![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-03/002/20251003_002_03_48916.png\")
A high-tech AI "police team", consisting of humanoid robots and quadruped robot dogs, conducts patrols and anti-fraud campaigns along the iconic West Lake in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province on Wednesday. The futuristic "robot police" fascinate tourists who stop to take pictures.
\n", - "content": "A high-tech AI "police team", consisting of humanoid robots and quadruped robot dogs, conducts patrols and anti-fraud campaigns along the iconic West Lake in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province on Wednesday. The futuristic "robot police" fascinate tourists who stop to take pictures.
\n", - "category": "", - "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/03/content_002_68ded7daed50ccabe151a905.htm#002NATION", - "creator": "", - "pubDate": "Fri, 03 Oct 2025 00:21:05 +0000", - "enclosure": "", - "enclosureType": "", - "image": "", - "id": "", - "language": "", - "folder": "双语", - "feed": "ChinaDaily", - "read": false, - "favorite": false, - "created": false, - "tags": [], - "hash": "84974ceb0fc03e99bdcd93490df5cfdb", - "highlights": [] - }, { "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", @@ -11577,28 +11555,6 @@ "hash": "132e1225a7db933d159b4a2769a9fd2c", "highlights": [] }, - { - "title": "008TREND - THINK SMALL, SAVE BIG, ENJOY MORE", - "description": "![](\"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", - "category": "", - "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/03/content_008_68ded812ed50ccabe151a915.htm#008TREND", - "creator": "", - "pubDate": "Fri, 03 Oct 2025 00:21:04 +0000", - "enclosure": "", - "enclosureType": "", - "image": "", - "id": "", - "language": "", - "folder": "双语", - "feed": "ChinaDaily", - "read": false, - "favorite": false, - "created": false, - "tags": [], - "hash": "db053dce6bf112f30923d6f871a1fe58", - "highlights": [] - }, { "title": "001FRONT - Strong progress seen in culture, tourism", "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-02/001/20251002_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", @@ -11621,28 +11577,6 @@ "hash": "e026895667ff624facf3ab18ed5c32d6", "highlights": [] }, - { - "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", - "category": "", - "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/02/content_002_68dd8310ed50ccabe151a834.htm#002NATION", - "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": "fe7975b6b194d957ece3ef08904c8e2a", - "highlights": [] - }, { "title": "005PEOPLE - Cats out of the bag: paws, claws, business-class seats", "description": "![](\"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", @@ -11665,28 +11599,6 @@ "hash": "301fbc80527d73dca3d59c294d72ea3d", "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
\nFans 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![](\"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![](\"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\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![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-01/007/20251001_007_01_19841.png\")
An elk.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-01/007/20251001_007_01_20841.png\")
A golden monkey.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-01/007/20251001_007_01_16841.png\")
A Chinese sturgeon.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-01/007/20251001_007_01_21841.png\")
A Yangtze alligator.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-01/007/20251001_007_01_17841.png\")
A Chinese dove tree.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-01/007/20251001_007_01_18841.png\")
A wild yak.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-01/007/20251001_007_01_9841.png\")
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-01/007/20251001_007_01_33841.png\")
\nBlessed with an extensive network of rivers and lakes, a unique natural ecosystem, and robust functions for sustaining life that releases oxygen, sequesters carbon, and purifies the environment, the Yangtze River plays an irreplaceable role in safeguarding China's critical biological gene pool and ensuring its ecological security.
\nAs a key national biological gene pool, the Yangtze River Basin spans tropical, subtropical, and warm-temperate zones, featuring complex landforms and diverse ecosystem types. Among its ecologically vital areas, the forest ecosystems in the river valleys of western Sichuan, the evergreen broad-leaved forests in southern subtropical regions, and the wetlands in the Yangtze's middle and lower reaches stand as globally significant priority zones for biodiversity conservation.
\nNotably, the wetlands serve as a crucial stopover and wintering grounds for over 100 species and millions of migratory waterbirds. The basin is also home to rare animals like the Chinese sturgeon, finless porpoise, and Yangtze alligator, as well as rare plants including the Chinese fir, dawn redwood, and dove tree, making it a major concentration of China's rare and endangered wildlife.
\nHubei, boasting the longest stretch of the Yangtze River's shoreline, has consistently taken on the political responsibility of high-standard ecological protection. During the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25), the province strengthened coordinated ecological governance and deepened joint prevention and control efforts across 19 key river basins.
\nTo date, it has completed the remediation of 12,462 discharge outlets into the Yangtze River, effectively boosting the diversity, stability, and sustainability of the river's ecosystem.
\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", + "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", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/04/content_001_68e04642ed50ccabe151a9f8.htm#001FRONT", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Sat, 04 Oct 2025 00:21:04 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "a406d3b48c017363fd8a585b6ae74b14", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "001FRONT - Dual holidays, boom in family travel boosting tourism demand", + "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-04/001/20251004_001_02_103.png\")
Visitors enjoy an immersive performance staged on the water in Meishan, Sichuan province, on Wednesday. During the National Day holiday, large numbers of tourists have flocked to scenic spots across the country.
\nThis year's eight-day National Day holiday, which is one day longer than usual and overlaps with Mid-Autumn Festival, has driven greater popularity in the tourism market than previous years, according to industry insiders.
\nAs demand for travel and family reunions overlap, there has been a notable rise in family trips, said Qunar, a Beijing-based online travel agency. This has driven rapid growth in travel volume, and the holiday's overall tourism popularity is expected to surpass that of previous years, the agency said.
\nDue to high demand, many passengers have been unable to book tickets for high-speed trains, so they have turned instead to flight tickets, which has further fueled an overall increase in holiday airfares, said aviation data provider VariFlight.
\nNonetheless, Cai Muzi, a Qunar researcher, said that airfares "saw a drop starting on Oct 2 and reached a relatively low level on Oct 4. Traveling during the offpeak period makes it more cost-effective."
\nOn Oct 1, National Day, the number of air passengers hit a peak, and family travelers were the main force of those embarking on trips, according to Qunar.
\nOn the first day of the holiday period, family travelers accounted for 43 percent of all travelers — 3 percentage points higher than last year — while the number of elderly people and children traveling grew rapidly. The number of children through age 12 traveling by air saw a 31 percent year-on-year increase, while the number of air travelers over age 60 rose 33 percent year-on-year, Qunar found.
\nIn terms of hotel check-ins on Oct 1, Beijing topped the list of the most popular domestic destinations, followed by Shanghai and Chongqing.
\nIn particular, the number of self-driving travelers has increased significantly. On Oct 1, the number of road trip travelers more than tripled over the previous day, according to Tuniu Corp, an online travel agency based in Nanjing, Jiangsu province.
\nThe longer holiday has also enabled more people to travel abroad. Travelers from third-tier and smaller cities have shown more enthusiasm for outbound travel, and the number of people who flew abroad on Oct 1 surged by more than 50 percent year-on-year. The most popular overseas destinations have been Japan, Thailand, South Korea, Malaysia and Vietnam.
\nMeanwhile, the holidays have attracted more international travelers to experience Chinese culture. On Oct 1, the number of foreign passengers taking domestic flights jumped more than 40 percent year-on-year, with such travelers visiting some 70 cities in China. Foreign travelers have mainly come from South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, Qunar found.
\nMeanwhile, as of Sept 25, the average price of air tickets for the National Day holiday was 819 yuan ($115), up 9.1 percent year-on-year, according to Flight Master, a travel services platform in China.
\nLin Zhijie, an independent aviation industry analyst, said: "After adjustments over the past few years, airlines' pricing strategies have undergone significant changes. Their forecasts of market trends have become increasingly accurate and effective, and airfares have also become more closely aligned with market demand."
\nzhuwenqian@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", + "content": "Visitors enjoy an immersive performance staged on the water in Meishan, Sichuan province, on Wednesday. During the National Day holiday, large numbers of tourists have flocked to scenic spots across the country.
\nThis year's eight-day National Day holiday, which is one day longer than usual and overlaps with Mid-Autumn Festival, has driven greater popularity in the tourism market than previous years, according to industry insiders.
\nAs demand for travel and family reunions overlap, there has been a notable rise in family trips, said Qunar, a Beijing-based online travel agency. This has driven rapid growth in travel volume, and the holiday's overall tourism popularity is expected to surpass that of previous years, the agency said.
\nDue to high demand, many passengers have been unable to book tickets for high-speed trains, so they have turned instead to flight tickets, which has further fueled an overall increase in holiday airfares, said aviation data provider VariFlight.
\nNonetheless, Cai Muzi, a Qunar researcher, said that airfares "saw a drop starting on Oct 2 and reached a relatively low level on Oct 4. Traveling during the offpeak period makes it more cost-effective."
\nOn Oct 1, National Day, the number of air passengers hit a peak, and family travelers were the main force of those embarking on trips, according to Qunar.
\nOn the first day of the holiday period, family travelers accounted for 43 percent of all travelers — 3 percentage points higher than last year — while the number of elderly people and children traveling grew rapidly. The number of children through age 12 traveling by air saw a 31 percent year-on-year increase, while the number of air travelers over age 60 rose 33 percent year-on-year, Qunar found.
\nIn terms of hotel check-ins on Oct 1, Beijing topped the list of the most popular domestic destinations, followed by Shanghai and Chongqing.
\nIn particular, the number of self-driving travelers has increased significantly. On Oct 1, the number of road trip travelers more than tripled over the previous day, according to Tuniu Corp, an online travel agency based in Nanjing, Jiangsu province.
\nThe longer holiday has also enabled more people to travel abroad. Travelers from third-tier and smaller cities have shown more enthusiasm for outbound travel, and the number of people who flew abroad on Oct 1 surged by more than 50 percent year-on-year. The most popular overseas destinations have been Japan, Thailand, South Korea, Malaysia and Vietnam.
\nMeanwhile, the holidays have attracted more international travelers to experience Chinese culture. On Oct 1, the number of foreign passengers taking domestic flights jumped more than 40 percent year-on-year, with such travelers visiting some 70 cities in China. Foreign travelers have mainly come from South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, Qunar found.
\nMeanwhile, as of Sept 25, the average price of air tickets for the National Day holiday was 819 yuan ($115), up 9.1 percent year-on-year, according to Flight Master, a travel services platform in China.
\nLin Zhijie, an independent aviation industry analyst, said: "After adjustments over the past few years, airlines' pricing strategies have undergone significant changes. Their forecasts of market trends have become increasingly accurate and effective, and airfares have also become more closely aligned with market demand."
\nzhuwenqian@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/04/content_001_68e04646ed50ccabe151a9f9.htm#001FRONT", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Sat, 04 Oct 2025 00:21:04 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "2097e68240268d5d6d2bdda7962a75b4", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "001FRONT - Fashionable entrance", + "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-04/001/20251004_001_03_90.png\")
A model showcases clothing on Wednesday that blends the traditional craftsmanship of the Lisu ethnic group from China's Sichuan province with modern fashion elements, at the third Sino-French Fashion Week held at the China Cultural Center in Paris.
\n", + "content": "A model showcases clothing on Wednesday that blends the traditional craftsmanship of the Lisu ethnic group from China's Sichuan province with modern fashion elements, at the third Sino-French Fashion Week held at the China Cultural Center in Paris.
\n", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/04/content_001_68e0464aed50ccabe151a9fa.htm#001FRONT", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Sat, 04 Oct 2025 00:21:04 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "d19bc322e01befc2de84930088e491e6", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "001FRONT - AI DRIVING TRANSFORMATION OF CONSUMER ELECTRONICS", + "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-04/001/20251004_003_02_38.png\")
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-04/001/20251004_003_02_12.png\")
Shoppers browse smart electric cookers at a store in Changzhou, Jiangsu province.
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-04/001/20251004_003_02_23.png\")
An AI-powered air conditioner on display during an industry expo in Shanghai earlier this year.
\nAir conditioners that automatically control the humidity and temperature of a room, based on artificial intelligence-powered voice interactions and machine learning ability to track consumer habits, have already become part of people's daily lives in China.
\nNowadays, people can play games, engage in physical exercise, make purchases online and have video chats with friends and family members via intelligent televisions.
\nThanks to the rapid development of AI, an increasing number of home appliances can be controlled through voice commands and facial recognition, helping to better understand and satisfy the personalized and diversified demands of users.
\nExperts said rapidly evolving artificial intelligence is expected to create new consumption growth drivers and inject strong impetus into China's home appliance industry, as the cutting-edge digital technology spearheads a new wave of technological revolution and industrial transformation.
\nAI is not only playing an increasingly pivotal role in boosting productivity and reshaping the competitive landscape in the household appliances market, but also driving the transformation and upgrade of the traditional manufacturing sector, they said.
\nThe State Council, China's Cabinet, recently issued a guideline on deeply implementing the "AI Plus" initiative. According to the guideline, the country will promote the use of AI in science and technology, industrial development, consumption, people's well-being, governance capability and global cooperation.
\nBy 2027, China will extensively and deeply integrate AI in six key sectors, with the penetration rate of new-generation intelligent terminals and AI agents surpassing 70 percent, and this figure will exceed 90 percent by 2030, the guideline said.
\nThe country has recognized AI as essential to fostering new quality productive forces and activating new growth drivers. Leading Chinese consumer electronics and home appliance makers are racing to incorporate AI technology into manufacturing, products and services.
\nAI is reshaping the industrial landscape and will be the biggest technological revolution in the next 50 years, said Zhou Yunjie, chairman and CEO of Chinese home appliance giant Haier Group. "At present, the deployment of AI in enterprises is mainly concentrated on manufacturing, research and development, sales, procurement and services."
\nHighlighting that every industry will integrate with AI, and any enterprise that does not embrace AI will eventually be weeded out, Zhou noted that the integration of AI models with home service robots and terminal devices will create new growth drivers for the global consumer electronics industry.
\nThe company has invested heavily in developing large language models and is promoting the adoption of AI in a wide range of fields such as household appliances and industrial internet, he said.
\nAI models tailored for the smart home domain represent key infrastructure supporting transformation of the traditional home appliances sector, he added.
\nLi Dongsheng, founder and chairman of Chinese consumer electronics manufacturer TCL Technology Group Corp, said, "The application of AI in the high-tech manufacturing sector will bring about greater value than its use in terminal products, as this state-of-the-art digital technology will significantly improve the production efficiency and competitiveness of China's manufacturing enterprises."
\nLi said AI is increasingly embedded into intelligent production lines, product research and development, and terminal devices, which will further bolster the development of China's high-tech manufacturing sector.
\n"We established an AI research and development center in Poland in 2018. Prior to that, we set up an R&D center in the United States in 2011. As a manufacturing enterprise, we will focus more on the application of AI," Li said.
\nHe said China's breakthroughs in LLMs, along with the meteoric rise of Chinese AI startup DeepSeek, have enabled it to rapidly catch up with the United States in the AI segment, while surpassing most other developed economies in terms of AI application.
\nThis year's Government Work Report stated that under the "AI Plus" initiative, the nation will work to effectively combine digital technologies with its manufacturing and market strengths, support the extensive application of large-scale AI models, and vigorously develop new-generation intelligent terminals and smart manufacturing equipment.
\nAccording to a report by China Merchants Securities, the market scale of the smart home devices sector in China will reach 952.3 billion yuan ($133.9 billion) in 2025, with the penetration rate of AI technology exceeding 50 percent. In the next 10 years, smart household appliances will experience explosive growth.
\n"We are pushing forward the integration of AI with data and speeding up the industrial use of AI," said Liu Jiang, chairman of Sichuan Changhong Electronics Holding Group Co Ltd.
\nThe company is leveraging AI to inspect the quality of machines and components to facilitate the automation and intelligent upgrade of equipment and improve the efficiency of production lines, Liu said.
\nChanghong has applied AI technology into areas such as manufacturing, operations and products. It has unveiled plans to establish 66 AI-powered intelligent factories worldwide, and has rolled out AI televisions equipped with LLMs that support multimodal interaction functions including voice, gesture and expressions.
\nHisense Group said its Xinghai large language model is deeply integrated with DeepSeek, and with enhanced deep thinking and reasoning abilities, its smart TVs can better understand user demands, and provide them with a more natural interaction experience.
\nStatistics from Beijing-based consultancy All View Cloud, which focuses on the home appliances sector, showed that the sales of home appliances in China reached 907.1 billion yuan last year, up 6.4 percent year-on-year, a fresh record.
\nChina's AI sector will make big strides in the next 10 to 15 years, with its market size reaching 1.73 trillion yuan by 2035, accounting for 30.6 percent of the global total, said market research company CCID Consulting.
\nGree Electric Appliances, a major Chinese home appliance manufacturer based in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, has embedded its own proprietary model framework into DeepSeek R1 and plans to build an industry-specific AI model based on DeepSeek.
\nDong Mingzhu, chairwoman of Gree, said the company will bolster the integration of image and voice recognition and other AI technologies with home appliance products, and expects the application of AI in air conditioners to contribute to energy conservation.
\n"The rise of AI technology will offer better human-machine interaction capacities and advance the intelligent transformation of the traditional home appliances sector, while unleashing immense consumption potential," said Liu Fei, research director of the consumer electronics department at All View Cloud.
\nChinese consumers have shown increased demand for high-quality and smart home equipment along with the iteration and upgrade of product functions and technologies, Liu said, adding that the accelerated adoption of AI in household appliances will further stimulate consumers' purchasing appetites, thereby expanding domestic demand and shoring up the economy.
\nHowever, some challenges and difficulties have cropped up in the development of smart home devices, Liu said.
\nAI-powered home appliance products made by different manufacturers usually cannot be connected, and they still rely on foreign suppliers for high-end smart chips, Liu said.
\nHong Yong, an associate research fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, said the adoption of AI can reduce production costs, improve the quality of products and optimize resource allocation, thus bringing about huge economic benefits.
\nHe added that the new type of consumption is mainly driven by technological advancements in AI, with a focus on consumers' personalized and diversified needs.
\nMidea Group is bolstering the application of AI technology in intelligent manufacturing, smart home, robotic and healthcare segments.
\nZhong Zheng, vice-president of Midea, called for stepping up R&D investment in AI, especially in core technologies in key fields, establishing a data security and privacy protection system, and strengthening the training of high-caliber AI talent.
\nLiang Zhenpeng, an independent consumer electronics analyst, said that as smart air conditioners precisely adjust room temperatures and TVs recommend and broadcast programs in accordance with the preferences of consumers, household appliances have turned into people's companions.
\nChina's smart home industry is developing by leaps and bounds, fueled by advances in cutting-edge technologies represented by AI, Liang said, adding that home appliances are creating a more comfortable and smarter home environment for residents with the help of AI.
\nLiang noted, "The emergence of AI technology will better facilitate the conversational interaction between human beings and home appliance products. Along with people's increasing desire for a high-quality life, the AI-enabled smart home sector has a promising future."
\nZhu Keli, founding director of the China Institute of New Economy, stressed on the need for Chinese home appliance enterprises to improve computing power by establishing high-performance computing centers and elevating algorithm design to boost the utilization efficiency of computing power.
\nfanfeifei@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", + "content": "\nShoppers browse smart electric cookers at a store in Changzhou, Jiangsu province.
\nAn AI-powered air conditioner on display during an industry expo in Shanghai earlier this year.
\nAir conditioners that automatically control the humidity and temperature of a room, based on artificial intelligence-powered voice interactions and machine learning ability to track consumer habits, have already become part of people's daily lives in China.
\nNowadays, people can play games, engage in physical exercise, make purchases online and have video chats with friends and family members via intelligent televisions.
\nThanks to the rapid development of AI, an increasing number of home appliances can be controlled through voice commands and facial recognition, helping to better understand and satisfy the personalized and diversified demands of users.
\nExperts said rapidly evolving artificial intelligence is expected to create new consumption growth drivers and inject strong impetus into China's home appliance industry, as the cutting-edge digital technology spearheads a new wave of technological revolution and industrial transformation.
\nAI is not only playing an increasingly pivotal role in boosting productivity and reshaping the competitive landscape in the household appliances market, but also driving the transformation and upgrade of the traditional manufacturing sector, they said.
\nThe State Council, China's Cabinet, recently issued a guideline on deeply implementing the "AI Plus" initiative. According to the guideline, the country will promote the use of AI in science and technology, industrial development, consumption, people's well-being, governance capability and global cooperation.
\nBy 2027, China will extensively and deeply integrate AI in six key sectors, with the penetration rate of new-generation intelligent terminals and AI agents surpassing 70 percent, and this figure will exceed 90 percent by 2030, the guideline said.
\nThe country has recognized AI as essential to fostering new quality productive forces and activating new growth drivers. Leading Chinese consumer electronics and home appliance makers are racing to incorporate AI technology into manufacturing, products and services.
\nAI is reshaping the industrial landscape and will be the biggest technological revolution in the next 50 years, said Zhou Yunjie, chairman and CEO of Chinese home appliance giant Haier Group. "At present, the deployment of AI in enterprises is mainly concentrated on manufacturing, research and development, sales, procurement and services."
\nHighlighting that every industry will integrate with AI, and any enterprise that does not embrace AI will eventually be weeded out, Zhou noted that the integration of AI models with home service robots and terminal devices will create new growth drivers for the global consumer electronics industry.
\nThe company has invested heavily in developing large language models and is promoting the adoption of AI in a wide range of fields such as household appliances and industrial internet, he said.
\nAI models tailored for the smart home domain represent key infrastructure supporting transformation of the traditional home appliances sector, he added.
\nLi Dongsheng, founder and chairman of Chinese consumer electronics manufacturer TCL Technology Group Corp, said, "The application of AI in the high-tech manufacturing sector will bring about greater value than its use in terminal products, as this state-of-the-art digital technology will significantly improve the production efficiency and competitiveness of China's manufacturing enterprises."
\nLi said AI is increasingly embedded into intelligent production lines, product research and development, and terminal devices, which will further bolster the development of China's high-tech manufacturing sector.
\n"We established an AI research and development center in Poland in 2018. Prior to that, we set up an R&D center in the United States in 2011. As a manufacturing enterprise, we will focus more on the application of AI," Li said.
\nHe said China's breakthroughs in LLMs, along with the meteoric rise of Chinese AI startup DeepSeek, have enabled it to rapidly catch up with the United States in the AI segment, while surpassing most other developed economies in terms of AI application.
\nThis year's Government Work Report stated that under the "AI Plus" initiative, the nation will work to effectively combine digital technologies with its manufacturing and market strengths, support the extensive application of large-scale AI models, and vigorously develop new-generation intelligent terminals and smart manufacturing equipment.
\nAccording to a report by China Merchants Securities, the market scale of the smart home devices sector in China will reach 952.3 billion yuan ($133.9 billion) in 2025, with the penetration rate of AI technology exceeding 50 percent. In the next 10 years, smart household appliances will experience explosive growth.
\n"We are pushing forward the integration of AI with data and speeding up the industrial use of AI," said Liu Jiang, chairman of Sichuan Changhong Electronics Holding Group Co Ltd.
\nThe company is leveraging AI to inspect the quality of machines and components to facilitate the automation and intelligent upgrade of equipment and improve the efficiency of production lines, Liu said.
\nChanghong has applied AI technology into areas such as manufacturing, operations and products. It has unveiled plans to establish 66 AI-powered intelligent factories worldwide, and has rolled out AI televisions equipped with LLMs that support multimodal interaction functions including voice, gesture and expressions.
\nHisense Group said its Xinghai large language model is deeply integrated with DeepSeek, and with enhanced deep thinking and reasoning abilities, its smart TVs can better understand user demands, and provide them with a more natural interaction experience.
\nStatistics from Beijing-based consultancy All View Cloud, which focuses on the home appliances sector, showed that the sales of home appliances in China reached 907.1 billion yuan last year, up 6.4 percent year-on-year, a fresh record.
\nChina's AI sector will make big strides in the next 10 to 15 years, with its market size reaching 1.73 trillion yuan by 2035, accounting for 30.6 percent of the global total, said market research company CCID Consulting.
\nGree Electric Appliances, a major Chinese home appliance manufacturer based in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, has embedded its own proprietary model framework into DeepSeek R1 and plans to build an industry-specific AI model based on DeepSeek.
\nDong Mingzhu, chairwoman of Gree, said the company will bolster the integration of image and voice recognition and other AI technologies with home appliance products, and expects the application of AI in air conditioners to contribute to energy conservation.
\n"The rise of AI technology will offer better human-machine interaction capacities and advance the intelligent transformation of the traditional home appliances sector, while unleashing immense consumption potential," said Liu Fei, research director of the consumer electronics department at All View Cloud.
\nChinese consumers have shown increased demand for high-quality and smart home equipment along with the iteration and upgrade of product functions and technologies, Liu said, adding that the accelerated adoption of AI in household appliances will further stimulate consumers' purchasing appetites, thereby expanding domestic demand and shoring up the economy.
\nHowever, some challenges and difficulties have cropped up in the development of smart home devices, Liu said.
\nAI-powered home appliance products made by different manufacturers usually cannot be connected, and they still rely on foreign suppliers for high-end smart chips, Liu said.
\nHong Yong, an associate research fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, said the adoption of AI can reduce production costs, improve the quality of products and optimize resource allocation, thus bringing about huge economic benefits.
\nHe added that the new type of consumption is mainly driven by technological advancements in AI, with a focus on consumers' personalized and diversified needs.
\nMidea Group is bolstering the application of AI technology in intelligent manufacturing, smart home, robotic and healthcare segments.
\nZhong Zheng, vice-president of Midea, called for stepping up R&D investment in AI, especially in core technologies in key fields, establishing a data security and privacy protection system, and strengthening the training of high-caliber AI talent.
\nLiang Zhenpeng, an independent consumer electronics analyst, said that as smart air conditioners precisely adjust room temperatures and TVs recommend and broadcast programs in accordance with the preferences of consumers, household appliances have turned into people's companions.
\nChina's smart home industry is developing by leaps and bounds, fueled by advances in cutting-edge technologies represented by AI, Liang said, adding that home appliances are creating a more comfortable and smarter home environment for residents with the help of AI.
\nLiang noted, "The emergence of AI technology will better facilitate the conversational interaction between human beings and home appliance products. Along with people's increasing desire for a high-quality life, the AI-enabled smart home sector has a promising future."
\nZhu Keli, founding director of the China Institute of New Economy, stressed on the need for Chinese home appliance enterprises to improve computing power by establishing high-performance computing centers and elevating algorithm design to boost the utilization efficiency of computing power.
\nfanfeifei@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/04/content_001_68e0464fed50ccabe151a9fb.htm#001FRONT", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Sat, 04 Oct 2025 00:21:04 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "b0b2ef3d599b01a69ab420599effc26a", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "001FRONT - Nation's role as steadying global force highlighted", + "description": "China will remain a stabilizing force in the global economy, with recent targeted financing tools and steps to bolster domestic demand and trade underscoring its proactive policy support, resilience and long-term growth potential, said market watchers and business leaders on Friday.
\nThey made the remarks after the Washington-based International Monetary Fund said on Thursday that global inflation presents a mixed picture. Headline inflation has shown renewed upward pressure in several economies, with stronger readings recently in the United Kingdom, Australia and India.
\nJulie Kozack, director of the IMF's communications department, said that in the United States, there is evidence that tariffs are feeding through into higher prices, particularly in core inflation.
\n"And then we have countries where inflation pressures are very muted, for example in China and some countries in Asia," she said.
\nAnalysts said China's ability to maintain relatively low inflation, safeguard supply chains and sustain steady exports of green and high-tech products underlines its role as a stabilizer in the global economy, especially at a time when certain countries are grappling with divergent price pressures and policy uncertainties.
\nChina's recent policy moves show a clear commitment to cushioning the economy against global headwinds, said Wang Guannan, spokeswoman for the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.
\n"By expanding financing channels for key sectors and ensuring stable demand at home and abroad, China is enhancing its role as a steadying force in the world economy," she said.
\nTo meet these expectations, the National Development and Reform Commission, China's top economic regulator, announced earlier this week that the government will introduce a new policy-based financial instrument worth 500 billion yuan ($70.2 billion), as part of the country's efforts to improve financial services for the real economy and boost effective investment.
\n"Despite external pressures, China's economy has remained generally stable, with solid progress in high-quality development," said Li Chao, spokesperson for the NDRC. "As the effects of policies are fully released, we are confident in maintaining steady and healthy economic development, and confident in achieving the annual growth target."
\nChen Jianwei, a researcher at the University of International Business and Economics' Academy of China Open Economy Studies, said that targeted measures that address domestic consumption as well as stable foreign trade growth are helping to build confidence among businesses and investors.
\nChen said this reflects not only proactive policy support, but also the resilience and long-term potential of the Chinese economy.
\nRecognizing China's market strengths, Yin Zheng, executive vice-president of China and East Asia operations at French industrial conglomerate Schneider Electric, said that with its vast market size, comprehensive industrial support and resilient supply chains, China has become a central force in the global industrial landscape.
\nThe rapid growth and broad application of frontier technologies such as artificial intelligence are further reinforcing this position, Yin said.
\nDenis Depoux, global managing director of management consultancy Roland Berger, said that the partnership between China and many Asian countries, especially economies of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, has achieved resounding success, built on a foundation of deep integration.
\nCrucially, this deep regionalization is not just beneficial for Chinese or ASEAN companies, but is essential for Asia's future collective competitiveness, said Depoux, adding that amid global geopolitical tensions, building resilient regional supply chains is a strategic imperative.
\n"For Chinese companies, ASEAN is not merely an outlet, it is an integral part of a regional industrial ecosystem," Depoux said.
\nFurthermore, faced with rising uncertainties from the US, Asian governments are encouraging regional demand within Asia and accelerating efforts to build a more integrated and easier-to-navigate Asian market with resilient regional supply chains, he said.
\nzhongnan@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", + "content": "China will remain a stabilizing force in the global economy, with recent targeted financing tools and steps to bolster domestic demand and trade underscoring its proactive policy support, resilience and long-term growth potential, said market watchers and business leaders on Friday.
\nThey made the remarks after the Washington-based International Monetary Fund said on Thursday that global inflation presents a mixed picture. Headline inflation has shown renewed upward pressure in several economies, with stronger readings recently in the United Kingdom, Australia and India.
\nJulie Kozack, director of the IMF's communications department, said that in the United States, there is evidence that tariffs are feeding through into higher prices, particularly in core inflation.
\n"And then we have countries where inflation pressures are very muted, for example in China and some countries in Asia," she said.
\nAnalysts said China's ability to maintain relatively low inflation, safeguard supply chains and sustain steady exports of green and high-tech products underlines its role as a stabilizer in the global economy, especially at a time when certain countries are grappling with divergent price pressures and policy uncertainties.
\nChina's recent policy moves show a clear commitment to cushioning the economy against global headwinds, said Wang Guannan, spokeswoman for the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.
\n"By expanding financing channels for key sectors and ensuring stable demand at home and abroad, China is enhancing its role as a steadying force in the world economy," she said.
\nTo meet these expectations, the National Development and Reform Commission, China's top economic regulator, announced earlier this week that the government will introduce a new policy-based financial instrument worth 500 billion yuan ($70.2 billion), as part of the country's efforts to improve financial services for the real economy and boost effective investment.
\n"Despite external pressures, China's economy has remained generally stable, with solid progress in high-quality development," said Li Chao, spokesperson for the NDRC. "As the effects of policies are fully released, we are confident in maintaining steady and healthy economic development, and confident in achieving the annual growth target."
\nChen Jianwei, a researcher at the University of International Business and Economics' Academy of China Open Economy Studies, said that targeted measures that address domestic consumption as well as stable foreign trade growth are helping to build confidence among businesses and investors.
\nChen said this reflects not only proactive policy support, but also the resilience and long-term potential of the Chinese economy.
\nRecognizing China's market strengths, Yin Zheng, executive vice-president of China and East Asia operations at French industrial conglomerate Schneider Electric, said that with its vast market size, comprehensive industrial support and resilient supply chains, China has become a central force in the global industrial landscape.
\nThe rapid growth and broad application of frontier technologies such as artificial intelligence are further reinforcing this position, Yin said.
\nDenis Depoux, global managing director of management consultancy Roland Berger, said that the partnership between China and many Asian countries, especially economies of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, has achieved resounding success, built on a foundation of deep integration.
\nCrucially, this deep regionalization is not just beneficial for Chinese or ASEAN companies, but is essential for Asia's future collective competitiveness, said Depoux, adding that amid global geopolitical tensions, building resilient regional supply chains is a strategic imperative.
\n"For Chinese companies, ASEAN is not merely an outlet, it is an integral part of a regional industrial ecosystem," Depoux said.
\nFurthermore, faced with rising uncertainties from the US, Asian governments are encouraging regional demand within Asia and accelerating efforts to build a more integrated and easier-to-navigate Asian market with resilient regional supply chains, he said.
\nzhongnan@chinadaily.com.cn
\n", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-10/04/content_001_68e04653ed50ccabe151a9fc.htm#001FRONT", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Sat, 04 Oct 2025 00:21:04 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "920a167ec3855d1d7f9599acdc350dc5", + "highlights": [] + }, { "title": "001FRONT - Xi congratulates Tianjin University", "description": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-10-03/001/20251003_001_01_78314.png\")
Tianjin University President Chai Liyuan (front, third from left) joins faculty members, students and alumni on Thursday in sharing the 130th anniversary cake at the university in Tianjin.
\nPresident Xi Jinping has extended his congratulations to the faculty, students and alumni of Tianjin University on the 130th anniversary of the founding of China's first modern university.
\nXi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, conveyed his congratulations in a reply dated Tuesday to a letter from all the faculty and students of the university.
\nXi described the anniversary as a new starting point for the university, and called on its faculty and students to focus on major national strategic needs.
\nHe expressed his hope that they will deepen reforms in teaching and scientific research, strengthen basic research, and achieve greater breakthroughs in science and technology.
\nXi also urged them to improve the quality of talent development and contribute to the country's efforts to build a strong educational system, enhance scientific and technological strength, and advance Chinese modernization.
\nTianjin University, which was founded in 1895 as Peiyang University, adopted its current name in 1951.
\nThe university, with about 40,000 full-time students and more than 4,800 faculty and staff members, is known for its specialties in engineering.
\nRecently, the university's faculty and students wrote a letter to Xi, reporting the university's development over the 130 years and its achievements in recent years.
\nThey also expressed their determination to cultivate talent independently and achieve greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology.
\nXi's reply was received with great enthusiasm by the university's faculty and students.
\nYang Xianjin, Party secretary of Tianjin University, said the reply was inspiring and encouraging, adding that it has provided fundamental guidance for the university's efforts to build itself into a world-class university.
\nLiu Congqiang, dean of the School of Earth System Science, said the reply contains strategic guidance for scientific and technological innovation in the new era.
\n"We feel deeply honored and are deeply aware of the great responsibility we shoulder," Liu said.
\nThe school will work to better align its basic research efforts with the country's major needs, such as those for carbon peak and carbon neutrality, and contribute to the country's efforts to cultivate new quality productive forces, Liu said.
\nQi Dehao, a student in the School of Precision Instrument and Opto-Electronics Engineering, said, "In this era, only innovators advance, only innovators become strong, and only innovators win."
\n"We will bravely climb the peaks of technology and take the lead in overcoming technological 'stranglehold', contributing our youthful energy to the realization of the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation," Qi said.
\nTan Lak Hon, an international student from Malaysia, said that during his three years at Tianjin University, he has gained not only extensive knowledge, but also many unforgettable experiences and memories.
\nLast year marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China, and last month, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim visited Tianjin University.
\n"These two significant events have converged during my youth, strengthening my future direction — to integrate personal growth into the progress of the times, to transform cross-cultural exchanges into bridges and bonds, and to tell the story of Malaysia-China friendship," he said.
\n",