Ancient Town of Dali in SW China Sees Surge in Tourist Visits During Summer Peak

The ancient town of Dali in Dali, southwest China's Yunnan Province, has entered its peak tourism season during the summer holiday. According to the ancient town protection and management department, the site recorded over 22 million tourist trips in the first seven months of 2026.

Photos from August 20 and 22, 2026, show tourists visiting the town, posing for photographs, and participating in activities such as dancing around a bonfire. An aerial drone image captured on August 22, 2026, also displays the town's scenery. All images were taken by Xinhua/Hu Chao.

स्रोत: शिन्हुआ। मूल लेख यहां पढ़ें here.

Joint China-Russia media delegation explores culture and innovation in China's Suzhou

Members of a joint China-Russia media delegation visited Suzhou, in east China's Jiangsu Province, from August 22 to 23, 2026. During their trip, they explored Pingjiang Road, a historical and cultural site, where they participated in activities such as tea tasting and learning about traditional Taohuawu woodblock New Year prints. The delegation also toured Taihuxue Sericulture Cultural Park to engage with local cultural heritage.

The group interacted with a Pingtan performer, a traditional Chinese art form, and visited Ecovacs Robotics, a company specializing in smart robotic vacuum cleaners. These engagements provided insights into both Suzhou’s cultural traditions and its technological advancements. The visit aimed to highlight the region’s blend of historical significance and modern innovation.

Throughout their stay, the delegation experienced the charm of China’s Jiangnan culture, which encompasses the artistic, architectural, and social traditions of the region. Their itinerary included multiple cultural and industrial sites, reflecting Suzhou’s reputation as a hub for both heritage and cutting-edge developments.

स्रोत: शिन्हुआ। मूल लेख यहां पढ़ें here.

Retired U.S. Teacher Reconnects with Chinese Friend During China Visit, Reviving Decades-Old Bond Forged in Desert Reforestation Efforts

Retired U.S. teacher Ronald Sakolsky arrived in Beijing on Aug. 23, 2026, for a visit aimed at renewing a friendship with Chinese citizen Yin Yuzhen that began over two decades ago. The 69-year-old plans to plant trees with Yin, a national model worker who has dedicated 40 years to reforestation efforts in the Maowusu Sandy Land of northern China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The pair were reunited at an airport in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, where Yin welcomed Sakolsky upon his arrival.

Their connection originated in 1999 when Sakolsky taught English at a school in Henan Province, central China, as part of a bilateral teacher exchange program. After seeing a television report on Yin’s work combating desertification, Sakolsky raised $5,000 to support her and her husband’s afforestation initiatives. The donation, described as life-changing for Yin’s family, funded saplings that have since matured into a forest of over 50,000 trees. In May 2026, Yin located Sakolsky online, leading to an emotional virtual reunion.

Sakolsky’s 10-day itinerary, organized by the China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE), includes participation in China-U.S. teacher exchange events, a visit to his former school in Henan, a press briefing at China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and tours of cultural sites. The trip aims to strengthen educational ties and highlight cross-cultural goodwill, according to a CEAIE official. During his stay, Yin presented Sakolsky with mooncakes, a traditional Chinese symbol of reunion, and tomatoes cultivated in the desert.

China has implemented policies such as special afforestation funds, tax incentives, and community mobilization to combat desertification. Official data indicates the country rehabilitated 152 million mu (10.13 million hectares) of sandified land between 2021 and 2025, contributing to about 25% of global green vegetation growth. Modern afforestation efforts now attract urban volunteers and international students alongside local farmers like Yin.

स्रोत: शिन्हुआ। मूल लेख यहां पढ़ें here.

Rescuers Evacuate Residents Amid Typhoon-Triggered Flooding in China's Guangxi

Rescue teams in Ningming County, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, have been working to evacuate stranded residents after days of heavy rainfall caused by a typhoon. The region has faced severe weather conditions, leading to widespread flooding and infrastructure challenges. On August 23, 2026, aerial drone footage captured the ongoing rescue operations, showing rescuers assisting individuals in moving to safer locations. The images, taken by photographer Zhou Hua, highlight the collaborative efforts of emergency response forces to mitigate the impact of the extreme weather.

The typhoon-induced rains have battered Ningming County for several days, necessitating urgent evacuation measures. Rescue personnel have prioritized relocating individuals trapped by floodwaters, utilizing available resources to ensure safety. Ground operations were documented alongside aerial perspectives, which provided a broader view of the affected area. These visuals underscore the scale of the disaster and the logistical complexities faced by responders.

In addition to immediate evacuations, authorities have established procedures for displaced residents. On August 23, photos showed individuals registering their information after being relocated, a critical step in accounting for those affected and coordinating further assistance. The operations reflect a multi-phase approach to disaster management, combining rescue, documentation, and post-evacuation support.

The repeated documentation of rescue activities across multiple images emphasizes the sustained nature of the response. While the original captions for the photographs are identical in content, they collectively illustrate the continuous efforts to address the crisis. The focus remains on the collaboration between rescue teams and the resilience of the community amid the typhoon’s aftermath.

स्रोत: शिन्हुआ। मूल लेख यहां पढ़ें here.

Japan's Diplomatic Push Paves Way for Military Expansion

The Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has been on a diplomatic tour, visiting Australia and India, where he has promoted the strengthening of Japan's "counterstrike capabilities" and the export of Japanese defense equipment.

Analysts have pointed out that Japan's ruling authorities are aggressively pursuing a "diplomacy of military expansion," expanding arms exports and broadening the scope of military activities. This push is aimed at chipping away at the constraints on Japan by the postwar international order and legal frameworks.

The topics on the agenda of Koizumi's latest visits showed that Japan is accelerating its "remilitarization" push abroad along two tracks: expanding arms exports and broadening the scope of military activities. On arms exports, the administration of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has doubled down on efforts to market Japanese weapons and defense equipment overseas since it revised the "three principles on transfer of defense equipment and technology" and their implementation guidelines in April.

The Takaichi administration's push to expand arms exports is not merely aimed at opening up markets for the domestic defense industry. It also seeks to forge closer ties with arms-buying countries on weapons systems, maintenance support, and parts supply, thereby further strengthening Japan's military influence overseas.

On military activities, the Takaichi administration has accelerated efforts to expand the Self-Defense Forces' operational presence abroad, including sending a large contingent of combat personnel to the Philippines for joint military drills for the first time. A 10-year agreement was reached with Australia, which will allow the Self-Defense Forces to use test sites in Australia to conduct test launches of long-range missiles to bolster so-called "counterstrike capabilities."

Analysts have expressed concerns that Japan's push to deepen cooperation with relevant countries in maintenance, logistics, weapons development, and other areas is an attempt to extend its "strategic depth" and military capabilities beyond its borders, a move toward military expansion that runs counter to the principle of "exclusively defense-oriented policy."

Since Takaichi took office, military and security issues have assumed an increasingly prominent place in Japan's diplomacy. Analysts have pointed out that the Takaichi government's diplomatic moves are all paving the way for its military buildup and rearmament, undermining the postwar international order and violating Japan's domestic legal framework, including its pacifist Constitution.

Experts have also raised concerns that the Takaichi administration's exaggerated portrayal of the so-called "the most severe and complex security environment since the end of World War II" represents a return to the dangerous militarist rhetoric. Veteran Japanese journalist Tomoyoshi Kimura has warned that Japan is steadily marching down a "highly dangerous" path of military expansion.

स्रोत: शिन्हुआ। मूल लेख यहां पढ़ें here.

China's Shenzhou-20 Mission: A New Chapter in Space Exploration

 

A view of the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China

Introduction

China continues to make significant strides in space exploration with the launch of the Shenzhou-20 mission. This mission marks another milestone in China's ambitious space program, showcasing its growing capabilities and commitment to scientific advancement.

Mission Overview

Launch Details

The Shenzhou-20 spacecraft was successfully launched on April 24, 2025, at 5:17 p.m. local time from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China. The launch vehicle, a Long March-2F rocket, carried the spacecraft into low Earth orbit, where it docked with the Tiangong space station's core module, Tianhe.

Crew Members

The mission's crew comprises three experienced astronauts:

• Chen Dong: Serving as the mission commander, Chen is a veteran astronaut, having previously participated in the Shenzhou-11 and Shenzhou-14 missions.

• Chen Zhongrui: A pilot astronaut making his first spaceflight, bringing fresh expertise to the mission.

• Wang Jie: Also on his inaugural space mission, Wang serves as a flight engineer, contributing to the mission's scientific and technical objectives.

Scientific Objectives

Life Science Experiments

The Shenzhou-20 mission is set to conduct several life science experiments, including studies on zebrafish, planarians, and streptomyces. These experiments aim to understand the effects of microgravity on biological organisms, providing insights that could benefit medical and biological research on Earth.

Technological Demonstrations

In addition to biological studies, the mission will carry out 59 experiments and technical demonstrations in various fields such as space life sciences, microgravity physical sciences, and new space technologies. These experiments are designed to test the performance of new materials and technologies in the space environment, contributing to the development of future space missions.

Significance of the Mission

Advancements in Space Technology

The Shenzhou-20 mission represents a significant advancement in China's space technology. The successful launch and docking procedures demonstrate China's growing proficiency in complex space operations, paving the way for longer and more ambitious missions in the future.

International Collaboration

While the mission is a testament to China's domestic capabilities, it also opens avenues for international collaboration. The scientific experiments conducted aboard the Tiangong space station have the potential to contribute to global scientific knowledge, fostering partnerships with other space-faring nations.

Conclusion

The Shenzhou-20 mission underscores China's commitment to exploring the final frontier. With its focus on scientific research and technological innovation, the mission not only enhances China's position in the global space community but also contributes valuable knowledge to humanity's understanding of space.

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FAQs

Q1: What is the primary goal of the Shenzhou-20 mission?

The mission aims to conduct scientific experiments and technological demonstrations aboard the Tiangong space station, contributing to advancements in space science and technology.

Q2: How long will the Shenzhou-20 mission last?

The mission is planned to last approximately six months, during which the crew will conduct various experiments and maintain the space station's operations.

Q3: What are some of the experiments being conducted?

Experiments include studies on the effects of microgravity on biological organisms like zebrafish and planarians, as well as tests on new materials and technologies in space.

Q4: How does this mission contribute to China's space program?

Shenzhou-20 showcases China's growing capabilities in manned spaceflight and complex space operations, marking a significant step forward in its long-term space exploration goals.

Q5: Will there be international collaboration in this mission?

While the mission is primarily a domestic endeavor, the scientific findings have the potential to benefit the global scientific community, opening doors for future international collaborations.

🔔 श्रम और संकल्प का चमत्कार – सैमुअल मॉर्स की प्रेरक कथा

"क्या यज्ञ व्यर्थ जाता है?" – एक कवि ने प्रश्न किया था। लेकिन उत्तर इतिहास ने दिया। जब-जब किसी ने पूरी निष्ठा और निरंतर तप से प्रयास किया, तब-तब असंभव संभव बना।

🌟 एक बालक का संकल्प

अमेरिका के एक छोटे से कस्बे, चार्लस्टन में एक बालक जन्मा – सैमुअल मॉर्स। बालपन में, वह विदेश गया। वहां से उसने अपने माता-पिता को एक पत्र भेजा। जब वह घर लौटा, तब तक वह पत्र भी पहुँचा नहीं था। उसने सोचा – "अगर मेरा संदेश माता-पिता तक तुरंत पहुँच जाए तो?" यही विचार उसकी चेतना में दीपक बनकर जल उठा।

💡 विचार से संकल्प तक

उच्च शिक्षा के लिए मॉर्स घर से तीन हजार मील दूर गया। नाव द्वारा यात्रा करने में उसे 18 दिन लगे। उस दौरान भेजे गए पत्र घर पहुँचने में महीनों लग जाते। एक बार फिर, वही विचार उठा – “मेरी खबर तुरंत माँ-पिता को कैसे मिले?”

🛠 संघर्ष का आरंभ

विज्ञान का बीज उसके मन में पड़ चुका था। अब उसे फलित करना था। लेकिन जेब में पैसा नहीं था। उसने मजदूरी की, पेंटिंग बेची, पुराने कपड़े पहने, और हर पैसा बचाया। उसने खुद से वादा किया – "हर साल बस एक कोट। नए कपड़े नहीं, पहले ज्ञान।"

📡 तप से आविष्कार तक

चार वर्षों तक उसने बिना रुके शोध किया। प्रयोग करते रहा। हार नहीं मानी। और फिर एक दिन, उसने बनाया – "मॉर्स कोड"। तारायंत्र का पहला सफल प्रयोग हुआ – वॉशिंगटन से बाल्टिमोर तक संदेश गया: "ईश्वर ने क्या रचा!"

🚀 एक युग की शुरुआत

अब मॉर्स अपनी माँ को तुरंत संदेश भेज सकता था। एक बेटा जो अपने माता-पिता से प्रेम करता था, उसने पूरे विश्व के लिए संवाद का नया युग शुरू किया। यह सिर्फ एक आविष्कार नहीं था – यह प्रेम, परिश्रम और निष्ठा की क्रांति थी।

🎯 प्रेरणा जो आज भी जीवंत है

मॉर्स की कथा हमें सिखाती है – परिस्थितियाँ चाहे कैसी भी हों, अगर संकल्प अडिग हो, तो मनुष्य असंभव को भी संभव कर सकता है। हमें भी तय करना है – क्या हम पलायन करेंगे या तप करेंगे? क्या हम हार मानेंगे या इतिहास रचेंगे?

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🌱 नैतिक शिक्षा (Moral)

“सच्ची लगन, निरंतर प्रयास और अपार श्रद्धा से कोई भी असंभव कार्य संभव बन सकता है।”

China Daily signed an international communication strategic cooperation agreement with the Propaganda Department of the Yunnan Provincial Party Committee

 On August 7, China Daily and the Propaganda Department of the Yunnan Provincial Party Committee signed an international communication strategic cooperation agreement in Kunming. Qu Yingpu, president and editor-in-chief of China Daily, and Zeng Yan, member of the Standing Committee of the Yunnan Provincial Party Committee and director of the Propaganda Department, attended the signing ceremony. Zhu Baoxia, editorial board member and secretary-general of China Daily, and Lai Yong, full-time deputy director of the Information Office of the Yunnan Provincial People's Government, signed a cooperation agreement.

China Daily and the Propaganda Department of the Yunnan Provincial Party Committee signed an international communication strategic cooperation agreement in Kunming. (Photo by Hu Yuya)

At the signing ceremony, the two parties stated that the strategic cooperation between China Daily and the Propaganda Department of the Yunnan Provincial Party Committee is an important measure to jointly implement Xi Jinping's socialist ideology with Chinese characteristics in the new era and deepen thematic education. In the next step, we must thoroughly study and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important exposition on strengthening and improving international communication work under the new situation and examine the spirit of Yunnan's important speech, focus on the core, tell good stories, and demonstrate Yunnan's ability to learn and implement Xi Jinping's new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics Fruitful results; highlight key points, empower technology, and jointly do a good job in the communication work for South and Southeast Asia; face the future, lay a solid foundation, and build a high-quality team that can meet the needs of international communication in the new era.

According to the agreement, the two parties will carry out practical cooperation in the fields of international communication, investment promotion, cultural exchanges in South Asia and Southeast Asia, big data and artificial intelligence, and cultural industries, so as to better serve and integrate into the "Belt and Road" construction and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. Agreement" (RCEP), to create a good public opinion atmosphere for Yunnan's high-quality leapfrog development.

Qu Yingpu, President and Editor-in-Chief of China Daily (second from left), and Zeng Yan, member of the Standing Committee of the Yunnan Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China and Director of the Propaganda Department (second from right), attended the signing ceremony of an international communication strategic cooperation agreement between China Daily and the Propaganda Department of the Yunnan Provincial Party Committee. Zhu Baoxia (first from left), editorial board member and secretary-general of China Daily, and Lai Yong (first from right), full-time deputy director of the Information Office of Yunnan Provincial People's Government, signed the agreement. (Photo by Hu Yuya)

On the same day, the launch ceremony of the overseas social media account "Bridging South Asia and Southeast Asia" in Yunnan Province was also held. Yunnan and China Daily have joined hands to build the main propaganda front of overseas social media platforms. By actively setting topics, strengthening user interaction, responding to concerns, and guiding public opinion, it will fully demonstrate to overseas audiences the unique resources of Yunnan Province, the location advantages of internal and external links, Open and inclusive cultural heritage and interconnection with South Asian and Southeast Asian countries, etc., tell the story of Yunnan Province's construction of a national unity and progress demonstration area, the vanguard of ecological civilization construction, and China's radiation center for South Asia and Southeast Asia, and realize the "14th Five-Year Plan" for Yunnan Province The high-quality leap-forward development of the period creates new power and new engines.

Relevant persons in charge of China Daily, the Propaganda Department of the Yunnan Provincial Party Committee, and Yunnan Daily Newspaper Group attended the signing ceremony.

Resurgence of China's Outbound Tourism: A Strong Rebound in International Travel

 

China's Outbound Tourism Market Surges with Over 40 Million Trips in First Half of the Year

The outbound tourism market in China has witnessed a remarkable recovery, with over 40.37 million trips made from the Chinese mainland to various international destinations during the first half of this year, as reported by China Tourism Academy's official WeChat account.

The recovery of outbound travel began with short-distance trips, with a substantial 93.9 percent of tourists choosing destinations in Asia, according to the report released on Sunday.

East Asia and Southeast Asia emerged as the top choices for outbound travelers, with East Asia attracting the largest number of tourists from the Chinese mainland, accounting for an impressive 83.92 percent of the total outbound trips.

In the first six months of this year, passenger traffic on international routes rebounded to approximately 23 percent of the levels observed in 2019, indicating a steady recovery in international travel.

Notably, June witnessed a significant surge in international passenger traffic, bouncing back to 41.6 percent compared to the same period in 2019, according to data from the Civil Aviation Administration of China.

Among the favored overseas destinations, Thailand and Japan stood at the forefront, each receiving more than 10 percent of the outbound Chinese tourists.

In the second tier of popular destinations, Singapore and South Korea garnered their share of travelers, with 5 percent and 10 percent of the Chinese mainland's outbound tourists, respectively.

The major sources of outbound tourists were primarily concentrated in economically developed provinces and cities of the Chinese mainland. Key contributors to the outbound tourism market were Guangdong, Shanghai, Beijing, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Fujian, as they formed the primary driving force behind the surge in outbound travel.

The revival of China's outbound tourism market indicates a positive trend and highlights the country's gradual return to pre-pandemic travel levels, reflecting growing confidence among Chinese tourists in exploring international destinations once again.

Deputy Chief of International Affairs, Defense Ministry of China

China vehemently opposes the United States' decision to provide military assistance to Taiwan and calls for an immediate halt to any military interactions with the island, as stated by a spokesperson from the Defense Ministry.

Senior Colonel Tan Kefei, spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense.

Senior Colonel Tan Kefei, speaking from Beijing, expressed that the planned military aid from the US represents a significant interference in China's internal affairs. This action poses a grave threat to China's sovereignty, security, and overall peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

"We firmly denounce this move and have formally conveyed our objections to the US government," Tan emphasized.

The spokesperson underlined that the Taiwan issue is of utmost importance to China, representing a red line that must not be crossed in China-US relations. Tan further criticized certain elements within the US for perpetuating a hegemonic and Cold War mindset, engaging in harmful actions such as arms sales, military assistance, and joint training with Taiwan. These activities are seen as attempts to bolster military ties with the island and incite pro-Taiwan independence factions, exacerbating tensions and confrontation across the Taiwan Strait.

China urgently calls upon the US to desist from any form of military collaboration with Taiwan and to refrain from advancing along a misguided and perilous path.

"The historical momentum towards China's reunification cannot be halted by any single country or external force. The People's Liberation Army remains vigilant and watchful over the situation in the Taiwan Strait, ensuring that our national sovereignty and territorial integrity are resolutely protected. We are firmly committed to maintaining peace and stability in the region," Tan asserted.

The White House recently announced its intention to provide Taiwan with military assistance amounting to $345 million.