Month: October 2024

During a recent interview, Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, expressed his deep concern over the relentless violence and loss of life occurring in various parts of Nigeria. “I am profoundly saddened and outraged by the continuous killings in our society,” he stated, referencing the tragic incident in Anambra State where 16 young men were senselessly killed. He described this act as not only a devastating loss for their families but also a troubling indicator of the escalating violence that is afflicting many communities.

Obi emphasized the sacredness of life, asserting that “no one has the right to take another’s life.” He highlighted the disturbing disregard for human dignity and the rule of law that these actions represent, urging collective efforts to address the root causes of this violence. “Our nation cannot progress if we allow such brutality to become the norm,” he added.

In expressing his condolences, Obi extended his heartfelt sympathy to the families affected by this tragedy, the Nibo community, and the Government of Anambra State, stating, “My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.” He called on authorities to swiftly bring the perpetrators of this horrific crime to justice, insisting that Nigeria must be a place where safety and justice prevail over violence and chaos. “May God grant the departed eternal rest and provide their families and the Government of Anambra with the strength to bear this profound loss,” he concluded.

In a related development, the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) has voiced its condemnation of the ongoing sit-at-home orders being issued in the South East region. The group expressed its alarm over these directives, which they noted are often disseminated through social media by unknown individuals, creating fear among the populace.

In a statement released by Mr. Goodluck Ibem, the President General of COSEYL, the group urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), arguing that his release could pave the way for peace in the area. “These orders come from anonymous sources via voice notes and videos, and people are terrified to disobey them,” Ibem stated. “This madness must stop immediately. We call on the president to take action to end this embarrassing situation and the resultant hardships and economic stagnation plaguing the South East.”

Located in the Bayside area of Queens, Crystal Dental Care is headed by Dr. Jason Lin. This fully-equipped clinic is known for its friendly service and offers a range of services including cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, root canal treatments, pediatric dental care, periodontal therapy, cosmetic whitening, and porcelain dentures. The clinic prides itself on using high-quality materials while maintaining affordable prices. The staff is fluent in Mandarin, Taiwanese, Cantonese, and English, allowing for effective communication with patients from various backgrounds.

In an interview, Dr. Lin emphasized that the cost of dental implants, along with a patient’s lifestyle and medical history, can significantly influence the outcome of the procedure. He highlights the importance of selecting a qualified dentist as a critical factor for success in dental implants. What factors could lead to implant failure? Dr. Lin explains that if the artificial root is not accurately positioned in the jawbone during surgery, it could result in complications such as infections or inflammation. For instance, if an upper implant is placed too close to the sinus cavity, it may cause sinusitis; similarly, if a lower implant affects the inferior alveolar nerve, it could lead to numbness in the lip. The condition of the jawbone also plays a critical role; some patients may need bone grafting before they can receive implants.

Failures after the completion of an implant procedure are often seen in patients who smoke, those with poorly controlled diabetes, individuals undergoing dialysis, HIV patients, or those with severe osteoporosis. Insufficient jawbone density due to severe atrophy can easily lead to implant loosening.

Furthermore, poor oral hygiene and inadequate post-operative care can lead to gum inflammation or even periodontal disease, increasing the likelihood of failure. Thus, choosing the right implant dentist is essential. Most patients requiring implants typically face tooth loss due to cavities or severe periodontal disease. Prior to implantation, patients are encouraged to undergo an evaluation of their dental structure and condition, discussing the most suitable treatment plan with their dentist to ensure a successful outcome.

At Crystal Dental Care, the team utilizes advanced technology and professional expertise to provide top-notch treatment. The clinic is conveniently located with ample parking, accepts most insurance plans, and offers discounts for uninsured patients. Free consultations are available for those interested. The clinic’s address is 214-11 35th Ave., Unit C5, Bayside, NY, 11361, accessible via Q13 and Q31 buses. For more information, you can reach them at 718-352-0220.

Recently, the Zhu Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Biliary Specialists relocated to a brand new medical building on Maple Avenue in Flushing, known as NuSun Tower. This state-of-the-art facility features a modern clinic that showcases a professional atmosphere, with clean and contemporary decor, spacious waiting areas, and friendly reception staff. Dr. Wang Chaoyang, along with specialists Dr. Zhu Qifeng and Dr. Zhu Jinfeng, jointly practices at Fulton GI Medical, inviting new and existing patients to make appointments by phone. The medical building also includes parking facilities for the convenience of patients.

Dr. Wang emphasizes the importance of gut health, stating, “A healthy gut contributes to a longer life.” He highlights that maintaining one’s health is not only about appearance but also significantly involves the well-being of the gastrointestinal system. Preventative measures, especially for individuals over 40, are crucial. “As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure,” Dr. Wang explains, stressing the need for proper health knowledge to protect gastrointestinal health. A balanced, moderate, and diverse diet is recommended, along with avoiding foods that can irritate the gut. Eating slowly and chewing thoroughly are essential practices for long-term digestive health.

Dr. Wang elaborates on the benefits of gastrointestinal endoscopy, which includes both upper and lower gastrointestinal examinations. These procedures can be performed under sedation, minimizing any discomfort for patients during the process. “Endoscopy allows us to closely inspect for inflammation, polyps, tumors, and other abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract,” Dr. Wang states. Should any issues be found, immediate actions such as removal or biopsy can be conducted. This method is currently the most effective way to diagnose and prevent colorectal, gastric, and esophageal cancers.

For patients with a clean bill of health after an endoscopy, it is generally recommended to undergo screening every three to five years. However, those with a history of polyps, tumors, or family histories of gastrointestinal issues should consider more frequent check-ups, ideally every one to two years.

It’s crucial to remind the community that colorectal cancer often develops from polyps in the intestines, and these can be asymptomatic in their early stages, making early detection challenging. Dr. Wang shares insights from his experience, noting that many patients may notice blood in their stool but, not feeling any pain, initially dismiss it as hemorrhoids. Many later find themselves facing a cancer diagnosis too late. The Zhu Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Biliary Specialists’ Flushing office is equipped with the most advanced examination rooms and professional anesthetists, ensuring patients can comfortably undergo their procedures and return home shortly after.

The new address for Zhu Gastroenterology in Flushing is 3136-20 Maple Ave, Suite #801, Flushing, NY 11355, and they can be reached at 1(718) 316-6873. Additionally, their Chinatown office is located at 13-17 Elizabeth St, Suite 608, with a contact number of 212-219-8031.

How did a single social media post, removed within hours for being false, manage to gain millions of views and be cited as credible evidence in relation to the Southport attack?

On July 29, a tragic incident involving fatal stabbings at a children’s dance class set off widespread riots in England and Northern Ireland. This unrest was significantly fueled by misinformation circulating on social media, specifically rumors alleging that an illegal migrant was the suspect.

While responsibility for the resulting violence cannot be pinned on any one individual or post, the BBC has previously highlighted a pattern in which influential social media figures amplify messages that incite protests.

In the immediate aftermath of the Southport attack, various posts began spreading false claims from a range of sources, including self-described news accounts. This misinformation quickly coalesced. By the evening of July 30, some of these incorrect assertions had gained traction via prominent online personalities like Andrew Tate, who repeated these narratives to millions of viewers on X.

However, one LinkedIn post stands out as particularly impactful in perpetuating the false narrative that the dance class suspect was a migrant. An analysis by the BBC reveals that this post, authored by a local resident, greatly contributed to the misinformation.

Eddie Murray, a man residing near Southport, made the post approximately three hours post-attack, claiming that a migrant was responsible for the violence: “My two youngest children went to holiday club this morning in Southport for a day of fun only for a migrant to enter and murder/fatally wound multiple children. My kids are fine. They are shocked and in hysterics, but they are safe. My thoughts are with the other 30 kids and families that are suffering right now. If there’s any time to close the borders completely it’s right now! Enough is enough.”

Mr. Murray’s post implied his family had been at the scene of the attack; however, BBC investigations later revealed that while they were in the vicinity, they had actually been turned away from the dance class due to capacity constraints. Murray later stated that he simply shared information he believed to be correct.

The rapid spread of this claim illustrates how unverified information can proliferate quickly and without regard for accuracy. Shortly after the stabbings, Merseyside Police offered limited details about the suspect, which is standard procedure especially when the individual is underage. A brief police communique mentioned that “armed police have detained a male and seized a knife.”

Despite the ambiguity, the rampant speculation on social media surged. Murray’s post reached only a few hundred views before its removal by LinkedIn for not complying with policies on “harmful or false content.” However, by that time, it had already been duplicated elsewhere and amassed over two million views, as reported by BBC Verify.

Within an hour of Murray’s original post, a screenshot was shared by an account demanding mass deportations, racking up over 130,000 views. Shortly thereafter, an Indian news website, Upuknews, retweeted the post and labeled it “confirmed,” further enhancing its visibility to over half a million viewers.

As speculation intensified about the suspect’s identity, others, including far-right activists, seized upon the rumor. Paul Golding, co-leader of the far-right group Britain First, claimed evidence was mounting that the Southport attack was perpetrated by a migrant, leading to considerable exposure for the misinformation.

The cycle of misinformation continued to escalate, with various individuals claiming to “confirm” the accuracy of Murray’s post—this included accusations that the suspect’s name was “Ali-Al-Shakati,” a false identity circulated despite police clarifications.

Notably, the aftermath of these events catalyzed government scrutiny over how misrepresented information on social media can lead to unrest. Jonathan Hall KC, the government’s independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, stated that the current legal framework might encourage the spread of online disinformation.

The media regulator Ofcom found a direct link between social media posts and the violent incidents in England and Northern Ireland post-stabbings, asserting that misleading content spread rapidly following the Southport attack. The government is working swiftly to enact the Online Safety Act, which seeks to compel social media platforms to erase illegal content and prevent the spread of false narratives.

As of now, the connection between misinformation and real-world consequences remains a pressing concern, while the repercussions of the Southport riot highlight the urgent need for responsible information-sharing practices in our digital age.

On October 22, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a statement warning that McDonald’s “Quarter Pounder” has been linked to E. coli-related illnesses across multiple states in the U.S. According to the CDC’s report, 49 individuals have fallen ill after consuming the Quarter Pounder, with 10 requiring hospitalization and one death attributed to the outbreak. The CDC is currently investigating the situation.

Patients have reported dining at McDonald’s before becoming ill, specifically mentioning their consumption of the Quarter Pounder. Cases have emerged in states including Colorado, Nebraska, Oregon, and Wisconsin, as reported by USA Today.

The CDC has yet to pinpoint the source of the contamination. McDonald’s has revealed that initial investigations suggest a potential link to onions supplied by a vendor that services three of their distribution centers. The fast-food chain has temporarily removed the suspected ingredients related to the incident, and the affected product will not be available in certain states.

Recently, the New York Parent-Child Support Association teamed up with the Harmony Family Association to host a seminar titled “Cultural Heritage and Identity,” aimed specifically at immigrant families in the Chinese community. The event took place on Brooklyn’s 8th Avenue and attracted a significant number of Chinese parents eager to learn how to help their children embrace cultural traditions and develop healthy identities.

Nicole Huang, the leader of the New York Parent-Child Support Association, noted that immigrant parents often have a deep-rooted connection to Chinese culture. However, for children raised in the United States, the predominant influence is American culture, leading to potential clashes between the values and traditions of their parents and the culture they are immersed in. While many parents find it easier to absorb American culture through their children, there remains a strong desire among some to ensure their kids do not grow up to be “bananas”—a term used to describe those who are “yellow on the outside and white on the inside.”

The keynote speaker for the seminar was Chen Weili, the founder of the Harmony Family Association, who has dedicated the past 30 years to supporting the community in enhancing parent-child and marital relationships while helping teenagers achieve personal growth. Chen emphasized that parents’ actions have a more profound impact than mere words. He cautioned that forcing children to learn can lead to frustration; instead, parents should demonstrate their respect for Chinese cultural traditions and customs throughout daily life and various celebrations, allowing their children to learn by example.

Chen pointed out that children learn silently as they grow and often mimic their parents’ behaviors, making this indirect form of cultural transmission highly effective. He cited Halloween as an example, noting how American households go all out with decorations, making it an event that children cherish and prioritize. In addition to modeling behaviors, he encouraged parents to share engaging stories about traditional festivals such as Lunar New Year, Lantern Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Dragon Boat Festival, enriching their children’s understanding of their cultural heritage. Lastly, he urged families to participate actively in cultural events within the Chinese community.

In collaboration with the Harmony Family Association, the Parent-Child Support Association also runs a series of seminars titled “Parenting Academy,” covering topics such as parent-child communication, emotional connection and support, educational and achievement pressures, family relationships in the digital age, and cultural heritage and identity. For those interested, further information can be found at www.pcr.nyc.

2024 marks the 20th anniversary of China’s endorsement of the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage. To date, China boasts 43 projects listed in the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage registry, ranking first worldwide. From October 17 to 21, the 8th China Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo will be held in Jinan, Shandong Province, showcasing 211 representative projects and over 100 intangible cultural heritage inheritors.

Among those present will be Wei Bowen, the fifth-generation inheritor of the Tianjin kite-making technique, a national-level intangible cultural heritage project. He has introduced “custom-made” and “collaborative” kites based on popular animated characters and game icons, including a “Iron Man kite.” Similarly, Sun Ge Yao, a community-level representative inheritor of the Xuzhou scented pouch craft, has changed the high-saturation color palette to lighter shades and reduced the size of the pouches to half their original dimensions. “Young people today prefer small, exquisite, and portable products,” she noted. She has also combined scented pouches with keychains and brooches to expand their practical applications in daily life.

During a discussion on “Integrating Intangible Heritage into Modern Life,” a spokesperson from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism emphasized that intangible heritage is not just about tradition; it is also a living, contemporary fashion. It embodies our ancestors’ accumulated wisdom, our current passions, and reflects a youthful approach to the future.

Finding Connections Between Tradition and Modernity

From ancient times to the present, the Yangliu Qing woodblock New Year paintings—designated as a national-level intangible cultural heritage project—have remained closely intertwined with daily life, depicting the ideal visions people hold for their futures. The most recognizable motifs, such as the adorable New Year doll figures, are often used to express aspirations for a better life. However, this is but a fraction of what Yangliu Qing New Year paintings encompass; they also serve to document societal events and trends within their timeline.

Wang Yan, one of the first professional inheritors from the Yangliu Qing Painting Association, has dedicated 17 years to the craft. She believes that for true preservation of New Year paintings to occur, the public must first recognize and appreciate them; only then can they delve deeper into understanding traditional crafts. “Culture and art must focus on upgrading consumption; it’s about gradually immersing oneself in culture,” she remarked.

Exploring the cultural essence of intangible heritage and searching for connections between tradition and modern life has also been a focus for the national-level representative project of fan-making, known as Wangxingji fans. “In a world where fans and air conditioning are everywhere, what purpose do fans serve?” This is a question often posed to Sun Yaqing, a national inheritor of the craft. She believes that fans not only serve practical purposes but also symbolize culture.

Wangxingji fans, originating from Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, are elegant and embody the distinct characteristics of Jiangnan culture. A person’s preference for a particular fan style or how they wave it can reflect their taste and personality. For example, an extroverted individual typically uses wider gestures. During romantic encounters, fans offer a subtle means of expression: holding a fan below the left eye conveys “I miss you,” while positioning it under the right indicates “I am not interested.”

By merging ancient fan culture with modern life, Sun Yaqing believes that the key lies in “making products speak and culture come to life.” During the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, they crafted a fan titled “Lotus Rhythm,” incorporating athletic elements alongside landmarks like the Qiantang River and West Lake. Wangxingji fans are also engaging in cross-industry partnerships, extending their influence across gaming, animation, medical beauty, and more.

Innovative Experiences with Intangible Heritage

Imagine enjoying kite flying without leaving your home—this is what the interactive experience “Paper Kite Roaming” achieves. Viewers can pull on the kite string to control the movement of a kite on screen, feeling the tension of the line. Each launch presents a different kite design, showcasing the diverse artistry of kites as they soar through traditional Chinese gardens and architecture, inviting the audience to traverse time. Project technician Chen Kai explained that the goal is not only for the audience to see and experience this but also to absorb the underlying culture.

In Baofeng County, Henan Province, the annual Ma Street Book Fair has been held in wheat fields for over a thousand years. The “AR Interactive Experience” brings this traditional event into a virtual world, allowing attendees—even those not physically present—to enjoy performances and educational content. By using motion-sensing technology, participants can play instruments and handle scripts from afar.

The “Digital Taiji Interactive Experience” project captures user motions in real-time, creating an immersive platform for learning Taiji. Initially unveiled at the Henan Intangible Heritage Aesthetics Museum, the project drew many curious children during the summer break, encouraging their enthusiastic participation.

Wang Xiao, an associate professor at Zhengzhou University of Light Industry’s intangible heritage research center, believes that digital methods can enrich the channels and means of intangible heritage communication, finding suitable ways to present artifacts and techniques. However, she warns against over-relying on technology, which may detract from the essence of intangible heritage itself.

Pan Lusheng, vice-chairman of the Chinese Federation of Literary and Art Circles, emphasizes that the protection and transmission of intangible heritage should integrate contemporary technology, incorporating new materials, techniques, and products into modern cultural references to enhance traditional culture’s visibility.

Intangible Heritage as Craft and Economy: Boosting Rural Revitalization

In Loufan County, Shanxi Province, the Xue Mei Embroidery Workshop has empowered women to increase their income through “embroidery,” transforming a craft into an economic opportunity. Meanwhile, in Xunpu Village, Fujian Province, locals seized the chance to learn flower pinning skills, integrating intangible heritage with the cultural tourism industry, which generated over 600 million yuan in tourism revenue in 2023.

In the Dong Autonomous County of Tongdao, Hunan Province, the diversity and quality of Dong Brocade products not only enjoy popularity nationwide but have also reached international markets in the United States, South Korea, Dubai, and beyond. It’s hard to imagine that 17 years ago, the weaving technique for Dong Brocade was on the verge of extinction.

O Rui Fan, a city-level inheritor of the Dong Brocade weaving technique, who previously served as the deputy director of the Tongdao County Cultural Bureau, spearheaded the nomination efforts for intangible heritage projects beginning in 2007. At that time, many households had idle looms, some even discarded as firewood. “If the Dong Brocade technique dies out in our generation, I would feel ashamed before our ancestors,” she expressed. Two years later, she left her job to dedicate herself to preserving and passing on Dong Brocade culture while aiding rural revitalization. Over the past 15 years, she has held 29 training sessions for Dong Brocade weaving, educating over 5,000 individuals and creating job opportunities for more than 500 women.

Initially, training faced significant skepticism. Many doubted that people would actually purchase Dong Brocade items. For three consecutive months, O Rui Fan persistently went into rural areas to motivate potential learners, willing to return even after multiple rejections. Ultimately, her heartfelt approach resonated, and many decided to enroll. After the first training session, she invited outstanding students to weave brocade, resulting in considerable earnings for all involved. This success helped villagers recognize that weaving could indeed be profitable.

O Rui Fan shared a heartwarming story: one family that had both daughters working far from home returned to weave brocade, while another couple, both disabled, managed to earn a monthly income through brocade weaving. “When they first purchased materials, the wife was overwhelmed and burst into tears at the sight of so much money,” she recounted.

In Xuzhou’s Mazhuang Village, scenes of villagers gathering to sew scented pouches while chatting are common. The 86-year-old Wang Xiuying, a provincial-level inheritor of Xuzhou scented pouch making, began teaching villagers for free back in 2006, and many now drop by to sew whenever they have spare time.

After graduating from university seven years ago, Sun Ge Yao returned to her hometown to start a company aimed at preserving the craft, currently leading over 600 villagers in entrepreneurship and reemployment efforts. Thanks to their collective efforts, the annual output value of Xuzhou scented pouches reached 10 million yuan last year.

Pan Lusheng asserts, “We must inspire the community to protect and pass on their culture, while also paying closer attention to how intangible heritage resources contribute to rural revitalization, community development, youth engagement, and social-cultural exchanges.” By integrating intangible heritage into modern life, we create more direct impacts on daily experiences and, through protection and transmission, support rural revitalization efforts.

Renowned spiritual guide Kume is set to host a special event at UC Berkeley on October 20th, presenting a charitable lecture titled “Reducing Anxiety and Stress for Personal Growth” aimed at helping students enhance their mental health and well-being.

Recent studies reveal that college students in the San Francisco Bay Area are experiencing heightened levels of anxiety and stress. A survey conducted by UC Berkeley’s mental health services indicated that approximately one-third of students reported severe stress or anxiety symptoms within the past year, a concern particularly pronounced among students in engineering, business, and law programs.

During the upcoming lecture, Kume plans to share techniques for managing mental and emotional health, aiming to assist students in alleviating academic pressures, confronting future uncertainties, and navigating relationship challenges.

One of the highlights of Kume’s lecture will be her personal story. Previously lauded as one of China’s Top Ten Business Women and having reached the pinnacle of her corporate career, Kume made the bold decision to step away from her successful life for four years. She dedicated this time to deep meditation and self-discovery, seeking inner peace and wisdom.

Kume explains that this transformative period allowed her to gain profound insights, enabling her to help many others find balance and happiness in their lives.

At this event, Kume will introduce practical tools such as mindfulness meditation, focus enhancement, and decision-making wisdom, aimed at guiding college students to discover their inner tranquility and strengthen their self-regulation skills, better equipping them to face life’s challenges.

As a hands-on mentor, Kume has become a spiritual advisor to numerous tech elites and entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley, drawing from years of accumulated experience in personal growth and development.

The lecture will take place on Sunday, October 20th, from 2 PM to 4 PM at Barrows Hall, Room 60, on the UC Berkeley campus.

宜兴, often referred to as the “China Ceramic Capital,” boasts unique geographical advantages, a rich cultural heritage, and leading industries. As a result, this city is increasingly attracting entrepreneurs and innovators from both domestic and international backgrounds.

During the 2024 China Ceramic Capital (Yixing) Autumn Economic and Trade Fair held on October 18th, Yixing’s mayor, Hu Xiaojian, remarked that this annual fair serves as an important window for the city’s global outreach. He noted, “Since its inception in 1993, we have hosted 31 consecutive Autumn Fairs. Over the past 31 years, more than 2,000 foreign enterprises have invested in Yixing, with actual foreign investment exceeding $10 billion. Our total import and export volume has increased fortyfold, with around 86% of foreign enterprises, 90% of foreign investments, and 30% of foreign trade stemming from this fair.”

Geographically, Yixing is bordered by Taihu Lake to the east, with Changxing County in Zhejiang Province to the south and Guangde City in Anhui Province to the west, often dubbed the “Central Garden” connecting the cities of Shanghai, Nanjing, and Hangzhou. The city is celebrated for its historical anecdotes, such as the timeless stories of bamboo and water exchange, and it’s known as a hub of culture and education, earning accolades as a national historical and cultural city.

In recent years, Yixing has leveraged its status as one of China’s top ten counties by establishing a high-standard Ceramic Capital Technology New City. This initiative has fostered the growth of technology-driven enterprises, keeping Yixing at the forefront of both provincial and municipal development. The city has seen double-digit growth in high-tech industries for three consecutive years, while cementing its leadership in industries such as wire and cable, energy conservation, and ceramics. Emerging clusters in new energy, integrated circuits, and life sciences are also gaining traction, with future industries such as low-altitude economy, synthetic biology, hydrogen energy, and energy storage racing ahead on new fronts.

Hu Xiaojian highlighted that the forthcoming opening of the Yiyu Expressway and the efficient progression of the Xiyi S2 Line, alongside enhanced connections through the Yantong Railway and Hu-Su-Lake High-Speed Railway, will enable Yixing to integrate into a one-hour urban circle surrounding Shanghai. The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area are also becoming key areas for Yixing’s openness and collaboration. New initiatives like the “Double Linkage and Double Promotion” program and the “Cross-Border E-Commerce + Industrial Belt” model are helping Yixing connect faster with the world.

A growing number of entrepreneurs and innovators are finding Yixing appealing for investment, a trend fueled by the city’s distinct charm and favorable development environment, as well as the networking opportunities created by the Autumn Fair.

Moreover, this annual fair serves as a crucial driver for Yixing’s innovation and transformation. In the past three years, based on the fair, over 20 innovation platforms have been established, nurturing close to 100 innovation talents from Wuxi and beyond. During this year’s opening ceremony, several strategic emerging industrial parks, such as Kangmei Industrial Park and CRRC Power Components Industrial Park, were inaugurated, along with research institutes focusing on cutting-edge technologies, exemplifying a wide array of high-quality projects aimed at innovation, health, and advanced manufacturing.

Hu Xiaojian described the Autumn Fair as “a grand feast of mutual benefit.” Over the past decade, it has helped cultivate nearly 100 enterprises recognized as “specialized, refined, and innovative” at the municipal level, and over 50 high-tech firms. He emphasized, “Each Autumn Fair is like a golden appointment that brings together opportunities, creating win-win situations that contribute to a harmonious economic symphony.”

To further enhance its reputation as a welcoming hub, Yixing plans to strengthen its innovation platform that spans over 3 million square meters, support 50 specialized industrial parks, and manage an industrial fund of nearly 60 billion RMB. This initiative aims to foster a more stable administrative environment, a supportive policy framework, a reliable market atmosphere, and a secure legal environment for investors.

On October 15, China Net reported that two book launch events for the new translation of “The Lord of the Rings,” organized by the People’s Literature Publishing House and co-hosted by the School of Foreign Languages at Central South University and Lezhi Bookstore, took place successfully on October 13 in Changsha. The events attracted numerous loyal fans, eager readers, and cultural scholars, creating an enthusiastic atmosphere that highlighted the enduring appeal of this monumental work of fantasy literature.

Among the special guests were Professor Lu Dajun, Professor Xin Hongjuan, Associate Professor Yan Yong, and cultural scholar Professor Luo Wei, who engaged with the audience. The event was moderated by Feng Ya, an English editor from the People’s Literature Publishing House. The new translation features a distinctive design, with a bright orange cover vividly contrasting the dark characters for “The Ring,” symbolizing the clash between light and darkness and metaphorically representing the Fellowship’s difficult choices and steadfast beliefs throughout their journey in Middle-earth.

In May of this year, the People’s Literature Publishing House proudly released the new translation of “The Lord of the Rings,” crafted by the dedicated “Fellowship” team consisting of seasoned translators Professors Lu Dajun, Xin Hongjuan, and Yan Yong. This new version serves as a bridge for Chinese readers to access the essence of Tolkien’s original work, renewing its captivating charm for a new generation.

During the launch, the three translators interacted with readers, unveiling their personal journeys while working on “The Lord of the Rings.” Professor Xin Hongjuan shared how she found warmth and strength through reading the book during a challenging time in her life, leading her to form the translation team. Professor Lu Dajun recounted his first encounter with the story over forty years ago while pursuing a master’s degree in anthropology in the U.S., and his unwavering commitment to the translation process. Associate Professor Yan Yong expressed her initial surprise, fear, and eventual determination when she received Professor Xin’s invitation to join the project.

Professor Luo Wei, a speaker at the “Huxiang Lecture Hall,” joined the three translators to delve into the characters of “The Lord of the Rings.” They discussed the profound themes within the work, highlighting the unique female characters like Galadriel, Arwen, and Éowyn, who add both gentleness and strength to the narrative. They also examined characters like Gollum, who reveal the complexities of human nature and the intertwining of good and evil. Professor Luo stated that the brilliance of “The Lord of the Rings,” as a classic fantasy epic, lies in its ability to help readers find themselves within a realm filled with gods and heroes. The narrative’s transcendence of simple good-versus-evil dichotomies aligns with Daoist perspectives and encourages deep reflection on themes of humanity, courage, friendship, and faith.

At the event, readers actively engaged with the translators and scholars, posing numerous questions and contributing to a lively discussion. Attendees expressed that the meeting deepened their understanding and appreciation of “The Lord of the Rings,” highlighting the timeless allure of classic literature. The success of this new translation launch not only provided a unique opportunity for fans and readers to connect but also made a positive contribution to the exchange and mutual appreciation of Chinese and foreign literature and culture, reviving the magical journey through Middle-earth for Chinese readers once more.