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.
Fifty years ago, not only the archaeological community but also ordinary people were stunned by the excavation of the Mawangdui Han Tombs. Among the findings was a remarkable discovery known as China's "Sleeping Beauty" (Lady Xin Zhui), an over 2,100-year-old lady who looks nearly as good as she did when she was buried after her death at the age of about 50, during China's Western Han Dynasty (206BC-AD25). The world has marveled at the mystery behind her body, as well as the numerous precious treasures unearthed from the tombs, including textiles, bamboo and silk manuscripts.
In this Mawangdui trilogy, the Global Times Culture Desk explores how digital technologies have brought the public closer to the heritage and how the "Mawangdui IP" was revived by the creative industries. This is the third installment. Although there are many sites in China that can embody the country's Han Dynasty (206BC-AD220) history, Mawangdui is the most exceptional one mainly due to its mysterious finds like the 2,100-year-old mummified aristocrat that is known as Lady Xin Zhui.
Three excavations on the site were carried out from 1972 to 1974. At that time, such excavations brought a research craze to the academic field worldwide. Thanks to new means such as the digital technology, such a scholarly craze in the past 50 years has been extended to the public, especially among the young people.
Decoding mystery
Lady Xin Zhui's silk garments are Mawangdui Han Tombs' stellar artifacts. Due to their brittle and fragile nature, many original pieces are now only stored as archives at the Hunan Museum in Changsha, Central China's Hunan Province. To connect the heritage with people, making replication for public display was a crucial task. The task engages both technological tools and the ingenuity of textile experts like Yang Jiyuan.
Yang, a restorer of ancient silk textile in Nanjing, East China's Jiangsu Province, has replicated seven Lady Xin Zhui's garments since 2016. She told the Global Times that the printed and painted floss silk-padded gauze robe was one of the most challenging tasks.
Through examination using a microscope and creating 3D modeling of the original "printed and painted gauze robe," Yang revealed to the Global Times that the piece's air-like fabric actually consists of seven sheerest silk layers, and the thickness of each one of them is like "one-third of the tissue's thickness."
Matching such almost disappearing silk textiles together was not the most challenging task. Yang told the Global Times that the "painting" process was even harder since the colors should keep looking "not too vibrant and new."
She said the gauze needs to be "1:1 the same to the original one" that has more than 2,000 years of history. Thanks to advanced technologies that can decode the ingredients and composition of ancient fabrics, Yang discovered that Lady Xin Zhui's garment was painted in natural mineral dye and was covered with an extra "glue-like substance" to make it look understated while in a good shape. She said that she was only one of the heritage protectors in China, who has "felt the responsibility to show the public a legacy's authentic aesthetics and story."
"Technological tools are our assistants. They ensure the history we deliver to the public is correct," Xiang Benshan, a restorer of underwater ceramic relics, told the Global Times.
Cross-field collaborations
Other than the research sector, technological innovations are now diversely applied on shows that relate to the Mawangdui Han Tombs.
Currently, a blockbuster show called The Art of Life: Multimedia Exhibition of Mawangdui Han Culture is ongoing at the Hunan Museum. The immersive digital project, a collaboration between the Hunan Museum, Digital Library of China, and the Harvard FAS CAMLab, presents a new model for showcasing the Mawangdui Han Tombs through multimedia installations.
The show includes three thematic sections such as "Time and Space." They highlight the artistic grandeur and spiritual reflections of ancient Chinese, giving insight into their concepts of life, death and afterlife.
Lü Chenchen, associate director of Harvard FAS CAMLab, told the Global Times that the future of Mawangdui-themed exhibitions lies in global academic collaboration and the integration of advanced technologies such as VR tools and interactive animations.
"By partnering internationally, institutions can leverage cultural IPs like the Mawangdui Han Tombs and digital tools to broaden access to historical knowledge from different perspectives and different disciplines," Lü told the Global Times.
If the research lab and the museum are where the Mawangdui IP provides intellectual inspirations to people, then the site's cross-field collaborations with the cultural and creative industries have made the heritage a joy of people's everyday lives.
The Hunan Museum recently collaborated with a food brand to launch a "Mawangdui spicy strip," one of the favorite snacks by young people that is also known as La Tiao.
At the museum's "digital Han lifestyle experiencing center," symbols of relics like the round lacquer plate and Lady Xin Zhui's garments have been printed on products like scarves, fans and cakes.
An exhibition themed on the history of cooperation between the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) and the World Federation of Scientific Workers (WFSW) opened on Tuesday as part of the activities to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the cooperation between the two sides.
The WFSW is the first international organization that CAST joined. In 1964, the Peking Symposium, the first large-scale international academic conference held by China, took place, according to CAST.
Looking back at the history of cooperation between CAST and WFSW, their shared original aspiration and central theme have always been working together for science. Chinese scientists actively participated in the preparation and establishment of WFSW and related activities, promoting scientific and technological cooperation. To facilitate this, China hosted the 1964 Peking Symposium, inviting scholars from around the world to discuss the mission and development of science. Since the start of reform and opening up in 1978, CAST has continued to deepen cooperation with WFSW, committing to international scientific and technological exchanges, advocating trust and cooperation, and contributing to maintaining world peace, addressing global challenges, and promoting the sustainable development of human society, according to a statement from CAST sent to the Global Times.
So far, CAST and other Chinese scientific associations have joined 875 international organizations, and nearly 800 international academic conferences are held in China annually. These achievements and prospects in the field of science and technology demonstrate China's significant progress in opening up to the outside world.
Looking ahead, CAST stated that they are unfolding a new chapter in international scientific cooperation. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the 1964 Peking Symposium, providing an excellent opportunity to review the history of cooperation and create a better future. As part of this commemoration, CAST organized an exhibition themed on the history of cooperation between CAST and WFSW.
China will continue to adhere to a high level of openness to the world. In today's world, cooperation is the only way to achieve win-win results, especially in the field of technology, as science knows no borders, Shi Yigong, deputy president of CAST, said in a speech at the opening ceremony of the exhibition.
In 1964, the WFSW and CAST jointly organized the Peking Symposium, successfully breaking through technological barriers and promoting international scientific exchanges. Today, as we gather here, we are not only commemorating this conference but also reflecting on the past and present, and opening up new pathways for our future cooperation and mutual benefit, Shi noted.
Many valuable materials that document the history of China's scientific cooperation with the world are displayed at the exhibition.
For example, the first picture in the first unit of the exhibition, "The Vision of the World," comes from a report in the British journal Nature on the conference “Science and the Welfare of Mankind,” held in February 1946 in London. Related questions concerning the establishment of WFSW were discussed after the conference. Chinese meteorologist Tu Changwang and the late nuclear physicist Qian Sanqiang attended the conference, representing the Chinese science and technology community.
Another picture in the third unit, "Enhancing International Collaboration," shows then Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai meeting with representatives from various countries attending the inaugural meeting of the WFSW Peking Center and the preparatory meeting of the Peking Symposium in September 1963. Co-chairman of WFSW, Jean-Paul Lainé, expressed his appreciation for the positive, fruitful, and sincere cooperation between CAST and WFSW over the past 60 years during the exhibition. He emphasized that this collaboration should serve as a model for cooperation between different scientific organizations worldwide.
For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, China shared information about the virus with the world soon after the pandemic broke out. This is a typical example of the benefits of cooperation, Lainé told the Global Times.
Lainé emphasized the importance of cooperation and communication in addressing global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. He praised China for sharing information about the virus early on, which he believes is a testament to the benefits of working together.
However, Lainé also raised concerns about the threats facing such cooperation, particularly due to geopolitical tensions.
A report published in Nature in July revealed a decline in research collaborations between China and the US. "This decline is a really bad signal. Regardless of the political climate, scientific communication should remain unaffected, as the purpose of science is to benefit people rather than governments," Lainé stressed.
CAST is the largest scientific organization in China, serving as a home for 120 million Chinese science and technology workers. It represents China in 380 international scientific organizations and maintains long-term cooperation with 136 scientific and engineering institutions in 49 countries, according to the association.
Dialogue is always important in this very challenging world, and the 11th Beijing Xiangshan Forum (BXF) plays a crucial role in fostering dialogue, which is fundamental for building understanding and mutual trust, I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja, former permanent representative of Indonesia to the UN, and Executive Director of ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation, told Global Times reporters Li Aixi, Guo Yuandan and Zhang Yashu during the event. "Talking when we sit together, communicate, and listen to each other is the way to reduce tension," Pujia said.
GT: What are your observations of this forum, ranging from its theme "promoting peace for a shared future" to the discussions?
Puja: For me, understanding this theme is quite straightforward because at the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation our focus is on peace. We conduct extensive research and capacity-building activities to share the spirit of peace. In the future, we hope to contribute to establishing a culture of peace in our region, particularly in Southeast Asia. We believe that peace is essential for bringing prosperity to our people and enhancing their well-being, as conflict cannot achieve these goals.
From my observations, this forum plays a crucial role in fostering dialogue, which is fundamental for building understanding and mutual trust. Dialogue and mutual understanding are, I believe, the essence of peace. From what I observed, the communication at this forum has been very positive, creating a vibrant and creative atmosphere. During this forum, discussions are very open, which is crucial for ensuring that no aspect is overlooked. Dialogue is always important in this very challenging world.
From Chinese speakers, I sensed how China is trying to contribute to peace, not just between China and its neighboring countries but globally. Specifically, I am impressed by China's diplomatic achievements, such as the negotiation and peace agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia, which I believe is a significant diplomatic breakthrough.
Our relationship between China and ASEAN has been established for over 30 years. It is crucial to nurture this long-standing bond, trust, and mutual confidence to further benefit both sides. There is no doubt that ASEAN and China have developed trust in each other. With this trust and confidence, we can work together to build a more stable and secure region, focusing on enhancing prosperity, stability, and welfare for our people.
GT: It is clearly sensed at the forum that observers are concerned about tensions in the South China Sea. The Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea stipulates that parties should refrain from action of inhabiting on the presently uninhabited islands, reefs, shoals, cays, and other features and to handle their differences in a constructive manner. Based on that, what's your take on the Philippines' move to illegally strand its vessel at the Xianbin Jiao (Sabina Shoal)?
Puja: I will not comment on that. But what I can share is that the spirit of the declaration should serve as a reference for future activities in the absence of further negotiations or agreements on the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea, which ASEAN and China are currently pursuing. The key principles are the non-use of violence and restraint from activities that could escalate tensions. It is crucial to explore collaboration and cooperation to reduce tensions and prevent hostilities. This is important for creating an environment conducive to the next level of negotiations on the COC.
GT: There have been reports that China and ASEAN are working to finalize the Code of Conduct by next year. What's your comment on this?
Puja: It depends. If the situation on the ground is not conducive, it's hard to build trust and confidence in the negotiations for the COC. However, looking at the other side of the coin, the deteriorating situation could serve as a reminder of the necessity to finalize the negotiations and the COC sooner rather than later.
GT: China has consistently advocated for both sides to return to the negotiating table. Do you think this is the best way to resolve the dispute?
Puja: As I said, talking when we sit together, communicate, and listen to each other is the way to reduce tension. Hopefully, this can also build trust and confidence among the concerned parties. Cultivating a culture of dialogue and communication is key to peacefully resolving conflicts.
We should continue listening, communicating, and maintaining dialogue in a healthy and trustworthy manner - I believe that honest communication and dialogue will ultimately prevail in creating common goals for the COC in the future.
GT: Be it in South China Sea tension or major power games, how can ASEAN play a bridging role in facilitating some degree of strategic opportunities and strategic accommodation?
Puja: ASEAN can play a role as a bridge and, at the same time, as an honest broker in this respect. If ASEAN can fulfill this role effectively and gain more trust, whether as a region or as individual member states, it will enhance ASEAN's leverage in dealing with dialogue partners.
In Shanghai, a new ice cream shop has recently made headlines with its unique offerings: a range of ice creams containing traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). With a total of 16 flavors, including mint and watermelon frost, wild chrysanthemum and pistachio, smoked plum, bamboo and jasmine, hawthorn and bergamot, and loquat syrup, the new summer treats are conquering customers. Priced at 38 yuan ($5.3) for 120 grams and 45 yuan for 150 grams, customers can also ask for toppings made from premium ingredients like ginseng (12 yuan) and caterpillar fungus (known in China as "winter-worm summer-grass," which is said to be effective in boosting the immune system, for 18 yuan). Additionally, the shop sells herbal teas at an average price of around 20 yuan.
According to the staff, these products use ice cream as a primary base, with a small amount of herbal ingredients added to enhance the flavor. The concept is centered around the idea of "new Chinese-style herbs" and the traditional TCM principle that "food and medicine share the same origin."
The TCM ice cream has gone viral online, with the related hashtag on China's X-like platform Sina Weibo garnering over 50 million views and 10,000 comments about it.
While some Weibo users question the compatibility of these ice creams with traditional Chinese medicine principles - citing concerns over the consumption of cold foods, others showed their interest. "My last bit of guilt from eating ice cream has now disappeared," read a Weibo comment.
The rise of TCM-infused ice cream is part of a larger trend where traditional Chinese medicine is being integrated into modern food products. With wellness and health being increasingly valued by younger generations, along with a growing sense of cultural confidence, this fusion of TCM with contemporary cuisine is gaining popularity among young consumers in China. From herbal teas and bread to coffee and now ice cream, TCM is making its mark in the culinary world.
Product diversification
Beyond ice cream, TCM is making its way into various foods. In Southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, a hospital started producing milk tea, pastries, and lollipops infused with medicinal herbs. In Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong Province, a TCM wellness café offers a variety of herbal coffees. A hospital in North China's Tianjin has even opened a bakery featuring medicinal breads like lotus leaf hydrating toast and Ejiao soft bread.
According to data by The Beijing News media outlet, as of July 7, there are more than 30 TCM tea or herbal tea brands in the country.
Over the past few years, the Chinese government has placed significant emphasis on the development of the TCM industry, introducing various policies and measures to support its innovation and growth. These initiatives have provided a solid foundation for the emergence of TCM-infused culinary products, Yi Lan, an attending TCM physician at a hospital in Guangzhou, told the Global Times.
On top of that, social media has also played a pivotal role in promoting this trend, amplifying its reach and appeal, particularly among younger generations, who are keen to explore new and unique experiences, she added.
For instance, suanmeitang (sour plum drink) has gained popularity since the summer of 2023 as a refreshing and appetizing drink. Traditionally brewed with additional ingredients such as hawthorn, licorice, and rock candy, this traditional beverage is renowned for its delightful taste and its capacity to alleviate heat exhaustion, counteract greasiness, and stimulate the appetite.
On social media platforms, such as the Chinese version of TikTok, many users have posted videos of their experiences of buying suanmeitang in TCM shops. In the lifestyle-sharing platform Xiaohongshu, search of the "TCM prescription of suanmeitang" yields about 3,000 posts.
A Douyin user's video shows that a packet of suanmeitang costs only 4.5 yuan. The ingredients include dried plums, dried tangerine peel, osmanthus flowers, hawthorn, mulberries, and rock candy. According to the video, stores can even brew it on the spot for the consumers.
Despite TCM being usually consumed warm, some users add ice, saying it makes a deliciously refreshing drink that is "much more affordable than milk tea and healthier as well."
However, due to the high content of organic acids like citric acid and malic acid in suanmeitang, this beverage is not suitable for children to consume, as their stomach lining is relatively delicate.
Adults should also avoid drinking it on an empty stomach or in large quantities. Additionally, sour plum drink is high in sugar, so it is not recommended for individuals with diabetes.
Menstruating women, people with colds or fevers, or those who have a cough with phlegm or a feeling of chest congestion should also avoid drinking suanmeitang, as it could worsen these conditions, she added. Comfort meets wellness
The increasing interest in TCM-infused foods aligns with a growing interest in wellness among millennials and Generation Z, who are increasingly seeking health benefits in their dietary choices.
According to the Generation Z nutritional consumption trend report by the Xinhua News Agency in 2021, individuals aged 18 to 35 are leading the charge in health-conscious spending, making up 83.7 percent of the market.
The report also revealed that compared to traditional tonics, products that are portable, simple, and ready-to-eat are particularly favored by Gen Z.
The demand for such practical and nutritious products indicates a departure from traditional methods, with a preference for health benefits that are easy to integrate into daily life.
"The trend reflects a growing awareness among the public, alongside a strong sense of cultural confidence," Yi said.
Moreover, for the TCM food industry to sustain its upward trajectory, it must find a development path that truly reflects the unique characteristics of TCM.
"A crucial first step is to enhance public knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine, which will enable consumers to make informed choices and fully harness the benefits of TCM," Yi told the Global Times.
Basketball, one of the three major ball sports in China, continues to play a significant role in China-US cultural exchange. Basketball remains a unifying force, fostering connections and mutual understanding between the two countries.
The recent Olympics highlighted the stark contrast between basketball in the two countries. While the US secured both the men's and women's gold medals in the five-on-five tournaments, China's men's team did not even qualify, and the women's team failed to advance to the quarterfinals. Nevertheless, the sport's influence in China remains profound, and various levels of basketball exchanges between the two countries are actively taking place.
One such example is the recent invitation by the CBA's Xinjiang team to three other foreign basketball clubs, including a team from the US, for a series of friendly matches in China. Although these games were not without contentious moments, the teams managed to reconcile after the matches, demonstrating the resilience and importance of such exchanges.
These opportunities are particularly valuable given the Chinese men's national team's absence from major international competitions in recent years, serving as a necessary substitute for the lack of experience in high-level competitions.
In addition to professional exchanges, grassroots and college basketball also play a pivotal role in fostering connections.
A recent college-level exchange in Shanghai saw the Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) men's team defeat New York University (NYU) 73-56, while the SJTU women's team was narrowly bested by their NYU counterpart 69-64.
Beyond the court, the event's organizers provided ample opportunities for off-court interactions, allowing players from both universities to bond and learn from each other. SJTU players took on the role of cultural ambassadors, introducing NYU players to the rich heritage and culinary delights of Shanghai, including popular local dishes like xiaolongbao (a type of steamed bun) and shengjianbao (pan-fried pork buns). Some NYU players even expressed a keen interest in learning Chinese characters, highlighting the depth of cultural curiosity and appreciation fostered through these exchanges.
The recent success of young Chinese players on the international stage further underscores the importance of these exchanges. For instance, young prospect Cui Yongxi's impressive performance in the NBA Summer League and Li Yueru's contributions to the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA demonstrate the growing potential of Chinese players in the global arena.
Basketball remains a vital channel for China-US cultural exchange, offering a unique platform for fostering mutual understanding and cooperation. Through matches on professional and grassroots levels, sports continue to build bridges between the two countries, paving the way for future collaboration and exploration.
Africa has recently emerged as one of the top destinations for Chinese tourists thanks to its unique travel experiences such as wildlife safaris, favorable visa policies, and improved travel infrastructure.
Countries like South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, and Egypt have become popular destinations for Chinese tourists who are particularly drawn to Africa as it represents a "final frontier" for seasoned travelers who have already explored more traditional destinations including Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America.
They are also keen on sharing their travel experiences on social media platforms like WeChat, Weibo, and the lifestyle-sharing platform Xiaohongshu, where the posts about wildlife sightings and cultural encounters have intrigued the interests of a growing number of potential backpackers.
Han Jie, chairman of China Youth Travel Service (CYTS) Aoyou Technology Development Company, told the Global Times on Wednesday that the number of Chinese tourists traveling during the summer season of 2024 to Africa through CYTS Aoyou increased by 40 percent compared to the same period in 2023. Destinations like Kenya, Tanzania, and Morocco are seeing a surge in popularity.
Egypt welcomed 7.069 million inbound tourist trips in the first half of this year, generating a record $6.6 billion in tourism revenue. During the first quarter alone, around 90,000 Chinese tourist trips were recorded in Egypt, marking a 178-percent year-on-year increase. The Egyptian Tourism Authority aims to welcome a total of 300,000 Chinese tourist trips throughout 2024, the People's Daily reported.
Massive migration
"I still remember the local hotel staff member greeting us with a loud 'Jambo' as soon as they see you. If someone had a birthday or an anniversary, they would bang on pots and pans and sing the song 'Jambo' to celebrate with everyone," Yuan Liuliu, a tourist from Southwest China's Sichuan Province, told the Global Times on Wednesday.
In June, Yuan and her colleagues decided to travel to Africa together, inspired by the continent's "vast wilderness."
"It feels like Sub-Saharan Africa, in particular, allows you to see the most authentic animal world, far from the workplace and human beings, and makes you feel the abundance of possibilities in life," Yuan said.
For many Chinese travelers, many parts of Africa offer a unique experience that contrasts with the urban landscapes. Yuan said her experience in Kenya changed her perceptions as she went on a safari led by a local tour guide who loves China and has catered exclusively to Chinese tourists for years.
"One amazing thing is that he has been doing safari tours for many years and doesn't need GPS. Driving such a large vehicle on the desolate savanna, he can find where the animals are precisely," Yuan noted.
According to the Kenya Tourists Board, Kenya's tourism industry has reported significant growth in the first six months of 2024, with revenue reaching Sh142.5 billion ($1.1 billion). The board said that the country welcomed 1,027,630 international visitors, marking a 21.3-percent increase from the same period in 2023.
Kenya's Maasai Mara National Reserve, currently at full capacity due to the wildebeest migration, serves as a major driving force behind the surge in visitors.
The yearly migration, which reaches its peak in August, features wildebeests, zebras, and hippos crossing the Mara River on their journey to seek water and pasture, according to Africa News.
The most dramatic moment occurs when the animals jump across the river, which is teeming with crocodiles. The migration kicks off in early July as the Serengeti in Tanzania dries up, prompting the animals to move toward greener pasture and water sources in the Maasai Mara. The spectacle concludes in October when the animals return to the Serengeti.
Study tour
Beyond wildlife tourism, Africa is also attracting young people for study and volunteer opportunities. A Chinese student studying in Canada, who requested anonymity, recounted her experience to the Global Times about volunteering in Kenya. "We built a foundation for a water tank at a local primary school in a week." She described her first impression of Kenya as "rustic and vibrant," noting the friendliness of the locals, especially the students who were excited to meet her.
Zhang Zining, who has been working in the tourism industry for eight years, told Portrait magazine that Kenya, in addition to being a popular destination for young people to take photos, has also become a new choice for many parents to send their children for study tours.
Compared to other places, Kenya's advantage is its high cost-effectiveness. A 5-day trip to Singapore, with average accommodations and only half a day of classes at the National University of Singapore, costs over 20,000 yuan ($2,804.03). If you go to Europe or the US, the price doubles to at least 60,000 to 70,000 yuan per person. However, a 10-day trip to Kenya, staying in luxury hotels throughout, costs just over 30,000 yuan, Zhang said.
Many African countries have been introducing promotions to spur tourism since 2023.
Angola announced a unilateral visa-free entry policy for citizens of 98 countries, including Chinese citizens.
The Kenyan government implemented a visa-free policy for tourists worldwide, allowing visitors to enter without applying for a visa and only requiring them to obtain a travel permit through an electronic platform starting from January 2023.
However, travelers to Africa are advised to remain cautious. Han emphasized the importance of safety, with travel agencies prioritizing secure routes and providing safety tips.
As Africa's allure continues to grow, so does the importance of embracing both its natural beauty and the necessary precautions for a safe journey.
"The performance is amazing, the dancers vividly recreated the movements of the crested ibis, while also interpreting the whole process of co-existence, conflicts and harmony again between human being and nature," a Shanghai resident told the Global Times on Saturday after watching the dance drama Crested Ibises (Zhu Huan in Chinese pinyin) in Shanghai.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the debut of Crested Ibises produced by the Shanghai Dance Theatre (SDT). The drama was inspired by China's miracle in saving and protecting the crested ibis, which is also known as an auspicious "fairy bird" or "bird of good fortune" in Asian culture.
The crested ibis, with its iconic red crest and long black beak, is believed to have existed for 60 million years and commonly found in China, on the Korean Peninsula, Japan and Russia until the 1960s. Bird conservationists attribute pesticides, fertilizers, hunting, environmental and ecological reasons for bringing the birds to the brink of extinction.
The crested ibis was thought to be extinct in China until seven wild birds were spotted in Yangxian county in Northwest China's Shaanxi Province in 1981, a discovery that prompted captive breeding and enhanced protection of the species.
After more than 40 years of continuous conservation, it is estimated that there are over 11,000 crested ibises alive in 2024, according to the Xinhua News Agency.
The Shanghai Dance Theatre introduced the drama in 2014, and integrated Chinese folk dance and Western ballet. Traditional Chinese dance gestures are used in upper body movements, while ballet and Western dance elements feature in the footwork, which makes it a masterpiece receiving recognition both home and abroad, according to critics.
Since its premiere in 2014, the Crested Ibises has performed 348 shows at home and abroad, the STD told the Global Times on Saturday. According to media reports, it has consistently been the most frequently performed and highest-grossing dance drama of the SDT.
In the past 10 years, the drama has been performed in Japan, the US. Overseas audiences consistently give enthusiastic applause at the end of the show, providing strong encouragement to the dancers.
"We will not only continue to inherit the essence of this art on the domestic stage, but also tour again in Japan in February next year. We look forward to sharing the story of the crested ibis with more audiences and conveying the importance of 'environmental protection and harmonious coexistence,' so that the artistic beauty can spread across national borders and touch more hearts," Wang Yan, director of the Shanghai Dance Theatre, told the Global Times on Saturday.
"For what was lost in the past, let's appeal to cherish the future forever," SDT put it as the slogan in the promotional materials of the dance drama, reminding the public to learn from the lesson of the crested ibis and to protect both the environment and the ecosystem.
"It's really a good China story. I would say both the commercial and artistic successes of the dance drama was a paradigm of the Chinese modernization of cultural-ethical advancement, which has definitely boosted our cultural confidence," a journalist surnamed Chen who watched the performance 10 years ago told the Global Times on Saturday.
China’s social media Sina Weibo has taken actions to address violations of its guidelines related to irrational discussions and personal attacks about Black Myth: Wukong. In response, the platform has removed 1,187 items of content and banned 138 accounts, according to Weibo.
Long-awaited Chinese game Black Myth: Wukong, inspired by the story of the Monkey King, topped PC gaming platform Steam’s chart by a large margin after launch on Tuesday and triggered widespread discussions on its cultural implications.
The game involves high development costs, long production cycles, and substantial resource investment. It has not only attracted the interest of many users who are eager to experience it, but also because of its rich traditional Chinese cultural elements, it allows players from around the world to learn about Chinese culture through the game, Weibo wrote in the notice released on Wednesday.
However, a few users are deviating from discussing the game itself but instead using it as a platform for spreading “gender opposition,” “personal attacks,” and other irrational comments. Some users are even organizing on external platforms to “incite group opposition,” “provoke conflict,” and attack users discussing the game on the platform through mass posting, creating discord in the comments area, according to Weibo.
A total of 138 accounts have got a seven-day to permanent ban based on the severity of their violations, said the platform.
Many netizens expressed their support for the way Weibo handled the issue, supporting rational discussions, focusing on game content and player experience.
“If it can promote Chinese culture, then it is a good game, allowing players from all over the world to understand Chinese culture,” one netizen commented.
“When participating in discussions about gaming hot topics, it is important to maintain a rational attitude and express reasonable opinions,” another netizen wrote.
The platform also called on the public to focus more on the game content and player experience and work together with rational and objective voices to promote the progress and development of the Chinese gaming industry.
Weibo will continue to increase efforts to investigate and deal with user violations, urging netizens to maintain a rational attitude and express reasonable opinions when participating in discussions, avoiding malicious provocation and attacks.
In a tense series of events, the Chinese national soccer team narrowly secured their place in the third round of the World Cup Asian qualifiers and earned a spot in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup finals. This outcome, however, was not achieved through their own triumphs but rather by relying on the failure of others.
While the relief among players and fans is palpable, the journey to this point has highlighted several critical issues within Chinese soccer that demand attention. Branko Ivankovic, the head coach, has made some commendable adjustments.
His willingness to trust new talents like Baihelamu Abuduwaili, Xie Wenlong, and Yang Zexiang is particularly noteworthy. Yet, despite these positive steps, Ivankovic's performance has not significantly outshone that of his predecessor, Aleksandar Jankovic, raising questions about the long-term strategy of the Chinese Football Association (CFA).
The rapid dismissal of Jankovic after the team's failure to advance from the Asian Cup group stage earlier this year underscores a reactive rather than strategic approach by the CFA. This cycle of hiring and firing coaches without substantial introspection into systemic issues only perpetuates instability and hinders progress.
Ivankovic, though yet to be confirmed by the CFA, is likely to be tasked with steering China through the crucial 18-team stage of the World Cup Asian qualifiers, meaning that he faces immense pressure. The reality is that qualifying for the World Cup remains a distant dream given the current state of Chinese soccer. Instead, the focus should be on building a resilient, cohesive team capable of competing at a higher level. This requires faith in Ivankovic's professional judgment and commitment to a long-term developmental strategy, particularly one that emphasizes youth.
Historically, Chinese soccer has often relied on veteran players with supposed experience, only to fall short repeatedly. The failure to capitalize on opportunities for generational renewal has left China fielding some of the eldest squads in recent tournaments, with declining tactical and technical prowess. This misstep has not only stalled progress but also fueled ongoing criticism about the inadequacies of China's youth training systems.
The 30-year-old Yang's debut against South Korea, despite his age and the high stakes, was a testament to the potential within lesser-known players. His solid performance under pressure suggests that China does not lack talents but rather the courage to nurture and trust them. Players like Baihelamu and Xie, who demonstrate a willingness to execute tactics and give their all on the pitch, embody the spirit needed to revitalize Chinese soccer.
Ivankovic's tenure could be a pivotal turning point if he continues to integrate young, energetic players into the squad. The success of China's under-19 national team against their South Korean counterparts highlights the effectiveness of disciplined, hardworking young players. The likes of Wang Yudong, whose tenacity and defensive commitment were crucial in the youth matches, must be given opportunities at the senior level.
Moreover, the temptation to revert to naturalizing foreign players as a quick fix should not be listed as a priority. Previous attempts at using naturalized players have not yielded sustainable success and have often been criticized as short-sighted and emblematic of a lack of faith in domestic talents. The resources spent on these players could be better invested in developing local youth, fostering a sense of national pride and continuity.
Chinese soccer's path forward lies in recognizing and learning from its past mistakes. An overreliance on experienced veterans and naturalized players has only provided temporary relief without addressing underlying issues. True progress will come from investing in the next generation, allowing them to grow and compete on the international stage. Ivankovic's willingness to trust younger players is a positive step, but it requires the full support of the CFA with a commitment to a long-term vision.
