is a noble cause unprecedented in human history. Both aspirations and challenges inspire us to forge ahead with a spirit of urgency and perseverance," Xi said.
\nThe reception, held at the Great Hall of the People, brought together dignitaries including Party and State leaders, foreign envoys and recipients of national honors.
\nmojingxi@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", - "content": "President Xi Jinping, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, addresses a reception held on Tuesday at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
\nPresident Xi Jinping has called on the Chinese people to continue drawing on historical experience and forge ahead with determination in advancing Chinese modernization, as the country prepares to mark its National Day on Oct 1.
\nXi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks on Tuesday while addressing a reception held in Beijing to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
\nXi said that over the past 76 years, under the Party's leadership, the Chinese people have relied on self-reliance and unremitting struggle to achieve remarkable accomplishments that will be remembered by history.
\n"Looking back, the Chinese nation has advanced from the brink of peril to the great journey of rejuvenation. The path has been arduous and filled with hardships, but it has also been full of passion and triumphant progress," he said.
\nIn his address, Xi recalled the grand commemorations hosted earlier in September marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War.
\nThe events, he said, have greatly inspired the national spirit, motivated patriotic enthusiasm and forged the strength of working hard.
\n"We must continue to draw on historical experience to build our country better, and to ensure that the cause pioneered by the older generations of leaders and revolutionary martyrs continues to thrive," Xi said.
\nHighlighting the progress made this year in various undertakings despite complex circumstances, Xi said that China has further deepened reforms across the board, advanced high-quality development, improved people's livelihoods and made new headway in exercising full and rigorous Party self-governance.
\nAs the 20th CPC Central Committee will convene its fourth plenary session in October to discuss major issues related to the formulation of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) for national economic and social development, Xi called for efforts on the new journey in the new era to plan and implement the goals, tasks and strategic measures for the period and to secure decisive progress toward the basic realization of socialist modernization.
\nTo fully, faithfully and resolutely implement the "one country, two systems" policy, Xi stressed the importance of supporting the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions in better integrating into the country's overall development, developing the economy and improving people's well-being.
\nXi also called for deepening cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, firmly opposing "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and external interference, and resolutely safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
\nFacing a rapidly evolving international landscape unseen in a century, he underlined the need to champion the shared values of humanity, practice genuine multilateralism, and advance the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative, so as to jointly build a community with a shared future for humanity.
\n"The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is a noble cause unprecedented in human history. Both aspirations and challenges inspire us to forge ahead with a spirit of urgency and perseverance," Xi said.
\nThe reception, held at the Great Hall of the People, brought together dignitaries including Party and State leaders, foreign envoys and recipients of national honors.
\nmojingxi@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", - "category": "", - "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/01/content_002_68dc2829ed50ccabe151a7a3.htm#002NATION", - "creator": "", - "pubDate": "Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:21:05 +0000", - "enclosure": "", - "enclosureType": "", - "image": "", - "id": "", - "language": "", - "folder": "双语", - "feed": "ChinaDaily", - "read": false, - "favorite": false, - "created": false, - "tags": [], - "hash": "c1b1542485d99b5affe51145a848dfa6", - "highlights": [] - }, { "title": "002NATION - Leaders pay tribute to fallen heroes on Martyrs' Day", "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-01/002/20251001_001_02_51739.png\")
President Xi Jinping and other leaders walk up to the Monument to the People's Heroes at Tian'anmen Square in central Beijing as guards of honor present flower baskets to honor fallen heroes on Tuesday, Martyrs' Day.
\nPresident Xi Jinping and other leaders of the Communist Party of China and the State attended a ceremony at Tian'anmen Square in central Beijing on Tuesday to present flower baskets to honor fallen heroes.
\nThe event was held to mark Martyrs' Day, one day ahead of the National Day in China. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War.
\nTuesday was the 12th Martyrs' Day. In 2014, China's top legislature approved Sept 30 as Martyrs' Day to commemorate those who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of the Chinese people and the development of the country.
\nAt around 10 am, Xi and other leaders — Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng — arrived at the square. They were joined by representatives from all walks of life.
\nAmong the attendees carrying flowers were veterans, relatives of martyrs, recipients of national medals and honorary titles, role models, students and children.
\nAs the ceremony started, all attendees sang the national anthem, and then paid a silent tribute to the fallen heroes.
\nNine large flower baskets, with ribbons that read "Eternal Glory to the People's Heroes", were placed in a line. As the military band played Flower Presenting Melody, 18 guards of honor steadily lifted the baskets, walked slowly to the Monument to the People's Heroes and laid them on the pedestal.
\nXi and other leaders approached the foot of the monument, where Xi took a few steps forward and straightened the ribbons on the baskets. They then walked around the monument to pay their respects.
\nPeople at the ceremony said they were inspired by the solemn moment and would carry forward the spirit of the martyrs and draw strength from it.
\nChen Shuyan, a fourth-grade student from Cuiwei Primary School in Beijing's Haidian district, who presented a flower at the ceremony, said, "Standing in front of the monument, I felt my heart fill with respect."
\nExpressing her gratitude for the sacrifices of national heroes, Chen said she feels more determined to cherish today's peace and prosperity.
\njihaisheng@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", @@ -12215,28 +12611,6 @@ "hash": "f9c77faa200aca6ba871e9c08c7ad896", "highlights": [] }, - { - "title": "003COVER - Red Building brings revolutionary history back to life", - "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-01/003/20251001_003_01_51930.png\")
The iconic Red Building of Peking University now houses the Memorial Hall for the CPC's Early Revolutionary Activities in Beijing.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-01/003/20251001_003_01_44930.png\")
Visitors admire an exhibition of Marxism archives at the Red Building in February.
\nFor over a century, the iconic Red Building of Peking University in Beijing has remained a vibrant part of young people's lives, serving as a key site for understanding the early history of the Communist Party of China.
\nOnce the main campus of Peking University, the building was built from 1916 to 1918 and was named after its red brick walls and tiled roof. It witnessed several of China's major historical events, including the New Culture Movement and the May Fourth Movement, both of which greatly contributed to the early spread of Marxism in the country and the founding of the CPC.
\nToday, it houses the Memorial Hall for the CPC's Early Revolutionary Activities in Beijing. It is not just a museum but a symbol of modern China's intellectual awakening and revolutionary spirit, attracting many visitors, especially students, to learn about this critical era.
\nSince reopening in 2021, the memorial hall has received nearly half a million visitors annually, more than half of whom are under the age of 30, according to Yang Jiayi, director of the Memorial Hall for the CPC's Early Revolutionary Activities in Beijing.
\nTo improve public access, the building has eliminated the booking requirement, and weekend study programs have become especially popular among young people, he said, adding that it has established partnerships with more than 20 universities.
\nSince 2023, the Beijing municipal government has held the "Vibrant Culture, Youthful Bloom "campaign annually, taking students to important cultural sites in the capital. Study tours to the Red Building are an important part of the campaign.
\nXie Yinnan, head of the social education department of the memorial hall, leads a team of tour guides with an average age of around 30. "Though we come from different academic backgrounds, we share the same belief: to tell the Party's stories to more people," she said. The team designs age-specific tours and narratives for different student groups.
\nThe volunteer guide team has further recruited 330 students who have contributed 40,000 service hours. "We use the language of youth to tell Red stories, creating a virtuous cycle of young people inspiring their peers," Xie said.
\nInside the Red Building, immersive installations allow visitors to almost hear the footsteps of those who walked its corridors a century ago.
\nGao Chao, a student counselor from Capital Normal University's School of Marxism, has brought students on study tours to the building since June 2023. He said that visiting the site turns the history of Marxism's spread in China from textbook knowledge into "a breath you can almost touch".
\n"The study tour is a journey that moves both body and mind. It transforms the inheritance of the Red stories from passive acceptance into active exploration," he said.
\nMany students have transitioned from listeners to storytellers themselves. Yu Wei, a PhD candidate at Peking University, took part in a research project on the compatibility between Marxism and traditional Chinese culture. Working with primary historical materials in the Red Building, he evolved from a learner to a researcher.
\nHe Jiabei, another doctoral candidate at Peking University, said that the May Fourth Movement was not an isolated incident but part of a global wave of anti-imperialist and anti-colonial movements. "This makes us reflect seriously on the responsibility and role of Chinese youth in global governance," she said.
\nTian Zichong, a student at Capital Normal University's School of Marxism and a volunteer guide in the building, said attending lectures on Li Dazhao's political views has enriched his academic training.
\nExplaining history where it happened has turned communism from an abstract concept into a living ideal, he said. Li's belief — "There are two kinds of ideals: one is that I realize my ideal; the other is that the ideal is realized through me, even at the cost of my life" — has profoundly shaped his worldview, Tian said.
\n"It is my hope to continue sharing these stories and this spirit, contributing in my own way to passing on the Red gene to future generations," he added.
\nzoushuo@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", - "content": "The iconic Red Building of Peking University now houses the Memorial Hall for the CPC's Early Revolutionary Activities in Beijing.
\nVisitors admire an exhibition of Marxism archives at the Red Building in February.
\nFor over a century, the iconic Red Building of Peking University in Beijing has remained a vibrant part of young people's lives, serving as a key site for understanding the early history of the Communist Party of China.
\nOnce the main campus of Peking University, the building was built from 1916 to 1918 and was named after its red brick walls and tiled roof. It witnessed several of China's major historical events, including the New Culture Movement and the May Fourth Movement, both of which greatly contributed to the early spread of Marxism in the country and the founding of the CPC.
\nToday, it houses the Memorial Hall for the CPC's Early Revolutionary Activities in Beijing. It is not just a museum but a symbol of modern China's intellectual awakening and revolutionary spirit, attracting many visitors, especially students, to learn about this critical era.
\nSince reopening in 2021, the memorial hall has received nearly half a million visitors annually, more than half of whom are under the age of 30, according to Yang Jiayi, director of the Memorial Hall for the CPC's Early Revolutionary Activities in Beijing.
\nTo improve public access, the building has eliminated the booking requirement, and weekend study programs have become especially popular among young people, he said, adding that it has established partnerships with more than 20 universities.
\nSince 2023, the Beijing municipal government has held the "Vibrant Culture, Youthful Bloom "campaign annually, taking students to important cultural sites in the capital. Study tours to the Red Building are an important part of the campaign.
\nXie Yinnan, head of the social education department of the memorial hall, leads a team of tour guides with an average age of around 30. "Though we come from different academic backgrounds, we share the same belief: to tell the Party's stories to more people," she said. The team designs age-specific tours and narratives for different student groups.
\nThe volunteer guide team has further recruited 330 students who have contributed 40,000 service hours. "We use the language of youth to tell Red stories, creating a virtuous cycle of young people inspiring their peers," Xie said.
\nInside the Red Building, immersive installations allow visitors to almost hear the footsteps of those who walked its corridors a century ago.
\nGao Chao, a student counselor from Capital Normal University's School of Marxism, has brought students on study tours to the building since June 2023. He said that visiting the site turns the history of Marxism's spread in China from textbook knowledge into "a breath you can almost touch".
\n"The study tour is a journey that moves both body and mind. It transforms the inheritance of the Red stories from passive acceptance into active exploration," he said.
\nMany students have transitioned from listeners to storytellers themselves. Yu Wei, a PhD candidate at Peking University, took part in a research project on the compatibility between Marxism and traditional Chinese culture. Working with primary historical materials in the Red Building, he evolved from a learner to a researcher.
\nHe Jiabei, another doctoral candidate at Peking University, said that the May Fourth Movement was not an isolated incident but part of a global wave of anti-imperialist and anti-colonial movements. "This makes us reflect seriously on the responsibility and role of Chinese youth in global governance," she said.
\nTian Zichong, a student at Capital Normal University's School of Marxism and a volunteer guide in the building, said attending lectures on Li Dazhao's political views has enriched his academic training.
\nExplaining history where it happened has turned communism from an abstract concept into a living ideal, he said. Li's belief — "There are two kinds of ideals: one is that I realize my ideal; the other is that the ideal is realized through me, even at the cost of my life" — has profoundly shaped his worldview, Tian said.
\n"It is my hope to continue sharing these stories and this spirit, contributing in my own way to passing on the Red gene to future generations," he added.
\nzoushuo@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", - "category": "", - "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/01/content_003_68dc282ded50ccabe151a7a5.htm#003COVER", - "creator": "", - "pubDate": "Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:21:05 +0000", - "enclosure": "", - "enclosureType": "", - "image": "", - "id": "", - "language": "", - "folder": "双语", - "feed": "ChinaDaily", - "read": false, - "favorite": false, - "created": false, - "tags": [], - "hash": "c88e66246ad00ad0273aaa6e46f6b130", - "highlights": [] - }, { "title": "003COVER - STUDENTS SING PRAISES OF WAR HEROES", "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-01/003/20251001_003_02_23930.png\")
Students from Beihang University take a group photo after performing in a mass choir during the V-Day parade at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing on Sept 3.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-01/003/20251001_003_02_18930.png\")
Students clap while listening to a speech at the semester's opening ceremony at Renmin University of China in Beijing.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-01/003/20251001_003_02_32930.png\")
Sun Yuxuan shares his thoughts with fellow students during the semester's opening ceremony at Beihang University.
\nWhen Sun Yuxuan, a doctoral student from the School of Transportation Science and Engineering at Beihang University in Beijing, stood before thousands of freshmen at the school's opening ceremony in early September and sang On the Songhua River, he was channeling history.
\nThe folk ballad recalls the suffering and resilience of Northeast China during the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45).
\nHis performance, part of a broader national commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, resonated deeply.
\n"My hometown is on the Songhua River in the northeast, where there are forests and coal mines, and soybeans and sorghum across mountains and fields," he sang with deep emotion.
\nA video of his singing became very popular online, amassing over 3 million views.
\n"This song carries the historical memory of my hometown and embodies the national spirit," said Sun, who is from Jilin city in Jilin province. "It's not just a melody — it's an emotional bridge to the past."
\nWith the 80th anniversary of the end of the war coinciding with the new school year, opening ceremonies have featured performances celebrating the great struggle and China's ultimate victory.
\nIn classrooms, auditoriums and galleries nationwide, the new academic year began not only with new knowledge, but with old memories — memories of a war that changed the world, and a spirit that continues to shape China's future.
\nSun was also a member of the mass choir that performed at the grand parade held in Beijing on Sept 3. Rehearsing through scorching summer days and chilly rainy nights, he and fellow choir members began to embody the very perseverance they sang about.
\nDuring evening rehearsals that stretched late into the night, they worked tirelessly under the stars — an effort he described as "practicing by starlight and moonlight".
\n"Through our persistence, we hope to prove to the predecessors who fought in the war of resistance that our young generation is capable and responsible," Sun said.
\nMany may think Red songs are a thing of the past, and that they may not sound as diverse as modern music, he said. But the reason these songs have stood the test of time is that they carry profound historical meaning and deep emotion. Singing Red songs is not just about the melody — it's about telling the stories behind them and passing on their spiritual strength, he said.
\nUnder ordinary circumstances, people might not feel it deeply. But when you truly immerse yourself in the moment — whether at a grand event held at Tian'anmen Square or watching on television — they will be moved, he said. "As Chinese people, when we listen with a heart full of love for our country, we can understand why these melodies remain timeless."
\nThis spirit of perseverance was echoed on university campuses across the country. At Renmin University of China in Beijing, the opening ceremony held in late August served as a profound historical tribute.
\nZhang Donggang, the university's Party secretary, welcomed students by underscoring the institution's origins in the revolutionary flames of the war of resistance.
\nHe said RUC is a university that marches courageously on the journey toward national rejuvenation, one that inherits a glorious revolutionary tradition and flows with distinct Red genes, as well as being the first university founded by the Communist Party of China.
\nHe urged the class of 2025 to uphold the spirit of the Shaanbei Public School — the predecessor of the university — and embrace the core values of loyalty that reassure the Party, dedication that serves the people, truth-seeking through practical action, and pioneering through tireless endeavor.
\nA particularly moving moment came when Chen Hong, a descendant of war martyr Zhao Yiman, appeared alongside a digital avatar of her grandmother to revisit the spirit of the war years in letters.
\nChen shared excerpts from her grandmother's family letter, noting that her father — the first student enrolled in the university's diplomacy department — had handwritten a copy of the letter for her.
\nChen shared: "Dear student, always remember the arduous years of the war of resistance. Remember those who fought for national survival, for rejuvenation, and for human justice."
\nShe encouraged students to draw strength from the deeds of heroes and grow into pillars capable of shouldering the great task of national rejuvenation.
\nFor Li Zhixuan, an undergraduate student at the university's business school and a former soldier, the ceremony carried deep personal resonance.
\n"In the army, I learned responsibility and commitment. Today, hearing stories of heroes like Zhao Yiman, I understand that retiring from service doesn't mean retiring from spirit," Li said.
\n"The war spirit, for me, is the drive to push through academic challenges, to step up as a student leader when tired, and to hold firm in my beliefs."
\nAnother freshman, Yu Ziran from the university's School of Public Administration, was raised on family stories of the war.
\nHis great-grandparents and grandfather were Party members, and tales of heroic war heroes were his childhood bedtime stories. "The seeds of history were planted in me long ago," Yu said.
\n"Today, at Renmin University, they are reawakening."
\nAt Nanchang University in Jiangxi province, some 3,700 freshmen gathered in the indoor stadium to watch the live broadcast of the Sept 3 commemoration in Beijing.
\nAmong them was Liu Zhen, a postgraduate student in Marxist studies, who had proactively asked his teacher to organize a collective viewing session for his class. "In the resonance, in the veterans' firm gazes, and in the steady march of the People's Liberation Army, I saw the great spirit of the war of resistance," Liu said.
\nSince arriving to study six years ago, Liu has visited all the major sites of the important revolutionary heartland such as the Nanchang August 1 Uprising Memorial Hall. He got to know how the People's Liberation Army emerged from Jiangxi.
\nLast August, he became a volunteer teacher in Guizhou province. There, he took students to cinemas, cultural centers and martyrs' cemeteries, sharing stories of revolutionary heroes. In June, he led 29 students from Guizhou to Nanchang to revisit the memorial hall. "I want to pass on the Red spirit to the next generation," he said.
\n"I will study hard, spread these Red stories, and turn patriotic will into action."
\nAt the Communication University of China, the commemoration of the end of the war took a powerful visual form through an art exhibition, which featured 124 works, including 100 traditional Chinese paintings by doctoral students and 24 oil paintings by Russian artists.
\nLiao Xiangzhong, the university's Party secretary, framed the exhibition as both an artistic and political endeavor — a "comprehensive exam" evaluating students' political awareness and artistic skill.
\nThe event has shown that students have integrated their artistic pursuits into national cultural development, Liao said.
\n"These works demonstrate the doctoral students' firm political conviction, deep national sentiment, and strong sense of mission," he added.
\nDoctoral student Lu Ming presented two ink paintings: Black Mountains, White Waters — Yang Jingyu and Black Mountains, White Waters — Zhou Baozhong, portraying two legendary commanders of the northeast army unit.
\nLu depicted General Yang in a critical charge scene, holding a pistol, eyes filled with determination and belief, contrasting the intensity of the combat with the commander's calm decisiveness. For General Zhou, Lu set the scene in a snowy birch forest, highlighting both the harsh environment and the resilience of the troops. "I used gray tones to portray skin, reflecting both the bitter cold and the harshness of the struggle," he explained.
\nThe exhibition not only guides viewers to remember history and honor the martyrs, but also inspires patriotism on a spiritual level, providing robust support for inheriting the Chinese nation's spiritual lineage and promoting cultural development in the new era, he said.
\nDing Zhe, another doctoral candidate, described her work White Mountains, Black Waters, Casting Loyal Souls as a "spiritual dialogue "with the past. "Art is how we refuse to forget," she said. "Through ink, I tried to reconstruct the spiritual aura of the land — the steadfastness of the mountains, the vastness of the snow. Behind those simple brushstrokes lie countless unknown heroes who protected the motherland with their lives."
\nArt is also a universal language for conveying the message of peace to the world. It transcends borders and cultures, directly speaking to the human heart, she said. "Through such creative expression, we are not only looking back at the past but also making a forward-looking statement: May courage be passed down, may sacrifice be remembered, and may peace become a shared vision for the global village."
\nzoushuo@chinadaily.com.cn
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-01/004/20251001_004_01_62503.png\")
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-01/004/20251001_004_01_35503.png\")
United States President Donald Trump holds a meeting with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday.
\nUnited States President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday they had agreed on a plan to end the conflict in Gaza, leaning heavily into conditions that Hamas has previously rejected.
\nTrump's 20-point plan calls for all hostilities to end immediately, a swap of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, a staged Israeli troop withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, Hamas disarmament, and a transitional government led by an international body.
\nTrump would chair an international "board of peace" to govern and reconstruct the Gaza Strip as part of the plan, which does not require residents to leave the territory.
\nSpeaking at a joint news conference with Netanyahu, Trump said it is time for Hamas to accept the peace proposal.
\nHamas said on Tuesday it will discuss the peace plan within the group and with other Palestinian factions before responding.
\nTrump said on Tuesday that Hamas has about three or four days to respond to his Gaza peace plan proposal or face the consequences.
\nGlobal reaction was swift. Eight Arab and Islamic countries, including Egypt, Qatar and Indonesia, welcomed the plan, reaffirming their commitment to working with the US to secure a deal that guarantees unrestricted humanitarian aid to Gaza, the release of hostages, security for all sides, complete Israeli withdrawal, reconstruction of Gaza, and a path toward a just two-state solution.
\nThe Palestinian Authority, based in the West Bank, expressed readiness to work with the US and partners to end the Gaza conflict through a comprehensive agreement, Palestinian news agency WAFA reported.
\nIslamic Jihad, a Palestinian militant group fighting alongside Hamas in Gaza, slammed the peace proposal as "a formula for igniting the region".
\nQuestions raised
\nIn devastated Gaza, meanwhile, residents expressed skepticism that the plan could end their sufferings. "We as a people will not accept this farce," said Abu Mazen Nassar, 52.
\n"They want to impose their own peace," Umm Mohammed, a history teacher who sheltered with her family in Gaza City, told The Associated Press. "In fact, this is not a peace plan. It's a surrender plan. It returns us to times of colonialism."
\nPhyllis Bennis, a fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies in Washington, said Trump's plan lacks protection for Palestinians. "There are no guarantees to protect Palestinian interests. There are no guarantees that the war will come to a permanent end ... This is really a scenario that does not promise an end to the war, does promise a long-term occupation by foreign troops," she said.
\nIn a video statement published on Telegram early on Tuesday, Netanyahu said the Israeli military "will remain in most of the Gaza Strip".
\nIn another development, Netanyahu expressed regret for an Israeli attack in Doha to Qatar's leader on Monday in a three-way call with Trump, the White House said.
\nNetanyahu also expressed regret for Israel violating Qatari sovereignty and "affirmed that Israel will not conduct such an attack again in the future", the White House added.
\nAt a United Nations Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, on Monday, Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the UN, said "the country with special influence on Israel" must assume its corresponding responsibilities in earnest.
\nFu did not name the country.
\n"We must take robust action to de-escalate tensions in the West Bank," Fu said. "We must act with utmost urgency to end the conflict in Gaza."
\nHe also called for efforts to revitalize the two-state solution with a firm resolve.
\n"China reiterates that attacking civilians and civilian infrastructure is unacceptable, weaponizing humanitarian supplies is unacceptable, and violating international law and international humanitarian law is equally unacceptable," Fu said.
\n"Together with the international community, China stands ready to push for an immediate end to the fighting in Gaza, alleviate the humanitarian catastrophe, implement the two-state solution, and advance a comprehensive, just, and lasting solution to the question of Palestine, to make greater contributions to the peace and stability in the Middle East."
\nAs the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens, pluralities of US citizens — including self-described Democrats and Independents — think the US is providing Israel with too much support and military aid in its offensive, according to a report on the 2025 Chicago Council Survey released on Sept 18.
\nThe poll, conducted in July, found that 53 percent of Democrats consider the US supports Israel too much, upped by 13 percentage points from last year. In contrast, more Republicans now believe that the US strikes the right balance in its support (47 percent, up from 23 percent).
\nContact the writers at huanxinzhao@chinadailyusa.com
\n", - "content": "\nUnited States President Donald Trump holds a meeting with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday.
\nUnited States President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday they had agreed on a plan to end the conflict in Gaza, leaning heavily into conditions that Hamas has previously rejected.
\nTrump's 20-point plan calls for all hostilities to end immediately, a swap of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, a staged Israeli troop withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, Hamas disarmament, and a transitional government led by an international body.
\nTrump would chair an international "board of peace" to govern and reconstruct the Gaza Strip as part of the plan, which does not require residents to leave the territory.
\nSpeaking at a joint news conference with Netanyahu, Trump said it is time for Hamas to accept the peace proposal.
\nHamas said on Tuesday it will discuss the peace plan within the group and with other Palestinian factions before responding.
\nTrump said on Tuesday that Hamas has about three or four days to respond to his Gaza peace plan proposal or face the consequences.
\nGlobal reaction was swift. Eight Arab and Islamic countries, including Egypt, Qatar and Indonesia, welcomed the plan, reaffirming their commitment to working with the US to secure a deal that guarantees unrestricted humanitarian aid to Gaza, the release of hostages, security for all sides, complete Israeli withdrawal, reconstruction of Gaza, and a path toward a just two-state solution.
\nThe Palestinian Authority, based in the West Bank, expressed readiness to work with the US and partners to end the Gaza conflict through a comprehensive agreement, Palestinian news agency WAFA reported.
\nIslamic Jihad, a Palestinian militant group fighting alongside Hamas in Gaza, slammed the peace proposal as "a formula for igniting the region".
\nQuestions raised
\nIn devastated Gaza, meanwhile, residents expressed skepticism that the plan could end their sufferings. "We as a people will not accept this farce," said Abu Mazen Nassar, 52.
\n"They want to impose their own peace," Umm Mohammed, a history teacher who sheltered with her family in Gaza City, told The Associated Press. "In fact, this is not a peace plan. It's a surrender plan. It returns us to times of colonialism."
\nPhyllis Bennis, a fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies in Washington, said Trump's plan lacks protection for Palestinians. "There are no guarantees to protect Palestinian interests. There are no guarantees that the war will come to a permanent end ... This is really a scenario that does not promise an end to the war, does promise a long-term occupation by foreign troops," she said.
\nIn a video statement published on Telegram early on Tuesday, Netanyahu said the Israeli military "will remain in most of the Gaza Strip".
\nIn another development, Netanyahu expressed regret for an Israeli attack in Doha to Qatar's leader on Monday in a three-way call with Trump, the White House said.
\nNetanyahu also expressed regret for Israel violating Qatari sovereignty and "affirmed that Israel will not conduct such an attack again in the future", the White House added.
\nAt a United Nations Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, on Monday, Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the UN, said "the country with special influence on Israel" must assume its corresponding responsibilities in earnest.
\nFu did not name the country.
\n"We must take robust action to de-escalate tensions in the West Bank," Fu said. "We must act with utmost urgency to end the conflict in Gaza."
\nHe also called for efforts to revitalize the two-state solution with a firm resolve.
\n"China reiterates that attacking civilians and civilian infrastructure is unacceptable, weaponizing humanitarian supplies is unacceptable, and violating international law and international humanitarian law is equally unacceptable," Fu said.
\n"Together with the international community, China stands ready to push for an immediate end to the fighting in Gaza, alleviate the humanitarian catastrophe, implement the two-state solution, and advance a comprehensive, just, and lasting solution to the question of Palestine, to make greater contributions to the peace and stability in the Middle East."
\nAs the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens, pluralities of US citizens — including self-described Democrats and Independents — think the US is providing Israel with too much support and military aid in its offensive, according to a report on the 2025 Chicago Council Survey released on Sept 18.
\nThe poll, conducted in July, found that 53 percent of Democrats consider the US supports Israel too much, upped by 13 percentage points from last year. In contrast, more Republicans now believe that the US strikes the right balance in its support (47 percent, up from 23 percent).
\nContact the writers at huanxinzhao@chinadailyusa.com
\n", - "category": "", - "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/01/content_004_68dc2832ed50ccabe151a7a7.htm#004WORLD", - "creator": "", - "pubDate": "Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:21:05 +0000", - "enclosure": "", - "enclosureType": "", - "image": "", - "id": "", - "language": "", - "folder": "双语", - "feed": "ChinaDaily", - "read": false, - "favorite": false, - "created": false, - "tags": [], - "hash": "a2eda25a3102120d8e9bd35110567bfc", - "highlights": [] - }, { "title": "004WORLD - Trail of devastation", "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-01/004/20251001_004_02_30503.png\")
Floodwaters engulf homes after Typhoon Bualoi swept through Lam Thanh commune in Nghe An Province, Vietnam, on Tuesday. The country's most powerful storm this year unleashed torrential rains and severe flooding across the north, killing at least 26 people and leaving 22 missing, according to state media.
\n", @@ -12303,28 +12655,6 @@ "hash": "4026d048fa5b95cf957e1ccbbca23073", "highlights": [] }, - { - "title": "004WORLD - Beijing reaffirms one-China principle", - "description": "China issued a position paper on Tuesday, expounding on the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, and reiterating that the one-China principle must be upheld, while warning against any attempt to challenge the resolution.
\nThe paper, released on the Foreign Ministry's website, said Resolution 2758 solemnly confirms and fully embodies the one-China principle.
\nAdopted at the UN General Assembly's 26th session in October 1971, the resolution "decides to restore all its rights to the People's Republic of China and to recognize the representatives of its Government as the only legitimate representatives of China to the United Nations".
\nThe paper emphasized that the one-China principle is the premise and foundation of the resolution, which resolved once and for all the question of the representation of the whole of China — including Taiwan — at the UN, as a political, legal and procedural issue. The resolution, it added, "brooks no challenge to its legitimacy, validity and authority".
\n"The resolution makes it clear that there is but one China in the world and the Government of the People's Republic of China is the only legitimate representative of the whole of China, including the Taiwan region," it said, adding that the resolution "completely precluded any possibility of creating 'two Chinas' or 'one China, one Taiwan'".
\nThe UN is an international organization of sovereign states, and accepts only representatives from such states, the paper said, adding that Taiwan, which is part of China and not a sovereign state, has no right to send representatives to it.
\nAfter the resolution's adoption, all official UN documents have referred to Taiwan as "Taiwan, Province of China", it said. The adoption made the one-China principle a basic norm of international relations and a prevailing consensus in the international community, it added.
\nThe position paper also recalled how the United States and other countries attempted to obstruct the efforts of the People's Republic of China to regain its lawful seat in the UN, and how those attempts failed.
\n"The whole process leading to the adoption of Resolution 2758 speaks volumes for the irreversible trend of the international community to uphold the one-China principle, and there is no 'two Chinas' or 'one China, one Taiwan'," it said.
\nThe resolution states that the restoration of the lawful rights of the People's Republic of China is essential both for the protection of the UN Charter and for the cause that the UN must serve under the charter.
\nRecalling these words, the position paper said the UN is at the center of the post-World War II international order.
\nAny attempt to challenge the resolution constitutes not only a challenge to China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, but also a challenge to the authority of the UN and the international order, it said.
\nWarning that "flagrantly reversing the course of history is absurd and highly dangerous", the paper said the status of Taiwan as a part of China's territory has never changed and shall never change.
\nwangqingyun@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", - "content": "China issued a position paper on Tuesday, expounding on the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, and reiterating that the one-China principle must be upheld, while warning against any attempt to challenge the resolution.
\nThe paper, released on the Foreign Ministry's website, said Resolution 2758 solemnly confirms and fully embodies the one-China principle.
\nAdopted at the UN General Assembly's 26th session in October 1971, the resolution "decides to restore all its rights to the People's Republic of China and to recognize the representatives of its Government as the only legitimate representatives of China to the United Nations".
\nThe paper emphasized that the one-China principle is the premise and foundation of the resolution, which resolved once and for all the question of the representation of the whole of China — including Taiwan — at the UN, as a political, legal and procedural issue. The resolution, it added, "brooks no challenge to its legitimacy, validity and authority".
\n"The resolution makes it clear that there is but one China in the world and the Government of the People's Republic of China is the only legitimate representative of the whole of China, including the Taiwan region," it said, adding that the resolution "completely precluded any possibility of creating 'two Chinas' or 'one China, one Taiwan'".
\nThe UN is an international organization of sovereign states, and accepts only representatives from such states, the paper said, adding that Taiwan, which is part of China and not a sovereign state, has no right to send representatives to it.
\nAfter the resolution's adoption, all official UN documents have referred to Taiwan as "Taiwan, Province of China", it said. The adoption made the one-China principle a basic norm of international relations and a prevailing consensus in the international community, it added.
\nThe position paper also recalled how the United States and other countries attempted to obstruct the efforts of the People's Republic of China to regain its lawful seat in the UN, and how those attempts failed.
\n"The whole process leading to the adoption of Resolution 2758 speaks volumes for the irreversible trend of the international community to uphold the one-China principle, and there is no 'two Chinas' or 'one China, one Taiwan'," it said.
\nThe resolution states that the restoration of the lawful rights of the People's Republic of China is essential both for the protection of the UN Charter and for the cause that the UN must serve under the charter.
\nRecalling these words, the position paper said the UN is at the center of the post-World War II international order.
\nAny attempt to challenge the resolution constitutes not only a challenge to China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, but also a challenge to the authority of the UN and the international order, it said.
\nWarning that "flagrantly reversing the course of history is absurd and highly dangerous", the paper said the status of Taiwan as a part of China's territory has never changed and shall never change.
\nwangqingyun@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", - "category": "", - "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/01/content_004_68dc283bed50ccabe151a7a9.htm#004WORLD", - "creator": "", - "pubDate": "Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:21:05 +0000", - "enclosure": "", - "enclosureType": "", - "image": "", - "id": "", - "language": "", - "folder": "双语", - "feed": "ChinaDaily", - "read": false, - "favorite": false, - "created": false, - "tags": [], - "hash": "1b36694898c656725e2f7a37ad4dcee8", - "highlights": [] - }, { "title": "004WORLD - Music festival unites East and West", "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-01/004/20251001_004_04_25503.png\")
(From left) China Daily reporter Belinda Robinson interviews panelists Alicia Adams, Jindong Cai, Hai-Ye Ni, Beitong Liu, Xiaoyan Luo and Katherine Chernyak at the China Now Music Festival in New York on Sunday.
\nNew York's iconic Lincoln Center hosted the second day of programming for the eighth China Now Music Festival on Sunday, featuring a concert and forum presented by the US-China Music Institute of Bard College and China Daily.
\nThe groundbreaking concert, performed by The Orchestra Now in the Rose Theater at Frederick P.Rose Hall, showcased the legacy of three generations of Chinese composers, from the 1950s through the 1980s, whose seminal works bridged music, dance and opera.
\nIt was conducted by Jindong Cai, director of the US-China Music Institute and a professor at Bard College. An exploration of the China-United States relationship through art was also woven into the programming.
\nHai-Ye Ni, principal cellist of the Philadelphia Orchestra, performed the US premiere of The Lonely Camel Calf by Chinese-Mongolian composer Yu Mengshi. She highlighted the orchestra's pivotal role in building US-China relations dating back 50 years.
\n"The Philadelphia Orchestra was the first American orchestra to visit China in 1973. It was (conductor) Eugene Ormandy and the whole orchestra. We still have a couple of musicians in the orchestra now who were on that tour," she said.
\nThe US-China Music Forum followed the concert, with panelists delving into the value of continuing cross-cultural musical exchange between the two countries and reflecting on the impact of the Bard East/West Ensemble's first tour of China, which took place from June 7 to 21.
\nFormed in 2022, the ensemble brings together musicians from diverse backgrounds and features performances on 14 Chinese and Western instruments.
\n"In the past 10 to 20 years, I started to think about how we can introduce music from China to the West," said Cai, artistic director of the ensemble. "So that's how we initially started the US-China Music Institute at Bard College.
\n"Three years ago, I came up with the idea because of an event at the Kennedy Center (in Washington) … we thought, what if we combine Chinese instruments with Western music. That's how we created the ensemble. After that performance, I thought, 'I want this to continue.'"
\nProgress made
\nAlicia Adams, former vice-president of international programming and dance at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, reflected on the progress she helped make in US-China cultural exchange during her time at the center.
\n"We made a lot of progress," she said.
\n"I did a China festival at the Kennedy Center in 2005, when we brought over nearly 1,000 artists from China, ranging from the Beijing Opera to the Beijing People's Art Theatre.
\n"It was before the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and before many of these artists had performed in the US, so there was huge interest in China at the time — and in these artists."
\nKatherine Chernyak, a member of the Bard East/West Ensemble, described the tour — her first visit to China — as "special", adding that she felt "very lucky to visit and go there".
\nPanelists also emphasized the importance of continuing to foster US-China ties through the arts.
\n"Musicians like me and musicians like us love both countries," Cai said. "If you ask all the musicians in China and in America, I think we don't want to depart. We want to continue to work together."
\nbelindarobinson@chinadailyusa.com
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