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Tempest brought up to 10ft of storm surge and left millions at risk from flooding after hitting Florida on Wednesday
Oliver Milman in New YorkThu 10 Oct 2024 12.52 EDTLast modified on Fri 11 Oct 2024 12.42 EDTShareHurricane Milton has killed at least nine people and left extensive property damage across Florida, hitting some areas previously affected by Hurricane Helene last month.
Here are the key takeaways from what we know about its impact and what experts are saying about a hurricane that it had been feared could be one of the worst in the state’s history.
Deaths expected to rise as Florida begins to assess Hurricane Milton destructionRead more

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1. What was Hurricane Milton’s impact?Milton stunned meteorologists by accelerating at record pace across the Gulf of Mexico to a huge category 5 hurricane, raising fears of catastrophe as it surged towards the heart of the heavily populated Tampa Bay area.
Ultimately, the storm made landfall at Siesta Key, Florida, just south of Tampa, on Wednesday night as a category 3 event. Homes were damaged, trees uprooted and millions lost power, and there are already reports of several deaths, but utter devastation was avoided.
“The storm was significant, but thankfully this was not the worst-case scenario,” said Ron DeSantis, the Florida governor. “The storm weakened before landfall, and the storm surge has not been as significant overall as what was observed for Hurricane Helene.”
The death toll from Helene was at least 230 people.
One of the most dramatic images in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton is the shredded roof of the Tampa Bay Rays’ Tropicana field.

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2. How bad was the storm surge?A major risk posed by Milton was that its winds would push huge volumes of seawater from Tampa Bay into the city itself. When the storm did arrive, the worst of this storm surge occurred in Sarasota county, where it was 8-10ft (2.5 to 3 meters)– lower than the worst of Helene two weeks ago.
But flooding in places has been significant – just inland from Tampa, Plant City received more than 13in (33cm) of rain, inundating neighborhoods. “We have flooding in places and to levels that I’ve never seen, and I’ve lived in this community for my entire life,” Bill McDaniel, the city manager, said in a video posted online on Thursday morning.
Graphic

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3. What has been the impact of tornadoes? The sudden changes in winds when a hurricane lands can spawn tornadoes but the number and ferocity of twisters triggered by Milton were unusually high, experts say.
There were more than 140 tornado warnings across Florida on Wednesday before Milton even arrived, with some causing major damage. In St Lucie county, on the east coast of Florida, there have been four confirmed deaths from a tornado that smashed into a retirement home.
Florida sees more tornadoes per square mile than any other state but they are usually quite weak. The tornadoes triggered by Milton were of the strength often seen on the US Great Plains.
A map shows a cluster of tornado sightings and damage around Lucie county and Palm City, on the eastern coast of Florida

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4. What are the biggest threats now?Milton has now torn across Florida and is heading out in the Atlantic Ocean, north of the Bahamas. It has left behind 3 million people without power, impassable roads, wrecked bridges and surging rivers from a huge amount of rainfall.
An estimated 11 million people are at risk from flooding as this rainwater flushes through swollen rivers, with officials warning people that the danger is far from over.
Joe Biden, who had warned that Milton could be the “storm of the century”, echoed local officials in urging people to stay indoors and off the roads.
“Downed power lines, debris, and road washouts are creating dangerous conditions,” Biden posted on X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday. “Help is on the way, but until it arrives, shelter in place until your local officials say it’s safe to go out.”
A map shows bands of rainfall from Hurricane Milton, with the highest – 12 inches – concentrated in the area between Orlando and Tampa in central Florida

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5. What are the long-term consequences of the past couple of weeks?Within the span of just two weeks, the US has been ravaged by two enormous hurricanes, Helene and Milton, causing hundreds of deaths and billions of dollars of damage over six states.
Many places, such as in North Carolina, are still without electricity or running water from the first storm, and people in Florida, hit by both hurricanes, face a similarly lengthy recovery period that could take months or even years.
Biden has ordered federal aid to affected states, garnering praise from Republican governors but criticism from Donald Trump, who has claimed the response has been slow and has spread falsehoods and conspiracy theories that have slowed the effort to help people, according to the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Scientists have already determined that the climate crisis, caused by the burning of fossil fuels, made Helene far more likely by heating the air and water that gives hurricanes their strength. It’s likely that Milton was also turbocharged by a Gulf of Mexico that has been at record hot temperatures since this summer.

Imagine being in the shoes of Vladimir Putin right now. The West has labeled you a pariah due to the invasion of Ukraine, and punitive sanctions are striving to sever your nation’s economy from the global market. To add to the pressure, there’s even an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court hanging over you.

What could you do to demonstrate that these pressures aren’t effective? Host a summit.

This week, in Kazan, Russia, President Putin is set to welcome over 20 heads of state at the Brics summit, which focuses on emerging economies. Among the attendees are influential leaders like China’s Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The Kremlin has dubbed this gathering one of the “largest-scale foreign policy events ever” to take place in Russia.

Chris Weafer, founding partner of the consultancy firm Macro-Advisory, explains this move: “The clear message is that attempts to isolate Russia have failed. This summit serves as significant proof from the Kremlin that Russia can withstand the sanctions imposed on it. Although there are evident cracks beneath the surface, on a geopolitical front, Russia has secured a network of partners.”

So, who exactly are Russia’s allies? The BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—serve as a counterbalance to the Western-led world and have recently expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, Saudi Arabia has been invited to join the group.

Together, BRICS nations represent 45% of the global population, with their combined economies exceeding $28.5 trillion, which accounts for approximately 28% of the global economy.

As the summit unfolds in Kazan, Russian officials note that a further 30 countries are expressing interest in joining BRICS or seeking closer ties with the organization. Much of the discussion is anticipated to focus on BRICS portraying itself as the “global majority.”

However, aside from giving Vladimir Putin a platform on the geopolitical stage, what are the tangible outcomes of the summit? Eager to alleviate the impacts of Western sanctions, Putin will likely push for BRICS members to consider an alternative to the dollar for international transactions. Weafer asserts, “Many of the challenges facing Russia’s economy are linked to cross-border trade and payments, fundamentally tied to the dominance of the U.S. dollar. Russia’s main interest lies in diminishing the dollar’s supremacy. It is looking for BRICS nations to develop an alternative trade mechanism and a cross-border settlement system that operates outside of the dollar, euro, or any G7 currencies. This way, the significance of sanctions could be greatly reduced.”

Nevertheless, critics highlight the divisions within BRICS. Jim O’Neill, former Chief Economist of Goldman Sachs, remarks, “The term ‘likeminded’ certainly doesn’t apply to the current membership structure.” He continues, “It’s almost fortunate for the West that China and India often fail to find common ground. If these two powers truly cooperated, BRICS could wield considerable influence.”

O’Neill was the one who coined the acronym “BRIC” for the four emerging economies he believed should be integrated into global policymaking at the start of the 21st century. The acronym has since evolved into BRICS, expanding its membership to include South Africa and fostering efforts to challenge G7 dominance.

Disparities don’t just surface between India and China; there’s also tension between Egypt and Ethiopia, as well as long-standing rivalries between Iran and Saudi Arabia. O’Neill expresses skepticism about the likelihood of BRICS members reaching substantial agreements: “The idea that they are all going to fundamentally agree on something significant is frankly unrealistic.”

While Russia advances its anti-Western narrative, seeking to forge a “new world order,” other BRICS members, particularly India, are intent on maintaining healthy political and economic relations with the West. In Kazan, Vladimir Putin’s challenge will be to navigate these differences skillfully and project an image of unity, reassuring both the Russian populace and the international community that Russia is far from isolated.

On October 21, the Guangdong Provincial Marine Comprehensive Law Enforcement Team announced a significant operation on October 19, where they intercepted an illegal fishing boat, named “Yue Nanao Yu 131XX,” attempting to fish in the sensitive Dongsha Island waters. A total of 26 people were onboard, including 20 fishing enthusiasts, and the operation effectively prevented a potential major maritime safety incident.

During an inspection in Nan’ao County, Shantou City on October 17, law enforcement personnel from the Shantou branch identified that the “Yue Nanao Yu 131XX” had illegally ventured into the Dongsha Islands area for fishing. The team immediately initiated a special operation, directing the Shantou branch to utilize the maritime comprehensive law enforcement platform to verify the boat’s information, closely monitor its movements, and maintain round-the-clock surveillance.

After two days of vigilant monitoring, at 5 PM on October 19, Shantou law enforcement officials noticed the boat returning towards Nan’ao. They promptly organized an interception, successfully boarding the vessel at 6:20 PM in the Nan’ao waters.

Upon inspection, it was confirmed that the “Yue Nanao Yu 131XX” had set out on the afternoon of October 14 for operations near Dongsha, allegedly engaging in illegal passenger fishing activities until its return on October 19. The boat measures 42.52 meters in length and is authorized for 20 occupants but was carrying 26 people—comprising 6 crew members and 20 fishing enthusiasts, with 12 cabins and 27 beds available onboard.

The authorities discovered approximately 600 kilograms of fish, including tuna, red snapper, and other species, along with a range of professional fishing equipment. The vessel is suspected of several violations, including inadequate crew composition, overcrowding, illegal passenger transportation, and unauthorized modifications. Currently, the boat has been brought back to the Shantou branch dock for further investigation.

It is worth noting that to ensure the safety of maritime fishing operations, the law enforcement team has initiated a special action starting October 17, aimed at strictly controlling the unauthorized activities of fishing vessels in sensitive waters while simultaneously cracking down on illegal passenger fishing practices.

On October 25, at a vibrant event in Hangzhou, dancers from Taiwan and mainland China came together for an exhilarating breakdancing competition, showcasing their skills against a backdrop of dazzling lights and upbeat music. The competition featured impressive moves such as handstands, rapid movements, and advanced spins.

This cultural exchange event, running from October 23 to 28 in Hangzhou and Quzhou, brought together young dancers from both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Through various forms of dance battles, including Cypher (where any dance style is allowed) and two-on-two breakdancing matches, these young performers forged friendships under the banner of street dance.

As a sport that has captivated the youth globally, breakdancing made its debut at the Summer Olympics this year, inspiring an increasing number of young individuals from both sides to join the ranks of breakdancers.

Among the participants was Wu Hui-yun, a student from the Performing Arts Department at Taipei University of Technology, who has been studying street dance for six years. This was her first trip to the mainland for a dance exchange, and she expressed both excitement and nervousness about the experience.

“We brought a performance called ‘Soaring through the Clouds,’ which is our first attempt to incorporate traditional Chinese elements into our program. We hope to blend traditional culture with modern street dance to create something unique,” Wu explained.

The event attracted 150 young street dancers from Taiwan, most of whom were newcomers eager to chase their dreams across the sea. “Even though we didn’t know each other before, there’s a certain energy that brings those who dance together. The connection through dance allows us to become familiar with one another quickly,” shared one Taiwanese dancer visiting the mainland for the first time.

Professor Gu Qing-yu, also from Taipei University of Technology, frequently travels between the two sides for street dance exchanges. This time, he brought along a group of ten students. A few years ago, Gu participated in a popular mainland variety show, “This! Is Street Dance,” which helped him establish strong collaborations with the mainland dance community.

“These street dance exchange events allow dancers on both sides not only to share techniques but also to strengthen cultural communication, paving the way for more cooperation,” Gu noted. He emphasized the substantial market and development opportunities in the mainland, encouraging his students to explore possibilities there.

Looking ahead, Gu hopes for even closer exchanges and collaborations among young dancers from both sides, ultimately showcasing the talents of Chinese dancers on the world stage.

On the morning of October 23, at the construction site of the Shuan Tunnel along the Chengdu-Chongqing High-Speed Railway, the safety installation of the cutter head for the “Chengyu” tunnel boring machine (TBM) was successfully completed. This pivotal moment signifies that the tunneling operation using the “Chengyu” TBM is now in its final countdown phase.

The Chengdu-Chongqing rail line is a crucial part of China’s “eight vertical and eight horizontal” high-speed rail network, particularly serving the river corridor. Spanning a total length of 292 kilometers, it begins at the Chongqing North Station and travels through several districts in Chongqing before reaching Chengdu. The trains on this line are designed to operate at speeds of up to 350 kilometers per hour.

The Shuan Tunnel itself stretches 10,380 meters and utilizes both “tunnel boring” and “open-cut” construction methods. The boring section measures 9,824 meters and employs two tunnel boring machines, the “Shuan” and “Chengyu.” While the “Shuan” machine has already begun tunneling, it was the “Chengyu” that had its cutter head recently installed.

According to Jia Cheng, the head of the TBM team for China Railway 11 Bureau’s Chengdu-Chongqing project, the “Chengyu” tunnel boring machine features a boring diameter of 14 meters, weighs an impressive 3,344 tons, and has a total power output of 10,000 kilowatts. It utilizes an integrated and modular design to tackle the challenges associated with launching a large-diameter TBM. The machine is equipped with advanced technology, including a pressurized composite cutter head, telescopic main drive, and retractable cameras within the cutting chamber for improved monitoring.

The installation of the cutter head is recognized as the most challenging and hazardous step in the entire assembly process of the TBM. The 14-meter-diameter cutter head, which weighs approximately 415 tons, is constructed from a middle section and four segments that were assembled and welded at ground level. Its design features artistic elements, such as the Sun God Bird, symbolic of vitality and aspiration for a better life.

Once the cutter head is lowered, the TBM will proceed with advancing the shield, managing the tail of the machine, connecting pipelines, and conducting synchronized testing, with tunneling operations expected to commence by early December.

Wang Xuesheng, commander of the construction headquarters for the Chengdu-Chongqing line at the Yangtze River Railway Group, highlighted the complexity of the geological conditions, which predominantly consist of mudstone and gravel layers. To address these challenges, several innovative technologies have been implemented, including a synchronized pushing system for the TBM, intelligent tunneling management, and a multi-level grouting system. These advancements aim to enhance construction efficiency while minimizing risks and ensuring the safety of nearby sensitive structures throughout the tunneling process.

On October 16th, a significant academic forum titled “Chinese-style Modernization and National Strength Building” was held at the International Academic Exchange Center of Northeast University.

The event was organized by the Institute for Chinese-style Modernization at Northeast University, in collaboration with the Marxism School of Northeast University, the Liaoning Provincial Marxism Society, the Liaoning Provincial Research Institute for Reform and Innovation in Ideological and Political Education, and the Education Ministry’s studio for thought and political theory educators led by Tien Pengying. Scholars and experts from various institutions, including the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the Party School of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (National Academy of Governance), Renmin University of China, Tongji University, Beijing Institute of Technology, Shenyang University of Technology, and Northeast University participated both online and in person.

During the forum, attendees focused on the key topic of “Chinese-style Modernization and National Strength Building,” discussing themes such as “Modernization in the Context of Global Capitalism and Socialism,” “Preliminary Thoughts on Further Deepening Reforms,” “The Intrinsic Connection Between Chinese-style Modernization and National Strength Building,” “Chinese-style Modernization and Innovations in National Governance,” “The Mission and Key Focuses of Northeast China’s Comprehensive Revitalization in the New Era,” “Research on Chinese-style Modernization from an International Perspective,” “Building Social Consensus Through Chinese-style Modernization,” and “Political Considerations Centered on Institutional Development.” The discussions fostered idea exchanges, created consensus, and provided intellectual support for advancing Chinese-style modernization.

This academic forum is part of a series of scholarly activities organized by the Institute for Chinese-style Modernization at Northeast University, aimed at further exploring and elucidating the scientific essence of Chinese-style modernization to contribute wisdom and strength to national development initiatives.

On the evening of October 16, 2024, the series of activities for the “Maritime Silk Road Cultural Tourism Week” kicked off in the Guangxiu District at the Wuxian Temple – Nanyue Sages Museum Square. The event featured a captivating array of performances including dance, magic, and opera, all of which illustrated the historical evolution and cultural heritage of the Maritime Silk Road.

Historically, Wuxian Temple was known as the ancient port of Poshang during the Jin Dynasty. It was a bustling hub for international trade along the Maritime Silk Road, and by the Tang Dynasty, the area transformed into a vibrant market, becoming a residential zone for foreign traders, famously known as “Fan Fang.”

The festivities brought the glory of the Tang Dynasty to life, with performances staged in a picturesque garden setting that evoked the era’s prosperity. The opening dance, titled “Poshan: The Crossing,” used dynamic movements to showcase the daily life and cultural richness of the ancient coastal regions of Lingnan. In the magic show “Treasure Hunting on the Maritime Silk Road,” the magician, dressed as a ship captain, interacted with merchants, creatively showcasing trade goods commonly exchanged during the Maritime Silk Road era, which received enthusiastic applause from the audience. Additionally, the exotic performance “Wonders of Maritime Culture” featured vibrant dances from India, Arabia, and Africa, blending various cultural influences.

This year, the Guangxiu District’s Maritime Silk Road Cultural Tourism Week emphasizes the preservation of Guangzhou’s millennia-old cultural and commercial heritage, woven around six key themes: travel, performance, exhibition, entertainment, shopping, and food. The event’s cultural hub, the Wuxian Temple, unfolded a captivating narrative that seemed to transcend time, akin to a fantasy realm. The immersive drama “Legend of the Five Rams: New Rhythms” seamlessly connected historical artifacts like the “Five Rams and Five Immortals Statues,” “The First Building in Lingnan,” and “The Ancient Poshang Port” with engaging dramatic elements, incorporating Cantonese storytelling and music, which made spectators the protagonists of the unfolding narrative.

Moreover, the “Cultural Dreamscape of Guangzhou” VR experience showcased a blend of culture and technology, offering an immersive stroll through historical scenes where participants could admire relics like the Western Han Dynasty jade seal and beast-patterned roof tiles. Accompanied by the “spirits of the Maritime Silk Road,” players could soar over historical sites, including the Guangxiu Temple’s light tower and the bustling trading scenes of the Tang Dynasty, all while enjoying a scenic sunset view from the vantage points of the deep Zhong tunnel.

“The spatial experience combines VR and Unreal Engine technology to accurately recreate the ancient Poshang port, representing the lively market life of the Tang and Song Dynasties,” explained Ke Linhai, Director of the Guangxiu District Cultural Heritage Management Center. “During the Maritime Silk Road Cultural Tourism Week, the eastern hall of Wuxian Temple will offer free VR experiences daily. Residents can reserve their spots via our WeChat account ‘Guangxiu Culture and Tourism.’ We welcome everyone to come and experience Wuxian Temple.”

In addition to daily performances and immersive experiences, Wuxian Temple and the Nanyue Sages Museum serve as the main venues for this year’s event, featuring an array of creative markets.

“Wuxian Temple, known as ‘the ancestral temple of Guangzhou,’ is essentially the first stop for visitors to understand both Guangzhou and the Guangxiu District,” shared He Yuanfei, Deputy Director of the Guangxiu District Cultural, Radio, Television, Tourism, and Sports Bureau. “Guangxiu has been the cultural heart of Guangzhou for over two thousand years and played a pivotal role in maritime trade, witnessing the development of the Maritime Silk Road. We aim to leverage our rich maritime cultural heritage through activities, artifact restoration, spatial enhancements, and neighborhood revitalization, effectively telling the stories of cultural lineage and revitalizing the old city with new vitality.”

On October 12th, the Philippines hosted its third Chinese language teachers’ seminar in Manila, aimed at providing a platform for local educators to share teaching experiences and enhance their teaching effectiveness.

During the event, the second edition of “Easy Chinese,” published by Beijing Language University Press, was unveiled, capturing significant attention from attendees.

The seminar featured a keynote address by Ma Yamin, the author of “Easy Chinese,” who shared valuable insights and teaching strategies with Filipino Chinese language instructors. Her presentation not only clearly outlined the methodology for using the textbook but also addressed the challenges faced in teaching Chinese abroad, offering practical solutions that resonated well with the participants.

Additionally, Beijing Language University Press set up a display area for “Easy Chinese,” allowing attendees to interactively explore the new textbook. Many teachers expressed that the revised edition boasts a more elegant design and richer content, which they believe will better engage students and enhance learning outcomes.

“Easy Chinese” has become a popular choice among international schools, private institutions, and public schools in over 80 countries since its launch. With its unique teaching philosophy and approach, the textbook has proven to be an essential resource for Chinese language instruction abroad, beloved by both educators and students alike.

Moldova has narrowly voted in favor of EU membership by just 13,000 votes following a high-stakes referendum marred by allegations of Russian interference. This pivotal moment, which coincided with a presidential election, underscores the ongoing tug-of-war between Russia and the West over Moldova, a nation of 2.5 million located in Eastern Europe.

The referendum, which asked voters whether to enshrine a pathway to EU membership in the constitution, yielded a slim victory for the pro-EU camp, with 50.46% of nearly 1.5 million ballots cast supporting the initiative, according to the Central Electoral Commission. This narrow result represents a significant win for pro-Western President Maia Sandu, who faced potential political fallout.

Sandu led the first round of the presidential election with 42% of the vote and is set to compete against Alexandr Stoianoglo, a former prosecutor backed by the pro-Russian Socialists, in the upcoming runoff. In her remarks post-election, Sandu declared, “Moldova has won the first difficult battle in the push to join the European Union,” while also condemning “foreign forces” for attempting to undermine the electoral process, which she characterized as “an attack on Moldovan sovereignty.”

This referendum was a crucial test for Sandu’s pro-European agenda. While the result allows for a constitutional clause defining EU accession as a national goal, experts warn that the path to EU membership remains long and fraught with challenges. Sandu’s supporters in Brussels are likely to be disheartened by the close result, especially considering pre-election surveys had suggested a more favorable outlook for her policies.

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Moldova applied to join the EU, and began negotiations in June, though skepticism persists regarding its ability to implement necessary reforms. Observers caution that a weakened Sandu may face a formidable challenge from the united pro-Moscow opposition in the forthcoming second round of the presidential election.

Preliminary reports indicated that Moldovans voting from abroad largely supported the referendum, providing a last-minute boost for the pro-EU campaign, despite a majority of domestic ballots appearing to oppose it. A Western diplomat remarked, “Sandu had hoped for a strong mandate for EU integration, but the narrow outcome raises significant questions about the level of support for her policies.”

Moldovan authorities alleged that Russia and its proxies orchestrated a hybrid war to destabilize the nation and derail its EU aspirations. Sandu accused these “foreign forces” of attempting to buy votes in what she described as “an unprecedented scale” of fraud.

EU officials echoed these concerns, asserting that Moldova faced unprecedented intimidation and interference ahead of the vote. The fugitive pro-Russian businessman Ilan Shor has been particularly implicated in destabilizing efforts, accused of running a vote-buying scheme from Moscow.

The impact of disinformation campaigns was also spotlighted by analysts, highlighting a deep division in Moldovan public opinion regarding EU integration. Lithuania’s Foreign Minister commended Moldovans for choosing a European future, despite external pressures.

In response, Russian officials have questioned the legitimacy of the referendum outcome, suggesting it reflects a lack of support for President Sandu’s policies. As Moldova navigates this complex political landscape, the results contribute to a broader trend of shifting allegiances in the region, as neighboring Georgia prepares for its own critical elections in the near future.

On October 26, Italian explorer and internationally renowned hiker Vina Camarota continued her journey through the historical sites along the ancient Silk Road, having just traversed key locations in Gansu province, including Dunhuang, Jiayuguan, Zhangye, Jinchang, and Wuwei. Her latest stops included the Shifo Valley National Forest Park and the Gansu Provincial Museum in Lanzhou.

While by the Yellow River, Vina took the opportunity to learn local dialects, mastering phrases such as “zan jing,” “wo ye,” and “liang huo,” which mean “good” in the Lanzhou dialect.

From October 15 to 28, Vina is on an expedition across the Golden Segment of the Silk Road in Gansu, visiting cities like Dunhuang and Jiayuguan. At Jiayuguan, she even experienced the historical significance of ancient trade routes and cultural exchanges firsthand.

At the age of 75, Vina’s passion for exploration was sparked back in 2000 when she began studying “The Travels of Marco Polo.” Inspired by his journey, she embarked on her own dream of retracing Polo’s path along the Silk Road. After more than two years of meticulous preparation and rigorous travel, Vina has crossed 14 countries across Eurasia, covering a remarkable 22,000 kilometers. China, as the 15th country she will traverse, stands as the culmination of her ambitious quest.

In Dunhuang, Vina officially launched the “Vina’s Silk Road Journey in China” series of events. She is captivated by the city’s rich historical heritage, vibrant cultural arts, and unique local customs, feeling compelled to document these experiences through her lens and share them globally.

“At Jiayuguan, I visited the Jiayuguan Fortress and the Cliffside Great Wall, both pivotal sites for ancient trade and cultural exchange,” Vina noted. Her explorations have not only allowed her to appreciate the unique natural scenery along the Silk Road but have also deepened her understanding of the cultural significance embedded in this ancient trade route.

During her time in Wuwei, she explored the Leitai Han Culture Museum and witnessed the exhilarating performance of “Liangzhou Drum,” known as the “soul of the West.” She wandered among the bronze chariots and horse figurines, immersing herself in the grandeur of ancient scenes. At the Wuwei Confucian Temple, she reflected on the Confucian values that have influenced centuries of scholarship and ethics. Additionally, she visited the innovative “Two Mountains” practice base and the memorial for the “Six Old Men” who fought desertification, where she was inspired by their determination.

In Zhangye, she paused in front of the Marco Polo statue on the Euro-style street, feeling a connection to the enthusiasm and dedication Marco displayed on his journey. “Each of these locations has made a lasting impression on me,” she shared.

“This trip has brought me countless friendships and made my experience in China even more colorful,” Vina concluded.