China's consumption market has shown multiple positive signs as the week-long National Day holiday period is about to start on Tuesday, with industry insiders expecting to see bustling scenes across different sectors, ranging from tourism, transport, movie-going and catering.

As consumption during Golden Week traditionally serves as a barometer for the economy, observers said that the spending surge is likely to send an upbeat signal on the potential of China's consumption market, which remains a key economic driver. 

The consumption rebound, coupled with a slew of pro-growth policies released in recent days, would also inject new impetus to consolidate the recovery of the world's second-largest economy in the fourth quarter, according to analysts.

Travel boom 

Nationwide, Chinese tourists have been in "countdown" mode, eagerly packing their bags in anticipation of the week-long travel adventure during the holiday period. A Beijing-based tour guide surnamed Zhao told the Global Times that reservations for hotels and tickets of popular tourist sites for the upcoming Golden Week has soared significantly. "Tickets for iconic tourist sites in Beijing such as the Forbidden City sold out a week ago," Zhao added.

In addition to traditional popular tourism destinations like Beijing and Shanghai, some third- and fourth-tier cities have also been gaining popularity among tourists for their iconic cultural and culinary attractions. For example, the hit game Black Myth: Wukong has led to more than 30-percent growth in tourism bookings for cities in North China's Shanxi Province, which is rich in cultural legacies, media reported. 

Outbound tourism is also foreseen to continue rebounding during Golden Week. Many of the popular travel products involving destinations in Europe and Africa sold out more than a month before the holidays, data from travel platform Fliggy shows, while flight bookings to destinations such as Egypt, Turkey, Hungary, and Kenya have increased more than threefold compared to the same period in 2023.

Transportation networks of Chinese expressways, railways and civil aviation are also expected to embrace a surge during the holidays. 

It is forecasted that the country's railway will handle 175 million passenger trips during the travel rush period starting from Sunday and lasting until October 8. 

During the holidays, the Beijing Capital International Airport is expected to handle 1.32 million passenger trips, while the annual passenger throughput should exceed 50 million during this National Day holiday period. The number of inbound and outbound passengers at the Beijing Daxing International Airport is expected to reach 105,000, an increase of nearly 60 percent compared with the same period in 2023, the Global Times learned from the airports' operators.

The transport sector overall is expected to handle 1.94 billion passenger trips nationwide during the holidays, with a daily average of 277 million trips. The daily average is expected to rise 0.7 percent year-on-year.

"The average payment price for domestic flights has been reduced by 20 percent compared with last year, while the average price of mid-to-high end hotels also dropped by 20 percent year-on-year," which also helped fuel the Golden Week travel rush, according to a report qunar.com.

Economic gauge

With regards to the movie market, the total pre-sale box office for new releases during the holidays had reached over 100 million yuan ($14.26 million) as of 2:38 pm on Sunday, indicating a potential box-office rebound following a weaker-than-expected summer season.

Meanwhile, multiple localities have been rolling out cultural and tourism activities, among other measures, to further spur a consumption boom during the holidays. 

On Saturday, Shanghai began distributing consumption coupons worth of 500 million yuan, offering residents discounts on a wide range of purchases, from hotels and movies to restaurants and sporting events.

"Ahead of the National Day holidays, the Chinese government released a bunch of supportive policies that have largely stabilized and lifted up social expectations," said Tian Yun, an economist based in Beijing.

The strength of China's holiday consumption rebound may also shed light on the potential and resilience of the country's consumption, which is a key engine driving economic recovery momentum, analysts said. 

They believed the fourth quarter is also a peak season for domestic consumption, with major consumption events like the Double 11 online shopping festival in November set to further ignite a new wave of shopping enthusiasm. 

In honor of Liu Hui, a prominent figure in ancient Chinese mathematics, a series of global activities kicked off on Tuesday local time in Paris, marking the beginning of a year-long commemoration of Liu, whose contributions had a profound influence on ancient Chinese mathematics, and continue to inspire today’s scientific progress and civilization exchanges.

The commemorations were co-hosted by the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), and the Chinese National Commission for UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization).

The series of events are expected to show the world the remarkable scientific achievements, exceptional ideas, and significant contributions to human civilization made by ancient Chinese scholars like Liu, said He Junke, executive president of the CAST, in a speech he delivered at a launch ceremony of the commemoration on Tuesday, at the headquarters of UNESCO in Paris.

In November 2023, UNESCO held the 42nd session of the General Conference and approved the proposal made by the CAST to celebrate the anniversary of Liu’s birth. It was reportedly the first time China had successfully applied for a birthday anniversary event for a scientist at UNESCO.

This celebration was not only a tribute to Liu’s legacy, but a reminder of the immense value of mathematical sciences in shaping our future, said Lidia Arthur Brito, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences, in a speech she delivered at the launch ceremony.

“This memorial is a tribute to his lasting impact - a recognition that mathematics, as Liu Hui demonstrated, is not just a theoretical pursuit, but also a vital tool for solving practical problems and advancing societies,” Brito remarked.

Living in the 3rd century, Liu was one of the founders of classical Chinese mathematical theory. He made great contributions to the history of Chinese mathematics and also gained an important position in the history of mathematics globally.

Liu’s commentary in the Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art had a great influence on a large number of mathematicians and mathematical works in later generations.

Liu also made many great mathematical creations. He created the theory of lü (ratio) about quantitative relationships, first proposed the concept of decimal fractions, and was the first to introduce the idea of limit and infinite division methods into mathematical proofs. He established a unique mathematical theory of measurement (surveying).

Liu had a direct impact on mathematics in ancient China and the entire East Asia, and indirectly influenced other regions as well, said Zou Dahai, a research fellow at the Institute for History of Natural Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), in a speech he delivered online at Tuesday’s launch ceremony as an expert representative.

“As a representative of outstanding ancient Chinese scientists, Liu is not only a figure of China but also of the world,” Zou told the Global Times.

Following the launch ceremony, an international symposium on Liu’s academic thought was held at the headquarters of UNESCO on Tuesday afternoon, where global experts in the history of science and technology and the history of mathematics, gave multi-dimensional interpretations of and held discussions about Liu’s academic contributions and scientific heritage, as well as their modern value.

Furthermore, they delved into the global dissemination of Liu’s mathematical ideas, and proposed suggestions for the further promotion of China’s classical mathematical heritage.

Andrea Bréard, a professor and the vice president of the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, gave a keynote speech at the symposium titled “Incognito: The Secret Lives of Liu Hui in the 19th Century.” She mentioned that the name of Liu Hui is rarely seen in late imperial Chinese mathematical sources, but it doesn’t imply that Liu had little influence on mathematical practices in the 19th century and beyond.

Instead, it is possible to uncover the lasting influence of Liu’s thought and writings in the context of a rapidly changing scientific landscape, at a time when China became globally more entangled, Bréard noted.

Zhou Xiaohan, an associate research fellow at the Institute for History of Natural Sciences, CAS, shared his thoughts on the multi-language translations of some terms and arguments in Liu’s commentary on Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art in his keynote speech at the symposium.

“Liu’s achievements are not only a treasure to China, but also a great legacy of human thought for the world,” Zhou told the Global Times. “His mathematical achievements reflect the diversity of mathematical thought and practice, which requires the free and deep cooperation of scholars around the world to reveal and interpret.”

As another highlight of the commemoration, a themed exhibition featuring Liu’s achievements in mathematics kicked off at Réfectoire des Cordeliers in Paris on Monday, so as to showcase Liu’s mathematical achievements, and to deepen the civilization exchanges and mutual understanding between China and the world, says the exhibition’s foreword.

Yang Xinyu, the Chinese Ambassador and permanent delegate to UNESCO, said in the speech she delivered at the launch ceremony that the International Astronomical Union named a new feature on the moon “Liu Hui” in 2021, in honor of Liu’s accomplishments.

“Today, whenever we look at the moon from afar, we would think of Liu Hui, think of his groundbreaking work, as well as his scientific spirit,” Yang said. “Spirit that is marked by rigorousness, innovation, dedication, and open-mindedness. Spirit that is highly consistent with the general trend of international scientific cooperation.”

China is making significant strides in utilizing big data and artificial intelligence (AI) in the ocean industry, particularly in marine spatial planning. These technologies are significantly enhancing accuracy and efficiency, and are expected to revolutionize deep-sea exploration and the broader marine industry, the Global Times learned at an event held in Beijing on Thursday.

Marine Spatial Planning Cooperation Workshop of Maritime Silk Road Partner Countries kicked off in Beijing on Thursday, hosted by China Oceanic Development Foundation (CODF).

Representatives from the Belt & Road countries attending the event praised China's efforts in helping them build their marine spatial planning capabilities, while calling for deeper cooperation in developing the blue economy. 

Pan Xinchun, Vice President and Secretary General of CODF, told the Global Times that they have employed big data to collect and sort out available information, especially historical records, to analyze the long-term patterns in specific marine areas using AI models. These tools have greatly improved the accuracy and efficiency of studying marine environments, Pan said. 

Drones are used to monitor real-time changes in the ocean. Data collected by the drones is processed using big data, enabling precise assessments of marine conditions. This technology has played a crucial role in the drafting and implementation of marine spatial planning, as the effectiveness of the plan and any potential violations can be evaluated, allowing for more scientific and efficient supervision throughout the process, he said. 

"For instance, in marine aquaculture, traditional methods would generally waste about one-third of the feed, which sinks to the seabed, resulting in both wasted resources and environmental pollution. Now, with the AI monitoring, the amount of feed can be adjusted accordingly, and intelligent technology can retrieve any leftover feed from the seabed," Pan noted. 

China is currently engaged in the R&D of AI-controlled deep-sea robots and is studying the feasibility of deploying them as deep as 10,000 meters below the surface, where the pressure equals 1,000 atmospheres. This would also enable scientists to explore the microorganisms there without having to dive themselves, a task that would be extremely dangerous for humans.

"The development of AI-controlled unmanned underwater vehicles is expected to revolutionize deep-sea exploration and the broader marine industry, achieving goals that were previously unattainable," Pan told the Global Times. "China is making rapid progress in this area, with immense potential for growth."

At Thursday's event, the Global Times learned that the CODF has helped 19 countries form their marine spatial plans, providing assistance in allocating ocean zones based on functions, resources, location, and environment, designating areas for protection or development and ensuring sustainable resource use through policy measures. Among the 19 countries, Cambodia and Thailand have officially implemented their plans as government documents. 

Through such collaboration, the foundation has shared over 40 years of China's marine spatial planning expertise, helping these countries create tailored plans that balance resource development, environmental protection, and economic growth. China's endeavor has been warmly welcomed and highly valued by these countries, who expressed their heartfelt gratitude at the workshop.

Representatives from the partner countries also sought China's expertise in developing the blue economy. China was one of the first countries to implement the concept of the blue economy and has since developed a comprehensive framework of policies, standards, and implementation plans. 

China is eyeing to help developing countries develop their blue economies including deep-sea aquaculture, offshore wind energy, bio-products, modern fisheries, green ports, high-end shipbuilding, desalination, and tourism. These sectors are largely zero-emission, making them highly efficient and sustainable.

The event was attended both online and in person by some 300 government officials, scholars and experts from nearly 60 countries along the Belt & Road, including 19 that have partnered with the foundation on marine spatial planning and 49 involved in coastal sustainable development capacity-building projects.

The event witnessed the launching of the Marine Spatial Planning Alliance, as well as the release of an initiative for promoting sustainable ocean development of B&R countries.

The third Global Digital Trade Expo (GDTE) kicked off on Wednesday in Hangzhou, capital city of East China's Zhejiang Province, the nation's innovation and trade hub, showcasing China's significant new opportunities and latest solutions in the digital economy.

Global digital trade is thriving, becoming an important trend in international trade development and new growth point for the world economy. Meanwhile, China has become one of the most dynamic regions for digital trade, Chinese and foreign officials and business representatives said at the expo.

This event, themed "Digital Trade and Global Access," serves as an important platform for exchanging ideas and sharing the benefits of China's digital development, industry insiders said.

This year's edition has attracted more than 1,500 enterprises from home and abroad, among which over 300 are international companies. A total of 446 new products and technologies will be featured at the five-day expo, which runs from Wednesday to Sunday, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

Over 30,000 purchasers have signed up for the event, with more than 6,000 of them based in foreign countries and regions, Xinhua reported.

Co-hosted by the Zhejiang provincial government and China's Ministry of Commerce, the event is currently China's only digital trade-themed expo at the national level.

This year, special exhibition areas have been dedicated to robots featuring artificial intelligence innovations and smart traffic solutions. Chinese companies have been the highlight in the expo, thanks to their advanced solutions in digitalization.

"At this expo, we are primarily showcasing gene sequencing solutions developed by our company," Charles Lu, director of public affairs at BGI Group, told the Global Times at the event. "They can be provided to our partners in various countries for scientific research, offering them Chinese technologies," Lu noted.

Beyond scientific research, BGI Group has observed a growing trend in the use of these technologies in agriculture. BGI's services cover more than 100 countries and regions, and there has been a steady growth in overseas demand.

"By participating in this expo, we hope to promote these advanced technologies to even more countries worldwide," Lu said.
China's digital industry has seen a robust growth in recent years, notching total revenue of 32.5 trillion yuan ($4.62 trillion) in 2023. Against this backdrop of vast opportunities in digital trade, foreign businesses are also eager to capitalize on the potential of China's digital market.

Speaking with the Global Times at the event, Cheng Fang, head of the regional sales division at Japanese technology firm Yokogawa China Co, said that the world is currently undergoing a wave of digitalization, and China is actively leading the way in this field.

"We are focused on integrating our business with China's digital transformation, and this event represents a great opportunity for us," Cheng said.

Yokogawa China Co has a wide range of business sectors, including energy materials, life sciences, and pharmaceuticals. In recent years, the company's branch in China has consistently ranked as one of the top units in the global group, Cheng said, indicating the importance of the Chinese market to the Japanese company.

Cheng noted that their overall global strategy is increasingly oriented toward the Chinese market, and they will continue to invest and expand their presence in China.

"Over the past 40 years of reform and opening-up, China has attracted significant investment, positioning itself as the world's manufacturing hub. Now, with its consumer market size nearing that of the US, China presents enormous investment opportunities for both itself and the global market," said Wu Yabin, head of Investment and Technology Promotion Office Beijing of United Nations Industrial Development Organization. Wu made these remarks during a roundtable dialogue on the Fourth Industrial Revolution and Digital Transformation held in conjunction with the GDTE, highlighting the vast opportunities presented by the digitalization trend in China.

China's core maternal and child health indicators have improved steadily in recent years, now ranking among the top in middle- and high-income countries, according to the Third China Maternal and Child Health Academic Conference held in South China's Hainan Province from Friday to Saturday.

The national maternal mortality rate, infant mortality rate and mortality rate of children under five have all reached record lows, according to Liang Xiaofeng, the vice president of Chinese Preventive Medicine Association, during the conference. 

In 2023, the infant mortality rate dropped below 4.5 per 1,000 births for the first time, reaching the advanced levels of middle- and high-income countries, Liang added.

Participants at the conference emphasized that maternal and child health is the cornerstone of national health. 

Decades of effort have significantly improved the level of maternal and child health in China, with continued advancements in maternal healthcare standards, according to Xinhua.

China currently operates 3,082 maternity and childcare institutions, 158 children's hospitals, and has 3,364 centers for maternal rescue and 3,070 centers for critically ill newborns, according to Xinhua.

The national hospital birth rate has reached 99.9 percent, and cervical and breast cancer screenings now cover over 90 percent of the population. 

In addition, Statistics show that since the National Health Commission's nutrition improvement program began in 2012, anemia and growth retardation rates among infants aged six to 24 months in less developed areas have decreased by 71.7 percent and 74.3 percent, respectively, according to Xinhua.

Pre-pregnancy  health check-ups and folic acid supplementation have been included in the national basic public service standards.

"At the same time, we should realize that there are still challenges to maternal and child health," Liang said.

Liang noted that the health demands of women and children are becoming more diversified and specialized, which requires people to adopt innovative ways of thinking, models and technologies, in an effort to build a high-quality maternal and child health service system that matches the requirements of Chinese modernization.

China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) on Monday unveiled a hacker organization called "Anonymous 64," saying that it was an "internet army" supported by "Taiwan independence" forces and has frequently launched cyberattacks against the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions, attempting to infiltrate portals, outdoor electronic screens, and online television to spread disinformation and disrupt public communications. 

National security agencies have also identified individuals involved in the related cyberattacks, including three active members from the "Information, Communications and Electronic Force Command," whose names and photos have been disclosed. Investigations have been launched against the three individuals, the ministry said in a release on Monday. 

Some "Taiwan independence" forces use cyberattacks to infiltrate the mainland, posing increasingly severe challenges and threats, analysts said, stressing that national security authorities expose such organizations and individuals to showcase the resolutions to crack down on related activities and deter separatists. 

The organization behind "Anonymous 64" is a cyber-environment analysis center under the "Information, Communications and Electronic Force Command (ICEFC)." This center is specifically responsible for conducting cyber cognitive warfare and public opinion warfare against the mainland. In June 2023, the center registered social media accounts under the name "Anonymous 64" and wantonly carried out cyberattacks and disinformation activities, MSS said in the article. 

The ICEFC was established in June 2017 as the "fourth military branch" of the Taiwan authorities and was restructured in 2022 as a direct agency of the "defense department" of the island. It primarily handles electronic warfare, information warfare, cyber warfare, and military line maintenance, serving as the main force for the island of Taiwan's cyber operations against the mainland. 

The MSS article emphasizes the growing threat to national security posed by the internet crimes, as some hostile forces and separatists advocating for "Taiwan independence" exploit it to infiltrate and undermine social stability in the mainland, Li Wei, an expert on national security at the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations, told the Global Times. 

Separatists in Taiwan are preparing for multifaceted cyber warfare through various online tactics. Li identifies three key methods employed by these separatists: spreading rumors or sensational topics to incite social conflict; hacking into institutions to steal confidential information; and recruiting or training individuals for espionage activities. "As cyber technologies evolve, these tactics are becoming increasingly covert," said Li. 

The MSS article also noted that since its establishment, the ICEFC has launched various infiltration and sabotage activities against the mainland, posing a significant threat to cybersecurity. It targets areas such as the mainland's defense industry, aerospace, and energy infrastructure for cyberattacks, aiming to steal sensitive data and gather intelligence for the Taiwan authorities. It also frequently distorts online public opinion, employs internet trolls, exacerbates conflicts, and incites divisions for its own gain.

Since its establishment, the "Anonymous 64" has posted over 70 updates on social media, using so-called achievements to attract attention. The targets they claim to have attacked include outdoor electronic screens, vending machines, online television, as well as the websites of news media, airlines, and universities, attempting to hype a false image of severe vulnerabilities in mainland cybersecurity. 

However, investigations by national security agencies revealed that many of the "achievements" showcased by "Anonymous 64" were exaggerated, with most targeted websites being counterfeit or zombie sites. 

For instance, on August 2, when a small internet company's website was attacked by "Anonymous 64" because it linked to several universities' official forum logins, the organization falsely claimed it had "gained control of the official forums of 40 universities in the mainland."

Warning to separatists

In response to the MSS article, the ICEFC of "defense depart" of the Taiwan island denied the information revealed by the Chinese mainland and claimed on Monday that it is responsible for missions related to "defense information and cybersecurity maintenance." 

However, analysts said the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities of Taiwan have employed what the Chinese netizens refer to as "water armies" to create discord on mainland social media. And in recent years, they have increasingly focused on cybersecurity and information warfare, and with US assistance, they are working to develop a more professional cyber force to turn the internet into a battlefield for infiltrating the mainland, seeking to achieve what they call an asymmetric advantage. 

By revealing the backgrounds of hacker groups and individuals supported by "Taiwan independence" separatists, authorities on the mainland aim to caution netizens against being misled by online rumors that incite confrontations. They also want to send a message to separatists that their activities are being closely monitored, a Beijing-based military expert who asked for anonymity, told the Global Times on Monday. 

Li said that in response to intensified cyberattacks organized by "Taiwan independence" separatists, national security authorities and relevant departments in the mainland should take more decisive actions. 

"Such crackdown is not a one-time campaign but a sustained effort to deter separatists. Additionally, authorities are focusing on strengthening our own cybersecurity technologies and skills while also raising public awareness about cybersecurity," said Li. 

"We urge netizens not to believe or spread rumors, and to promptly report any cyberattacks or disinformation activities to national security agencies or relevant departments," read the MSS article. 

The ministry said in the article that national reunification is an inevitable historical trend. Attempts to provoke and pursue "Taiwan independence" and seek confrontation with the mainland are bound to fail. 

National security agencies will firmly implement a comprehensive national security strategy, enforce laws against "Taiwan independence" separatists engaging in separatism and incitement, and resolutely combat all "Taiwan independence" schemes to contribute to the complete reunification of the motherland, said MSS. 

The Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt Sherif Fathy expressed his desire to enhance cooperation with China in the fields of tourism and archaeology at a press conference in Cairo on Tuesday, the Xinhua News Agency reported on Wednesday.   

The call has won active response from Chinese cultural and archaeological experts, who said the cultural exchanges between the two countries have achieved fruitful results and highlight China's role as an active advocate for cultural heritage protection and dialogue among civilizations.

Fathy told Xinhua that the relationship between Egypt and China is very solid, and it has thrived following the visits of the two heads of state and the wide-ranging and productive cooperation between the two nations, including the ongoing exhibition On Top of the Pyramid: The Civilization of Ancient Egypt being held in China.

In July, the exhibition kicked off at the Shanghai Museum, bringing Chinese visitors a cultural feast composed of some 788 artifacts from different periods of ancient Egypt, from statues of pharaohs and anthropoid inner coffins to gold jewelry. Over 95 percent of the exhibits are being displayed in Asia for the first time, according to the museum.

"Two of the world's four ancient civilizations, the ancient Egyptian and Chinese civilizations have many historical similarities," said Chu Xiaobo, director of the museum, adding that there has been little official cooperation between China and Egypt in exhibitions before. 

"This time we finally realized our dream," he said.

Media reported that the exhibition has earned big thumbs-up among Chinese visitors, many of whom have claimed that these Egyptian artifacts are "priceless and unprecedented."

During the press conference, Fathy expressed his anticipation for expanding cultural exchanges and archaeological collaboration with China, a country that shares a long history and a brilliant civilization with Egypt, quoting the successful example of the joint archaeological project at the Montu Temple in Luxor, Egypt. 

According to media reports, the two countries launched the joint project in 2018. This marked the first time a Chinese archaeological team had conducted excavations in Egypt since the founding of the People's Republic of China. 

In mid-March, the joint archaeological team resumed excavation work at the Montu Temple site after a pandemic-induced hiatus and has since achieved abundant results.

Jia Xiaobing, the Chinese head of the joint archaeological project and director of the world archaeological research office at the Institute of Archaeology of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times that the latest collaboration with the Egyptian team has achieved a deeper understanding compared to his initial experience in 2018.

According to a report released by the China-Egypt joint archaeological team, two excavation sites are the focuses of the current round of work. The first site is in the southwestern part of the entire Montu Temple area, where six Osirian Chapels are distributed from west to east. 

Except for the first and second temples, which have accurate dates and names, more information about the other temples awaits archaeological discovery. 

The second site is located at the junction of the Montu Temple and the Maat Temple. The focus there is on resolving architectural sequence issues.

"Archaeology is the best way to understand the core of the traditional culture of a nation. Although our working season only lasts two to three months, within this period, we have deepened our understanding of each other's civilizations," Jia said.

He said that China acts as an active advocate for cultural heritage protection and dialogue among civilizations, adding that the international cooperation of Chinese archaeology is "an essential component in implementing the Global Civilization Initiative."

Additionally, Fathy said that Egypt currently attracts approximately 200,000 Chinese tourists annually and that measures will be taken to increase this number. 

Beyond participating in tourism fairs in China, the Egyptian tourism sector will strengthen cooperation with Chinese tourism operators. They plan to explore more strategies to promote cooperation in tourism development through conferences, dialogues, and seminars.

According to the website of ­China's Ministry of Commerce, around 90,000 Chinese tourists visited Egypt in the first quarter of this year, a year-on-year increase of 178 percent. The tourism authority in Egypt has set a target of welcoming 300,000 Chinese tourists by the end of 2024.

After a concert held at the Shanghai Cultural Square Theater on Monday night, renowned Welsh musical theater actor and singer John Owen-Jones met his Chinese fans at the "More than Music" event hosted by the British Consulate-General in Shanghai on Tuesday to share his career experience, and celebrate the rich cultural exchanges between the UK and China. John Owen-Jones, also known as JOJ, is most famous for his portrayals of Jean Valjean in Alain Boublil's and Claude-Michel Schönberg's Les Misérables and the Phantom in Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera.
Speaking of blending Western and Chinese instruments and making a very unique version of The Phantom of the Opera, which they performed during the China tour, JOJ said, "It's always one of the most exciting parts of the show for me because I get to see how the audience reacts to that, because cultural exchange is such a rich tapestry of different things all over the world that we can all learn from each other and make better art and make better music. And that's what's so exciting about being here in China. I think I'd like to explore more, so I definitely would like to integrate, explore more cultural opportunities between where I'm from, where you are from."

"Regardless of where we come from, music is this universal language, and it reminds us of that shared humanity and the things that bind us together," echoed the British Consul General in Shanghai Matt Burney.

World-renowned Chinese restaurant that specializes in soup dumplings and noodles, Din Tai Fung, announced on August 26 that it would close 14 of its restaurants in the Chinese mainland, including those in Beijing, Tianjin and Xi'an, by October 31.

According to Din Tai Fung, the closures are due to the expiration of the 20-year business license of its operator in the mainland.

Mixed reactions

The news sparked mixed reactions on social media. Some diners expressed regret, lamenting the loss of a reliable dining option where they could enjoy high-quality dishes such as the signature Xiaolongbao, or steamed soup dumplings.

However, some other sentiments reflected dissatisfaction with the disproportionately high prices, less than ideal service, and perceived decline in value after the recent price hike.

In 1993, Din Tai Fung, originally from Taiwan island, was included in a New York Times list of 10 "top notch tables" from around the world. The restaurant's standardized approach to Chinese cuisine marked a turning point in its expansion strategy.

Yang Ji-Hua, the founder's eldest son, introduced precise measurements into the kitchen. Each soup dumpling was crafted according to exacting standards: a 5-gram dough ball, a 6.5-centimeter wrapper, and a 16-gram filling, folded into 18 pleats. This rigorous attention to detail became the hallmark of Din Tai Fung.

Following the same model, Din Tai Fung expanded its brand to Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Australia, and the US.

In 2001, Din Tai Fung opened its first location in the Chinese mainland in Shanghai, followed by its entry into the Beijing market in 2004 .

However, as of now, many diners especially young people are not willing to pay for Din Tai Fung's so-called high-quality dining experience anymore, unimpressed with its unchanging product and service on offer.

Zhang Yi, CEO of iiMedia Research, noted that the rapid development of social media in the Chinese mainland, including Apps like WeChat, coupled with the fast pace of fashion and consumer trends, means that an unchanging product is clearly out of step with current consumer preferences for innovative dining experience.

"It's like rowing against the current; if you don't move forward, you fall behind. The competition in the Chinese mainland market is fierce, and this positive competition has given rise to many new brands with unique characteristics," Zhang said.

He noted that now, consumers have many new choices that are better in quality. "Products similar to Din Tai Fung's now face competition from innovative brands that have already established a market," he said.

Exploring Xiaolongbao treasures

While Din Tai Fung is renowned for its Xiaolongbao, China is home to many other well-known and delightful steamed soup dumplings. These include the Kaifeng Xiaolongbao from Central China's Henan Province, the Hangzhou Xiaolongbao from East China's Zhejiang Province, and the Wuxi Xiaolongbao from East China's Jiangsu Province.

These regional varieties are not only more affordable but also offer unique tastes and textures that reflect their origins.

Kaifeng, one of China's ancient capitals, is famous for its Xiaolongbao, a dish that dates back to the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127).

With a history as rich as the city itself, Kaifeng's version of steamed soup dumplings features thin, delicate wrappers encasing a variety of fillings, from pork to chicken and shrimps. The buns are known for their generous amount of savory soup inside, a hallmark of this regional specialty.

Hangzhou, another historic city, offers a more refined take on steamed soup dumplings, influenced by the culinary traditions of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279).

Hangzhou Xiaolongbao is praised for its paper-thin skin and light, flavorful fillings. The buns are steamed to perfection, showcasing a balance between delicate textures and its signature fresh and aromatic broth.

Xiaolongbao has a long history in Hangzhou and its surrounding areas, and it is an indispensable part of the local diet. Many restaurants and snack stalls offer this delicacy, making it a must-try for tourists wanting to experience the flavors of Hangzhou. Hangzhou Xiaolongbao is not only a delicious snack but also an important representation of Hangzhou's culinary culture, reflecting the refinement and attention to detail characteristic of people living in the south of the Yangtze River.

In Wuxi, Xiaolongbao is celebrated for its unique sweet and savory flavor profile, a nod to the local palate. Originating in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Wuxi Xiaolongbao often includes a hint of sugar in the pork filling, creating a distinctive sweetness that complements the rich, savory soup. The filling of Wuxi soup dumplings is generally made from fresh ingredients such as pork and shrimp. The meat filling is mixed with broth, and after steaming, the soup is formed inside the dumpling. When you bite into the dumpling, the soup flows out, creating a delicious taste. To enhance the flavor, seasonings like scallions and ginger are often added to the filling.

Mastery in crafting the elastic dough and precise steaming techniques is key to achieving Wuxi's signature taste.

There are many time-honored restaurants in Wuxi that specialize in making and selling steamed soup dumplings today, making it one of the city's culinary landmarks. Wuxi also hosts food festivals where the presence of Xiaolongbao is one of the main attractions, drawing a large number of tourists and food enthusiasts.

These regional varieties of steamed soup dumplings not only represent the diverse culinary landscape of China but also highlight the deep cultural heritage embedded in these beloved dishes.

Finally, each city's version offers a unique experience, making the exploration of these hidden gems a rewarding culinary adventure.

Based on the voluminous imperial archives in its collection, a new exhibition shedding light on the lives of princesses in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) opened at the Taipei Palace ­Museum, the island of Taiwan on Saturday. 

The exhibition consists of five sections: The Emperor's Daughters, Royal Treasures Unveiled, The Marriage Mission, Fleeting Royalty, and In Closing: Princess Reflections. These detail the life journeys of Qing princesses from birth and marriage to their funerals. The exhibition is set to run until December 1.

"History is full of 'unheard voices.' Individuals who, though scarcely mentioned in official records, lived rich lives and shaped their times in unique ways," noted Su Feng-nan, curator of the exhibition. "Women are among those people whose stories often went untold in the male-dominated societies of the past."

Drawing primarily on the museum's collection of Qing imperial archives, the exhibition explores the status, relationships and life stories of these imperial women, examining their roles and significance within the political landscape of the Qing Empire, said the curator.

Some documents are being exhibited for the first time, such as "The List of Dowries for the Marriage of Gulun Princess," which records more than 300 articles ranging from jewelry to toothbrushes. Some historical facts are revealed as well, such as the fact that the average life-span of a Qing princesses was 26 years.

"When I was younger, I thought princesses lived carefree lives. Today, I see a more nuanced and complex picture of their existence, and it leaves me with deeper feelings," said a visitor from Taipei surnamed Lin, according to the Xinhua News Agency. 

In preparing for the exhibition, the museum collaborated with several schools in Taiwan to gather insights from younger generations about their perceptions of princesses. 

"I hope the exhibition not only presents a diverse and compelling portrayal of history, but also encourages visitors to reflect on contemporary life and societal issues," Su said.