Month: November 2024

At the recent national hedgelaying championships held at Elmswell Farms in Driffield, over 100 competitors showcased their skills in front of enthusiastic spectators, all while demonstrating 10 regional styles of this unique craft. Among them was 31-year-old Josie Muncaster, who hails from Cheshire. Josie explained the appeal of hedgelaying, emphasizing, “You don’t have to be Superman to take up the activity. It’s nice to know I don’t need to go to the gym anymore.”

Having started her journey in hedgelaying as part of a previous job, Josie shared that her commitment to the activity is largely driven by its environmental benefits. “It’s great for landscape management, which helps rejuvenate hedges. This, in turn, supports wildlife, aids carbon sequestration, and contributes to flood alleviation,” she noted.

This year’s event marked a significant milestone, being held in East Yorkshire for the first time in 45 years. Richard Preston from the National Hedgelaying Society, which organizes the competition, shared his observations about the growing interest in this practice among younger generations. “It’s starting to be recognized as a viable career option,” he said. “More young people are getting involved due to its environmental advantages.”

Richard pointed out that while hedgelaying was traditionally used for managing livestock and protecting crops, it has evolved into a crucial habitat for wildlife, serving as “fantastic corridors for nature.”

Eric Wilkinson, who has been participating in hedgelaying competitions for about six years, expressed a sentiment shared by many competitors: “While winning an award would be nice, it’s really all about the camaraderie and reconnecting with people I haven’t seen in years.”

Overall, the event highlighted not just the skills involved in hedgelaying, but also its significance in promoting a healthier environment and fostering community spirit.

On October 22, more than 300 teachers and students from Longmen Central Kindergarten in Longyan City visited the Longyan Team of the Fujian Forest Fire Brigade for an open day event titled “Big Hands Holding Little Hands, Safety in Mind.”

At the facility’s playground, a presenter showcased various firefighting and rescue equipment to the children. Using simple, engaging language, they explained the performance, parameters, and uses of the gear, allowing the students and teachers to learn about forest fire safety hands-on. Under the guidance of firefighters, the children eagerly experimented with equipment like wind-powered fire extinguishers and electric water guns, filling the air with laughter and achieving the goal of learning through fun.

“Why is that uncle hanging in the air?” curiosity sparked in the children’s voices as they turned their attention to the rope rescue training area. This is where firefighters regularly practice ascending and descending techniques using ropes and equipment. The kids watched in awe as the firefighters skillfully scaled heights, eyes filled with admiration, and exclaimed how they wanted to grow up to be “spider-men.”

“We are a team with a glorious tradition, having participated in numerous firefighting operations and rescue missions during floods,” one firefighter shared in the honor room, reflecting on the unforgettable memories from these tasks. This discussion helped enhance the students’ understanding of the dangers of outdoor fire use and reinforced their legal awareness and forest fire prevention knowledge.

During the “Forest Fire Prevention Knowledge Quiz” segment, firefighters posed questions such as, “What is the emergency number for reporting forest fires?” and “Why should you cover your mouth and nose with a wet towel during a fire?” Inside the learning room, firefighters used accessible language to teach the children how to report forest fires, basic knowledge about forest fires, and escape techniques. This interactive question-and-answer session significantly boosted the emergency preparedness of every participant.

“Kids, this is our long-distance water supply system for forest firefighting, which can extinguish fires, deliver water over distances, and transport supplies…” as the firefighter explained while demonstrating the rescue vehicle’s features, the children were left wide-eyed at its capabilities. Throughout the visit, various rescue vehicles excited the kids, prompting them to ask about the equipment’s performance and purpose continuously.

This open day event not only imparted vital fire safety knowledge to the teachers and students in an enjoyable way but also planted the seeds of fire safety awareness in their young minds. The initiative aimed to “educate one student, influence a family, and impact the entire community,” while also showcasing the safety culture and the weighty sense of responsibility and honor embodied by firefighters.

During a recent interview with staff at West Midlands Safari Park, excitement was palpable as they shared the news of the birth of a Grevy’s zebra foal named Manilow. The little male foal arrived on October 19, born to 14-year-old mother Akuna after a lengthy 13-month pregnancy.

The team reflected on the “extra-special” nature of this birth, especially since Grevy’s zebra populations in the wild are declining, with estimates suggesting only about 3,000 remain. A representative from the park emphasized that the arrival of Manilow marks a “significant moment for conservation efforts” aimed at protecting this endangered species. Both mother and foal are reported to be thriving in their environment.

Manilow’s name was purposefully chosen, as all animals born at the park this year begin with the letter “M.” The keepers noted that it also complements his big sister’s name, Lola. Head keeper of ungulates, Lisa Watkins, highlighted the importance of each birth: “Every birth is important, as these zebras are endangered in the wild, with 90% of the population found in northern Kenya. They face threats from hunting and habitat loss, compounded by severe drought in recent years. They are one of Africa’s most endangered large mammals.”

The park hopes that visitors will soon have the chance to see Manilow out on safari, weather permitting. Interestingly, Grevy’s zebras are the largest of their kind, distinguished by their larger ears. For updates, be sure to follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on various social media platforms.

During a press conference held by the Hainan branch of the People’s Bank of China on October 24, it was revealed that the multi-functional free trade accounts (referred to as “EF accounts”) in Hainan’s Free Trade Port have experienced significant activity since their launch on May 6. By September 30, the total transactions—converted to Chinese yuan—amounted to 34.727 billion yuan, with an average daily transaction exceeding 200 million yuan.

From the start of their operation until the end of September, Hainan opened 86 main EF accounts, facilitating total transactions worth 34.727 billion yuan. This includes 26.391 billion yuan in first-line cross-border transactions and 8.336 billion yuan in second-line transactions. The range of services catered to by the EF accounts spans various areas including cross-border trade settlement, spot and forward foreign exchange trading, foreign currency exchange, loans, trade financing, overseas lending, foreign debt, and foreign investment.

According to data released by Hainan Province’s Statistical Bureau on October 23, the total import and export volume for Hainan in the first three quarters of this year was 205.95 billion yuan, marking a year-over-year increase of 20.2%, and an acceleration of 6.4 percentage points compared to the first half of the year. Specifically, imports totaled 126.59 billion yuan, up by 9%, while exports surged to 79.36 billion yuan, reflecting a robust increase of 43.7%.

The rapid growth in import and export activities has significantly fueled the rise in cross-border transactions. Hu Zhenhua, director of the Survey and Statistics Department of the Hainan branch of the People’s Bank of China, noted that in the first nine months of this year, there was a remarkable increase in cross-border transactions, with FT accounts seeing a substantial rise and EF accounts reaching an initial scale of operations.

The data revealed that Hainan’s cross-border transactions totaled 79.6 billion U.S. dollars, up 24.9% year-on-year. This included cross-border transactions in yuan amounting to 328.6 billion yuan, which represented a 49.8% increase and accounted for 58.2% of the total. From January to September, FT account transactions reached 976.3 billion yuan, a 110% year-on-year increase, while by the end of September, EF accounts handled transactions worth 34.7 billion yuan.

Additionally, Wu Yihu, deputy director of the Macro-Prudential and Financial Market Management Department of the People’s Bank of China, stated that the bank plans to continue supporting the implementation of EF accounts for more qualifying banks based on a “mature one, go live one” principle. They will also enhance service offerings and product innovations within compliance to better meet the cross-border trade and investment needs of qualified entities in the Free Trade Port.

On October 25, the “Report on China’s Grain Production Water Footprint and Regional Virtual Water Flow (1997-2023)” was released in Yangling, Shaanxi Province.

The report, compiled over nearly 20 years by the Arid Areas Water-Saving Agricultural Research Institute of Northwest A&F University, represents the culmination of extensive research focused on the interplay between grain production, consumption, and water resource utilization in China.

This comprehensive report analyzes the temporal and spatial evolution, as well as distribution patterns, of grain sowing area, yield, yield per unit area, and per capita grain availability across 31 provincial-level regions from 1997 to 2023. It delves into the consumption processes of green water (effective precipitation) and blue water (surface or groundwater) during grain production while examining the spatial heterogeneity of the production water footprint. The report also explores the phenomenon of regional food transportation due to mismatches in grain production and consumption, providing a quantitative analysis of the virtual water flow associated with these movements.

The findings highlight that China’s current grain production faces severe challenges, including insufficient water resource endowments, uneven spatial distribution of water and soil resources, diminishing marginal returns on water efficiency improvements, and declining water resource sustainability in northern regions. The report suggests that enhancing agricultural water efficiency and scientifically reducing the water footprint of grain production are effective strategies for addressing these challenges.

The authors advocate for the widespread adoption of agricultural water-saving technologies, which could significantly decrease the grain production water footprint. However, they note that the potential of existing technologies in certain areas remains underutilized. They propose leveraging new water-saving productivity through agricultural innovation and implementing comprehensive water management across the entire grain production-consumption cycle, integrating biology, agronomy, engineering, and management to develop new theories and methods for efficient agricultural water use.

To tackle the water challenges faced by grain production, the report recommends a coordinated approach, which involves balancing blue water (irrigation) and green water (precipitation) usage, regulating both tangible and virtual water flows, managing domestic and international virtual water trade, and unifying biological, agronomic, engineering, and management water-saving measures. This holistic strategy aims to optimize water use throughout the grain production and consumption process, providing scientific and technical support to ensure national water security and food security.

Zhao Bing, the resident representative of the World Food Programme in China, emphasized the report’s significance in understanding the characteristics and challenges of China’s grain production water usage. He noted that the solutions proposed in the report could also serve as valuable references for other countries and regions facing similar water-related issues.

On October 23, San Francisco’s Board President Aaron Peskin introduced groundbreaking legislation aimed at revising building codes. The changes intend to safely modify certain stairway requirements, allowing the construction of single-staircase buildings and enabling the development of multiple medium-density residential units on smaller lots. This initiative is projected to unlock thousands of housing units within existing zoning capacities, all while striving for denser housing solutions in the city.

The proposal is set to be discussed at the city council meeting on October 29. It suggests the formation of a task force involving the Departments of Building, Planning, and Fire to develop new rules that would safely permit single-staircase buildings in three to six-story structures. The vision is to establish four- and six-unit residential areas across neighborhoods, putting an end to single-family zoning and offering developers the flexibility to create more housing with higher density.

Architects and residential builders contend that changing the common regulation across most regions, which mandates two staircases for buildings over three stories, is crucial for medium-density projects on smaller plots.

Peskin’s office emphasizes that the state building codes require two stairways in structures over three stories, connected through internal corridors. This unnecessary regulation has led to multifamily development projects that decrease “livability, climate adaptability, family-friendliness, and community orientation” without significantly enhancing resident safety.

“I believe San Francisco can take bold steps by allowing for greater flexibility in the construction of already approved building envelopes, thus unlocking existing zoning capacity,” Peskin stated. “We can foster this ingenuity to meet housing demands without sacrificing protections for renters or affordability. Our aim is to promote a reasonable density that San Francisco is renowned for.”

This policy idea was previously raised by Kathrin Moore, Vice Chair of the Planning Commission, during an informational hearing on state-mandated zoning adjustments on June 4. Moore noted that coupling zoning changes with current building regulations could lead to “stretched, monotonous cubes.” In contrast, modern urban housing in other regions relies on “single-point access [one staircase]” to unleash a “treasure trove of affordable housing built by small-scale developers on discontinuous, small lots.”

Mark Hogan, head of OpenScope Studio, highlighted that the single-staircase building design is a common strategy globally for constructing high-quality buildings on small parcels while increasing building density.

Architect Michael Eliason, affiliated with an architecture and urbanization think tank, remarked that low-rise and mid-rise punctuated access buildings are a primary form of urban housing worldwide, with legal existence in Seattle for over 50 years. Such models can be used to create more affordable, climate-adaptive, and family-friendly housing across urban areas.

Enhancing Youth Fitness Starts at Home: A Focus on Youth Sports

In a recent address, President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of prioritizing health within educational frameworks. He advocated for strengthening physical education in schools, promoting a balanced growth of cultural learning and physical exercise among young people, and helping students find joy in sports, improve their fitness, develop strong character, and build resilience. This article marks the beginning of a series called “Focus on Youth Sports,” exploring how various stakeholders are motivating young people to actively engage in physical activities, strengthening their bodies and spirit.

Integrating Physical Activity into Family Life

Reporter: Ji Fang

The benefits of regular physical activity for both physical and mental health are increasingly recognized. In recent years, schools and families have collaborated to explore new methods of encouraging youth sports.

This summer, a third-grade student named Xiaoyu from Tianjin set a personal exercise plan: 200 jump ropes each morning and an hour of activities in the community park each afternoon, along with bi-weekly badminton and cheerleading sessions. “The school assigned physical homework and provided a ‘Student Family Physical Activity Guidance and Evaluation Form,'” Xiaoyu’s mother shared. “My child has always loved sports, and completing the daily exercise plan gives them a sense of accomplishment. With more exercise over the summer, they’re in great shape.”

Schools are assigning physical tasks to motivate students while also encouraging parents to join in, creating a supportive atmosphere for sports at home.

Research from the National Sports Administration indicates that the overall physical health of youth in China is improving, with enhancements in flexibility, strength, speed, and endurance noted in certain age groups. However, problems such as myopia, obesity, and poor posture remain prominent, often emerging at an earlier age, which affects healthy development.

Engaging in regular physical activity is an effective way to enhance young people’s fitness levels and overall health. Experts advise that middle and high school students should strive for a total of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily to counteract the negative impacts of prolonged sitting. A certain intensity of exercise positively influences a young person’s physical capabilities, cognitive functions, and mental well-being.

Encouraging youth to play outside, enjoy sports, and develop exercise habits requires a collective effort. Wu Jian, Director of the Institute of Sports and Aesthetic Education Research at the Chinese Academy of Education Sciences, emphasizes the need for synergistic initiatives among families, schools, and society to recognize the importance of physical activity for the healthy and comprehensive development of young people.

Song Wei, Director of the Sports Journalism Department at Beijing Sport University, highlights that interest is the best motivator. He believes young people should genuinely feel the joy of sports to find the motivation to stick with it. Schools and families should be aware of youth interests and encourage them to explore a variety of sports, guiding them to find and commit to activities they love. Additionally, personalized exercise plans and goals can help foster consistent exercise habits.

Scientific guidance is crucial for youth engaging in physical exercise. Wang Xueqiang, a doctoral advisor at Shanghai University of Sport, underscores that when young people choose activities, they should consider their individual characteristics and abilities. For example, adolescents with overweight issues might prioritize aerobic exercises, such as swimming, to aid in weight loss while avoiding high-impact activities that could strain their knees or ankles.

Reducing issues like myopia and childhood obesity is essential. The National Sports Administration is actively working on fitness guidelines and interventions aimed at addressing these concerns. They are developing educational materials, including “Myopia Prevention Exercises” and “Spinal Health Exercises.” In Rizhao, Shandong, a spinal health management program for youths is being prioritized, while in Changzhou, Jiangsu, local authorities are integrating sports, education, and health resources to conduct spinal health screenings and offer weight-loss camps for students.

Zhang Xin, Director of the Competitiveness Division of the National Sports Administration, stated that youth health is foundational for national development and the future of the nation. The administration remains committed to the “health first” principle, leveraging sports to promote the healthy growth of young individuals.

According to Olympic champion Yang Yang, sports play an essential role in youth development, helping them face challenges, learn from experiences, integrate into teams, and improve their collaboration skills. “Sports should be a core component of youth growth, deeply and diversely embedded in daily life,” Yang asserted.

The Menlo Park Police Department has embraced California’s goal of zero emissions by 2035, joining several other police agencies in investing in Tesla vehicles. While the sleek design of Tesla cars makes them attractive as personal vehicles for their cost-effectiveness and environmental impact, many police departments have found them to have significant drawbacks for law enforcement use.

Take the Orange County Irvine Police Department, for instance. They spent $150,000 to customize a Tesla Cybertruck, which certainly looks impressive and has gained popularity with kids. However, a report by LAist indicated that this Cybertruck is nearly unusable for day-to-day duties, serving primarily as a goodwill ambassador during anti-drug campaigns.

A summary from the New York Post, based on interviews with police chiefs across California, highlighted five main challenges that make Tesla vehicles less suitable for police work: limited cabin space, insufficient range, maintenance difficulties, low protective capabilities, and issues with off-road performance, alongside automatic driving features that can interfere with law enforcement activities.

Regarding cabin space, officers not only wear bulletproof vests but also carry a 20-pound duty belt. This added bulk often gets caught in Tesla’s seating, making it nearly impossible for officers to swiftly exit the vehicle and apprehend suspects as they are trained to do.

When it comes to range, California’s vast landscape poses a problem. Transporting prisoners or suspects can involve trips spanning at least 500 miles from Northern to Southern California. While charging at various stations along the way might seem feasible, having to stop and recharge roadside can be much more nerve-wracking.

Consequently, the Menlo Park Police Department, located just six miles from Tesla’s headquarters, opted against using Tesla for patrol cars. Even after spending $150,000 to purchase three Tesla Model Ys and additional funds for modifications, they found it impractical.

Maintenance issues further complicate matters. In rural areas, such as Mendocino County, where the largest city, Ukiah, has a population of fewer than 20,000, the local police spent $150,000 to outfit a Tesla Model 3 to align with city climate initiatives. Unfortunately, necessary modifications had to be done 500 miles away, leading to long waits while also raising concerns about charging station availability.

Protection is another concern. Traditional gasoline vehicles have larger engine compartments, allowing officers to take cover during a shooting. Since Teslas lack a conventional engine, standard vehicles have been deemed safer. Ukiah’s police chief, Cedric Crook, stated he currently has no plans to use a Tesla for patrol.

Off-road capability also presents significant challenges. While officers appreciate the acceleration and handling of Teslas, they are critical of their off-road performance. In pursuits that require leaving the paved path, officers worry that a Tesla could struggle to keep up with suspects.

Moreover, Tesla’s overly advanced autopilot and navigation systems can hinder police work. Officers have reported incidents where the vehicle automatically brakes while trying to drive on the shoulder to pursue a suspect, as doing so is technically a violation of traffic laws.

In summary, while police departments throughout California have invested substantial sums to comply with state policies regarding zero-emission vehicles, it seems the solution may not be found in Tesla. The Fort Bragg Police Department, for example, ultimately decided to purchase five electric Ford F-150s instead, installing charging stations in their parking lot.

Chief Neil Cervenka remarked that the F-150, being America’s top-selling pickup, is easy to customize and maintain. In contrast, many of the complex issues surrounding Tesla vehicles require factory technicians, who have been in short supply for some time. However, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining environmental standards and mentions that while Tesla may not currently fit the needs of police work, alternative options are available. Tesla has yet to respond to these concerns.

It’s often a misconception to predict how people will respond to ‘shocking’ news. With a blend of sensitivity, patience, and love, many obstacles can be navigated. This week, we spoke with Annalisa Barbieri, who tackles a relationship issue submitted by a reader.

Annalisa, could you share a bit of background on the reader’s situation?

Sure! Around ten months ago, the reader’s 27-year-old daughter came out as gay. This was unexpected, given that she had previously only dated men. However, the mother and family have adapted to this change, providing her with support as long as she’s happy with her choice. The daughter is in a relationship with a girlfriend, whom the family has met multiple times, fostering a close bond.

The reader mentions that while the daughter’s friends and family are aware of her new relationship, she hasn’t told her elderly grandmother due to concerns about how she might react. What insights can you provide about this situation?

It’s understandable that the reader worries about her mother’s reaction, especially considering her background in a very traditional family. While the grandmother tries to keep up with societal changes, the fear is that the news might be too much for her health. The daughter regularly visits her grandmother and feels distressed about hiding her relationship, as honesty is important to her.

How do you suggest the daughter approach this sensitive conversation?

When we’re anxious about someone’s reaction, it’s important to remember that the reality is often less severe than we imagine, yet not as optimistic as we hope. The daughter’s news might be a complete surprise to her grandmother—though, who knows? She might even respond in an unexpectedly positive way. I recommend preparing for an initial reaction that may appear surface-level, which could evolve over time.

I spoke with UKCP registered psychotherapist Martin Weaver, who emphasized that like many life choices, this situation involves weighing risks. While not telling the grandmother keeps a secret, it could also harm the honesty in their relationship.

It’s worth noting that sometimes, bigotry stems from fear, and embracing change can lead to self-discovery. I’ve heard stories of grandchildren coming out to grandparents, who then reveal their own past experiences, showing that generational perspectives can shift.

What practical steps can the daughter take in revealing this information?

One approach could be for the daughter to introduce her girlfriend at family gatherings without making a formal announcement, allowing the truth to unfold organically. Alternatively, she could have a more direct conversation, expressing her love for her grandmother and simply stating, “I’ve fallen in love” or “I’m gay.” Ultimately, the directness of her approach needs to match her relationship with her grandmother and should consider whether it’s best done in private or with supportive allies around.

Considering the grandmother’s age, how should the reader balance worrying about her health with sharing this news?

While it’s natural to be concerned for the grandmother’s well-being, she is at an age where she deserves the autonomy to handle her own health. As Weaver pointed out, the reader should also contemplate how they would feel if the truth remained undisclosed after the grandmother passes.

What if the grandmother’s response is negative?

It’s crucial to give her time to process the news; she might not be prepared for it initially. A patient response like, “I’m sorry you feel that way, but let’s discuss this more later,” can help keep the dialogue open without escalating tension.

Finally, what should the reader keep in mind throughout this process?

If the grandmother reacts harshly, it’s more reflective of her own struggles than of her granddaughter. The reader should also consider that the granddaughter may feel vulnerable in this dynamic, so continuing to provide her with emotional support is vital.

Every week, I address personal dilemmas shared with me by readers. If you would like to seek advice from me, feel free to send your concerns to [email protected], but please remember that I am unable to respond to personal correspondence. Submissions are subject to our terms and conditions.

And a note on engagement: comments on these topics will be premoderated to keep discussions focused and respectful. The latest series of my podcast is available for listening, too!

How has the perception of China evolved among international visitors, and what role does tourism play in this transformation?

Recently, a couple from Ireland, Luke and his wife, have gained attention on social media for their travel videos showcasing Hangzhou. In their posts, they express their delight as they ride China’s high-speed trains, stroll along the Southern Song Dynasty Street, and savor local dishes like osmanthus-flavored sweet lotus root.

Their journey reflects a broader trend where more international visitors are coming to China, experiencing its rich culture firsthand, and reshaping their understanding of the country. From the iconic Forbidden City with its red walls and yellow tiles in Beijing to the dazzling lights of the Bund in Shanghai, and from the vibrant crowds of Xi’an’s bustling Night Market to the breathtaking landscapes of Guilin, tourism is on the rise. Recent statistics from the National Immigration Administration indicate that in the third quarter of this year, approximately 8.186 million foreign visitors entered China, marking a significant growth of 48.8% year-over-year. Among these, around 4.885 million entered through visa-free policies, reflecting an increase of 78.6%.

What makes travel to China so appealing? A key factor is the surprisingly favorable policies and travel experiences. China has established comprehensive visa-free arrangements with 24 countries, implemented visa-free entry for 16 nations, and offers 72-hour or 144-hour transit visa exemptions for travelers from 54 countries. Efforts to streamline immigration processes, such as reducing waiting times and enabling self-declaration, have made entry easier. Additionally, a growth in international direct flights and expanded high-speed rail accessibility, combined with versatile payment options accommodating both large and small transactions, have significantly enhanced convenience for foreign tourists.

As visitors immerse themselves in their surroundings, many first-time travelers are discovering a “different China,” which challenges their preconceived notions. The Hutchinson family from the UK remarked, “I don’t know how many places in the world are this safe at midnight.” Meanwhile, Malaysian tourist Chen Yuzhen highlighted the convenience of navigating through China with just her smartphone, thanks to the country’s visa-free policy. The genuine experiences available in China have fostered a greater appreciation and understanding among international friends.

The push for tourism in China resonates with a demand for immersive experiences. From enjoying nature’s beauty to experiencing Peking opera, exploring intangible cultural heritage, visiting museums, and trying out autonomous ride-hailing services, foreign visitors are captivated by the diverse offerings. The warmth, security, and richness of cultural experiences highlight the multifaceted allure of China’s natural, cultural, and civilizational beauty. As the saying goes, “Friendship between countries lies in the affinity of their people.” Cultural exchanges through tourism deepen foreign visitors’ insights into China and foster goodwill among its citizens.

Moreover, China’s confidence grows alongside its openness. Openness has become a hallmark of Chinese modernization. President Xi Jinping has articulated that “only an open China can become a modernized China.” The flourishing of tourism not only reveals China’s strong allure as a travel destination but also stimulates domestic consumption and elevates the overall quality of tourism services. The decisions made in the 20th National Congress, which emphasized the need to enhance the convenience of entry, residence, and other services for international visitors, are a step toward realizing this aspiration. Looking forward, it’s essential to seize these opportunities to further facilitate international visitors’ experiences in China and to harness tourism as a means to share compelling narratives about the country, showcasing an image of China that is trustworthy, approachable, and admirable.

With an inclusive spirit, China is poised to keep its doors wide open, significantly enhancing its momentum for high-quality development.