Summary: Ahead of the "May Day" International Labor Day, Xi Jinping extended festive greetings to the working masses, emphasizing the importance of promoting the spirit of model workers, labor, and craftsmanship. Xi stressed these spirits embody patriotism and innovation, driving national progress. He recalled his own experiences working alongside laborers and highlighted the need to link personal aspirations with the nation's future. Xi urged laborers to contribute to economic and social development, particularly in emerging industries and technological innovation. He also stressed the importance of improving vocational education and safeguarding the rights and interests of workers.
Summary: According to the article, Xi Jinping emphasized the need to strengthen basic research as a strategic imperative for achieving high-level technological self-reliance and building a strong science and technology nation. He highlighted the significant achievements in basic research since the 18th Party Congress and the importance of adhering to the Party's leadership in this endeavor. The article outlines measures taken, including increased funding and optimized research layouts, to enhance original innovation capabilities. The article also mentions China's aim to become a leading innovation center globally by 2035, emphasizing the role of basic research in achieving this goal. There is no mention of the United States or U.S.-China relations.
Summary: Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of strengthening basic research as the foundation of scientific and technological power at a symposium in Shanghai. University leaders, including Chang Jin from the University of Science and Technology of China and Ding Kuiling from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, expressed their commitment to enhancing original innovation and talent cultivation in strategic areas like quantum technology and AI, aligning with national needs. Representatives from the corporate sector, such as Wang Xiaoyun from China Mobile, highlighted the need for enterprises to drive the integration of research, development, and application, while Liu Chenli of the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology mentioned international collaboration. Huang Sanwen, from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, noted advancements in agricultural research and the goal of self-reliance in seed technology.
Summary: On the occasion of International Workers' Day, Xi Jinping extended holiday greetings and sincere regards to workers nationwide on behalf of the Party Central Committee. Workers expressed that Xi's remarks demonstrated care and deep affection for the working masses, encouraging them to contribute to high-quality economic and social development. Many workers interviewed emphasized striving for innovation and contributing to China's modernization in their respective fields, such as satellite navigation, delivery services, agriculture, port operations, and manufacturing. Xi Jinping also emphasized the importance of safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of the working masses.
Summary: Premier Li Qiang, during his Guangxi inspection from April 29 to May 1, emphasized the importance of constructing a national water network, focusing on flood control, water resource allocation, and ecological protection. He highlighted the strategic importance of the Pinglu Canal for connecting rivers and seas, and urged for its high-quality construction. At Beibu Gulf Port, Li stressed leveraging its strategic location to enhance port facilities, intelligent operations, and multimodal transport. He also underscored the importance of water ecological protection, including mangrove conservation. Wu Zhenglong accompanied Li on the tour.
Summary: Ahead of the "May Day" holiday, the article highlights Xi Jinping's attention to delivery workers, recalling his past visits and inquiries about their well-being, including visits in 2019 and on February 10th of this year. Xi Jinping expressed concern for the delivery workers, inquiring about their income and working conditions. The article emphasizes the increasing protections and benefits for these workers, such as occupational injury insurance, accommodation, and improved working conditions. Xi Jinping also encouraged incorporating these workers into community governance and social services. The article does not mention or allude to the United States or U.S.-China relations.
Summary: A recent CPC Central Political Bureau meeting, presided over by Xi Jinping, assessed China's current economic situation, finding that the economy had a strong start with major indicators exceeding expectations. The meeting emphasized the need to "strengthen internal capabilities" by focusing on innovation, expanding domestic demand, and promoting high-level opening-up. China aims to enhance its competitiveness in the global market by attracting global resources and strengthening the linkage between domestic and international markets. It was also stated that foreign investment in high-tech industries increased. The article did not discuss the United States or U.S.-China relations.
Summary: On May 1st, China implemented zero-tariff measures for 53 African countries, marked by the first import of South African apples through the Shenzhen Bay port. This initiative, announced by Xi Jinping in a congratulatory message to the 39th African Union Summit on February 14th, aims to foster economic partnership and boost Sino-African trade. Shenzhen Customs is streamlining clearance procedures for goods like fresh apples and wine, with officials noting benefits for the catering, fresh food, and chemical industries. Qingdao port has also been expanding its African shipping routes to facilitate trade. The new zero-tariff policy is expected to strengthen industrial cooperation between China and Africa, with potential implications for global economic development.
Summary: Beginning May 1, China implemented zero-tariff policies for 53 African countries with diplomatic ties and upgraded "green channels" to expand access for African products, making it the first major economy to implement full zero-tariff coverage for these nations. According to Guo Xueyan, Director-General of the General Administration of Customs (GAC), the GAC is also enhancing its "green channel" for African agricultural and food products, optimizing registration procedures for overseas food producers, and actively collaborating with African countries on Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) mutual recognition and capacity building. To facilitate zero-tariff implementation, the GAC established origin management methods, including cumulative rules to lower the threshold for African exports to qualify for preferential treatment. These measures aim to boost China-Africa trade and supply chain cooperation, with 2023 bilateral trade reaching $348.08 billion. The GAC will also further ease non-tariff barriers to promote the entry of more high-quality African agricultural products into the Chinese market.
Summary: Li Guangbing, the Party Secretary and Director of the Fengjie County Culture and Tourism Development Committee, stated that the county is leveraging its cultural heritage and natural resources to create over ten study tour routes. These routes, such as "Touring Fengjie Following Poetry," connect attractions like Baidi City and Qutang Gorge with interactive activities. The study tours have boosted local consumption, including accommodations, catering, and souvenirs. Fengjie has hosted over 26,000 study tour students this year, an increase of nearly 40%. The article did not mention the United States or U.S.-China relations.
Summary: A recent Chinese Politburo meeting, presided over by Xi Jinping, assessed the current economic situation, highlighting the country's strong economic start to the year with major indicators exceeding expectations. The meeting emphasized the need to focus on strengthening internal capabilities ("练好内功、做强自身") to address external challenges and promote high-quality development. Key strategies involve innovation-driven growth, expanding domestic demand, and further opening up to attract global resources. China's efforts to develop new quality productive forces (新质生产力) were emphasized as a key driver of future economic growth. China's commitment to expanding high-level opening-up and attracting foreign investment was highlighted, with statistics showing significant growth in new foreign-invested enterprises.
Summary: According to the National Healthcare Security Administration, from January to March, China's employee medical insurance (职工医保) personal accounts provided mutual aid (共济) 115 million times, totaling 15.324 billion yuan. The majority of this mutual aid, 14.98 billion yuan, was achieved through directly accessing the accounts of linked individuals within the province. Most of the funding was used for medical expenses incurred by close relatives at designated medical institutions, with smaller portions allocated to pharmacies and basic resident medical insurance contributions. The use of "medical insurance wallets" (医保钱包) facilitated 427,900 transactions, totaling 345 million yuan, for mutual aid purposes.
Summary: On the occasion of International Workers' Day, Xi Jinping extended holiday greetings and sincere regards to working people across the country on behalf of the CCP Central Committee. Various workers expressed their commitment to contributing to high-quality economic and social development under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought. Several individuals highlighted their dedication to innovation and excellence in their respective fields, including satellite navigation (Beidou system), delivery services, agriculture, port operations, manufacturing, and oil and gas. Xi Jinping emphasized the need for Party committees and governments at all levels to protect the legitimate rights and interests of working people. There is no mention of the United States or U.S.-China relations.
Summary: Data from China's National Immigration Administration indicates a 29.3% year-on-year increase in visa-free entries in Q1, totaling 8.315 million. Foreign tourists are increasingly seeking immersive experiences in China's historical, cultural, and industrial heartlands, with locations like Datong (Shanxi), Daqing (Heilongjiang), and Tengchong (Yunnan) seeing increased interest. Datong's cultural heritage is attracting tourists from Italy and the U.S., drawn by historical sites and popular video game inspirations. Tengchong's combination of sports events and tourism, including a mountain trail race that attracted participants from the U.S., is also driving growth.
Summary: Guinea-Bissau's Director-General of Foreign Trade emphasizes China's zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries, including Guinea-Bissau, as a significant opportunity for economic development and poverty reduction. The policy, which eliminates tariffs on various goods from Guinea-Bissau, is framed as a demonstration of China's commitment to mutual benefit and is expected to boost investment and economic growth. China's efforts to upgrade "green channels" to facilitate exports from Guinea-Bissau are also highlighted. The author underscores the importance of Guinea-Bissau seizing this opportunity to improve living standards and reduce poverty, with the author pledging to support Guinea-Bissau's exports to China. There is no discussion of the United States or of U.S.-China relations in the article.
Summary: A forum and conference marking the 10th anniversary of the Academy of South-South Cooperation and Development (南南学院) at Peking University brought together representatives from Global South countries and foreign embassies in China. Graduates from countries like Ghana and Egypt highlighted how their studies of China's development model informed their work back home, emphasizing the importance of adapting strategies to local contexts. Attendees like ambassadors from Zimbabwe and Ethiopia expressed interest in strengthening cooperation with China and exchanging governance experiences. Chen Xiaodong, head of China's International Development Cooperation Agency, emphasized that South-South cooperation is the trend of the era. The forum underscored China's aim to contribute to the development of other nations, although the United States was not discussed.
Summary: African Union Representative to China, Rahamtalla Osman Elnor, stated that Africa and China are closely linked through mutual respect, common development, and shared values, emphasizing their long-standing friendship and mutual support. He lauded China's zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries, seeing it as a valuable opportunity for African industrialization and modernization. Elnor also expressed admiration for China's rapid development and its leading role in global governance, including the Global Development Initiative. He noted that deepening cooperation in various fields marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations and looked forward to the "China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges". Elnor affirmed the AU's commitment to working with China to benefit both peoples.
Summary: Politburo member and Vice Premier He Lifeng met with Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib in Beijing on April 30. He Lifeng stated that China and Belgium have a mutually beneficial relationship, citing cooperation in medicine, chemicals, finance and logistics. He emphasized that both countries support multilateralism and an open world economy and should continue their cooperation, promoting the development of China-Belgium and China-Europe relations. Lahbib affirmed Belgium's desire to strengthen bilateral relations across various fields, including trade and economics, while jointly upholding multilateralism and free trade. The meeting marked the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Belgium.
Summary: The first "Z Youth" international study camp and workshop was held in Sichuan, focusing on "harmony between people and nature." Over 40 science and art students from China, the Netherlands, Italy, and Greece participated in activities including a roundtable on green technology and ecological protection. Arnold Tukker, a member of the European Academy of Sciences, stated that China's green development provides valuable experience for global sustainable development, and he hoped the event would promote practical cooperation between Chinese and European youth. The event, organized by the China International Youth Exchange Center, is intended to help foreign youth understand China and build a platform for exchange and cooperation.
Summary: Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of basic research for China's scientific and technological advancement at a symposium in Shanghai. Several attendees, including presidents of universities like Chang Jin from the University of Science and Technology of China and Ding Kuiling from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, pledged to enhance basic research and original innovation. Wang Xiaoyun from China Mobile emphasized the need for enterprises to drive the integration of research and application. Liu Chenli from the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology highlighted the importance of international collaboration. Huang Sanwen from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences focused on advancing agricultural basic research to enhance China's food security.
Summary: The 2026 Morocco "China Film Week" opened in Rabat, with Chinese Ambassador to Morocco Yu Jinsong stating that film is an art form that transcends borders and languages and that he hoped Moroccan friends would learn about a real, three-dimensional, and comprehensive China through film. The event aims to promote cultural exchange and deepen bilateral relations between China and Morocco. Morocco's Film Center Director Benjelloun noted the long histories of both countries and the deepening of bilateral relations. Attendees included figures from the cultural, artistic, and media fields of both countries.
Summary: Premier Li Qiang, accompanied by Wu Zhenglong, conducted research in Guangxi from April 29 to May 1, emphasizing the importance of constructing a national water network to support economic and social development. He stressed integrating economic, social, ecological, and safety benefits in water network construction, focusing on flood control, water resource allocation, and national water security. Li Qiang also highlighted the strategic importance of the Pinglu Canal as part of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor and urged high-quality construction. He further emphasized the need to improve port facilities and promote the integration of water networks with shipping at Beibu Gulf Port.
Summary: The article profiles Ma Zhigang, a team leader at Angang Mining's Dong Anshan branch in Liaoning, focusing on his efforts to improve mining efficiency and environmental protection through technological innovation. Ma emphasizes integrating digital and intelligent systems to enhance equipment coordination and overall efficiency, citing improvements to ore crushing and conveyor systems. His team developed solutions to improve ore-transport operations and reduce dust emissions. Ma also focuses on training, using equipment malfunctions as learning opportunities to improve his team's technical capabilities.
Summary: The article profiles Xue Hongbin, a technical team leader at Fenxi Heavy Industry, a key supplier of national marine engineering equipment, who transferred from a design role to the production front lines. After encountering design challenges due to a lack of practical experience, Xue moved to the workshop to better understand production needs and improve designs, which has since allowed him to contribute to the development of products such as the electric propulsion system used in the Jiaolong manned submersible. Xue innovated a "post leader" model to improve production efficiency, helping the company achieve record orders in 2025. Xue states that he will continue to stay on the front lines to help with research and development manufacturing as long as the country needs it.
Summary: Mi Hongzhuo, director of the Ecological Engineering Monitoring Office of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Forestry and Grassland Monitoring and Planning Institute, is dedicated to ensuring the quality of ecological projects through meticulous verification of remote sensing images and field investigations. She emphasizes the importance of accurate data collection in forest resource surveys and has personally led teams in challenging field conditions. Most recently in 2025, she has been working on the ground in Ordos City, Uxin Banner to guide farmers and herdsmen in afforestation and sand fixation. Mi oversees the rectification of deforestation and grassland destruction issues by developing targeted solutions and monitoring vegetation restoration. Her commitment reflects a dedication to strengthening ecological security in Inner Mongolia.
Summary: On the first day of the "May Day" holiday, China's total cross-regional personnel mobility is estimated to be 344.1 million, a 3.4% year-on-year increase. Railway passenger trips are expected to reach 24.8 million with 2,070 additional trains planned, following 19.79 million trips the previous day. As of May 1st, 12306 had sold 106.54 million tickets for the holiday. Public security organs reported generally stable road traffic safety conditions nationwide, with increased traffic flow and enhanced traffic management measures.
Summary: The third phase of the 139th Canton Fair opened in Guangzhou on May 1st, focusing on "Better Life." The exhibition covers 515,000 square meters with 25,000 booths, featuring 12,000 participating companies showcasing advancements in smart healthcare, functional textiles, and green materials. Over 3,000 high-quality enterprises, including national high-tech enterprises and specialized "little giant" firms, are participating. A dedicated "Smart Healthcare" zone has been expanded, and a new "Functional and Technological Fabrics" zone has been established. The event includes a "Green Time and Space" activity fostering discussions on green innovation.
Summary: The People's Liberation Army Macau Garrison held its 20th annual open day at the Taipa barracks, opening to Macau students and the public for three days starting April 30th. The event included a flag-raising ceremony, combat demonstrations, disaster relief drills, and anti-terrorism exercises, showcasing the PLA's training and preparedness. Visitors experienced simulated shooting, first aid, and toured living quarters to understand the soldiers' daily lives. The open day aims to deepen national defense education and foster patriotism. The article does not mention the United States or U.S.-China relations.
Summary: The National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts (NACTA) debuted its new Peking opera production, "Spring and Autumn," which integrates classical poetry, Peking opera singing, and Chinese orchestral music. NACTA President Wang Yong stated the production is an implementation of the spirit of Xi Jinping's reply to NACTA's young artists and a concrete step toward the "Three-Year Action Plan for Revitalizing Drama (2026-2028)." The production features a predominantly young cast and aims to create a "new Chinese style" aesthetic. The performance seeks to blend tradition and innovation, aiming to resonate with modern audiences. The article does not mention the United States or U.S.-China relations.
Summary: The article reports on the first day of the "May 1st" holiday in China, describing how people are enjoying their time off through various activities like visiting suburban areas and tourist attractions. The article focuses on the diverse ways people are celebrating the holiday. The article does not mention any political figures, U.S. relations or any kind of policy.
Summary: Ahead of the "May Day" holiday, the article highlights Xi Jinping's concern for delivery workers, referencing his past visits and inquiries about their work and living conditions in 2019 and February 2024. Xi emphasized their importance to urban function, calling them "diligent bees" and noting that "the city cannot function without you." The article details improvements in worker conditions, such as access to rest stations and social security benefits, driven by policy adjustments and local initiatives. The piece also touches on the increasing role of delivery workers in community governance and the government's commitment to protecting their rights, as well as new policies planned for the 15th Five Year Plan.
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Summary: This article discusses ecological preservation efforts in four Chinese national nature reserves. First, the Everest National Nature Reserve in Tibet has restricted tourism to protect its fragile ecosystem, relying on scientific research and monitoring. Second, the Hanma National Nature Reserve in Inner Mongolia employs an integrated "sky-space-ground" monitoring system to track wildlife and ecological changes in its subarctic environment. Third, the Dinghushan National Nature Reserve in Guangdong, China's first nature reserve, focuses on biodiversity protection and research, promoting ecological education and sustainable tourism, with the local government cooperating with the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Finally, the Heilongjiang Heixiazi Island National Nature Reserve emphasizes ecological restoration and minimal intervention to preserve its wetland ecosystem, aided by advanced monitoring technologies.
Summary: The article emphasizes China's significant achievements in establishing and expanding its nature reserves over the past 70 years, highlighting the success of protecting ecosystems and endangered species through the framework of "Ecological Civilization." It states that China has established over 2,600 natural reserves, with the intention of effectively protecting 90% of terrestrial ecosystems and 74% of national key protected wild animal and plant populations. It notes the shift from single-species rescue to integrated protection and systematic governance, with the intention of promoting ecological diversity, environmental quality, and national ecological security. The article acknowledges that China faces ongoing ecological challenges and emphasizes the importance of balancing environmental protection with high-quality development through improved regulations and legal frameworks. The article does not mention the United States or U.S.-China relations.
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Summary: The Hezhe ethnic group's "Imakan" singing storytelling was moved from UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This was accomplished through a multi-generational effort involving the state, community, families, and schools. The Imakan tradition has experienced a revival, with the number of inheritors increasing significantly and younger generations embracing the art form by incorporating modern elements like electronic music and digital platforms. These efforts have contributed to revitalizing Hezhe villages and promoting cultural tourism.
Summary: In December 2024, UNESCO recognized the traditional textile techniques of the Li people, moving them from the "List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding" to the "Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity." This has spurred efforts to promote and preserve Li brocade, with artisans like Chen Mengli integrating it into modern designs and business models. Schools in Hainan are incorporating Li brocade into their curriculum, and the number of people practicing the craft has significantly increased. The Hainan government plans to further support this development with a five-year action plan. There is no mention of the United States or U.S.-China relations in the article.
Summary: China is actively preserving and promoting its traditional wooden arch bridge construction techniques, which were recently upgraded to UNESCO's "Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity." Qingyuan County and Taishun County in Zhejiang Province are leading efforts through training programs, financial support for artisans, and the construction of new bridges. These counties are also implementing advanced monitoring systems, including AI and IoT devices, to protect the bridges from fire, floods, and vandalism. The focus extends to creating immersive cultural experiences, linking bridges with villages and traditional crafts to attract tourists. Local governments are enacting protective laws and regulations.
Summary: The article discusses the Q羌 year (Qiang New Year), a major festival for the Qiang people with over 2000 years of history, focused on praying for blessings and expressing gratitude. Due to various factors, the festival faced a crisis but was later inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. China established a national-level Qiang ethnic culture ecological protection zone, leading to comprehensive protection measures, including restoring traditional villages, improving infrastructure, and promoting cultural transmission in schools. As a result, there is increased participation in Qiang New Year customs and cultural activities. The article emphasizes efforts to protect and promote the Qiang language to further enhance the festival's cultural significance.
Summary: Four previously endangered intangible cultural heritage (ICH) practices—Hezhe Yimakan, Li textile techniques, Chinese wooden arch bridge construction, and Qiang New Year—have been moved from UNESCO's "List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding" to the "Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity." This transition resulted from integrating ICH protection into the restoration of their broader cultural ecosystems, allowing the associated skills and knowledge to become embedded back into community life. This approach emphasizes that ICH practices are not isolated artifacts but living traditions deeply rooted in specific natural, social, and cultural environments. Revitalization efforts fostered economic benefits through cultural tourism and integration with modern life, driving rural revitalization. This holistic protection and inclusive development model offers a "Chinese solution" for ICH preservation, linking cultural heritage with rural prosperity and community engagement.
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Summary: The article discusses the traditional Dai bamboo stilt houses in Yunnan, highlighting their unique architectural design, which uses no nails and relies on mortise and tenon joints. These structures, integrated into the natural landscape, reflect a harmony between humans and nature. Xu Jian from Yunnan University emphasizes the importance of preserving this architectural heritage and adapting it for modern use, given the challenges posed by modernization. Yunnan is exploring ways to preserve and revitalize the traditional architecture through academic documentation and integrating the bamboo houses into contemporary life. The article does not discuss or allude to the United States or U.S.-China relations.
Summary: During a press conference, Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian invited Taiwanese compatriots to Hunan to sample various styles of local Jiangban Duck, a traditional dish. This invitation followed reports of Taiwanese interest in purchasing the product. Zhang Guangbin, head of the Changde Jiangban Duck Industry Association, emphasized the strict production standards of Jiangban Duck, a product protected by national geographical indication. The Changde Jiangban Duck Museum showcases the dish's history and offers various flavors to cater to diverse tastes. The industry currently consists of 42 enterprises with an annual output value of nearly 3 billion yuan.
Summary: The article discusses the "San Yue San" (Third Month Third) festival, a traditional holiday celebrated by multiple ethnic groups in China, particularly in the southern regions. It highlights the various customs and activities associated with the festival among different ethnic groups like the Zhuang, She, and Li people, including unique food, music, and rituals. Since 2017, Guangxi has been promoting the "Guangxi San Yue San" festival as a cultural tourism brand, integrating ethnic culture, sports, tourism, and consumption. This year, the festival in Guangxi will feature a blend of tradition and technology, aiming to attract tourists nationwide during the holiday. The festival has boosted local tourism and cultural consumption, as exemplified by the "Zoupo Music Festival" in Luocheng County.
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Summary: This article reflects on the value of dedication and slow, meticulous work, drawing examples from the documentary "Masters in the Forbidden City" and its late director Ye Jun. It highlights the patience and craftsmanship of artisans who restore cultural relics, emphasizing that their "slow" approach leads to precision and lasting value, contrasting it with the superficiality of quick, trending skills. The piece argues that embracing "slow" can alleviate anxiety about skill deficits and allows for genuine, long-term growth. It suggests that this dedication to craft fosters cultural identity and aesthetic appreciation over generations. The article encourages readers to focus on mastering their skills steadily and resisting the urge to seek shortcuts.
Summary: Sun Liang-shen, a newly named "National Craftsman of Cultural Relics," was profiled while working at the Tonglin archeological site in Zibo, Shandong. Despite not having a formal academic background, Sun has dedicated 38 years to archeology, participating in nearly 300 projects. The article highlights his hands-on approach, innovative techniques for restoring artifacts, and his embrace of modern technology to improve precision in archeological work. Sun's work ethic, characterized by diligence and a commitment to continuous learning, was also emphasized. There was no discussion on topics relating to the United States or U.S.-China relations.
Summary: Du Shaofei, a book and painting restorer at the Sichuan Museum, focuses on restoring damaged traditional Chinese artworks, a meticulous process requiring extensive knowledge and skill. He emphasizes the importance of thorough examination and careful execution to preserve the original essence of the art. After graduating from Jilin Art College, the restoration work requires a calm mind and carefulness, and any mistakes are not allowed. He also uses modern equipment to enhance the restoration process while adhering to traditional techniques. Du is committed to researching and innovating in the field of art conservation.
Summary: Wu Shengcheng, a wood artifact restorer from Guizhou province, was awarded the 2026 National May Day Labor Medal for his 29 years of dedication to the craft. He emphasizes the importance of precision and adherence to original materials and techniques in restoring wooden artifacts, noting the lack of room for error. Wu participated in the 2nd National Cultural Relics Industry Vocational Skills Competition in 2025, winning first prize in wood artifact restoration. He hopes to pass on his skills to younger generations and is considering establishing a studio and collaborating with educational institutions to preserve the craft. The article does not discuss the United States or U.S.-China relations.
Summary: The article profiles Hong Jianhua, a master of Huizhou bamboo carving, a nationally recognized intangible cultural heritage. Hong has been working with bamboo for nearly 40 years, since he was 16. He emphasizes the dedication and perseverance required to master the craft, noting the challenges of attracting younger generations to this traditional art form. He is trying to keep with the times, creating short videos about the craft, and collaborating with local schools.
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By: 本报记者 宋 宇
"It is hoped that the vast number of working people will vigorously promote the spirit of model workers, the spirit of work, and the spirit of craftsmanship, work hard and diligently, be dedicated and devoted, and play the main force and demonstrate the spirit of ownership in promoting high-quality economic and social development." On the occasion of this year's "May Day" International Labor Day, General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) extended festive congratulations and sincere greetings to the vast number of working people across the country.
Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) has attached great importance to and deeply praised labor creation, emphasizing: "The spirit of model workers, the spirit of work, and the spirit of craftsmanship are a vivid embodiment of the national spirit with patriotism as the core and the spirit of the times with reform and innovation as the core, and a powerful spiritual driving force to encourage the whole Party and the people of all ethnic groups across the country to brave the wind and rain and move forward bravely."
Comrade Xi Jinping (习近平) came from the midst of the working people: in Liangjiahe (梁家河), a rural village in northern Shaanxi (陕北), he farmed, hauled coal, built dams, carried manure, and lived, ate, and worked with the villagers; in Zhengding (正定), Hebei (河北), he went deep into the countryside, sought advice from the people, conducted investigations and research, and found a solution to the "high-yield poor county" problem; in Ningde (宁德), Fujian (福建), he worked with the masses and led everyone to resolutely get rid of poverty...
The spirit of model workers, the spirit of work, and the spirit of craftsmanship embody the national spirit with patriotism as the core. The great cause of building a strong country and national rejuvenation depends on the hands of strivers to realize.
"'Empty talk harms the country, hard work makes the country prosper,' and hard work must first be down-to-earth labor." In April 2013, in the conference room of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (中华全国总工会), General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) emphasized during a discussion with 65 model worker representatives.
Behind the achievements made by the country is the hard work, honest labor, and creative labor of the vast number of working people. General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) emphasized "closely linking personal struggle with the future destiny of the country."
Encouraging the students of Shandan Peili School (山丹培黎学校) in Zhangye (张掖), Gansu (甘肃) to "master more practical skills and strive to become talents who are useful to the country and needed by the country"; entrusting the representatives of industrial workers of China First Heavy Industries (中国一重) to "adhere to the original aspiration of serving the country with skills"; requiring the young innovative talents of "Model Speed Space" (模速空间) in Shanghai (上海) to "have a heart of patriotism, establish the ambition to serve the country, and enhance the ability of the country"... Every word of advice is full of deep calls for building dreams with labor and serving the country with struggle.
The spirit of model workers, the spirit of work, and the spirit of craftsmanship embody the spirit of the times with reform and innovation as the core. Technological breakthroughs and institutional innovations are inseparable from the tireless exploration of workers.
General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) emphasized: "Organize and guide the vast number of workers to base themselves on their jobs, overcome difficulties in the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries, forge ahead in the development and growth of emerging industries, and boldly explore in the cultivation and growth of future industries."
In February of this year, General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) came to the National Information Technology Innovation and Application Pilot Zone (国家信创园) in Yizhuang (亦庄), Beijing (北京), to learn more about the innovation and application of information technology. Among the scientists present were scientists in their seventies and heads of technology companies born in the 1990s. The first local inspection in the opening year of the "15th Five-Year Plan" highlights the General Secretary's concern for workers in emerging and future industries.
General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) is also very concerned about workers in traditional industries. "Make up for the shortcomings and optimize the structure," "Carry forward the spirit of ownership," "Make more contributions to building a manufacturing powerhouse"... In 2025, the General Secretary successively visited enterprises such as Benxi Iron and Steel (本溪本钢) in Benxi (本溪), Liaoning (辽宁), Luoyang Bearing (洛阳轴承) in Luoyang (洛阳), Henan (河南), and Yangquan Valve (阳泉阀门) in Yangquan (阳泉), Shanxi (山西), giving earnest instructions to frontline employees and prescribing prescriptions for enterprise transformation.
Great undertakings require great spirit, and great spirit凝聚磅礴力量 (níng jù páng bó lì liàng - "gather magnificent power," to bring together immense strength). The spirit of model workers, the spirit of work, and the spirit of craftsmanship are a powerful spiritual driving force to encourage the whole Party and the people of all ethnic groups across the country to brave the wind and rain and move forward bravely.
Promote the spirit of model workers, commend the example of workers, and give full play to the leading role of advanced models. In 2015, China commended national model workers and advanced workers at the highest level again after 36 years. General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) pointed out that model workers and advanced workers "have set an example for the people of all ethnic groups across the country to learn from," "vigorously publicize the advanced deeds of model workers and other typical examples," and "do a good job in the management and service of model workers."
Promote the spirit of work, enhance the well-being of workers, and actively create a social atmosphere that respects work. General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) has always been concerned about the sense of gain, happiness, and security of the vast number of workers and working people, and emphasized the need to "remove obstacles that hinder workers from participating in development and sharing the fruits of development, and strive to enable workers to achieve decent work and comprehensive development." The "15th Five-Year Plan"纲要 (gāng yào - "outline," a summary of the main points) specifically makes arrangements for "strengthening employment services and protecting the rights and interests of workers."
Promote the spirit of craftsmanship, improve the quality of workers, and strive to create good conditions for talent growth. General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) praised master craftsmen as "pillars" and always kept in mind the construction of a high-quality workforce, emphasizing the need to "do a solid job in vocational education," "improve the system for cultivating, using, evaluating, and incentivizing skilled talents," and "widely carry out labor and skills competitions."
In April 2025, at the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (中华全国总工会) and the National Model Workers and Advanced Workers Commendation Conference, General Secretary Xi Jinping's (习近平) words were sonorous and powerful: "Be down-to-earth, forge ahead, work hard and dedicate, embrace the new era with creation, build new brilliance with struggle, and turn the grand blueprint for realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation into reality step by step!"
This is a deep expectation, this is a continuous driving force.
Return to TopBy: 本报评论员
"Basic research is the source of the entire scientific system and the general mechanism for all technical problems." Strengthening basic research is an urgent requirement for achieving high-level self-reliance in science and technology, and it is the only way to build a strong country in science and technology.
On April 30, General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) attended a symposium on strengthening basic research and delivered an important speech, fully affirming the achievements of China's basic research, comprehensively analyzing the new situation and new challenges faced, making strategic deployments and putting forward clear requirements for strengthening basic research, and emphasizing "the need to strengthen basic research with greater efforts and more practical measures, enhance China's original innovation capabilities, and further consolidate the foundation for building a strong country in science and technology."
Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the Party Central Committee has attached great importance to basic research. General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) has made a series of important expositions on the theoretical and practical issues of strengthening basic research, profoundly revealing the laws of basic research development, and pointing out the methods and paths for doing a good job in this important area. Under the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee, enhancing original innovation capabilities has been placed in a more prominent position, and China's basic research level has been significantly improved.
Looking at the top-level design, from the promulgation of the "National Innovation-Driven Development Strategy Outline" and the "Several Opinions of the State Council on Comprehensively Strengthening Basic Scientific Research," to the establishment of the Central Science and Technology Commission (中央科技委员会) to coordinate and solve strategic, directional, and overall major issues in the field of science and technology, and then to improving the new national system and forming a national laboratory system, China's institutional advantages are constantly being transformed into a powerful effect on basic research.
Looking at investment guarantees, during the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, China's basic research funding has continued to increase, reaching 277.8 billion yuan in 2025, an increase of 11.1% over the previous year, and the proportion of basic research investment in the total social R&D investment exceeded 7% for the first time. A diversified investment pattern helps to achieve more "from 0 to 1" breakthroughs, allowing technological innovation to accelerate.
Today's China has risen to become an important pole of global innovation. R&D and application of quantum technology are at the forefront of the world, artificial synthesis of starch from carbon dioxide has achieved "technical creation," the all-superconducting tokamak nuclear fusion experimental device has broken the world record, and domestically produced large models are leading the global open-source ecosystem... This is precisely due to optimizing scientific research layout, increasing investment guarantees, and innovating systems and mechanisms. Major original achievements in basic frontier directions continue to emerge and are encouraging, laying a solid foundation for building a strong country in science and technology, and further strengthening our confidence and determination to strengthen basic research unremittingly.
Practice fully shows that adhering to the Party's overall leadership and strengthening the Party Central Committee's centralized and unified leadership over science and technology work is the fundamental political guarantee for doing a good job in basic research. Closely focusing on the strategic goals drawn by the Party Central Committee, grasping the important role of basic research in promoting scientific and technological innovation and building a strong country in science and technology, and strengthening basic research with greater efforts and more practical measures, we can firmly grasp the lifeline of science and technology and the initiative of development in our own hands.
General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) emphasized that "Chinese-style modernization must be supported by scientific and technological modernization." The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China made it clear that a strong country in science and technology will be built by 2035, 15 years ahead of the comprehensive construction of a strong socialist modern country, highlighting the strategic leading position and fundamental supporting role of science and technology. "If the foundation is solid, the building of science and technology can be built high." The strong country in science and technology that we want to build must have strong basic research and original innovation capabilities, and continuously produce major original and disruptive scientific and technological achievements.
The "15th Five-Year Plan" takes root in the key period of consolidating the foundation and comprehensively exerting efforts, and makes systematic deployments for comprehensively improving the level of basic research. On the new journey, seizing the historical opportunities of the new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation, adhering to the strategic guidance of "four orientations," continuing to work hard on strengthening basic research and improving original innovation capabilities, and seizing the key core technologies and cutting-edge technologies, we can further consolidate the foundation for building a strong country in science and technology.
From reversing the passive situation of being backward and beaten since modern times to the unstoppable great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation today, history eloquently proves that whoever seizes the key variable of scientific and technological innovation can seize the opportunity and win the initiative in the century-long changes. At present, there are only 9 years left before the grand goal of building a strong country in science and technology, and time waits for no one, and the mission is on our shoulders. We must unite more closely around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping (习近平) at its core, fully implement Xi Jinping's (习近平) Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and with the spirit of seizing the day and the tenacity of long-term success, we must effectively grasp the work of basic research to achieve new results, and move towards the established goals step by step.
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 孙 振 李君强 杨翘楚
On April 30th, a symposium on strengthening basic research was held in Shanghai (上海). General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) attended the symposium and delivered an important speech, emphasizing: "Basic research is the source of the entire scientific system and the general engine of all technological problems. We must strengthen basic research with greater efforts and more practical measures, enhance our country's original innovation capabilities, and further consolidate the foundation for building a strong country in science and technology."
After the meeting, some of the participating representatives were interviewed by reporters from this newspaper. Everyone said that they should deeply study and understand the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's (习近平) important speech, accurately grasp the strategic intentions of the Party Central Committee, enhance their sense of urgency, responsibility, and mission, and comprehensively strengthen basic research with more firm confidence and determination, and more pragmatic measures and actions, focus on enhancing original innovation capabilities, and strive to achieve high-level self-reliance and self-improvement in science and technology and build a strong country in science and technology.
"The symposium on strengthening basic research held in the opening year of the 'Fifteenth Five-Year Plan' fully reflects the great importance attached to basic research work by the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping (习近平) at its core, which is very encouraging and gives us more confidence." Chang Jin (常进), President of the University of Science and Technology of China (中国科学技术大学) and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (中国科学院), said with emotion, "Aiming at 'from 0 to 1' original innovation, we must continue to calm down and work steadily step by step. This is not only a scientific research idea, but also reflects the establishment and practice of a correct view of political achievements."
Chang Jin (常进) said that the University of Science and Technology of China (中国科学技术大学) will continue to play a leading role as a high-level research university and put more effort into basic and strategic work. Adhering to the strategic guidance of "four orientations," it will continue to seize the commanding heights of science and technology in areas such as quantum technology and deep space exploration, actively promote the paradigm shift in scientific research led by artificial intelligence, promote interdisciplinary integration, and accelerate the training of cutting-edge scientific and technological talents with solid basic knowledge and artificial intelligence literacy.
"Not long ago, we received a letter from General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) to all teachers and students of the four Jiaotong Universities (交通大学), and at this symposium, we listened to the General Secretary's important speech, which made us feel very warm and deeply responsible." Ding Kuiling (丁奎岭), President of Shanghai Jiaotong University (上海交通大学) and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (中国科学院), said that since the establishment of the school 130 years ago, generations of Jiaotong University people have been forging ahead, from the starting point of "born for the sake of strengthening the country" to the place most needed by the country and the people, and to today's "prosperity due to talents." "A new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation is accelerating breakthroughs. Facing new situations and new challenges, we will focus on improving the 'adaptation' of talent training and discipline settings, so that talent training can better meet national needs and industrial development."
Take firm steps one step at a time. Ding Kuiling (丁奎岭) said that to thoroughly study and implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's (习近平) important speech, it is necessary to continuously integrate strengthening basic research with independent talent training and independent scientific and technological innovation: implement special action plans such as "Big Ocean," "Big Health," and "Big Information" to create a "centralized area" oriented towards strategic guidance; focus on the forefront of science and technology, gather young talents, and create a "free area" oriented towards the forefront; deepen industry-university-research collaboration and create a "integrated area" oriented towards the market.
Scientific research results "from 0 to 1," "from 1 to 100 and then to N," can only complete the market-oriented closed loop with the participation of enterprises. "Listening to the General Secretary's important speech on the spot, I felt very excited and inspired." Wang Xiaoyun (王晓云), Chief Engineer of China Mobile Communications Group Co., Ltd. (中国移动通信集团有限公司) and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (中国工程院), said, "Enterprises must carry out basic research closely around application needs, deeply explore the scientific laws of the application of results, and continuously improve the theoretical foundation."
Unblock the innovation chain of basic research, application development, and achievement transformation. Wang Xiaoyun (王晓云) said that to promote the deep integration of industry, academia, research, and application led by enterprises, we will give full play to the leading role of the chain leader, take the initiative to be the industry's questioner, the scientific research co-answerer, and the achievement reviewer, drive the integration of large, medium, and small enterprises, and promote basic research to be "top-notch and down-to-earth."
"The General Secretary emphasized 'strengthening support and guarantee for basic research.' These earnest words give us confidence and methods." Liu Chenli (刘陈立), Dean of the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (中国科学院深圳先进技术研究院), introduced that in recent years, the country's investment in basic research has been unprecedented, and the efforts to deepen the reform of the system and mechanism have been unprecedented. "Taking advantage of the situation, we are exploring the 'upstairs and downstairs' innovation and entrepreneurship complex model, creating a 'scientific and technological achievement supermarket,' and also initiated the International Synthetic Cell Alliance to build with global partners and actively integrate into the global innovation network."
"Basic research requires large investment, long cycles, and high risks. But with the firm support of the Party Central Committee, we are full of confidence." Liu Chenli (刘陈立) said, "To deeply study and understand the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's (习近平) important speech, we will combine the research direction closely with the country's major needs with a stronger sense of responsibility and mission, 十年磨一剑 (shí nián mó yī jiàn - "sharpen a sword for ten years," to spend a long time polishing one's skills), serve the construction of a strong country in science and technology, and actively participate in global science and technology governance."
"The General Secretary's important speech pointed out the direction for further strengthening agricultural basic research." Huang Sanwen (黄三文), member of the Party Group of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (农业农村部), President of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (中国农业科学院), and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (中国科学院), introduced that under the unified deployment and strong leadership of the Party Central Committee, the level of agricultural basic research in my country has been greatly improved. In 2025, the contribution rate of agricultural scientific and technological progress in my country will exceed 64%, and Chinese grain, Chinese vegetables, and Chinese meat will mainly use Chinese seeds.
Huang Sanwen (黄三文) said that in the "Fifteenth Five-Year Plan," the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (中国农业科学院) should thoroughly implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's (习近平) important speech and put strengthening basic research in a more important position, plan as a whole, and promote systematically: build 7 basic science centers such as crop science, and build an "interdisciplinary, joint research" organized basic research model to provide a more solid basic theoretical support and a more efficient source of technology for accelerating high-level agricultural science and technology self-reliance and self-improvement.
Since the new era, the Party Central Committee has insisted on placing scientific and technological innovation at the core of the country's overall development, and every strategic deployment has seized the opportunity for future development and stepped on the beat of the times. The participating representatives unanimously stated that they must unify their thoughts and actions with the decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping (习近平) at its core, adhere to the strategic guidance of "four orientations," further clarify the main direction and key areas of basic research, and contribute to achieving high-level scientific and technological self-reliance and self-improvement and building a strong country in science and technology.
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 易舒冉
On the occasion of this year's "May Day" International Labor Day, Xi Jinping (习近平), General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (中共中央), President of the State, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission (中央军委), extended festive greetings and sincere regards to the vast number of working people across the country on behalf of the Party Central Committee.
The vast number of working people expressed that General Secretary Xi Jinping's (习近平) words are sincere and fully reflect his deep concern and profound friendship for the working masses. In the opening year of the "15th Five-Year Plan," they will be guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era (习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想), strive for dreams, work hard for happiness, and play a leading role and demonstrate their ownership in promoting high-quality economic and social development.
"General Secretary Xi Jinping's (习近平) festive congratulations and sincere greetings have pointed out the direction for us. We must bear in mind the General Secretary's earnest instructions, strive for progress, be courageous in innovation and creation, and provide Chinese solutions for global satellite navigation," said Zhou Guangyu (周光宇), head of the ground-based cloud algorithm team at Beijing BDStar Navigation Technology Co., Ltd. (北京北斗星通导航技术股份有限公司).
The Beidou system (北斗系统) is a global satellite navigation system independently built and operated by China. Zhou Guangyu's (周光宇) team has 7 members, with an average age of 35, and was awarded the National Pioneer Worker Award this year. "We must focus on technological breakthroughs, service upgrades, and customer value with a stronger sense of responsibility and a higher sense of mission, and deliver a more solid answer sheet for the Beidou cause," said Zhou Guangyu (周光宇).
Labor creates happiness, and hard work achieves great undertakings. Across the country, workers are weaving a beautiful picture of life with hard work, honest labor, and creative labor.
Wearing a helmet and riding an electric bicycle, Lin Xiaoxia (林小霞), a food delivery rider in Beijing (北京), shuttles through the city streets and alleys, starting the evening peak delivery. "The General Secretary's concern for grassroots workers warms our hearts. As long as we are willing to work hard, we will reap what we sow. I will continue to deliver every order well and contribute to the city's operation," said Lin Xiaoxia (林小霞).
In Yanbian (延边), Jilin (吉林), on the banks of the Hailan River (海兰江), agricultural machinery shuttles back and forth. Zhang Rubin (张如斌), a post-90s new farmer, finished his work with agricultural machinery and came to the seedling greenhouse to carefully observe the growth of seedlings.
"Labor is the most glorious, and struggle is the right time. Only by advocating labor and loving labor can we have a good harvest with full granaries," said Zhang Rubin (张如斌).
Accompanied by the sound of waves, the dry bulk cargo terminal of Qingdao Port (青岛港) in Shandong Port (山东港口) is a bustling scene. "As industrial workers on the front line of the port, we must use craftsmanship to temper our skills, be meticulous, and pursue excellence," said Guo Kai (郭凯), chief technician of the Qianwan Branch of Shandong Port Qingdao Port (山东港口青岛港前港分公司).
Working hard and diligently, dedicating themselves to their work, the vast number of working people are actively engaged in the hot practice of promoting Chinese-style modernization with high-quality development.
"The General Secretary hopes that the vast number of working people will vigorously promote the spirit of model workers, the spirit of labor, and the spirit of craftsmanship. As an industrial worker in the new era, I must bear in mind the instructions, base myself on my position, strive for excellence, and strive to create first-class projects," said Zhang Ming (张明), winner of the National May Day Labor Medal and special welding technician of China Railway Shanqiao Group Co., Ltd. (中铁山桥集团有限公司).
"General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) attaches great importance to the main force role of the vast number of working people, encouraging us to love what we do, be dedicated to our work, and explore boldly and innovate while performing our duties," said Dai Juan (代娟), a senior engineer in the Digital Control Center of the Southwest Oil and Gas Field Branch of China National Petroleum Corporation (中国石油西南油气田分公司川中油气矿), as she and her team members carefully sorted out the survey data of the inspection robot. "High-quality development cannot be achieved without high-quality labor creation. We must continue to strive to be knowledgeable, skilled, and innovative workers, and contribute to the economic and social development during the '15th Five-Year Plan' period," said Dai Juan (代娟).
Huang Rui (黄睿), a senior robot algorithm engineer at Shenzhen Yuejiang Technology Co., Ltd. (深圳市越疆科技股份有限公司), focuses on breaking through the robot's hand-eye coordination and compliant force control algorithms. "We must always devote ourselves to the practice of Chinese-style modernization with a sense of ownership, and work diligently and overcome difficulties in our respective positions," said Huang Rui (黄睿).
Letting workers get benefits and enjoy honor is the only way to stimulate labor creativity.
General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) emphasized that Party committees and governments at all levels must earnestly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the vast number of working people, focus on solving urgent and difficult problems, and mobilize and encourage the vast number of working people to work tirelessly to achieve the grand blueprint.
"In recent years, the rights and interests of our new employment form workers have been better protected, there are fewer worries, and there are more expectations for a better life." Li Xiaowang (李晓望), a national model worker, is a courier who delivers about 400 packages every day. When he encounters fresh, urgent, or easily damaged packages, he will mark them in advance and give priority to delivery; when he encounters elderly people with limited mobility, he will try to deliver the express delivery to their doorsteps. "If you do it with your heart, you can achieve extraordinary results in ordinary positions."
"The General Secretary has pointed out the direction for our future work. We must adhere to the work orientation of centering on employees, wholeheartedly serve the working masses, and effectively enhance the sense of gain, happiness, and security of workers, and send the care and warmth of the Party and the government to the hearts of the vast number of workers," said Chen Xiaofeng (陈小丰), director of the Rights and Interests Protection Department of the Hubei Provincial Federation of Trade Unions (湖北省总工会权益保障部).
(Reporters Liu Botong (刘博通), Shao Yuzi (邵玉姿), Wang Yongzhan (王永战), Hong Qiuting (洪秋婷), and Zheng Zhiwen (郑智文) of this newspaper participated in the writing)
Return to TopXinhua News Agency, Nanning, May 1st (Reporter Zou Wei) Li Qiang (李强), member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Premier of the State Council, conducted research in Guangxi from April 29th to May 1st. He emphasized the need to thoroughly implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's (习近平) important expositions and instructions on water network construction, adhere to the unity of economic, social, ecological, and safety benefits, accelerate the construction of the main framework of the national water network, coordinate the planning and construction of water network projects at all levels, strengthen the comprehensive utilization of water resources, and provide basic support and important guarantees for economic and social development.
In Nanning (南宁市), Li Qiang (李强) visited the Yujiang Laokou Water Conservancy Hub and the Jiangbei Central Embankment Water Damage Emergency Rescue Project, inspected the Guangxi (广西) flood control project system and the construction and operation of water conservancy hubs, observed the comprehensive improvement work on both sides of the Yongjiang River (邕江), and listened to a report on the planning and construction of the Guangxi (广西) water network. Li Qiang (李强) pointed out that water network construction is a strategic measure to improve flood control and disaster reduction capabilities, optimize water resource allocation, and ensure national water security, while also having multiple functions such as transportation, ecological protection, and tourism landscapes. It is necessary to anchor the goal of "complete system, safe and reliable, intensive and efficient, green and intelligent, smooth circulation, and orderly regulation," accelerate the construction of the water network, coordinate existing and incremental resources, strengthen interconnection, promote the upgrading of water conservancy infrastructure and digital intelligence transformation, and focus on improving network benefits. Guangxi (广西) has well-developed water systems, so it is necessary to earnestly implement the national water network plan, implement water network projects at all levels, and actively explore and form more good experiences and practices.
In Qinzhou (钦州市), Li Qiang (李强) visited the Madou Hub of the Pinglu Canal (平陆运河), listened to an introduction to the construction of the canal, and inspected the construction site. Li Qiang (李强) pointed out that the Pinglu Canal (平陆运河) is the backbone project of the New Western Land-Sea Corridor and plays an important role in realizing river-sea connectivity and land-sea linkage. It is necessary to do a good job in the construction of the canal and large-scale hubs with high standards and high quality, ensure smooth navigation as scheduled, and strive to create a model project that can withstand inspection. Li Qiang (李强) visited the Qinzhou (钦州) Automated Container Terminal of Beibu Gulf Port (北部湾港), and watched the operation of the smart port. He emphasized that Beibu Gulf Port (北部湾港) has an important strategic position in opening up to the outside world, and it is necessary to give full play to its location advantages, further improve port facility construction, improve the level of intelligent operation, promote the deep integration of water networks and shipping, actively develop multimodal transport, and expand the radiation-driven effect.
In Beihai (北海市), Li Qiang (李强) visited the Jinhaiwan Mangrove Ecological Reserve (金海湾红树林生态保护区), and inquired in detail about the planning and construction of Guangxi (广西) seawalls and the protection of mangroves. He pointed out that water ecological protection is an important part of water network construction, and it is necessary to adhere to systematic governance, comprehensive governance, and source governance, and strengthen the protection and restoration of mangrove wetlands and coastal wetlands. At the Niuweiling Pumping Station (牛尾岭泵站) of the Huan Beibu Gulf Guangxi Water Resources Allocation Project (环北部湾广西水资源配置工程), Li Qiang (李强) emphasized that China's (我国) water resources are unevenly distributed, and it is necessary to plan and build major water diversion projects, improve the water resource allocation pattern, achieve mutual assistance and joint regulation, and enhance the ability to allocate water resources and ensure water supply between basins and regions.
During the research, Li Qiang (李强) learned in detail about Guangxi's (广西) flood prevention and preparation work. He pointed out that Guangxi (广西) and other southern regions have entered the flood season, and it is necessary to comprehensively carry out risk hazard investigation and rectification, strengthen monitoring, forecasting, and early warning of rainfall and water conditions, strengthen joint scheduling of water conservancy projects, increase the application of advanced technologies, improve emergency evacuation plans, and make every effort to protect the safety of people's lives and property and the overall social stability.
Wu Zhenglong (吴政隆) accompanied the research.
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 李昌禹 易舒冉
On the eve of the "May Day" holiday, the reporter met Liu Kuo (刘阔), a courier, on Liulichang Cultural Street (琉璃厂文化街) in Xicheng District (西城区), Beijing (北京). He was riding an electric tricycle through the streets, with the goods on the vehicle neatly stacked.
"These goods are mostly cultural and creative souvenirs purchased by tourists, so I have to be careful," he said. After a busy morning of receiving, packaging, and delivering packages, Liu Kuo (刘阔) went to the "Xicheng District All-Time Station" (西城区全时驿站) on the street to take a break.
"In the past, I could only lean on the vehicle to rest when I was tired; now, the station has charging banks, water dispensers, microwave ovens, and medicine kits, just like having an extra 'home' on the road, which is really great," Liu Kuo (刘阔) said.
Speaking of the changes in recent years, Liu Kuo's (刘阔) thoughts went back to seven years ago.
Before the Spring Festival of 2019, at the Beijing Qianmen Shitou Hutong Courier Service Point (北京前门石头胡同快递服务点), what surprised Liu Kuo (刘阔) and his colleagues was that General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) came to visit them.
"Is this work busy?" "Does the company have dormitories?" "Do you live far away?" General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) shook hands with the courier brothers one by one and asked with concern.
"The General Secretary's hand was warm and powerful." Liu Kuo (刘阔) still remembers the scene vividly, "The General Secretary said that we are like hardworking little bees, the most hardworking workers, bringing convenience to everyone's life. This made us feel very warm in our hearts."
A warm handshake is a respect and praise for hard work; every inquiry is a concern and care for ordinary workers.
As time goes by, this concern and care remain undiminished.
On February 10 this year, at the XinJiekou Street Parents' Canteen (新街口街道父母食堂) in Xicheng District (西城区), Beijing (北京), General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) once again visited couriers and food delivery workers.
"Where are you from?" "How long have you been running deliveries?" The questions were still asked with concern.
Wu Jing (吴静), a courier in her 30s, is from Shenyang (沈阳), Liaoning (辽宁), and has been running deliveries in Beijing (北京) for 12 years. Her lover is also in the same industry. Jia Yacan (贾亚灿) and Zhang Ruiqiang (张瑞强), food delivery workers in their 20s, are from Xingtai (邢台), Hebei (河北).
"Is the work tiring?" "How is the income?" "Will you go home for the Spring Festival?" General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) asked in great detail.
"Express delivery has now become the flowing blood of the city. You are very hardworking, and the operation of the city cannot do without you. It is not easy. I am also very concerned about you. I hope you live well and work well," General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) said in a cordial exchange with everyone.
"Hardworking little bees" and "the city cannot operate without you" are true portrayals of express delivery and food delivery practitioners. In 2025, China's express delivery volume completed 198.95 billion pieces; in the first quarter of this year, the express delivery volume completed 47.73 billion pieces, an increase of 5.8% year-on-year. Online shopping has become a daily consumption method for people. The vigorous vitality of "flowing China" and the convenient life of thousands of households are inseparable from their hard work.
"The General Secretary's care and concern have greatly encouraged the entire industry." Liu Kuo (刘阔) said with emotion that in recent years, everyone has become more recognized and understanding of couriers. The manifestation of this professional dignity is inseparable from the General Secretary's deep concern.
In recent years, new business forms represented by the platform economy have developed rapidly, and the number of new employment form workers in the country has reached 84 million. Couriers and food delivery workers are representatives of this group.
"A period has its problems, and a group has its difficulties. We must pay attention to them and constantly solve them." General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) keenly grasped the profound changes in China's employment structure and was concerned about the urgent difficulties and expectations of new employment groups.
With the earnest exhortation that "the laws, regulations, policies and measures配套 (pinyin - pèitào - "form a complete set," to be coordinated) with the 'new employment form' cannot be late," and the repeated emphasis on "strengthening the protection of the rights and interests of flexible employment and new employment form workers," under the close care of General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平), the care for new employment form workers is becoming more and more sufficient and specific -
Top-level design is constantly improving.
From the pilot project of occupational injury保障 (bǎo zhàng - "guarantee," to ensure) for new employment form personnel in 2022, to the joint issuance of documents by the All-China Federation of Trade Unions and other four departments to regulate platform enterprises to carry out labor rules and algorithm consultation, and then to the inclusion of the basic rights and interests保障 (bǎo zhàng - "guarantee," to ensure) measures for new employment form workers into the legislative plan... Step-by-step institutional escort makes workers running in the streets and alleys of the city more confident.
"The platform has paid occupational injury insurance for us, and every order is guaranteed. It has also canceled the fine for overdue delivery, so we no longer have to worry about running orders," said Jia Yacan (贾亚灿). The sense of gain in recent years is visible and tangible. "I pay养老保险 (yǎnglǎo bǎoxiǎn - "pension insurance," insurance for retirement) in my hometown of Xingtai (邢台) every month, with a monthly payment of 801.4 yuan, and the platform subsidizes half of it. Calculated, I can save nearly 5,000 yuan a year."
A room reflects warmth. This year, Jia Yacan (贾亚灿) and his lover moved into the rider apartment. On the day of moving in, he made a video call to his mother to report the good news: "It is a single room with a separate bathroom and a water heater. My child can also have a place to stay when he comes to Beijing (北京) for summer vacation!"
The level of management and service is constantly improving.
At the 2025 National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (全国两会), General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) emphasized: "We must keep up with the management and service of the courier brothers, online car-hailing drivers, e-commerce practitioners, etc. that have emerged in recent years, and fill this gap."
In order to create a warm harbor for outdoor workers, more than 150,000 trade union stations have been built across the country in recent years. In 2025, the national trade union stations served more than 800 million employees, not only solving the difficulties of eating, drinking water, and resting, but also improving diversified intelligent services.
"We can rest when we are tired, heat up cold food, and charge our mobile phones. Many stations are open 24 hours a day. We have long regarded the trade union as our 'mother's home'," said Liu Kuo (刘阔).
In Liu Kuo's (刘阔) mobile phone, there is also a WeChat group called "Party and Mass Love 'New' Position" (党群爱‘新’阵地). Convenient services, cultural activities, online classes, and festival condolences are all known in the group. "With a stable place to live, as well as opportunities for skills training and academic improvement, I feel warmer in my heart," said Liu Kuo (刘阔).
How to give new employment groups more participation in grassroots governance and a greater sense of belonging to the city is also a new proposition.
In this regard, General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) pointed out: "We must do a good job in ideological guidance and cohesion service for new employment groups."
Combining the work convenience of couriers and food delivery workers, guide them to become the "public sentiment sentry posts" for community safety prevention and control, hidden danger investigation, and emergency response. In recent years, with the active promotion of various places, many new employment form workers have become beneficiaries and participants in grassroots social governance.
Zhang Ruiqiang (张瑞强) joined the street's "Casual Shooting" WeChat group, and uploaded hidden dangers such as damaged sewer covers and peeling walls when walking through the streets and alleys; Wu Jing (吴静) joined the street's volunteer service team for the elderly, paired up with the elderly in the area, and helped the elderly clean up their homes every month.
"Helping neighbors and contributing is itself a warm and valuable thing, and it also allows us to get more respect and recognition," said Wu Jing (吴静). Sometimes when it's time to eat, she can't take care of eating, and customers will hand her small bread, and when it's hot, people will send her drinks. "These warms are沉淀 (chén diàn - "precipitate," to accumulate) in my heart."
The "15th Five-Year Plan"綱要 (gāngyào - "outline," a summary) has made a series of deployments for the protection of the rights and interests, service management, and care and love of new employment form workers, so that everyone is full of expectations for a better life.
"General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) emphasized that 'labor is the source of all happiness.' I must牢记 (láo jì - "bear in mind," to remember firmly) the General Secretary's earnest entrustment, work harder, and better serve the society," said Liu Kuo (刘阔).
Labor is the most glorious, and the struggle never stops. The vast number of new employment form workers running in the streets and alleys of the city are painting a happy background with honest labor and turning the temperature of concern into the power to move forward.
Return to TopBy: 金社平
On April 28th, General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) chaired a meeting of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee (中共中央政治局) to analyze and study the current economic situation and economic work. The meeting held that since the beginning of this year, the Party Central Committee (党中央) with Comrade Xi Jinping (习近平) at its core has strengthened its overall leadership over economic work, focusing on the overall situation and making forward-looking plans. All regions and departments have taken proactive and comprehensive measures, and China's economy has had a strong start, with major indicators better than expected, demonstrating strong resilience and vitality.
This is a running spring, this is a resilient China.
"Let us show the courage of whipping the horse and spurring it on, stimulate the vitality of ten thousand horses galloping, maintain the energy of never stopping, and work together for our dreams and happiness, and turn grand visions into beautiful realities." General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) pointed out in his New Year's message in 2026.
A year-on-year increase of 5.0% in GDP, a year-on-year increase of 15.0% in the total value of goods imports and exports, a year-on-year increase of 15.5% in the profits of industrial enterprises above designated size, and a year-on-year increase of 5.2% in the added value of the service industry... The first quarter report of the first year of the "15th Five-Year Plan" has become a vivid portrayal of a striving China.
The world is intertwined with changes and chaos. Where does China's stability come from? Responding to various uncertainties with the certainty of high-quality development is the methodology that General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) has taught us. "**练好内功、做强自身**" (liàn hǎo nèi gōng, zuò qiáng zì shēn - "practice internal skills, strengthen oneself," to improve one's own capabilities and strength) is the inherent meaning of enhancing certainty.
At the Central Economic Work Conference (中央经济工作会议) held at the end of last year, General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) put forward the regularity understanding of "five musts": "We must fully tap economic potential, we must adhere to both policy support and reform and innovation, we must ensure both 'flexibility' and 'good management', we must adhere to the close combination of investment in things and investment in people, and we must respond to external challenges by practicing internal skills."
During the "Two Sessions" (两会) this year, General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) emphasized when "visiting delegations": "We must adhere to focusing our work on practicing internal skills and strengthening ourselves."
"Practicing internal skills and strengthening ourselves," unswervingly doing our own thing well, is how we have come step by step, and how we will continue to move forward and upward step by step.
(I)
"Practicing internal skills and strengthening ourselves," the innovation driving force is "systematically upgraded," and the new momentum of China's economy is continuously enhanced.
"The 'core' of China's economic growth has changed," "China's economy is shifting to a strong and resilient model driven by effectiveness"... After the release of the first quarter report of the "15th Five-Year Plan", many people at home and abroad observed the "logical change" of China's development.
One sign is the "bursting out" of innovative achievements.
On March 29th, Zhang Xue (张雪) motorcycles won the "double crown" in the World Superbike Championship held in Portugal. Engines, brake discs, turn signals, and main frames, the success of Zhang Xue (张雪) motorcycles reflects the collective leap of Chinese manufacturing.
On April 19th, the Beijing (北京) Yizhuang (亦庄) humanoid robot half marathon "started running" again. Able to see roads, dodge people, and avoid cars, running faster, more stably, and more like a human... In just one year, on the same track, from "stumbling" to "flying", Chinese humanoid robots have run out of an evolutionary "acceleration".
One proof is the iterative upgrade of the industrial structure.
In the first quarter, the added value of China's high-tech manufacturing industry above designated size increased by 12.5% year-on-year, 3.1 percentage points faster than last year and 6.4 percentage points faster than all industrial enterprises above designated size; accounting for less than 20% of the added value of industrial enterprises above designated size, its contribution to growth was as high as 32.6%.
Seizing opportunities and continuously cultivating deeply, China is at the forefront of the world in the research and application of artificial intelligence, biomedicine, robotics, and quantum technology, and has entered the top ten in the global innovation index for the first time.
"We cannot only look at the growth of GDP. What is growing now is hard power, and what is being pursued is the development of new quality productive forces." The practice since the beginning of the year has fully proved that China has found the "golden key" to the future - by developing new quality productive forces, it can achieve a steady transition from "scale-driven, investment-driven" to "innovation-driven, efficiency-driven", and then achieve "steady improvement in total factor productivity", providing a sustainable source of power for the increase in economic quantity and quality.
This spring, the vigorous vitality of new quality productive forces makes people more deeply understand the theoretical and practical significance of this important concept.
"Revolutionary technological breakthroughs" are frequently reported. The first domestic implantable brain-computer interface product was approved for marketing, the "artificial sun" achieved stable operation at the kilosecond level, and key core technologies have been broken through one after another; the world's largest diameter high-speed rail shield machine completed the "super long run" at the bottom of the river, the world's largest ten-thousand-ton pure electric intelligent container ship set sail, and new "mosts" were born one after another... One new technology and new product after another has built a solid foundation for technological self-reliance and self-improvement and the independent and controllable industrial chain.
"Innovative allocation of production factors" is advancing steadily. The ChiNext (创业板) has added a fourth set of listing standards, the technological insurance system and mechanism are being built at an accelerated pace, and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (工业和信息化部) has deployed hundreds of "revealing the list and taking command" tasks to lay out future industries; accelerating the construction of Beijing (京津冀), Shanghai (长三角), and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (粤港澳大湾区) international science and technology innovation centers... Smoothly connecting the virtuous cycle of "education-technology-talent" and "technology-industry-finance", more advanced factors are gathering towards the development of new quality productive forces.
"In-depth industrial transformation and upgrading" is gradually entering a better state. Promoting the deep integration of advanced manufacturing and modern service industries, high-end manufacturing and modern service industries are "taking the lead"; artificial intelligence is empowering thousands of industries, and industries such as electronic special material manufacturing and integrated circuit manufacturing are showing significant growth; equipment transformation, process updates, energy conservation and consumption reduction, petrochemical, steel and other traditional industries are showing new vitality... Under the guidance of the new development concept, the industrial structure is moving towards new and better, and Chinese manufacturing is becoming more high-end, more intelligent, and greener.
Pursuing new and high, the driving force is stronger. Accelerating the development of new quality productive forces "with a substantial increase in total factor productivity as the core symbol", the contribution of technological progress and institutional innovation to economic growth will continue to increase, and the new momentum of China's economy will be continuous and endless.
(II)
"Practicing internal skills and strengthening ourselves," the demand driving force is steadily increasing, and the new space of China's economy is continuously expanding.
84.7% - In the first quarter, the contribution rate of domestic demand to economic growth increased by nearly 30 percentage points year-on-year. Both supply and demand sides have improved, becoming an important feature of China's economic trend in the first quarter of the "15th Five-Year Plan".
"The key to building a new development pattern lies in realizing the smooth flow of the economic cycle. Whether it can be realized mainly depends on whether the supply and demand sides are strong, generally matched, dynamically balanced, and interact benignly." In the first year, continuously expanding domestic demand and optimizing supply, the potential of the super-large-scale market is steadily released.
Creating a "super weekend", the city's "traffic is booming".
This spring, Hangzhou (杭州) has pressed the "vitality key" for the entire city with one "super weekend" after another. The half marathon started with a gunshot, many concerts competed to start singing, the Qianwang Temple (钱王祠) was crowded with people, and the West Lake (西湖) colorful flower fields attracted visitors... "Competition, exhibition, performance, and meeting" gathered together, "culture, business, sports, and tourism" blended, and physical consumption and cultural consumption were interconnected, and a weekend can leverage hundreds of millions of yuan in consumption.
The success of the "super weekend" lies in the fact that it adapts to the trend of residents' consumption shifting from commodity consumption to equal emphasis on commodity and service consumption, and further improves the matching and balance between supply and demand by leading new supply with new demand and creating new demand with new supply. This is an effective way to solve the "contradiction between strong supply and weak demand" and a key reason for the rebound in domestic demand indicators since the beginning of the year.
Anchoring "effective investment". The Pinglu Canal (平陆运河), Shenzhen-Jiangmen Railway (深江铁路) and other "two major" projects and major projects are being steadily promoted, the transformation and upgrading of the manufacturing industry is steadily moving forward, and the shortcomings in people's livelihood fields such as housing, elderly care, and education are being filled at an accelerated pace... Precisely because it is aimed at the broad needs of key areas such as new urbanization, new quality productive forces, and the comprehensive development of people, and adheres to the close combination of investment in things and investment in people, the key role of investment has been better played. In the first quarter, fixed asset investment increased by 1.7% year-on-year, achieving a shift from negative to positive.
Focusing on "consumption with potential". Deeply implementing special actions to boost consumption, optimizing the implementation of policies to replace old consumer goods with new ones, sales of green home appliances, smart homes, and new energy vehicles exceeded 430 billion yuan; visiting parks and forest bookstores, enjoying flowers in low-altitude helicopters, immersive interactive performances, holiday economy, and experience economy are booming... Precisely because it is aimed at the needs of residents' consumption expansion and upgrading, and adheres to the combination of benefiting people's livelihood and promoting consumption, consumption potential is steadily released. In the first quarter, the total retail sales of consumer goods increased by 2.4% year-on-year, 0.7 percentage points faster than in the fourth quarter of last year.
Enhancing "supply-demand matching" is inseparable from "precise matching" macroeconomic policies. Since the beginning of the year, the governance of production capacity in key industries has been steadily promoted, and in-depth rectification of "involution" competition has achieved positive results. In the past two weeks, the "roadmap" for expanding and improving the quality of the service industry, the "construction map" for energy conservation and carbon reduction, and the "command stick" for "dual carbon" evaluation and assessment have been released one after another, which will continue to leverage industrial upgrading and demand release on both the supply and demand sides.
The characteristics of a large country's economy are that domestic demand is the mainstay and internal circulation is possible. Deeply tapping the potential of domestic demand, promoting the benign interaction between consumption and investment, supply and demand, the main driving force of China's economy will be stronger, the stable anchor will be more solid, and the development space will be broader.
(III)
"Practicing internal skills and strengthening ourselves," the open aggregation force is increasing day by day, and the new advantages of China's economy are continuously shaping.
A "Chinese car" is full of "international style".
On April 24th, the 2026 Beijing Auto Show (北京车展) opened, and executives, distributors, engineers, and journalists from car companies from all over the world poured into the exhibition hall to closely observe the "hardcore strength" of Chinese brand cars. Flagship models made stunning appearances, power battery performance was super strong, and intelligent driving solutions were upgraded. Foreign businessmen could not help but sigh that "China is the most competitive and innovative automobile market in the world", and multinational car companies such as Volkswagen and BMW continued to increase their investment in China.
Turning the line of sight overseas, "sailing overseas" has been upgraded. In the March UK car model sales charts, the models launched by Chinese car companies became the "sales champion". At the Bangkok International Motor Show (曼谷国际车展) that closed in April, the proportion of Chinese brand companies in the number of vehicle reservations exceeded 2/3. From being sold to "old industrial powers" to selling well in emerging market countries, China's new energy vehicle exports have grown strongly, with a year-on-year increase of 1.2 times in the first quarter of this year.
Behind the "international style" is an open vision and long-term thinking.
"We must strengthen the autonomy of expanding high-level opening to the outside world by strengthening the domestic cycle, and enhance the vitality of domestic reform and development by expanding the international cycle, and strive to achieve internal and external connectivity and mutual promotion." Since the beginning of the year, at a time when economic globalization is undergoing profound adjustments and the impact of geopolitical conflicts is spreading, China has relied on its super-large-scale market advantages to attract global resource elements, and further strengthened economic resilience by enhancing the linkage effect of the two markets and two resources at home and abroad.
Actively participate in global market competition and forge competitiveness in the international cycle. Looking at the scale, in the first quarter, China's import and export of goods exceeded 11 trillion yuan, the first time in the same period in history, and the quarterly growth rate of 15% was the highest in nearly 5 years. Looking at the structure, foreign trade presents positive signals such as the comprehensive growth of various business entities, the consolidation and expansion of market diversification, and the continuous exertion of new momentum for exports.
Optimize the regional opening layout and form growth points for participating in the international cycle. The Hainan Free Trade Port (海南自由贸易港) handed over the "answer sheet for the first 100 days of customs closure", with a 33.5% increase in newly added foreign-funded enterprises and a more than 30% increase in foreign trade import and export. On April 11th, the China (Inner Mongolia) Free Trade Pilot Zone (中国（内蒙古）自由贸易试验区) was unveiled, "standing up" the strategic fulcrum for opening to the north. From south to north, the 23 free trade pilot zones across the country are "flying in formation", and the all-round, multi-level, and wide-ranging opening pattern is accelerating.
Steadily expand institutional opening and enhance the right to speak in the international cycle. From expanding the opening-up pilot program in areas such as value-added telecommunications, to revising the Foreign Trade Law and implementing the new version of the encouraged foreign investment industry catalog, from the China Development Forum (中国发展高层论坛) and the Zhongguancun Forum (中关村论坛) gathering guests, to the Consumer Expo (消博会) and the Canton Fair (广交会) reaching new highs, the magnetic force of the Chinese market is getting stronger and stronger. In the first quarter, the number of newly established foreign-invested enterprises increased by 11% year-on-year, and the actual use of foreign capital in high-tech industries increased by 30.7% year-on-year. China is increasingly becoming a "strategic highland" for global multinational companies to lay out innovation and deeply cultivate the market.
Based on its own advantages, further strengthening the domestic cycle and optimizing the domestic and international dual cycles, China's new advantages in international cooperation and competition are becoming more and more prominent, and the confidence and confidence in responding to various uncertainties with the certainty of high-quality development are becoming more and more solid.
"Practicing internal skills and strengthening ourselves" requires in-depth study and education on establishing and practicing correct views on political achievements, and transforming the effectiveness of study and education into the practical effectiveness of promoting high-quality development.
The vibrant spring belongs to those who struggle, and the Chinese economy, which demonstrates strong resilience and vitality, is achieved through hard work. Let us work hard and start businesses in a running posture, and strive to create practical results that can stand the test of practice, the people, and history!
Return to TopThe Shenzhen (深圳) Bay Port welcomed the first import clearance cargo at 00:00 on May 1st, following China's comprehensive implementation of zero-tariff measures for 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations. 24 tons of apples produced in South Africa, after being quickly supervised and released by Shenzhen Customs (深圳海关), left the port and will be distributed to major supermarkets in South China.
On February 14th, President Xi Jinping (习近平) sent a congratulatory message to the 39th African Union Summit, emphasizing that China will comprehensively implement zero-tariff measures for 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations from May 1, 2026, and will continue to promote the negotiation and signing of agreements on economic partnerships for common development. This is the world's first major economy to implement full zero-tariff coverage for African countries with which it has diplomatic relations, providing new opportunities for African development and injecting new impetus into China-Africa trade and investment.
South Africa is an important exporter of high-quality fresh fruits, with sufficient sunshine and large temperature differences between day and night, resulting in stable apple sugar content and excellent cost performance. "The tariff rate for this batch of apples has been reduced from 10% to 0, and consumers will soon be able to buy them at a more affordable price," said Lin Feifei (林菲菲), Business Director of the International Business Department of Shenzhen Yuanxing Fruit Co., Ltd. (深圳市源兴果品股份有限公司), the owner of the first import cargo. In contrast to China, it is currently the peak apple harvesting season in South Africa.
"In order to ensure the smooth and orderly implementation of the measures, we have set up a consultation service window to carry out advance publicity on the rules of origin and guidance for enterprises to enjoy the benefits. For this fruit import, the customs pre-审查 import documents, and dedicated personnel follow up the whole process to ensure efficient and rapid customs clearance," said Xia Yingli (夏颖丽), Chief of the Comprehensive Business Section of Shenzhen Bay Customs (深圳湾海关). According to the imported goods at the port, this tariff reduction covers fresh apples, wine, organic chemical products, etc., and catering, fresh food, fine chemical and other industries will directly benefit.
"The zero-tariff measures have opened up broad prospects for China-Africa trade and created new opportunities for port development," said Zhang Yong (张勇), Deputy General Manager of Qingdao Qianwan Container Terminal (青岛前湾集装箱码头), Shandong Port Qingdao Port (山东港口青岛港). Qingdao Port will continue to optimize the layout of China-Africa routes, improve the comprehensive service capacity of the port, and provide a solid logistics guarantee for further deepening China-Africa economic and trade cooperation.
On April 26th, Qingdao Port (青岛港) opened its second African route this year - the West Africa New Container Route, further strengthening the China-Africa maritime logistics channel. Up to now, Qingdao Port has opened a total of 11 African container routes, covering East Africa, West Africa, North Africa and other markets. Qingdao Customs (青岛海关) has formulated a list of enterprises with potential for tariff reduction on imports from Africa, guiding enterprises to make full use of the zero-tariff measures, and improving the port clearance experience of enterprises through the application of new models such as "AI + Enjoy Benefits".
In recent years, the scale of China-Africa economic and trade cooperation has steadily expanded, and the fields of cooperation have continued to broaden. China's imports and exports to Africa increased from 87.38 billion yuan in 2000 to 2.49 trillion yuan in 2025, climbing from the 10 billion yuan level to the trillion yuan level, an increase of 27.5 times, with an average annual increase of 14.3%. China's comprehensive implementation of zero-tariff measures for 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations can further enhance China-Africa industrial division of labor and cooperation, and the complementary integration of industrial chains, and contribute to the global South working together to promote global economic development.
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 欧阳洁
Starting May 1st, China has fully implemented zero-tariff measures for 53 African countries that have diplomatic relations with China and further expanded access to Chinese markets for African products by upgrading the "green channel," making it the first major economy in the world to implement full coverage zero-tariff treatment for African countries with diplomatic relations.
To support the implementation of the policy, the General Administration of Customs (海关总署) has upgraded the "green channel" for African agricultural and food products, optimized the registration measures for overseas production enterprises of imported food, and actively cooperated with African countries in areas such as "Authorized Economic Operator" (AEO) mutual recognition and capacity building, providing practical convenience for African products to enter China through multiple channels.
Taking the implementation of zero-tariff measures as an example, the General Administration of Customs (海关总署) has formulated supporting measures for the origin management of zero-tariff items for relevant African countries with diplomatic relations, clarifying the criteria for determining originating goods and the process for enjoying preferential treatment. For example, the establishment of cumulative rules can effectively lower the threshold for African export goods to obtain origin qualifications. If Chinese originating materials are used in an African country with diplomatic relations to produce another good, the material can be regarded as the originating material of the African country with diplomatic relations for accumulation.
At the same time, for African countries with diplomatic relations that have signed and implemented free trade agreements with China, if the originating materials of one country are used for production in another country, they can also be regarded as the originating materials of the other country. For example, Mauritius and Congo (Brazzaville) have signed free trade agreements with China. If the originating materials of Mauritius that meet the regulations are invested in the next production stage in Congo (Brazzaville) as raw materials, they can be regarded as the originating materials of Congo (Brazzaville); when determining the origin of goods from Congo (Brazzaville), the originating materials of Mauritius can be accumulated.
Guo Xueyan (郭雪艳), Director of the International Department of the General Administration of Customs (海关总署国际司司长), introduced that cumulative rules can promote industrial chain and supply chain cooperation between China and African countries with diplomatic relations, and between African countries with diplomatic relations that have signed and implemented free trade agreements with China. At the same time, the General Administration of Customs (海关总署) has developed and launched a related certificate of origin issuance system. The electronic information of the certificate of origin issued online through this system can be transmitted to the Chinese customs clearance system in real time, and enterprises can be exempted from submitting the certificate of origin when declaring imports.
On the basis of implementing zero tariffs, Chinese customs has further released favorable measures in terms of non-tariff measures, including upgrading the "green channel" for agricultural and food product imports and carrying out trade facilitation cooperation with Africa, etc., to promote more high-quality and safe African agricultural products to enter the Chinese market under the premise of ensuring safety. Specifically, the access procedures will be fully optimized, risk classification management will be implemented for products, and the process of African agricultural and food products entering China will be further accelerated. Carry out combined risk assessments for low-risk products to determine unified requirements. For example, the quarantine and health requirements for African countries to export dried chili peppers to China have recently been announced. Starting from May 1st, dried chili peppers from African countries with diplomatic relations can be imported as long as they meet these requirements.
Carry out trade facilitation cooperation with Africa. Up to now, Chinese customs has carried out AEO mutual recognition cooperation with 15 African countries, and signed and implemented AEO mutual recognition arrangements with South Africa, Uganda, Burundi, Benin and other 4 countries. AEO enterprises of both parties can enjoy customs clearance facilitation measures such as priority processing and reduced inspection rates in the other country.
"The full implementation of zero-tariff measures will push China-Africa economic and trade cooperation to a higher level, further deepen China-Africa industrial docking, enhance the independent development capabilities of African countries, and promote the industrial transformation and upgrading of African countries. Chinese customs will continue to provide trade facilitation for the export of products from African countries to China under the premise of ensuring safety," Guo Xueyan (郭雪艳) introduced.
According to statistics from the General Administration of Customs (海关总署), in 2025, the total value of bilateral trade between China and the 53 African countries with diplomatic relations reached 348.08 billion US dollars, a record high. In the first quarter of 2026, this trade volume was 92.16 billion US dollars, a year-on-year increase of 26.8%. In 2025, China imported 67.08 billion US dollars from the 33 least developed African countries with diplomatic relations, a year-on-year increase of 7.5%, which was 1.8 percentage points faster than the overall growth rate of imports from the 53 African countries with diplomatic relations.
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 王欣悦
"Teacher, look quickly, Baidi City (白帝城) is in the clouds!"
On the morning of May 1st, a tourist ship set sail from Zhongyi Wharf (忠义渡口), Fengjie (奉节), Chongqing (重庆). Ding Yaoyao (丁垚垚), a second-year junior high school student, leaned against the ship's railing, her voice full of surprise.
As the cruise ship entered the Qutang Gorge (瞿塘峡) entrance, the "Kuimen" (夔门) pattern on the back of the 10 RMB banknote unfolded before her eyes: the Chijia Mountain (赤甲山) and Baiyan Mountain (白盐山) stood facing each other across the river, forming a majestic water gate.
"Students, when Li Bai (李白) wrote 'Departing from Baidi amongst the colorful clouds,' was it exaggeration or realism?" At the bow of the ship, Li Yanbo (李燕波), a research and study guide wearing an orange-red windbreaker, held up a map and gathered the students together.
"Baidi City (白帝城) is located on the summit of Baidi Mountain (白帝山). The river surface near the Qutang Gorge (瞿塘峡) entrance is narrow and has sufficient water vapor, so there is often a large area of river fog in the morning. At this time, the sun shines obliquely, and the red-orange long-wave light will dye the clouds and fog red," said Li Yanbo (李燕波). "Therefore, what Li Bai (李白) saw as 'colorful clouds' was not all exaggeration."
The river surface became narrower and narrower, and rows of dark brown horizontal lines were clearly visible on the cliffs on both sides. Li Yanbo (李燕波) pointed to the cliffs: "This is 'horizontal bedding,' which is generally formed by the layered accumulation of calcium carbonate and marine organism remains precipitated from seawater. With plate movement and crustal uplift, the rock layers are exposed, and the Yangtze River (长江) is like a 'saw,' 'cutting' out this canyon." Li Yanbo (李燕波) said, "Geologists speculate that the Kuimen (夔门) where we are located was a shallow sea 200 million years ago. **沧海桑田** (cāng hǎi sāng tián - "blue sea mulberry fields," great changes in the world), that's how it is."
Matching poetry with scenery is the experience Li Yanbo (李燕波) has summarized in many years of research and study teaching—"matching" a poem, a stone, and a geological age, moving the language and geography classroom to the "filming location" of poetry, so that students can better learn textbook knowledge in an immersive experience.
In the blink of an eye, it was already afternoon. The research group stopped the boat, docked, and hiked along the "Dangerous Rock Bird Path" trail. This is a hiking route built by Fengjie County (奉节县). Tourists can either take a 10-kilometer "hardcore hike" or bypass the steep sections and take a leisurely 3.5-kilometer walk along the newly built wooden boardwalk to view the scenery.
At 3 p.m., the team reached the top of the viewing platform. Underneath their feet, the Yangtze River (长江) meandered eastward like a dark green jade belt; in the distance, the Wushan Twelve Peaks (巫山十二峰) were faintly visible. The students were divided into several groups to find the cultural symbols scattered in the scenic area.
Before long, Ding Yaoyao (丁垚垚) took the lead in touching a stone carving of the character "Kui (夔)" in Chijia Square (赤甲广场) and trotted back.
"You are the fastest, so do you know what 'Kui (夔)' means?" Li Yanbo (李燕波) asked with a smile.
"Teacher, I know this! I just looked up the information—" Ding Yaoyao (丁垚垚) answered while panting, "'Kui (夔)' is an ancient mythical beast, and also the origin of the name Kuizhou (夔州)."
"Awesome!" Li Yanbo (李燕波) gave a thumbs up. "This morning, you listened to the teacher talk about rock layers and poetry, which was 'putting' knowledge in; now you can find the stone carving yourself and tell the story of 'Kui (夔),' which is 'speaking' knowledge out—back and forth like this, you can also be a little teacher."
"Fengjie (奉节) has Chijia Mountain (赤甲山), Qutang Gorge (瞿塘峡), the summit of the Three Gorges, and even more poems left by Li Bai (李白) and Du Fu (杜甫)," introduced Li Guangbing (李广兵), Party Secretary and Director of the Culture and Tourism Development Committee of Fengjie County (奉节县文化和旅游发展委员会党委书记、主任), "Relying on its cultural heritage and natural endowments, the local area has created more than 10 research and study routes: 'Traveling Fengjie (奉节) with Poetry' connects Baidi City (白帝城), Qutang Gorge (瞿塘峡), etc., to carry out interactive activities such as reciting flying flower orders and rubbing poetry; 'Three Gorges Summit Geological Science and Sketching' combines mountain climbing, viewing Kuimen (夔门), and sketching classes..."
Research and study routes are also consumption links, from cruise ships and cableways in scenic spots to hotels, catering, cultural creations, and local specialties. Consumption in Fengjie (奉节) is booming during the holidays. In Kuimen Homestay Street (夔门民宿一条街) at the foot of Baidi City (白帝城), homestay operator Zhang Deli (张德礼) is busy with business: "There are many students and parents who come to Fengjie (奉节) to play during the 'May Day' holiday. The rooms are fully booked, and the tables are also full. It is estimated that the turnover can reach 30,000 yuan." Navel oranges, old cured meat and other special agricultural products, as well as poetry-themed bookmarks and other cultural and creative souvenirs, are also popular among tourists.
"We hope to better 'translate' the local natural and humanistic endowments into experiences that children can understand, walk, and remember," said Li Guangbing (李广兵). Since the beginning of this year, Fengjie (奉节) has received more than 26,000 research and study students, a year-on-year increase of nearly 40%; research and study special trains are running intensively, and cultural and tourism consumption continues to heat up.
Return to TopBy: 金社平
On April 28th, General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) chaired a meeting of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee to analyze and study the current economic situation and economic work. The meeting noted that since the beginning of this year, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping (习近平) at its core has strengthened its overall leadership over economic work, focusing on the overall situation and making forward-looking plans. All regions and departments have taken proactive measures and implemented comprehensive policies, resulting in a strong start for China's economy, with major indicators performing better than expected, demonstrating strong resilience and vitality.
This is a running spring, this is a resilient China.
"Let us show the courage of spurring on our horses, stimulate the vitality of ten thousand horses galloping, maintain the momentum of never stopping, and work together for our dreams and for happiness, turning grand visions into beautiful realities." General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) pointed out in his New Year's message in 2026.
A year-on-year increase of 5.0% in GDP, a year-on-year increase of 15.0% in the total value of imports and exports of goods, a year-on-year increase of 15.5% in the profits of industrial enterprises above designated size, and a year-on-year increase of 5.2% in the added value of the service industry... The first quarter report of the first year of the "15th Five-Year Plan" has become a vivid portrayal of a striving China.
With the world undergoing intertwined changes and chaos, where does China's stability come from? Responding to various uncertainties with the certainty of high-quality development is the methodology that General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) has taught us. "**练好内功、做强自身**" (liàn hǎo nèi gōng, zuò qiáng zì shēn - "practice internal skills, strengthen oneself," to improve one's own capabilities and strength) is the inherent meaning of enhancing certainty.
At the Central Economic Work Conference held at the end of last year, General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) proposed the regularity understanding of "five musts": "We must fully tap economic potential, we must adhere to both policy support and reform and innovation, we must ensure both 'flexibility' and 'good management', we must adhere to the close integration of investment in things and investment in people, and we must respond to external challenges by honing our internal skills."
During the "Two Sessions" this year, General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) emphasized when "joining group discussions": "We must adhere to focusing our work on honing our internal skills and strengthening ourselves."
"Honing our internal skills and strengthening ourselves," unswervingly doing our own things well, is how we have come step by step, and how we will continue to move forward and upward step by step.
(I)
"Honing our internal skills and strengthening ourselves," the innovation-driven force is "systematically upgraded," continuously enhancing the new momentum of China's economy.
"The 'core' of China's economic growth has changed," "China's economy is shifting to a strong and resilient model driven by effectiveness"... After the release of the first quarter report of the "15th Five-Year Plan," many people at home and abroad observed the "logical change" in China's development.
One sign lies in the "bursting forth" of innovative achievements.
On March 29th, Zhang Xue (张雪)'s motorcycle team won the "double crown" in the World Superbike Championship held in Portugal. With engines, brake discs, turn signals, and main frames, the success of Zhang Xue (张雪)'s motorcycle reflects the collective leap of Chinese manufacturing.
On April 19th, the Beijing (北京) Yizhuang (亦庄) humanoid robot half marathon "restarted." Able to see roads, avoid people, and dodge cars, running faster, more stably, and more like humans... In just one year, on the same track, from "stumbling" to "walking like the wind," China's humanoid robots have accelerated their evolution.
One proof lies in the iterative upgrading of the industrial structure.
In the first quarter, the added value of China's high-tech manufacturing industry above designated size increased by 12.5% year-on-year, 3.1 percentage points faster than last year and 6.4 percentage points faster than all industrial enterprises above designated size; accounting for less than 20% of the added value of industrial enterprises above designated size, its contribution to growth was as high as 32.6%.
Seizing opportunities and continuously cultivating deeply, China is at the forefront of the world in the research and application of artificial intelligence, biomedicine, robotics, and quantum technology, and has entered the top ten in the global innovation index for the first time.
"We cannot only look at the growth of GDP. What is growing now is hard power, and what we are pursuing is the development of new quality productive forces." The practice since the beginning of the year has fully proved that China has found the "golden key" to the future - by developing new quality productive forces, achieving a steady transition from "scale-driven, investment-driven" to "innovation-driven, efficiency-driven," and then achieving "steady improvement in total factor productivity," providing a sustainable source of power for economic growth in both quantity and quality.
This spring, the vigorous vitality of new quality productive forces makes people more deeply understand the theoretical and practical significance of this important concept.
"Revolutionary technological breakthroughs" are frequently reported. The first domestic implantable brain-computer interface product was approved for marketing, the "artificial sun" achieved stable operation at the kilosecond level, and key core technologies have been broken through one after another; the world's largest diameter high-speed rail shield machine completed the "super long run" under the river, and the world's largest ten-thousand-ton pure electric intelligent container ship set sail, with new "mosts" being born one after another... One new technology and new product after another has consolidated the solid foundation for self-reliance in science and technology and independent and controllable industrial chains.
"Innovative allocation of production factors" is advancing steadily and rapidly. The ChiNext board has added a fourth set of listing standards, the system and mechanism of science and technology insurance are being built at an accelerated pace, and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has deployed hundreds of "reveal the list and take command" tasks to lay out future industries; accelerating the construction of international science and technology innovation centers in Beijing (Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei), Shanghai (Yangtze River Delta), and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area... Smoothly connecting the virtuous cycle of "education-science and technology-talent" and "science and technology-industry-finance," more advanced factors are gathering towards the development of new quality productive forces.
"In-depth transformation and upgrading of industries" is gradually entering a better state. Promoting the deep integration of advanced manufacturing and modern service industries, with high-end manufacturing and modern service industries "taking the lead"; artificial intelligence empowering thousands of industries, with electronic special material manufacturing, integrated circuit manufacturing and other industries showing significant growth; equipment transformation, process updates, energy conservation and consumption reduction, with traditional industries such as petrochemicals and steel revitalized... Under the guidance of the new development concept, the industrial structure is moving towards new and better, and Chinese manufacturing is becoming more high-end, smarter, and greener.
Pursuing the new and moving towards the high, the driving force is stronger. Accelerating the development of new quality productive forces "with a substantial increase in total factor productivity as the core symbol," the contribution of technological progress and institutional innovation to economic growth will continue to increase, and the new momentum of China's economy will be continuous and endless.
(II)
"Honing our internal skills and strengthening ourselves," the demand-pulling force is steadily increasing, continuously expanding the new space of China's economy.
84.7% - In the first quarter, the contribution rate of domestic demand to economic growth increased by nearly 30 percentage points year-on-year. Improvements on both the supply and demand sides have become an important feature of China's economic trend in the first quarter of the "15th Five-Year Plan."
"The key to building a new development pattern lies in achieving smooth economic circulation. Whether it can be achieved mainly depends on whether the supply and demand sides are dynamic, generally matched, dynamically balanced, and interact benignly." In the first year, continuously expanding domestic demand and optimizing supply, the potential of the super-large-scale market is steadily released.
Creating "super weekends," the city's "traffic is booming."
This spring, Hangzhou (杭州) has pressed the "vitality key" for the entire city with a series of "super weekends." The half marathon fired its starting gun, many concerts competed to start singing, the Qianwang Temple (钱王祠) was crowded with people, and the colorful flower fields of West Lake (西湖) attracted visitors... "Competition, exhibition, performance, and meeting" gathered together, "culture, business, sports, and tourism" integrated, and physical consumption and cultural consumption communicated with each other, and a weekend can leverage hundreds of millions of yuan in consumption.
The success of "super weekends" lies in its adaptation to the trend of residents' consumption shifting from commodity consumption to equal emphasis on commodity and service consumption, further improving the matching and balance between supply and demand by leading new supply with new demand and creating new demand with new supply. This is an effective grasp to solve the "contradiction of strong supply and weak demand," and it is also the key reason for the rebound of domestic demand indicators since the beginning of the year.
Anchoring "effective investment." The Pinglu Canal (平陆运河), Shenzhen-Jiangmen Railway (深江铁路) and other "two major" projects and major projects are being steadily promoted, the transformation and upgrading of the manufacturing industry is steadily moving forward, and the shortcomings in people's livelihood fields such as housing, elderly care, and education are being filled at an accelerated pace... Precisely because it is aimed at the broad needs of key areas such as new urbanization, new quality productive forces, and the comprehensive development of people, and adheres to the close integration of investment in things and investment in people, the key role of investment has been better played. In the first quarter, fixed asset investment increased by 1.7% year-on-year, achieving a shift from negative to positive.
Focusing on "consumption with potential." In-depth implementation of special actions to boost consumption, optimize the implementation of policies to replace old consumer goods with new ones, and sales of green home appliances, smart homes, new energy vehicles and other products exceeded 430 billion yuan; visiting parks and forest bookstores, enjoying flowers in low-altitude helicopters, immersive interactive performances, holiday economy, and experience economy are booming... Precisely because it is aimed at the needs of residents' consumption expansion and upgrading, and adheres to the combination of benefiting people's livelihood and promoting consumption, consumption potential is steadily released. In the first quarter, the total retail sales of consumer goods increased by 2.4% year-on-year, and the growth rate was 0.7 percentage points faster than in the fourth quarter of last year.
Enhancing "supply-demand matching" is inseparable from "precise matching" macro policies. Since the beginning of the year, the governance of production capacity in key industries has been steadily promoted, and in-depth rectification of "involution" competition has achieved positive results. In the past two weeks, the "roadmap" for expanding and improving the quality of the service industry, the "construction map" for energy conservation and carbon reduction, and the "baton" for "dual carbon" evaluation and assessment have been released one after another, which will continue to leverage industrial upgrading and demand release on both the supply and demand sides.
The characteristics of a large country's economy are that domestic demand is the mainstay and internal circulation is possible. Deeply tapping the potential of domestic demand, promoting the benign interaction between consumption and investment, supply and demand, the main driving force of China's economy will be stronger, the stable anchor will be more solid, and the development space will be broader.
(III)
"Honing our internal skills and strengthening ourselves," the open aggregation force is increasing day by day, continuously shaping the new advantages of China's economy.
A "Chinese car" is full of "international style."
On April 24th, the 2026 Beijing Auto Show opened, and executives, distributors, engineers, and journalists from car companies from all over the world poured into the exhibition hall to closely observe the "hardcore strength" of Chinese brand cars. Flagship models made stunning appearances, power battery performance was super strong, and intelligent driving solutions were upgraded. Foreign businessmen couldn't help but exclaim that "China is the most competitive and innovative automobile market in the world," and multinational car companies such as Volkswagen and BMW continued to increase their investment in China.
Turning the line of sight overseas, "sailing overseas" is upgraded. In the March UK car model sales charts, models launched by Chinese car companies became the "sales champion." At the Bangkok International Motor Show, which closed in April, the proportion of Chinese brand companies in the number of vehicle bookings exceeded 2/3. From being sold to "old industrial powers" to being best-selling in emerging market countries, China's new energy vehicle exports have grown strongly, with a year-on-year increase of 1.2 times in the first quarter of this year.
Behind the "international style" is an open vision and long-term thinking.
"We must strengthen the autonomy of expanding high-level opening to the outside world by strengthening the domestic cycle, and enhance the vitality of domestic reform and development by expanding the international cycle, and strive to achieve internal and external connectivity and mutual promotion." Since the beginning of the year, at a time when economic globalization is undergoing profound adjustments and the impact of geopolitical conflicts is spreading, China has relied on the advantages of its super-large-scale market to attract global resources and elements, and further strengthened its economic resilience by enhancing the linkage effect of the two markets and two resources at home and abroad.
Actively participate in global market competition and forge competitiveness in the international cycle. Looking at the scale, in the first quarter, China's import and export of goods trade exceeded 11 trillion yuan, the first time in the same period in history, and the quarterly growth rate of 15% was the highest in nearly 5 years. Looking at the structure, foreign trade presents positive signals such as the comprehensive growth of various business entities, the consolidation and expansion of market diversification, and the continuous exertion of new momentum for exports.
Optimize the regional opening layout and form growth points for participating in the international cycle. The Hainan (海南) Free Trade Port handed over the "answer sheet for the first 100 days of customs closure," with a 33.5% increase in newly added foreign-funded enterprises and a more than 30% increase in foreign trade import and export. On April 11th, the China (Inner Mongolia) Free Trade Pilot Zone was unveiled, "standing up" the strategic fulcrum for opening to the north. From south to north, the 23 free trade pilot zones across the country are "flying in formation," and the all-round, multi-level, and wide-ranging opening pattern is accelerating.
Steadily expand institutional opening and enhance the right to speak in the international cycle. From expanding the opening-up pilot in value-added telecommunications and other fields to revising the Foreign Trade Law and implementing the new version of the industry directory encouraging foreign investment, from the China Development High-Level Forum and the Zhongguancun (中关村) Forum gathering guests, to the Consumer Expo and the Canton Fair reaching new highs, the magnetic force of the Chinese market is getting stronger and stronger. In the first quarter, the number of newly established foreign-invested enterprises increased by 11% year-on-year, and the actual use of foreign capital in high-tech industries increased by 30.7% year-on-year. China is increasingly becoming a "strategic highland" for global multinational companies to lay out innovation and cultivate the market deeply.
Based on its own advantages, further strengthening the domestic cycle and optimizing the domestic and international dual cycles, China's new advantages in international cooperation and competition are becoming more and more prominent, and its confidence and confidence in responding to various uncertainties with the certainty of high-quality development are becoming more and more solid.
"Honing our internal skills and strengthening ourselves" requires carrying out in-depth study and education on establishing and practicing the correct view of political achievements, and transforming the effectiveness of study and education into the practical effectiveness of promoting high-quality development.
The vibrant spring belongs to those who struggle, and the Chinese economy, which demonstrates strong resilience and vitality, is achieved through hard work. Let us work hard and start businesses in a running posture, and strive to create practical results that can stand the test of practice, the people, and history!
Return to TopAccording to the People's Daily (本报) Beijing (北京) May 1st report (reporter Sun Xiuyan (孙秀艳)), the reporter learned from the National Healthcare Security Administration (国家医保局) that from January to March this year, a total of 115 million person-times of employee medical insurance personal accounts were used for mutual assistance, amounting to 15.324 billion yuan.
The employee medical insurance personal account mutual assistance is realized through the immediate calling of the bound person's personal account, medical insurance wallet, and other methods. From January to March, 115 million person-times of employee medical insurance personal accounts were used for intra-provincial mutual assistance through the immediate calling of the bound person's personal account, with a total amount of 14.98 billion yuan. Within the same pooling area (usually the same prefecture-level city), 103 million person-times were used for mutual assistance, with a total amount of 13.127 billion yuan; 11.5253 million person-times were used for intra-provincial cross-pooling area mutual assistance, with a total amount of 1.853 billion yuan.
In terms of the purpose of mutual assistance, 12.987 billion yuan was used to pay for the medical expenses borne by individuals for close relatives receiving medical treatment in designated medical institutions, 1.071 billion yuan was used to pay for the expenses borne by individuals for close relatives in designated retail pharmacies, and 847 million yuan was used to pay for the individual contributions of close relatives participating in basic medical insurance for residents.
During the same period, a total of 427,900 transactions were conducted through the medical insurance wallet for employee medical insurance personal account mutual assistance, with a total amount of 345 million yuan.
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 易舒冉
On the occasion of this year's "May Day" International Labor Day, Xi Jinping (习近平), General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (中共中央), President of the State, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission (中央军委), extended festive greetings and sincere regards to the vast number of working people across the country on behalf of the Party Central Committee.
The vast number of working people expressed that General Secretary Xi Jinping's (习近平) words are sincere and heartfelt, fully embodying his deep care and profound friendship for the working masses. In the opening year of the "15th Five-Year Plan," they will take Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era (习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想) as their guide, strive for dreams, work hard for happiness, and play a leading role and demonstrate the spirit of ownership in promoting high-quality economic and social development.
"General Secretary Xi Jinping's (习近平) festive congratulations and sincere regards have pointed out the direction for us. We must bear in mind the General Secretary's earnest entrustment, strive for progress, and be courageous in innovation and creation, to provide Chinese solutions for global satellite navigation," said Zhou Guangyu (周光宇), head of the ground-based cloud algorithm team at Beijing BDStar Navigation Technology Co., Ltd. (北京北斗星通导航技术股份有限公司).
The Beidou system (北斗系统) is a global satellite navigation system independently constructed and operated by China. Zhou Guangyu's (周光宇) team has 7 members, with an average age of 35, and was awarded the National Pioneer Worker Award (全国工人先锋号) this year. "We will take a stronger sense of responsibility and a higher sense of mission, focus on technological breakthroughs, service upgrades, and customer value, to deliver a more solid answer sheet for the Beidou cause," said Zhou Guangyu (周光宇).
Labor creates happiness, and hard work achieves great undertakings. Across the country, workers are weaving a beautiful picture of life with diligent labor, honest labor, and creative labor.
Wearing a helmet and riding an electric bicycle, Lin Xiaoxia (林小霞), a food delivery rider in Beijing (北京), shuttles through the city streets, starting her evening peak delivery. "The General Secretary's concern for grassroots workers warms our hearts. As long as we are willing to work hard, we will reap what we sow. I will continue to deliver every order well and contribute to the city's operation," said Lin Xiaoxia (林小霞).
In Yanbian (延边), Jilin (吉林) province, on the banks of the Hailan River (海兰江), agricultural machinery shuttles back and forth. Zhang Rubin (张如斌), a post-90s new farmer, finished his work driving agricultural machinery and came to the seedling greenhouse to carefully observe the growth of the seedlings.
"Labor is the most glorious, and struggle is the right time. Only by advocating labor and loving labor can we have a good harvest with full granaries," said Zhang Rubin (张如斌).
Accompanied by the sound of waves, the dry bulk cargo terminal of Qingdao Port (青岛港) in Shandong Port (山东港口) is a scene of bustling activity. "As industrial workers on the front line of the port, we must use craftsmanship to temper our skills, be meticulous, and pursue excellence," said Guo Kai (郭凯), chief technician of Qianwan Branch of Shandong Port Qingdao Port (山东港口青岛港前港分公司).
Working hard and diligently, dedicating themselves to their jobs, the vast number of working people are actively involved in the hot practice of promoting Chinese-style modernization with high-quality development.
"The General Secretary hopes that the vast number of working people will vigorously promote the spirit of model workers, the spirit of labor, and the spirit of craftsmanship. As an industrial worker in the new era, I must bear in mind the entrustment, base myself on my position, strive for perfection, and strive for first-class, to build more high-quality projects," said Zhang Ming (张明), winner of the National May Day Labor Medal (全国五一劳动奖章) and special welding technician of China Railway Shanqiao Group Co., Ltd. (中铁山桥集团有限公司).
"General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) attaches great importance to the main force role of the vast number of working people, encouraging us to love what we do, be dedicated to our work, and while fulfilling our duties, boldly explore and innovate," said Dai Juan (代娟), a senior engineer in the Digital Control Center of the Southwest Oil and Gas Field Branch of China National Petroleum Corporation (中国石油西南油气田分公司川中油气矿), as she and her team members carefully sorted out the survey data of the inspection robots. "High-quality development cannot be separated from high-quality labor creation. We must continue to strive to be knowledgeable, skilled, and innovative workers, and contribute to the economic and social development during the '15th Five-Year Plan' period," said Dai Juan (代娟).
Huang Rui (黄睿), a senior algorithm engineer at Shenzhen Yuejiang Technology Co., Ltd. (深圳市越疆科技股份有限公司), focuses on breaking through the robot's hand-eye coordination and compliant force control algorithms. "We must always devote ourselves to the practice of Chinese-style modernization with a sense of ownership, and be conscientious and overcome difficulties in our positions," said Huang Rui (黄睿).
Letting workers gain benefits and enjoy honor is the only way to stimulate labor creativity.
General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) emphasized that Party committees and governments at all levels must earnestly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the vast number of working people, focus on solving urgent and difficult problems, and mobilize and encourage the vast number of working people to work tirelessly to achieve the grand blueprint.
"In recent years, the rights and interests of our new employment form workers have been better and better protected, there are fewer worries, and there is more hope for a better life." Li Xiaowang (李晓望), a national model worker (全国劳动模范), is a courier who delivers about 400 packages every day. When he encounters fresh, urgent, or easily damaged packages, he marks them in advance and delivers them first; when he encounters elderly people with limited mobility, he tries to deliver the packages to their doorsteps. "Do it with your heart, and you can achieve extraordinary results in ordinary positions."
"The General Secretary has pointed out the direction for our future work. We must adhere to the work orientation of focusing on employees, wholeheartedly serve the working masses, and effectively enhance the sense of gain, happiness, and security of workers, and send the care and warmth of the Party and the government to the hearts of the vast number of employees," said Chen Xiaofeng (陈小丰), director of the Rights and Interests Protection Department of the Hubei Provincial Federation of Trade Unions (湖北省总工会权益保障部).
(Reporters Liu Botong (刘博通), Shao Yuzi (邵玉姿), Wang Yongzhan (王永战), Hong Qiuting (洪秋婷), and Zheng Zhiwen (郑智文) of this newspaper participated in the writing)
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 付明丽 郭晓龙 叶传增
Data released recently by China's National Immigration Administration (国家移民管理局) shows that in the first quarter of this year, 8.315 million foreigners entered China visa-free, an increase of 29.3% year-on-year. In addition to the increase in numbers, more and more foreign tourists visiting China are no longer satisfied with a quick "been there, done that" experience. Instead, they are delving into China's historical and cultural heartland, industrial cities, border towns, and other areas, immersing themselves in the diverse charm of China, and seeing and integrating into a more real, three-dimensional, and comprehensive China.
Datong, Shanxi (山西大同) –
Exploring Game Filming Locations, Immersive Cultural Experiences
"The guide said that these Buddha statues are more than 1,500 years old, it's so shocking!" In front of the 20th cave of the Yungang Grottoes (云冈石窟) in Datong City (大同市), Shanxi Province (山西省), Claudia, a tourist from Italy, and her friends took photos and praised the site repeatedly. Since seeing photos of the Yungang Grottoes online, Claudia has wanted to visit in person. "This is a trip I've been looking forward to for a long time." To this end, she specifically hired a guide to learn about the stories behind the excavation of the Buddha statues and the art of stone carving.
Datong is one of the first national historical and cultural cities in China, with rich cultural and tourism resources. In the past two years, with the popularity of the domestic game "Black Myth: Wukong" (黑神话：悟空), more and more overseas tourists have become interested in the history and culture of Chinese ancient cities such as Datong, which served as filming locations for the game. Since March of this year, the number of inbound tourism orders for Datong on various travel service platforms has continued to grow.
As soon as Rachel Wilke, a tourist from the United States, and her mother entered the Bojiajiaozang Hall (薄伽教藏殿) of the Huayan Temple (华严寺) in Datong, they were deeply attracted by the exquisite Buddha statues in the hall. During the visit, they listened attentively to the guide's explanation of the history of the painted sculptures. This is Rachel's fourth visit to Datong, and she has already visited the Yungang Grottoes, the Hanging Temple of Mount Heng (恒山悬空寺), and other attractions.
Through her four trips to Datong, Rachel has not only fully appreciated the historical and artistic charm of Datong's ancient architecture, but also tasted local specialties such as knife-cut noodles (刀削面), shaomai (烧卖), and Hunyuan cold jelly (浑源凉粉). "I like Datong very much. It has a profound historical and cultural heritage, and the people are warm and hospitable. I will bring my friends here again!" Rachel said.
Since the end of 2024, Datong City has been included in the 240-hour transit visa-free stay area, and direct flights to Bangkok, Thailand, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, Moscow, Russia, Seoul, South Korea, and other routes have been opened one after another, attracting more and more overseas tourists. During the Spring Festival holiday this year, the growth rate of inbound tourism in Datong City reached 735%.
Shopping at the early market with the citizens of Datong, learning to make knife-cut noodles, and experiencing the local atmosphere; entering ancient courtyards to listen to the qin and touch history, and learning about the city's development and changes; tasting Datong's time-honored brands and exploring the niche delicacies hidden in the alleys... According to Liu Haipeng (刘海鹏), Deputy Director of the Datong Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism (大同市文旅局), overseas tourists now hope to have an immersive experience of traditional Chinese culture. On the basis of traditional sightseeing projects, various travel agencies in Datong are constantly enriching cultural and tourism products according to the preferences of different customer groups.
"Next, we will continue to strengthen the cooperation and linkage between Yungang International Airport (云冈国际机场) and surrounding international airports, formulate preferential policies for foreign-related tourism, and further expand inbound tourism consumption," said Liu Haipeng. "At the same time, we will launch customized services such as multilingual guides, special food tasting, and cultural research for overseas tourists to enhance the inbound tourism experience for foreign tourists."
Daqing, Heilongjiang (黑龙江大庆) –
Industrial Study Tours are Popular, Refreshing Perceptions of Industrial Cities
In the Workers' Cultural Palace (工人文化宫) in Daqing City (大庆市), Heilongjiang Province (黑龙江省), Ulyana, a 15-year-old girl from Ussuriysk, Russia, and 160 of her companions embarked on an unforgettable industrial study tour in Daqing.
"I originally had only a vague impression of China's industrial development history," Ulyana said. In Daqing, the old objects in the Iron Man Wang Jinxi Memorial Hall (铁人王进喜纪念馆), the battle stories in the Petroleum Museum (石油馆), and the oil pumping units that can be seen everywhere on the streets refreshed her perception of Chinese industrial cities.
Konstantin, the Russian teacher leading the team, has four years of experience as a youth study tour leader. In the exhibition hall of the Daqing Museum (大庆博物馆), watching the children surround various mechanical exhibits, asking questions and vying to take photos, a satisfied smile appeared on his face. "This is the first time the children have been exposed to industrial study tours, and Daqing has given them a brand new experience."
Today, Daqing has 19 industrial tourism products, including the Iron Man Wang Jinxi Memorial Hall, the Petroleum Museum, and Songji Well No. 3 (松基三井), and more than 20 high-quality study tour routes, integrating petroleum industrial heritage and ecological wetland resources, making "industrial tourism" no longer boring, but a watchable, tangible, and experiential immersive journey. "Daqing integrates industrial study tours, cultural exchanges, and natural sightseeing, which is especially suitable for young people to broaden their horizons and gain growth," Konstantin praised.
The intelligent interpreter of the Daqing Museum supports 6 languages, and the Russian explanation is clear and fluent when you put on the headphones; the scenic staff are warm and friendly, and answer questions patiently; the transportation and accommodation arrangements are thoughtful, and everyone is very at ease during the study tour... At the end of the study tour, Ulyana's words were full of reluctance: "This trip made me feel very warm, and I want to recommend this project to my classmates and family."
According to reports, in order to make it "convenient for foreign tourists to come, smooth to travel, and clear to understand," Daqing continues to upgrade its international services: key scenic spots such as the Iron Man Wang Jinxi Memorial Hall and the Petroleum Museum have launched a one-stop service of "multilingual signs + manual explanation + intelligent translator"; the "Wenlv Daqing" (文旅大庆) WeChat official account is equipped with an artificial intelligence assistant to provide multilingual pre-trip and in-trip consultation, and constantly improve the international attractiveness of Daqing's industrial tourism. Data shows that Daqing received 86,000 inbound tourists in 2025, an increase of 34% year-on-year. In 2025, the city welcomed more than 2,700 domestic and foreign study tour teams, with 3 million study tour visitors.
The Daqing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism (大庆市文旅部门) stated that it will continue to deepen study tour cooperation with countries such as Russia and South Korea, promote the normalization of cross-border youth exchanges, and rely on petroleum industry and other characteristics to create more customized international study tour products to attract more foreign young people to visit and experience.
Tengchong, Yunnan (云南腾冲) –
Integration of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, "Traveling with Events"
Starting from Yanhui Park (砚湖公园) in the center of Tengchong City (腾冲市), Yunnan Province (云南省), and traversing the primeval forest of Gaoligong Mountain (高黎贡山), encountering alpine meadows, canyon streams, and other natural landscapes one after another, Bob Becker from the United States couldn't help but sigh: "Tengchong is really a beautiful city, and the local ecological environment is pure and natural."
Recently, Bob came to Tengchong to participate in the 2026 ANTA Champion Tengchong Gaoligong Super Mountain Trail Race (2026安踏冠军腾冲高黎贡超级山径赛). This trail running event attracted nearly 3,800 trail running enthusiasts from countries and regions such as China, the United States, and Slovakia.
In recent years, Tengchong has given full play to its ecological and cultural resource advantages, created a new model of cultural, sports, and tourism integration of "tourism + outdoor sports + event experience," and held a number of high-quality events, attracting many foreign tourists to "travel with events."
Visiting ancient towns during the day, immersing oneself in the history of the Ancient Tea Horse Road (茶马古道) in the sound of horses' hooves; soaking in hot springs at night, experiencing health and wellness projects such as hot spring cupping and hot spring yoga... In addition to event tourism, Tengchong's Heshun Ancient Town (和顺古镇), Volcano Hot Sea (火山热海), and other cultural and tourism resources are also popular among foreign tourists. Choi Hyun, a tourist from South Korea, praised the Tengchong trip: "If I have the opportunity next time, I will come to Tengchong for an in-depth tour again."
Shao Jiamin (邵家敏), Deputy Director of the Tengchong Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism (腾冲市文化和旅游局), introduced that the main scenic spots in Tengchong City are equipped with guide signs in multiple languages such as English, French, and Korean, and 8 key tourist attractions in the city are equipped with foreign language guides to provide convenient services for foreign tourists. Relying on superior natural conditions, rich cultural resources, and thoughtful service measures, the number of foreign tourists in Tengchong has been increasing in recent years. During the Spring Festival this year, the number of inbound tourists in Tengchong increased by 94.8% year-on-year.
Because they like Tengchong, many foreigners have chosen to stay and live there. Tomas from Slovakia was attracted by the natural environment here after coming to Tengchong. "Tengchong has a high forest coverage rate and a pleasant climate all year round, which is very suitable for long-term residence," Tomas said. He and his wife rented a small courtyard in Xiyuan Street (西源街道), Tengchong City, and opened a pizza shop, combining entrepreneurship and life. Every weekend and holiday, the pizza shop is full of tourists from all over the world, exchanging the joy of admiring the scenery and enjoying the food.
(Yan Chang (闫昌), a correspondent of this newspaper, participated in the writing)
Return to TopBy: 拉萨纳·法蒂
The zero-tariff policy is an innovative practice for China to expand its high-level opening to the outside world, demonstrating China's responsibility as a major country.
China comprehensively implemented zero-tariff measures for 53 African countries that have diplomatic relations with China starting from May 1st. This is not only a significant economic and trade opportunity for African countries, but also a practical measure for China to support Africa in improving people's livelihoods, accelerating development, and promoting poverty reduction, opening a new window of opportunity for African development and revitalization.
As early as December 1, 2024, China took the lead in implementing a 100% zero-tariff policy on all tariff items for the least developed countries that have diplomatic relations with China, including 33 African countries such as Guinea-Bissau (几内亚比绍). Guinea-Bissau's (几内亚比绍) featured high-quality products such as cashews, fishery products, sesame, and peanuts can all enjoy comprehensive zero-tariff treatment, making it one of the African countries with the most comprehensive policy coverage. This once again confirms that China has always been Guinea-Bissau's (几内亚比绍) most steadfast supporter and most reliable partner in development.
Agriculture is the economic pillar of Guinea-Bissau (几内亚比绍), related to the livelihoods of thousands of households. For a long time, limited market access and obstructed export channels have been prominent bottlenecks in the development of farmers and enterprises in Guinea-Bissau (几内亚比绍). China's unilateral implementation of the zero-tariff policy, without requiring Guinea-Bissau (几内亚比绍) to reduce tariffs reciprocally, is not a simple economic and trade policy, but a substantial economic support, and a vivid embodiment of the concept of sincerity, affinity, and good faith and mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation. The zero-tariff policy will help Guinea-Bissau (几内亚比绍) accurately connect with China's market demand, with high gold content and strong driving force, which will effectively attract investment and boost the economy. For Guinea-Bissau (几内亚比绍), the key is to firmly seize this historical opportunity, so that policy dividends can directly reach local producers, effectively improve people's lives, and reduce poverty.
China will also upgrade the "green channel" to provide more convenience for Guinea-Bissau (几内亚比绍) to expand its exports to China. This also encourages Guinea-Bissau (几内亚比绍) to accelerate production diversification and enhance its export scale and international competitiveness. From the perspective of trade data, there is still huge room for Guinea-Bissau (几内亚比绍) to increase its exports to China, and the potential for bilateral economic and trade cooperation needs to be fully released. At present, more and more Chinese companies are rooted in Guinea-Bissau (几内亚比绍), actively participating in infrastructure construction and industrial development, injecting strong impetus into local economic and social development. Facing the complex and turbulent international situation, this is precisely China's vivid practice of promoting common development for all parties and building a community with a shared future for mankind.
The zero-tariff policy is an innovative practice for China to expand its high-level opening to the outside world, demonstrating China's responsibility as a major country. With China's firm support, Guinea-Bissau (几内亚比绍) will focus on transforming its resource advantages into development advantages, allowing more products to enter the Chinese market. As an official in charge of economic and trade affairs, I am willing to provide all necessary support and assistance to Guinea-Bissau (几内亚比绍) for exporting to China. Guinea-Bissau (几内亚比绍) is willing to work hand in hand with China to deepen economic and trade cooperation, share development opportunities, and jointly write a new chapter in friendly cooperation between the two countries.
(Author is the Director-General of the Foreign Trade Bureau of Guinea-Bissau (几内亚比绍))
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 王旭琛 李 琰
The Global South Sustainable Development Forum and the 10th Anniversary Conference of the Institute of South-South Cooperation and Development (ISSCAD) (南南合作与发展学院) (hereinafter referred to as "ISSCAD") was recently held at Peking University (北京大学). Representatives from Global South countries and foreign embassies in China gathered on the shores of Weiming Lake (未名湖畔) to review the academy's 10-year development history and look forward to the beautiful vision of South-South cooperation.
Over the past 10 years, ISSCAD has moved from vision to action, from classroom to practice, and from China to the world, cultivating high-end talents for developing countries and promoting in-depth and practical South-South cooperation. To date, it has trained more than 500 master's and doctoral talents from more than 80 developing countries, and many students have become the backbone of promoting reform and development in their respective countries. Eric Doodoo-Amoo (埃里克·多多—阿莫奥), Director of China Affairs at the Ministry of Finance of Ghana and a 2019 doctoral graduate, is one of them. "I first came to China in 2015 and was deeply shocked by China's modernization achievements," said Doodoo-Amoo. His studies in China made him realize that there is no universal development model in the world, and only by seeking truth from facts and basing oneself on one's own national endowments can one truly achieve development.
"Through field research in Shanghai (上海), Yiwu (义乌), Shenzhen (深圳) and other places, as well as systematically studying China's development theory, I gradually understood China's development logic of basing itself on its own endowments, gradual reform, pragmatic innovation, government empowering the market, and development for the people," Nancy Abdel-Ghani (南希·阿卜杜勒加尼), International Relations Specialist at the Minister's Office of the Egyptian Ministry of Industry and a 2018 doctoral graduate, told reporters. She combined China's development experience with Egypt's national conditions to offer suggestions for the construction of Egyptian industrial parks, promote Egyptian-Chinese textile industry cooperation, and empower female employment groups. "Studying in China is an important turning point in my life and career. I hope to transform Chinese wisdom into Egyptian local development practices and contribute to the country's industrial upgrading and improvement of people's livelihoods."
"At ISSCAD, differences are not obstacles, but bridges," said Ismail Zabeeh (伊斯梅尔·扎比赫), former Minister of State of Maldives and a doctoral student in the class of 2025. ISSCAD has built a platform for young people from Global South countries to learn from each other and enhance friendship. "ISSCAD gives us confidence. We realize that every country has the right and hope for development."
"ISSCAD has set an example for Global South countries to share knowledge, unite sincerely, help each other, and carry out pragmatic cooperation," said Abigail Shonhiwa (阿比盖尔·绍尼瓦), Zimbabwean Ambassador to China. Twenty students from Zimbabwe have completed their studies and returned to their country to work in areas such as industrial policy, renewable energy, and social security. Bedada (贝达达), Minister of the Ethiopian Embassy in China, said that he looks forward to Ethiopia and China further strengthening exchanges of experience in governance and expanding cooperation in more fields and at deeper levels to inject momentum into the common development of Global South countries.
"Development is the common vision of Global South countries, and China's development achievements have injected strong momentum into deepening South-South cooperation," said Roshan Khanal (罗珊·卡纳尔), Chargé d'Affaires and Minister of the Nepalese Embassy in China. He hopes that more Nepalese youth will enter ISSCAD to study and gain an in-depth understanding of China's development concepts, especially the experience accumulated in poverty reduction and sustainable development, so as to contribute to Nepal's development.
Lin Yifu (林毅夫), Honorary Dean of ISSCAD, said that development is not about copying the models of other countries, let alone a 一蹴而就 (yī cù ér jiù - "accomplish in one kick," achieve something in one step; accomplish something quickly) leap, but rather a gradual process that respects one's own national endowments, conforms to specific national conditions, and adapts to local conditions. "ISSCAD is committed to enabling students to master analytical tools, refer to China's experience, establish correct ideas, and explore their own national solutions, so that more Global South countries can turn their development dreams into reality."
Chen Xiaodong (陈晓东), Director of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (中国国家国际发展合作署), said that South-South cooperation originates from unity and thrives on mutual assistance. It is a great cause that conforms to the general trend of history and the trend of the times. He hopes that ISSCAD will broaden channels for opening up and cooperation, build a bridge of people-to-people connectivity, and allow South-South friendship to cross mountains and seas and be passed down from generation to generation.
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 陈尚文
"Although Africa and China are separated by thousands of mountains and rivers, they are closely linked by their adherence to mutual respect, common development, and the practice of the common values of all mankind." African Union Representative to China, Mr. Bakh (巴赫), said in a recent interview with this reporter that the friendship between Africa and China has a long history and remains strong. The two sides are united, trust each other, and help each other. They are each other's most trustworthy friends and most reliable partners.
Starting May 1, China will fully implement zero-tariff measures on 53 African countries that have diplomatic relations with China. "This is a reflection of further implementation of the results of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, and it is undoubtedly a valuable opportunity for African countries." Bakh (巴赫) said that China has a super-large market full of vitality and opportunities. African products entering this market are of great significance for Africa to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its business models and production systems, and even to promote industrialization and achieve modernization.
Since taking office in November 2025, Bakh (巴赫) has visited many places in China for inspection. Not long after the closing of the National People's Congress (全国两会) of China this year, he went to Shandong (山东) to conduct in-depth research on the innovation practices and Africa-related business development in the fields of intelligent transportation, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and equipment manufacturing. "This visit was impressive. We are closely following China's development and hope to understand the business models of Chinese companies and explore how to promote relevant experience to Africa."
In Bakh's (巴赫) view, China's development achievements in the past few decades are unprecedented in human history. "This is what the African Union (非盟) and African countries appreciate." Bakh (巴赫) said that African countries are focusing on promoting modernization and enabling the more than 1.4 billion people in Africa to truly live a life of peace and prosperity. They hope to work with China to achieve the above vision. Bakh (巴赫) believes that China is accelerating its own development, playing a key leading role on the international stage, and promoting the reform and improvement of the global governance system. "The African Union (非盟) attaches great importance to the four major global initiatives proposed by China and firmly believes that they will powerfully promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind."
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the official establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Africa. Bakh (巴赫) said that over the past 70 years, the two sides have continuously deepened cooperation in the fields of modernization, agriculture, science and technology, and cultural exchanges. This year, China and Africa will take the "China-Africa Year of Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges" as an opportunity to jointly hold a series of rich and colorful exchange activities. "I believe that the people of Africa and China will use their respective profound cultural heritage as a bond to continuously consolidate a stable, predictable, and mutually beneficial and win-win China-Africa relationship." Bakh (巴赫) said, "The 'China-Africa Year of Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges' series of activities are of extraordinary significance, fully demonstrating the increasingly close ties and deepening friendship between the people of Africa and China."
Bakh (巴赫) said that African countries have diverse languages, cultures, and religions, and have always used the Ubuntu spirit to build consensus and help each other. This spirit contains the core elements of humanistic care, benevolence, friendship, and unity, and advocates "a person is a person through other people," which is similar to the ancient Chinese saying "夫仁者，己欲立而立人，己欲达而达人." (fū rén zhě, jǐ yù lì ér lì rén, jǐ yù dá ér dá rén - "The benevolent man, wishing to be established himself, seeks also to establish others; wishing to be enlarged himself, he seeks also to enlarge others," meaning that a benevolent person helps others succeed to help themselves succeed). "This convergence of values has been vividly demonstrated in China-Africa diplomatic relations."
"The African Union (非盟) is willing to work hand in hand with China to promote more fruitful results in China-Africa cooperation and better benefit the people of both sides. The African Union Representative Office in China (非盟驻华代表处) will go all out to play a more active role in the development of China-Africa relations." Bakh (巴赫) said that as the African Union Representative to China (非盟驻华代表), he looks forward to contributing more to China-Africa friendship.
Return to TopXinhua News Agency, Beijing, May 1st. He Lifeng (何立峰), member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council, met with Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Hadja Lahbib (哈贾·拉比卜) at the Great Hall of the People on the afternoon of April 30th.
He Lifeng (何立峰) stated that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Belgium 55 years ago, the two countries have established a close cooperative relationship of mutual benefit and win-win results. In recent years, the two sides have carried out fruitful practical cooperation in the fields of medicine, chemical industry, finance, and logistics, which has helped the development of bilateral relations. As maintainers of multilateralism and supporters of an open world economy, China and Belgium should continue the tradition of mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation and promote the sound development of China-Belgium and China-Europe relations.
Lahbib (哈贾·拉比卜) stated that Belgium and China are all-round friendly cooperative partners. Belgium is willing to take the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Belgium and China as an opportunity to promote the development of bilateral relations, strengthen cooperation in various fields such as economy and trade, and jointly safeguard multilateralism and free trade.
Return to TopThis newspaper Chengdu (成都) May 1st (Reporter Li Kaixuan (李凯旋)) From April 28th to 30th, the first phase of the "Z Youth" International Youth Study China Research Camp and Co-creation Workshop was held in Chengdu (成都市), Sichuan Province and Wenchuan County (汶川县), Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture (阿坝藏族羌族自治州).
The event was hosted by the China International Youth Exchange Center (中国国际青年交流中心), organized by the Wenchuan County People's Government (汶川县人民政府), and co-organized by the Global Student Development Working Committee of the World Young Scientists Association (世界青年科学家联合会). With the theme of "harmonious coexistence between man and nature," the event included international youth co-creation workshops and China-Europe youth green technology and ecological environmental protection themed roundtable dialogues. More than 40 science and technology workers and Chinese and foreign student representatives from China, the Netherlands, Italy, Greece and other countries participated in the event. During the event, international youth also jointly visited Yingshow Town (映秀镇), a reborn town, Wolong Panda Base (卧龙熊猫基地), the ecological new city of Shuimo Town (水磨镇), and the Tianfu New Area Planning Hall (天府新区规划厅), embarking on a unique field study tour.
Arnold Tukker, Academician of the European Academy of Sciences and Vice President of the China-Europe Green Technology Industry Alliance (中欧绿色科技产业联盟), said that China takes green development and ecological environmental protection as its foundation, and science and technology as an auxiliary tool, providing valuable experience for the integration of global sustainable development and technological innovation. He hopes to take this event as an opportunity to expand the environmental protection vision of Chinese and European youth, deepen their understanding of scientific and technological innovation, and promote pragmatic cooperation through the collision of ideas.
It is understood that the "Z Youth" International Youth Study China Research Camp and the "Z Youth" International Youth Co-creation Workshop are brand activities under the China International Youth Exchange Center (中国国际青年交流中心), which aim to help foreign youth understand China by focusing on themes such as ecological environmental protection, artificial intelligence, digital economy, and cultural innovation, build a platform for learning, exchange, and win-win cooperation between Chinese and foreign youth, and promote the deep integration of Chinese and foreign cultures and mutual learning among civilizations.
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 孙 振 李君强 杨翘楚
On April 30th, a symposium on strengthening basic research was held in Shanghai (上海). General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) attended the symposium and delivered an important speech, emphasizing: "Basic research is the source of the entire scientific system and the general engine of all technological problems. We must strengthen basic research with greater efforts and more practical measures, enhance our country's original innovation capabilities, and further consolidate the foundation for building a strong country in science and technology."
After the meeting, some of the participating representatives were interviewed by reporters from this newspaper. Everyone expressed that they would deeply study and comprehend the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's (习近平) important speech, accurately grasp the strategic intentions of the Party Central Committee, enhance their sense of urgency, responsibility, and mission, and comprehensively strengthen basic research with more firm confidence and determination, and more pragmatic measures and actions, focus on enhancing original innovation capabilities, and strive to achieve a high level of self-reliance in science and technology and build a strong country in science and technology.
"The convening of a symposium on strengthening basic research in the opening year of the '15th Five-Year Plan' fully reflects the great importance attached to basic research work by the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping (习近平) at its core, which is very encouraging and gives us more confidence." Chang Jin (常进), President of the University of Science and Technology of China (中国科学技术大学) and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (中国科学院), said with emotion, "Aiming at 'from 0 to 1' original innovation, we must continue to calm down and work steadily step by step. This is not only a scientific research idea, but also reflects the establishment and practice of a correct view of political achievements."
Chang Jin (常进) said that the University of Science and Technology of China (中国科学技术大学) will continue to play a leading role as a high-level research university and put more effort into basic and strategic work. Adhering to the strategic guidance of "four orientations," it will continue to seize the commanding heights of science and technology in areas such as quantum technology and deep space exploration, actively promote the paradigm shift in scientific research led by artificial intelligence, promote interdisciplinary integration, and accelerate the training of cutting-edge scientific and technological talents with solid basic knowledge and artificial intelligence literacy.
"Not long ago, we received a letter from General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) to all teachers and students of the four Jiaotong Universities (交通大学), and at this symposium, we listened to the General Secretary's important speech, which was very heartwarming and made us feel a great sense of responsibility." Ding Kuiling (丁奎岭), President of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (上海交通大学) and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (中国科学院), said that for 130 years since its establishment, generations of Jiaotong University (交通大学) people have been forging ahead, from the starting point of "born for the sake of strengthening the country" to the place most needed by the country and the people, and to today's "prosperity due to talent." "A new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation is accelerating breakthroughs. Facing new situations and new challenges, we will focus on improving the 'matching degree' of talent cultivation and discipline settings, so that talent cultivation can better connect with national needs and industrial development."
Take firm steps one step at a time. Ding Kuiling (丁奎岭) said that to deeply study and implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's (习近平) important speech, it is necessary to continuously integrate strengthening basic research with independent talent cultivation and independent scientific and technological innovation: implement special action plans such as "Big Ocean," "Big Health," and "Big Information" to create a "concentration area" oriented towards strategic guidance; focus on the forefront of science and technology, gather young talents, and create a "free zone" oriented towards the forefront; deepen industry-university-research collaboration to create a "integration zone" oriented towards the market.
Scientific research results "from 0 to 1," "from 1 to 100 and then to N," can only complete the market-oriented closed loop with the participation of enterprises. "Listening to the General Secretary's important speech on the spot was very inspiring and enlightening." Wang Xiaoyun (王晓云), Chief Engineer of China Mobile Communications Group Co., Ltd. (中国移动通信集团有限公司) and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (中国工程院), said, "Enterprises must carry out basic research closely around application needs, deeply explore the scientific laws of the application of results, and continuously improve the theoretical foundation."
Unblock the innovation chain of basic research, application development, and achievement transformation. Wang Xiaoyun (王晓云) said that to promote the deep integration of industry, academia, research, and application led by enterprises, we will give full play to the leading role of the chain leader, take the initiative to be the industry's questioner, the scientific research co-answerer, and the achievement evaluator, drive the integration of large, medium, and small enterprises, and promote basic research to be 顶天立地 (dǐng tiān lì dì - "top of the head, feet on the ground," stand tall and firm; of great importance).
"The General Secretary emphasized 'strengthening support and guarantee for basic research.' These earnest words give us confidence and resources." Liu Chenli (刘陈立), Dean of the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (中国科学院深圳先进技术研究院), introduced that in recent years, the country's investment in basic research has been unprecedented, and the efforts to deepen the reform of the system and mechanism have been unprecedented. "Taking advantage of the situation, we are exploring the 'upstairs and downstairs' innovation and entrepreneurship complex model, creating a 'scientific and technological achievement supermarket,' and also initiated the International Synthetic Cell Alliance to build with global partners and actively integrate into the global innovation network."
"Basic research requires large investment, long cycles, and high risks. But with the firm support of the Party Central Committee, we are full of confidence." Liu Chenli (刘陈立) said, "To deeply study and understand the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's (习近平) important speech, we will have a stronger sense of responsibility and mission, and spend 十年磨一剑 (shí nián mó yī jiàn - "ten years to sharpen a sword," great dedication to perfecting one's skill), closely integrate research directions with major national needs, serve the construction of a strong country in science and technology, and actively participate in global science and technology governance."
"The General Secretary's important speech pointed out the direction for further strengthening agricultural basic research." Huang Sanwen (黄三文), member of the Party Group of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (农业农村部), President of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (中国农业科学院), and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (中国科学院), introduced that under the unified deployment and strong leadership of the Party Central Committee, the level of agricultural basic research in our country has been greatly improved. In 2025, the contribution rate of agricultural scientific and technological progress in our country will exceed 64%, and Chinese grain, Chinese vegetables, and Chinese meat will mainly use Chinese seeds.
Huang Sanwen (黄三文) said that in the "15th Five-Year Plan," the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (中国农业科学院) must deeply implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's (习近平) important speech and put strengthening basic research in a more important position, planning as a whole and promoting systematically: build 7 basic science centers such as crop science, construct an organized basic research model of "interdisciplinary, joint research," and provide a more solid basic theoretical support and a more efficient source of technology for accelerating high-level agricultural science and technology self-reliance.
Since the new era, the Party Central Committee has insisted on placing scientific and technological innovation at the core of the country's overall development, and every strategic deployment has seized the opportunity for future development and stepped on the beat of the times. The participating representatives unanimously stated that they must unify their thoughts and actions with the decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping (习近平) at its core, adhere to the strategic guidance of "four orientations," further clarify the main direction and key areas of basic research, and contribute to achieving a high level of self-reliance in science and technology and building a strong country in science and technology.
Return to TopThis newspaper reported from Dubai on May 1st (Reporter Zhang Zhiwen (张志文)): Rabat News: The 2026 Morocco "Chinese Film Week" opened on April 29th in Rabat (拉巴特), the capital of Morocco. Guests from the Chinese and Moroccan cultural, artistic, and media circles gathered together to witness a dialogue of civilizations across time and space amidst the flowing light and shadow.
Yu Jinsong (余劲松), the Chinese Ambassador to Morocco, said that film is an art form that transcends national borders and languages. It is a window to open the dialogue of hearts and a vital carrier for perceiving different cultures. He hopes that Moroccan friends will understand a real, three-dimensional, and comprehensive China through films and jointly promote Sino-Moroccan relations to a new level.
The Director of the Moroccan Film Center, Benjelloun (本杰伦), said that both Morocco and China have a long history, and bilateral relations continue to deepen and develop. This event will further deepen cultural exchanges and friendly cooperation between the two countries.
Return to TopXinhua News Agency, Nanning, May 1st (Reporter Zou Wei) Li Qiang (李强), member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Premier of the State Council, conducted research in Guangxi from April 29th to May 1st. He emphasized the need to thoroughly implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's (习近平) important expositions and instructions on water network construction, adhere to the unity of economic, social, ecological, and safety benefits, accelerate the construction of the main framework of the national water network, coordinate the planning and construction of water network projects at all levels, strengthen the comprehensive utilization of water resources, and provide basic support and important guarantees for economic and social development.
In Nanning (南宁市), Li Qiang (李强) visited the Yujiang Laokou (郁江老口) Water Conservancy Hub and the Jiangbei Zhongdi (江北中堤) Water Damage Section Emergency Rescue Project, inspected the Guangxi (广西) flood control project system and the construction and operation of water conservancy hubs, observed the comprehensive improvement work on both sides of the Yongjiang River (邕江), and listened to a report on the planning and construction of the Guangxi (广西) water network. Li Qiang (李强) pointed out that water network construction is a strategic measure to improve flood control and disaster reduction capabilities, optimize water resource allocation, and ensure national water security, while also having multiple functions such as transportation, ecological protection, and tourism landscapes. It is necessary to anchor the goal of "complete, safe and reliable systems, intensive and efficient, green and intelligent, smooth circulation, and orderly regulation," accelerate the construction of the water network, coordinate existing and incremental resources, strengthen interconnection, promote the upgrading of water conservancy infrastructure and digital transformation, and focus on improving network benefits. Guangxi (广西) has well-developed water systems, and it is necessary to earnestly implement the national water network plan, implement water network projects at all levels, and actively explore and form more good experiences and practices.
In Qinzhou (钦州市), Li Qiang (李强) came to the Madu (马道) Hub of the Pinglu Canal (平陆运河), listened to the introduction of the canal construction, and inspected the construction site. Li Qiang (李强) pointed out that the Pinglu Canal (平陆运河) is the backbone project of the New Western Land-Sea Corridor and plays an important role in realizing river-sea connectivity and land-sea linkage. It is necessary to do a good job in the construction of the canal and large-scale hubs with high standards and high quality, ensure smooth navigation as scheduled, and strive to create a model project that can stand the test. Li Qiang (李强) came to the Qinzhou (钦州) Automated Container Terminal of Beibu Gulf Port (北部湾港), and watched the smart port operations. He emphasized that Beibu Gulf Port (北部湾港) has an important strategic position in opening up to the outside world, and it is necessary to give full play to its location advantages, further improve port facility construction, improve the level of intelligent operation, promote the deep integration of water networks and shipping, actively develop multimodal transport, and expand the radiation-driven effect.
In Beihai (北海市), Li Qiang (李强) came to the Jin Haiwan (金海湾) Mangrove Ecological Reserve, and inquired in detail about the planning and construction of Guangxi (广西) seawalls and the protection of mangroves. He pointed out that water ecological protection is an important part of water network construction, and it is necessary to adhere to systematic governance, comprehensive governance, and source governance, and strengthen the protection and restoration of mangrove wetlands and coastal wetlands. At the Niuweiling (牛尾岭) Pumping Station of the Huan Beibu Gulf (环北部湾) Guangxi (广西) Water Resources Allocation Project, Li Qiang (李强) emphasized that China's (中国) water resources are unevenly distributed, and it is necessary to plan and construct major water diversion projects, improve the water resource allocation pattern, realize mutual assistance and joint regulation, and enhance the ability to allocate water resources and ensure water supply between basins and regions.
During the research, Li Qiang (李强) learned in detail about Guangxi's (广西) flood prevention and preparation work. He pointed out that Guangxi (广西) and other southern regions have entered the flood season, and it is necessary to comprehensively carry out risk hazard investigation and rectification, strengthen monitoring, forecasting, and early warning of rainfall and water conditions, strengthen joint scheduling of water conservancy projects, increase the application of advanced technologies, improve emergency evacuation plans, and do everything possible to protect the safety of people's lives and property and maintain overall social stability.
Wu Zhenglong (吴政隆) accompanied the research.
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 胡婧怡
In the southern suburbs of Anshan (鞍山), Liaoning Province (辽宁省), the open-pit mining area of the Dong Anshan Iron Mine (东鞍山铁矿) is terraced, with large mining trucks shuttling back and forth, transporting loads of ore into the crusher, then conveyed by conveyor belts to the concentrator... The entire process is presented in real-time on the screen through a remote monitoring system. Ma Zhigang (马志刚), the team leader of the Electrical Maintenance Team in the Maintenance Operation Zone of Angang Mining Dong Anshan Branch (鞍钢矿业东鞍山分公司), sits in front of the screen, carefully reviewing the real-time images and data of the equipment operation.
With 30 years of experience, Ma Zhigang's daily work is to ensure the stable operation of mining equipment such as crushers and belt conveyors. Maintaining electrical equipment, managing high and low voltage power distribution rooms, operating automation control systems... From a small signal transmission to the debugging of equipment more than ten meters high, everything can affect the efficiency and cost of mine production.
"In the past, we would fix whatever was broken. The equipment was independent of each other, and the connection of each link relied on manual scheduling. Now, we focus on digital and intelligent development, paying more attention to the coordinated operation of equipment to improve overall efficiency," said Ma Zhigang (马志刚).
Ensuring the stable operation of the mining heavy-duty unloading vehicle is the key to the efficient and continuous operation of the ore crushing belt system. If the unloading vehicle fails to stop or the positioning is inaccurate, the ore on the conveyor belt will not be able to enter the unloading vehicle, affecting the continuity of production. To solve this problem, Ma Zhigang (马志刚) led the team to carry out technical research, improve the unloading vehicle's own position detection capability, and connect the unloading vehicle to the automation control system to achieve real-time monitoring. They also added a linkage control program between the belt conveyor and the unloading vehicle to achieve coordinated operation between the two.
Not only must production efficiency be improved, but also green environmental protection must be taken into account. From the crusher in the mining area to the concentrator, the ore must be transported more than 3 kilometers by conveyor belt, and the transfer hopper at the junction of the conveyor belt has serious dust. After carefully analyzing the on-site situation, Ma Zhigang (马志刚) proposed a dust suppression scheme of spraying water mist into the transfer hopper cavity, which effectively reduced dust.
"Theoretical knowledge must be combined with the actual situation of the production site to accurately identify the cause and 对症下药 (duì zhèng xià yào - "prescribe the right medicine for the illness," to suit the remedy to the case)." said Ma Zhigang (马志刚). He regards each equipment failure as a typical "teaching material," creating a training system of "on-site teaching + practical training," recording courses such as equipment diagnosis and maintenance, and improving the overall technical level of the team. To date, the "Ma Zhigang Innovation Studio (马志刚创新工作室)" has completed more than 60 tackling projects.
"Love what you do, and strive for excellence in your field. I will continue to base myself on my position and promote smarter and greener mine production with technological innovation," said Ma Zhigang (马志刚).
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 付明丽
At China Shipbuilding Group Fenxi Heavy Industries Co., Ltd., Xue Hongbin (薛宏宾), the leader of the general assembly workshop's technology team, is seen as an "eccentric" by many colleagues. More than a decade ago, he gave up his position as the chief designer at the company's research institute, choosing to go to the front line of the workshop to "deliberately seek hardship."
Fenxi Heavy Industries (汾西重工) is a key national supplier of marine engineering equipment. In 2006, Xue Hongbin (薛宏宾), who was engaged in mechanical overall design at the company's research institute, encountered a problem: the company received a production task for a new product, the most important part of which, the electric propulsion system, had only six months from design to prototype trial production.
Xue Hongbin (薛宏宾) took on the task without hesitation. The company had no R&D experience in electric propulsion systems, so he consulted materials, conducted his own research, and designed the drawings.
From R&D to delivery, it took more than 4 years. To ensure the product was foolproof, Xue Hongbin (薛宏宾) participated in 348 days of field trials in 2010. After continuous testing and adjustment, the product was successfully delivered. Later, the electric propulsion system was continuously improved and upgraded, and successfully applied to the "Jiaolong" (蛟龙) manned submersible and various new products of the company's transformation and development.
2014 was a turning point in Xue Hongbin's (薛宏宾) career. Because he didn't understand the needs of the front line, his designs were not practical, and his work encountered bottlenecks. Xue Hongbin (薛宏宾) had the idea of going to the front line of the workshop to gain experience. Initially, the leaders did not agree, and his colleagues did not understand. "It was particularly difficult to make this decision, but I wanted to make more creative designs," said Xue Hongbin (薛宏宾).
Over the years, Xue Hongbin (薛宏宾) gradually grew into an "all-rounder," from process preparation and on-site coordination to quality control and workshop management, he was involved in every aspect. "Working on the front line is very good for training people, my choice was right," Xue Hongbin (薛宏宾) said firmly.
Xue Hongbin's (薛宏宾) general assembly workshop is responsible for the final key process before product delivery. Assembling a product requires dozens of processes. How to improve production efficiency and ensure product performance? Xue Hongbin (薛宏宾) innovatively promoted the "position leader" model, systematically trained several position leaders, and created process 3D animations for each process. In 2025, Fenxi Heavy Industries' (汾西重工) order volume hit a new high. Under the leadership of the position leaders, more than 130 employees worked efficiently and successfully completed the annual production tasks.
Front-line production is arduous, the working conditions are complex, and the work is extremely challenging. "As long as the country needs it, we will step up. I will continue to stay on the front line to help with R&D and manufacturing," said Xue Hongbin (薛宏宾).
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 张 枨
Mihong Zhuo (弥宏卓), director of the Ecological Engineering Monitoring Office of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Forestry and Grassland Monitoring and Planning Institute (内蒙古自治区林业和草原监测规划院), is busy checking the coordinates and monitoring data of land plots by closely monitoring remote sensing images of forestry and grassland and the verification plots of the "Three-North" Shelterbelt Project (三北防护林工程), while also comparing them with account information.
The 42-year-old Mihong Zhuo is constantly busy with desk work and fieldwork, conducting on-site verification of seedling survival, measuring actual vegetation coverage, and providing hands-on guidance to grassroots personnel to standardize operations, safeguarding the quality bottom line of ecological projects with a rigorous and professional work style. "Forest resource surveys focus on understanding the basic situation. Basic information such as tree species, tree age, and forest land origin must rely on on-site investigation to be accurately registered," said Mihong Zhuo (弥宏卓).
Mihong Zhuo (弥宏卓) once led a team to the Daqingshan National Nature Reserve (大青山国家级自然保护区) to carry out field surveys. The mountains in the reserve are steep and the roads are rugged. In addition, the rainy weather affected the road surface, making it muddy and slippery, causing vehicles to be unable to pass. Everyone had to carry equipment by hand and on their shoulders and walk forward.
Mihong Zhuo (弥宏卓) encouraged everyone while walking: "We are the people who are taking stock of the forest. Every set of data, every sample plot, and every measurement must not allow any carelessness or slackness. Everyone must persevere to the end!"
The group braved the wind and rain and walked for 8 hours before reaching the target sample plot. "It was already early morning at that time. Everyone didn't bother to rest and worked continuously for more than 3 hours to complete all the measurement records, information collection, and other work," Mihong Zhuo (弥宏卓) recalled. It is this attitude of being responsible for work and rigorous with data that makes every set of monitoring data she handles accurate and excellent.
In 2025, Mihong Zhuo (弥宏卓) took the initiative to apply for temporary work in Wushen Banner (乌审旗), Ordos City (鄂尔多斯市). She took root at the front line and provided hands-on guidance to farmers and herdsmen in sand fixation and afforestation. In response to more than a thousand suspected forest and grassland damage plots in the entire banner, Mihong Zhuo (弥宏卓) conducted on-site inspections during the day to understand the basic situation, and worked overtime at night to research and judge, formulating rectification plans for each plot, and following up on the entire process of rectification and write-off and vegetation restoration.
In the 15 years of her work, Mihong Zhuo (弥宏卓) has traveled to various parts of Inner Mongolia (内蒙古). More than 30 pairs of worn-out work shoes and more than 20 detailed work notebooks have witnessed her dedication and contribution. "久久为功 (jiǔ jiǔ wéi gōng - "achieve success through persistent effort," persistent effort leads to success), contributing to building a solid ecological security barrier is my original intention and my responsibility," said Mihong Zhuo (弥宏卓).
Return to TopBeijing, May 1st (People's Daily reporter Han Xin (韩鑫), Li Xinping (李心萍), Zhang Tianpei (张天培)) The reporter learned from the Ministry of Transport (交通运输部) that on the first day of the "May Day" holiday, the total cross-regional personnel flow in the whole society is expected to be 344.1 million, an increase of 3.4% year-on-year, of which the highway personnel flow is 315.24 million, the waterway passenger volume is 1.73 million, and the civil aviation passenger volume is 2.33 million.
The reporter learned from China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. (中国国家铁路集团有限公司) that on May 1st, the national railway is expected to send 24.8 million passengers, and plans to add 2,070 passenger trains. On April 30th, the national railway sent 19.79 million passengers, and the transportation was stable and orderly. As of 8:00 on May 1st, Railway 12306 had cumulatively sold 106.54 million train tickets for the "May Day" holiday transportation.
The reporter learned from the Ministry of Public Security (公安部) that on the first day of the "May Day" holiday, the country ushered in a peak of holiday travel, and highway traffic flow increased significantly. As of 18:00 on May 1st, the national road traffic safety situation was generally stable, and no major road traffic accidents with more than 5 deaths were reported. Public security traffic management departments at all levels have formulated plans and emergency plans, closely coordinated and linked up, strictly investigated traffic violations, strengthened guidance and control, and fully served to ensure the safe and smooth travel of the masses during the holidays.
Return to TopGuangzhou, May 1st (People's Daily reporter Li Gang (李刚) and Hong Qiuting (洪秋婷)) The third phase of the 139th Canton Fair opened in Guangzhou (广州), Guangdong (广东) on May 1st. With the theme of "Better Life," this phase of the Canton Fair has an exhibition area of 515,000 square meters and 25,000 booths, with 12,000 participating enterprises showcasing cutting-edge achievements in fields such as smart healthcare, functional textiles, and green materials.
In this phase of the Canton Fair, the number of high-quality enterprises, such as national high-tech enterprises, specialized and innovative "little giant" enterprises, and manufacturing single champion enterprises, exceeded 3,000. The "Smart Healthcare" zone has been expanded and upgraded, with 50 enterprises presenting a panoramic view of the innovative ecosystem from AI diagnosis and surgical robots to intelligent rehabilitation and elderly care. The first "Functional and Technological Fabrics" zone has been established, focusing on presenting cutting-edge achievements in textile technology such as intelligent temperature control, environmentally friendly regeneration, and health monitoring. The "Green Time and Space" event invites representatives from enterprises to share green innovation experiences and discuss industry development trends, building a platform for exchange and cooperation.
Return to TopThis newspaper reports from Macau on May 1st (Fu Zimei (富子梅), Guo Jinxiang (郭锦翔)) On April 30th, the Chinese People's Liberation Army Macau Garrison (中国人民解放军驻澳门部队) held its 20th barracks open day event at the Taipa (氹仔) Barracks, opening to Macau (澳门) primary, secondary, and university students, as well as all sectors of society, for three consecutive days.
On the morning of the first day of the event, a solemn national flag raising ceremony was held in the barracks square, with officers and soldiers and citizens standing solemnly and singing the national anthem. Comprehensive combat demonstrations, disaster relief drills, and counter-terrorism action drills were staged in turn, multi-dimensionally showcasing the training and preparedness scenes of the new era. Visitors experienced armored simulation shooting, self-rescue and mutual rescue, and also entered classrooms and dormitories to experience the daily work and living environment of officers and soldiers at close range. Over the years, the barracks open day event has become a characteristic brand of the Macau Garrison, playing a positive role in deepening national defense education, fostering patriotic sentiments, and building a bridge of unity between the military and the people.
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 陈圆圆 曹怡晴
On the evening of May 1st, the newly created Peking Opera poetic music performance "Spring and Autumn (春·秋)" by the National Peking Opera Company (国家京剧院) premiered at the Beijing Mei Lanfang Grand Theater (北京梅兰芳大剧院).
"The sky is warm, the days are long, a beautiful spring." On stage, the twenty-four solar terms changed in light and shadow, classical poetry was re-recited with Peking Opera tunes, and the national orchestra moved from the orchestra pit to the front of the stage.
In 2025, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the National Peking Opera Company (国家京剧院), General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) replied to the young artists of the National Peking Opera Company (国家京剧院), emphasizing "practicing art for the people, adhering to noble ethics and artistry, upholding integrity and innovation, and allowing Peking Opera art to continue to radiate the brilliance of the times."
The Peking Opera poetic music performance "Spring and Autumn (春·秋)" is a practical result of the National Peking Opera Company (国家京剧院) thoroughly studying and implementing the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's (习近平) important reply and steadily promoting the "Three-Year Action Plan for the Revitalization of Drama (2026-2028)." For more than 70 years, the theater has continued its cultural heritage, rooted itself in the people, adhered to upholding integrity and innovation, and cultivated a large number of talents in reviving classics and creating new dramas.
"Spring and Autumn (春·秋)" takes the twenty-four solar terms as its main thread, integrating classical poetry, Peking Opera vocal music, and national orchestral music to construct a "new Chinese style" aesthetic expression. "We hope to build a bridge connecting the past and the present, allowing the audience to feel the traditional aesthetic meaning of the solar terms in the flow of sound and rhythm," said Wang Yong (王勇), president of the National Peking Opera Company (国家京剧院).
In terms of visual effects, the performance focuses on the contemporary interpretation of the artistic conception of poetry; the stage uses a circular structure supplemented by multi-layered wire curtains to condense oriental aesthetics; the costumes of the actors adopt a new Chinese style design, tailored according to the temperament of the roles and the colors of the four seasons. In terms of music, the performance explores "painting scenes with music," retaining the charm of Peking Opera instruments such as the Jinghu and Yueqin, while also using symphonic orchestration to support the vocal melodies. From the bold attempt of duet singing between Sheng and Dan roles, to the use of "tight pulling and slow singing" in the Yaoban section of "Jiang Xue," to the Erhuang complete singing style of "沁园春·雪," the main creative team grasped the balance between upholding integrity and innovation, making the traditional Peking Opera vocal music more infectious on the modern stage.
Practicing art for the people requires not only producing excellent works but also cultivating talents. "Building a stage for young talents is an important focus of the theater in recent years," said Wang Yong (王勇).
The entire "Spring and Autumn (春·秋)" performance features more than 30 actors and more than 50 musicians, led, starred, and played by young people. The transplanted and adapted "Five Daughters Celebrating Birthday (五女拜寿)" employs 17 outstanding young actors; the revived drama "Red Mushroom Girl of the North Country (北国红菇娘)" is starred by actors born in the 1990s and 2000s; the youth performance brand "There's a Play Here (这里有戏)" performs regularly... This year, the theater launched the second season of the "Hundred-Day Intensive Training," implementing "one person, one policy" for precise training of young actors, and carrying out apprenticeship and inheritance activities to promote the pairing of old artists and young actors for teaching and inheritance.
In order to better transform traditional essence into creative vitality, the theater is focusing on creating two new works this year, the Peking Opera poetic music performance "Spring and Autumn (春·秋)" and the newly compiled Peking Opera "Red Letter (红笺)," and reviving classic dramas such as "The Story of the Red Army (红军故事)," "Green Plum and Wine (青梅煮酒)," "The Legend of Mulan (木兰传奇)," and "Meng Mu Teaches Her Son (孟母教子)."
"The vitality of art lies in its ability to constantly dialogue with the times," said Wang Yong (王勇). "We will deeply cultivate the fertile soil of traditional culture, focus on creating excellent artistic works, and continuously enhance the dissemination and influence of Peking Opera art, so as to achieve creative transformation and innovative development."
Return to TopThe first day of the "May Day" holiday saw people relaxing in the suburbs or visiting scenic spots, enjoying their holiday time through diverse means.
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 李昌禹 易舒冉
On the eve of the "May Day" holiday, the reporter met Liu Kuo (刘阔), a courier, on Liulichang Culture Street (琉璃厂文化街) in Xicheng District (西城区), Beijing (北京). He was riding an electric tricycle through the streets, with the goods on the vehicle neatly stacked.
"These goods are mostly cultural and creative souvenirs purchased by tourists, so I have to be careful," he said. After a busy morning of receiving, packing, and delivering packages, Liu Kuo (刘阔) went to the "Xicheng District All-Time Station (西城区全时驿站)" on the street to take a break.
"In the past, I could only lean on the vehicle to rest when I was tired; now, the station has charging banks, water dispensers, microwave ovens, and first-aid kits, just like having an extra 'home' on the road, which is really great," Liu Kuo (刘阔) said.
Speaking of the changes in recent years, Liu Kuo's (刘阔) thoughts went back to seven years ago.
Before the Spring Festival of 2019, at the Qianmen Shitou Hutong (前门石头胡同) courier service point in Beijing (北京), Liu Kuo (刘阔) and his colleagues were pleasantly surprised when General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) came to visit them.
"Is this job busy?" "Does the company have dormitories?" "Do you live far away?" General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) shook hands with the deliverymen one by one and asked with concern.
"The General Secretary's hand was warm and strong." Liu Kuo (刘阔) still remembers the scene vividly. "The General Secretary said that we are like hardworking little bees, the most diligent workers, and bring convenience to everyone's lives. This made us feel very warm."
A cordial handshake is a respect and praise for hard work; every question is a concern and care for ordinary workers.
As time goes by, this concern and care remain undiminished.
On February 10 this year, at the XinJiekou Street (新街口街道) Parents' Canteen in Xicheng District (西城区), Beijing (北京), General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) once again visited couriers and deliverymen.
"Where are you from?" "How long have you been running deliveries?" The questions were still cordial.
Wu Jing (吴静), a courier in her 30s, is from Shenyang (沈阳), Liaoning (辽宁) and has been running deliveries in Beijing (北京) for 12 years. Her partner is also in the same industry. Jia Yacan (贾亚灿) and Zhang Ruiqiang (张瑞强), deliverymen in their 20s, are from Xingtai (邢台), Hebei (河北).
"Is the work tiring?" "How is the income?" "Will you go back to your hometown for the Spring Festival?" General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) asked in great detail.
"Express delivery has now become the flowing blood of the city. You are very hardworking, and the operation of the city cannot do without you. It is not easy. I am also very concerned about you. I hope you live well and work well," General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) said cordially to everyone.
"Hardworking little bees" and "the operation of the city cannot do without you" are true portrayals of the express delivery and food delivery industries. In 2025, China's express delivery volume reached 198.95 billion pieces; in the first quarter of this year, the express delivery volume reached 47.73 billion pieces, a year-on-year increase of 5.8%. Online shopping has become a daily consumption method for people. The vigorous vitality of "flowing China" and the convenient life of thousands of households cannot be separated from their hard work.
"The General Secretary's care and concern have greatly encouraged the entire industry." Liu Kuo (刘阔) said with emotion that in recent years, everyone has become more recognized and understanding of couriers. The manifestation of this professional dignity cannot be separated from the General Secretary's deep concern.
In recent years, new business forms represented by the platform economy have developed rapidly, and the number of new employment form workers in the country has reached 84 million. Couriers and deliverymen are representatives of this group.
"Each period has its own problems, and each group has its own difficulties. We must pay attention to them and constantly solve them." General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) keenly grasped the profound changes in China's employment structure and was concerned about the urgent needs and concerns of new employment groups.
With the earnest exhortation that "the laws, regulations, policies, and measures配套 (pinyin unclear - "matching," supporting) with the 'new employment form' cannot be late," and the repeated emphasis on "strengthening the protection of the rights and interests of flexible employment and new employment form workers," under the close care of General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平), the care for new employment form workers has become more and more sufficient and specific—
Top-level design is constantly improving.
From the launch of the pilot project for occupational injury protection for new employment form personnel in 2022, to the joint issuance of documents by the All-China Federation of Trade Unions and other four departments to regulate platform enterprises in carrying out labor rules and algorithm consultation, to the inclusion of the basic rights and interests protection measures for new employment form workers in the legislative plan... Step-by-step institutional protection makes workers running in the streets and alleys of the city more confident.
"The platform has paid occupational injury insurance for us, and every order is guaranteed. It has also canceled the fine for delivery overtime, so we no longer have to worry about running orders." Jia Yacan (贾亚灿) said that the sense of gain in recent years is visible and tangible. "I pay endowment insurance in my hometown of Xingtai (邢台) every month, with a monthly payment of 801.4 yuan. The platform subsidizes half of it. Calculated, I can save nearly 5,000 yuan a year."
A room reflects warmth. This year, Jia Yacan (贾亚灿) and his partner moved into a rider apartment. On the day they moved in, he made a video call to his mother to share the good news: "It's a single room with a separate bathroom and a water heater. My child can also have a place to stay when he comes to Beijing (北京) for summer vacation!"
Management and service levels are constantly improving.
At the 2025 National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (全国两会), General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) emphasized: "We must keep up with the management and service of the express deliverymen, online car-hailing drivers, e-commerce practitioners, etc. that have emerged in recent years, and fill this gap."
In order to create a warm harbor for outdoor workers, more than 150,000 trade union stations have been built across the country in recent years. In 2025, the national trade union stations served more than 800 million employees, not only solving the difficulties of eating, drinking water, and resting, but also improving diversified intelligent services.
"We can rest when we are tired, heat up cold food, and charge our mobile phones. Many stations are open 24 hours a day. We have long regarded the trade union as our 'mother's home'," Liu Kuo (刘阔) said.
In Liu Kuo's (刘阔) mobile phone, there is also a WeChat group called "Party and Mass Love 'New' Position (党群爱‘新’阵地)". Convenient services, cultural activities, online classes, and holiday condolences are all known in the group. "With a stable place to live, as well as opportunities for skills training and academic improvement, I feel warmer in my heart," Liu Kuo (刘阔) said.
How to make new employment groups have more participation in grassroots governance and a greater sense of belonging to the city is also a new proposition.
In this regard, General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) pointed out: "We must do a good job in ideological guidance and cohesion service for new employment groups."
Combining the work convenience of couriers and deliverymen, guide them to become the "public opinion sentry posts" for community safety prevention and control, hidden danger investigation, and emergency response. In recent years, with the active promotion of various places, many new employment form workers have become beneficiaries and participants in grassroots social governance.
Zhang Ruiqiang (张瑞强) joined the street's "Take a Picture at Will (随手拍)" WeChat group and uploaded hidden dangers such as damaged sewer covers and peeling wall skins when walking through the streets and alleys. Wu Jing (吴静) joined the street's volunteer service team for the elderly, paired up with elderly people in the area, and helped them clean their homes every month.
"Helping neighbors and contributing is itself a warm and valuable thing, and it also allows us to get more respect and recognition." Wu Jing (吴静) said that sometimes she can't take care of eating at meal times, and customers will hand her small bread. When it's hot, people will send drinks. "These warms are deposited in my heart."
The "15th Five-Year Plan (十五五)" outlines a series of deployments for the protection of the rights and interests, service management, and care and love of new employment form workers, allowing everyone to look forward to a better life.
"General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) emphasized that 'labor is the source of all happiness.' I must keep in mind the General Secretary's earnest entrustment, work harder, and better serve the society," Liu Kuo (刘阔) said.
Labor is the most glorious, and the struggle never stops. The vast number of new employment form workers running in the streets and alleys of the city are using honest labor to create a happy background and transform the temperature of concern into the power to move forward.
Return to TopHighest
Qomolangma National Nature Reserve (珠穆朗玛峰国家级自然保护区) –
Recording Mountain Pulses with Scientific Research Data
By Xu Yuyao (徐驭尧), Reporter of this Newspaper
In May, Mount Qomolangma (珠穆朗玛峰) remains bitterly cold, with snow covering the ridges. In the core area of the Qomolangma National Nature Reserve (珠穆朗玛峰国家级自然保护区), at an altitude of over 5,000 meters, Liu Zhiming (刘志明) leads his staff in a difficult climb.
Liu Zhiming (刘志明) is the director of the Everest Border Police Station (珠峰边境派出所). He leads several young police officers on patrol in the core area, occasionally looking back and shouting, "Slow down, be steady."
"Every year, some tourists try to cross the boundary and illegally enter the core area of Mount Everest (珠峰). We continue to strengthen monitoring and patrols to ensure that the core area of Mount Everest (珠峰) is no longer disturbed by tourists' footsteps," he said.
The environment in the Mount Everest (珠峰) area is fragile, and traces of human activity take many years to degrade naturally. To better protect the environment, the core area is no longer open to tourists. To protect the natural ecology of Mount Everest (珠峰), China established the Mount Everest Nature Reserve (珠峰自然保护区) in 1988, covering an area of 33,800 square kilometers. It is the highest and largest natural reserve in the world, mainly protecting the extremely high mountain ecosystem. In 1994, the Mount Everest Nature Reserve (珠峰自然保护区) was upgraded to a national nature reserve; in 2005, it was listed as a World Biosphere Reserve.
The Mount Everest Nature Reserve (珠峰自然保护区) has effectively protected representative ecosystems and natural environments in Tibet (西藏), including breeding and habitats of rare and endangered species, important lakes and wetlands for migratory birds, and natural landscapes, geological relics, and biological fossils of significant scientific research and tourism value.
About 30 kilometers from Mount Everest Base Camp (珠峰大本营), the Chinese Academy of Sciences' (中国科学院) Qomolangma Atmospheric and Environmental Comprehensive Observation and Research Station (珠穆朗玛大气与环境综合观测研究站) is located in the river valley.
This station started as just a tent and has now developed into a national field scientific observation and research station, equipped with meteorological towers, automatic weather stations, eddy covariance instruments, microwave radiometers, wind profilers, and other equipment. Ma Weiqiang (马伟强), the station director who has worked here for more than ten years, and his colleagues need to regularly check the operating status of the instruments, download data, and do preliminary analysis.
In 2022, Ma Weiqiang (马伟强) participated in the "Peak Mission" Mount Everest Scientific Expedition ("巅峰使命"珠峰科考). During that expedition, the team of scientists built the first gradient networked peak observation station, realizing real-time transmission of data from the top of Mount Everest (珠峰); and for the first time, they used high-precision radar to measure the thickness of ice and snow on the summit, obtaining accurate profile data.
Today, this has become a support platform for ecological surveys in the Mount Everest (珠峰) area—many scientists install detection equipment here, collect experimental data, and use the Mount Everest Station (珠峰站) as an important area for conducting experiments. "This data supports them in producing better results, helping us to better understand nature and protect the environment," Ma Weiqiang (马伟强) said. "For more than ten years, batches of researchers have been stationed in this desolate river valley, using sets of data to record the pulse of this mountain."
In 2024, researchers recorded more than 90 overwintering black-necked cranes for the first time in the Pengqu River (彭曲河) basin in Gangga Town (岗嘎镇), Dingri County (定日县), at the foot of Mount Everest (珠峰), expanding the western boundary of the black-necked crane's overwintering area. It was also the first time that such a large overwintering population of black-necked cranes had been recorded at the foot of Mount Everest (珠峰). As an indicator species of the plateau wetland ecosystem, the continued growth of the black-necked crane population in the Mount Everest (珠峰) area reflects the positive changes in the ecological environment.
Data from the Tibet Autonomous Region Forestry and Grassland Bureau (西藏自治区林草局) shows that a monitoring project carried out since 2023 has recorded 32 species of large and medium-sized mammals in the Mount Everest (珠峰) area, including 12 species of national first-class key protected wild animals, including snow leopards, and 16 species of national second-class key protected wild animals, including Pallas's cats.
Coldest
Hanma National Nature Reserve (汗马国家级自然保护区) in the Greater Khingan Mountains (大兴安岭) of Inner Mongolia (内蒙古) –
Shifting from "Foot Measurement" to "Amphibious Patrol"
By Wu Yong (吴勇), Reporter of this Newspaper
In the early morning, Ma Jian (马健), a patroller at the Hanma National Nature Reserve (汗马国家级自然保护区) in the Greater Khingan Mountains (大兴安岭) of Inner Mongolia (内蒙古), skillfully unfolds drone equipment, and the screen transmits real-time images from deep in the forest area: two wild moose are leisurely foraging by the water.
The drone skims over the treetops along a set route, and infrared thermal imaging outlines the contours of wild animals; deep in the forest, more than 200 infrared cameras silently watch; on the monitoring platform, hydrological, meteorological, vegetation, and animal activity data converge, and a dynamically updated ecological picture slowly unfolds. After nearly a year of construction, the "sky-space-ground" integrated intelligent monitoring system has entered the final commissioning stage, and shifting from "foot measurement" to "amphibious patrol" is becoming a microcosm of the reserve's daily work.
The Hanma World Biosphere Reserve (汗马世界生物圈保护区) is located on the northern part of the western slope of the Greater Khingan Mountains (大兴安岭), with a total area of nearly 150,000 hectares. It is a typical representative of the "cold-temperate primeval forest-wetland-permafrost" complex ecosystem. The average annual temperature is as low as minus 5.3 degrees Celsius, and the extreme minimum temperature reaches minus 58.5 degrees Celsius. It is a sensitive area for global climate change and an important channel for species migration and gene exchange in Northeast Asia.
With the help of the intelligent monitoring platform, this channel is perceptible and measurable. A lynx wearing a satellite collar travels more than 270 kilometers back and forth from the core area, crossing forests, river valleys, and wetlands, completing gene exchange in its natural state.
In 2015, Hanma (汗马) joined the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve Network (联合国教科文组织世界生物圈保护区网络). Over the past 10 years, the ecological quality of the reserve has steadily improved: a cumulative investment of more than 90 million yuan has increased the forest coverage rate from 88.4% to 94.8%, and the wetland area has expanded by 12.6%; the moose population has grown from about 168 to 285, and species such as lynx continue to spread.
In the intelligent monitoring center, infrared images show three wolves moving together in the forest. This is the first confirmed return of wolves after many years and is an important sign of ecosystem restoration. Infrared cameras are on duty 24 hours a day, transmitting images in real time, so researchers can grasp the dynamics without having to enter the mountains.
In recent years, the reserve has also invested 17.92 million yuan to build a three-dimensional monitoring system covering "water, soil, air, and life," increasing monitoring efficiency by more than 80% compared with 10 years ago. At the same time, it has jointly established a scientific research platform with 12 scientific research institutes, publishing more than 90 papers and providing support for cold-temperate ecological research.
"The value of data lies not only in 'seeing' but also in 'judging'," said Zhai Penghui (翟鹏辉) of the Scientific Research and Monitoring Center of the reserve's administration. Through comprehensive analysis of monitoring data from the past three months, the central river valley was identified as a moose activity hotspot, and the frequency and timing of patrols were adjusted accordingly to reduce human interference. Behind the intelligence, researchers are annotating frame by frame and repeatedly proofreading massive amounts of image and sound data, training artificial intelligence recognition models, and continuously improving their ability to identify rare and hidden species.
Ecological improvement has also driven the transformation of development methods. After the complete cessation of commercial logging, the reserve is exploring a path of "ecological protection + livelihood improvement." De Kesha (得克沙), a 66-year-old Evenk (鄂温克族) elder, has transformed from a hunter to an ecological tour guide, telling the story of the coexistence of humans, reindeer, and forests. "In the past, we relied on the mountains and forests for food, but now we must protect them." These simple words reveal a change in philosophy. The number of reindeer has increased from 800 to 1,373, and cultural inheritance and ecological protection promote each other.
Earliest
Guangdong Dinghushan National Nature Reserve (广东鼎湖山国家级自然保护区) –
Protecting the "Green Pearl on the Tropic of Cancer Desert Belt"
By Hong Qiuting (洪秋婷), Reporter of this Newspaper
During the transition from late spring to early summer, moist water vapor comes to the Guangdong Dinghushan National Nature Reserve (广东鼎湖山国家级自然保护区) with the monsoon. This monsoon evergreen broad-leaved forest, which has a protection history of more than 400 years, is full of vitality, with new and old leaves intertwined.
"Dinghushan's (鼎湖山) monsoon evergreen broad-leaved forest is rich in species and complex in structure. It is an ancient zonal vegetation in the Lingnan (岭南) area. The scarcity of forests in the same latitude belt around the world and the unique location of Dinghushan (鼎湖山) give it important scientific value and enlightenment in global forest-related research," said Yan Junhua (闫俊华), Director, Party Secretary, and Researcher of the South China Botanical Garden (华南植物园) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (中国科学院).
The Dinghushan Nature Reserve (鼎湖山保护区) covers the entire Dinghu Mountain (鼎湖山), with a total area of 1,155 hectares. In addition to the monsoon evergreen broad-leaved forest, there are 7 other vegetation types, including coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forests, and the forest coverage rate is as high as 98%. Therefore, Dinghu Mountain (鼎湖山) is known as the "Green Pearl on the Tropic of Cancer Desert Belt."
On June 30, 1956, the Guangdong Dinghushan National Nature Reserve (广东鼎湖山国家级自然保护区) was established. It was China's first nature reserve and the only nature reserve directly under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (中国科学院). In 1979, the Dinghushan Nature Reserve (鼎湖山保护区) was approved by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve, becoming one of the first network members of the Man and the Biosphere Programme in China.
The Dinghushan Nature Reserve (鼎湖山保护区) is located next to Dinghu District (鼎湖区), Zhaoqing City (肇庆市). It can be reached in more than 20 minutes by car from the city center and is the closest "primeval forest" to the city.
"In this season, Chinese pangolins are carrying their cubs and need a lot of food," said Fan Zongji (范宗骥), a senior engineer who has been engaged in wildlife monitoring and investigation here for 13 years. "We collect data regularly according to monitoring methods, and we also conduct irregular random surveys, mainly through manual fixed sample lines, to understand the population dynamics of wild animals in Dinghushan (鼎湖山)."
"The Dinghushan Nature Reserve (鼎湖山保护区) is one of the earliest platforms in China to carry out biodiversity conservation and research. The Chinese pangolin is a key species in the Dinghushan (鼎湖山) ecosystem, which can effectively regulate the number of termites in the forest ecosystem and protect trees," Fan Zongji (范宗骥) recalled. In May 2018, a Chinese pangolin was photographed in the core area of the reserve for the first time. Currently, the reserve has 30 infrared cameras for special monitoring. According to the monitoring results, the Chinese pangolin population is stable, and it is estimated that its population density is about 2 per square kilometer.
According to statistics, the Dinghushan Nature Reserve (鼎湖山保护区) has 1,948 species of wild higher plants, and records 43 species of mammals, 277 species of birds, 23 species of amphibians, 62 species of reptiles, 25 species of fish, and 996 species of identified insects... forming a vivid "biological gene bank."
Bringing equipment to watch birds, walking along the nature education trail in the reserve, listening to botanists popularize the growth habits and ecological value of plants, and visiting the nearby geological science park to learn about the geological structure and formation history of Dinghu Mountain (鼎湖山)... Students, tourists, and bird watchers have become regular visitors to the Dinghushan Nature Reserve (鼎湖山保护区), and ecological research and study tours have become a "new calling card" of the Dinghushan Nature Reserve (鼎湖山保护区).
Adhering to the concept that **绿水青山就是金山银山** (lǜ shuǐ qīng shān jiù shì jīn shān yín shān - "green waters and green mountains are golden and silver mountains," lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets), Zhaoqing City (肇庆市) has moderately developed ecological tourism and research practice on the basis of strictly protecting the high-quality ecological resources of the Dinghushan Nature Reserve (鼎湖山保护区). In January 2023, the Zhaoqing Municipal People's Government (肇庆市人民政府) and the South China Botanical Garden (华南植物园) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (中国科学院) jointly built the "Dinghushan Ecological Civilization Demonstration Zone" ("鼎湖山生态文明示范区") to strengthen biodiversity protection and ecological resource management.
Easternmost
Heilongjiang Heixiazi Island National Nature Reserve (黑龙江黑瞎子岛国家级自然保护区) –
Letting the Wetland "Breathe Again" on Its Own
By Guo Xiaolong (郭晓龙), Reporter of this Newspaper
In late April, the river water at the confluence of the Heilongjiang (黑龙江) and Ussuri Rivers (乌苏里江) began to melt, and a warm spring breeze swept across Heixiazi Island (黑瞎子岛), the easternmost part of China's territory. As China's easternmost national nature reserve, the Heilongjiang Heixiazi Island National Nature Reserve (黑龙江黑瞎子岛国家级自然保护区) covers a total area of 12,417 hectares and is an important wetland ecological area in China.
Driving in, the moist earthy smell mixed with the fragrance of new grass and trees comes to your face; among the withered yellow reeds, thin green buds break out of the soil; on the branches of the birch trees on the shore, tender green leaf buds bulge... There is no deliberately carved artificial landscape, only the original relaxation and wildness of the wetland.
Now is the key period for migratory birds to migrate north. As a key stop on the East Asia-Australasia Flyway, Heixiazi Island (黑瞎子岛) is home to a large number of migratory birds: Oriental white storks are pacing and foraging on the shoals, red-crowned cranes are stretching their necks and chirping, and rare birds such as white-tailed sea eagles and black storks are shuttling among them, and bird songs echo in the wilderness.
"The most direct feeling in the spring of these years is that there are more and more birds, and they are less and less afraid of people." Yang Xiaoguang (杨晓光), a patroller who has been stationed here for 12 years, pointed to the monitoring data and introduced that after years of protection, the number of recorded birds on the island has increased from 173 in 2014 to 233, including more than 40 species of national key protected birds, and the grey heron population has increased from more than 20 to hundreds.
Infrared cameras in the forest also often capture images of mammals such as black bears, roe deer, and foxes, and sturgeon and chum salmon swim freely in the river, and the wetland ecological chain is becoming increasingly stable.
"Heixiazi Island's (黑瞎子岛) positioning is very clear, that is, ecology first, protection first. It is better to develop slowly than to preserve the most original wetland landscape," said Zhai Zhongxi (翟忠喜), the local ecological management department leader. "No deep digging, no indiscriminate construction, and no excessive development" is a bottom line that cannot be crossed.
The way to protect it lies in scientific restoration and minimal intervention. In response to historical problems such as water system fragmentation and wetland degradation, the reserve has systematically implemented ecological restoration: a cumulative dredging of river channels and dredging of more than 50,000 cubic meters, connecting 28 scattered water areas, building 156 hectares of new regulation and storage areas, and restoring hydrological connectivity; restoring 42.33 hectares of degraded wetlands and increasing wetland vegetation coverage. At the same time, a complete ban on fishing and hunting is implemented, and fish are continuously released, with a cumulative release of more than 10 million fish fry, providing a stable food source for waterbirds and aquatic organisms.
"What we are doing is not 'transformation' but 'dredging' and 'connection' to let the wetland 'breathe again' on its own," said Wu Qiang (吴强), an engineering technician involved in wetland restoration. All projects are based on the premise of not destroying surface vegetation and not disturbing wild animals.
Technological empowerment makes protection more precise. The reserve has built an integrated sky-ground monitoring system. Drone patrols, infrared cameras, thermal imaging monitoring, and ground patrols cooperate to track water levels, vegetation, and wildlife dynamics 24 hours a day. Artificial intelligence recognition technology automatically counts the number and types of birds, and intelligent systems promptly discover injured and trapped wild animals. In 2025 alone, 47 migratory birds, including Oriental white storks and white-tailed sea eagles, were successfully rescued through intelligent means. "Now, patrols don't have to rely entirely on walking and looking. A drone flight and data transmitted by infrared cameras can give you a picture of the entire area," said Yang Xiaoguang (杨晓光).
In order to balance protection and public education, the reserve strictly divides the core area, buffer zone, and experimental area. The 6,415-hectare core area is under complete closed management, and human activities are strictly prohibited from interfering; the experimental area only builds a 2,256-meter floating wooden boardwalk, using a floating bridge process that does not damage the surface, which not only meets the needs of ecological observation and popular science but also does not disturb the native environment.
Return to TopBy: 顾仲阳
General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) pointed out: "Humans and nature are a community of life" and "Protect representative natural ecosystems and habitats of rare species." From the establishment of China's first nature reserve in Dinghu Mountain (鼎湖山), Guangdong (广东) in June 1956, to the preliminary establishment of a natural protected area system with national parks as the main body, nature reserves as the foundation, and various natural parks as supplements, the historic achievements of China's nature reserves over the past 70 years, especially since the new era, are important results of practicing Xi Jinping's (习近平) ecological civilization thought and building a beautiful China, and are vivid examples of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. This fully proves that protecting nature is protecting the foundation of our survival and development; treating nature well, and lucid waters and lush mountains can be continuously transformed into invaluable assets.
Currently, more than 2,600 nature reserves have been built nationwide, and the natural protected area system effectively protects 90% of terrestrial ecosystem types and 74% of national key protected wild animal and plant populations. From "introduction and expansion of populations" to "wild population restoration," the number of milu deer in Jiangsu Dafeng Milu National Nature Reserve (江苏大丰麋鹿国家级自然保护区) accounts for nearly 70% of the global total. In Sichuan Lao Junshan National Nature Reserve (四川老君山国家级自然保护区), the population size and breeding success rate of the Sichuan Partridge, known as the "giant panda of birds," have doubled. Guizhou Kuankuoshui National Nature Reserve (贵州宽阔水国家级自然保护区) has entered a virtuous cycle of "better ecology, more prosperous industry, and higher income," with under-forest economy, homestay economy, and bird-watching economy flourishing in neighboring villages... With resolute actions to build nature reserves and protect the "most beautiful" rivers and mountains, we have written a magnificent chapter of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, proving the truth that "when humans rationally utilize and protect nature in a friendly manner, nature's rewards are often generous."
These 70 years have been about respecting nature, conforming to nature, and protecting nature. From the rescue protection of single species to the integrated protection and systematic governance of mountains, rivers, forests, fields, lakes, and grasslands; from day-to-day mountain patrols and forest protection to integrated sky-earth precision supervision, generations of builders have continued to struggle, allowing endangered species to regain vitality, degraded ecosystems to regain vitality, and natural habitats to become more complete and abundant.
These 70 years have been about protecting biodiversity, improving the quality of the ecological environment, and maintaining national ecological security. Focusing on key ecological function areas, systematic governance and continuous restoration have built an ecological barrier supporting national land security; focusing on rare and endangered species, in-situ conservation and habitat restoration have been implemented, and flagship species such as giant pandas, Tibetan antelopes, and crested ibis have gradually recovered, new species have been continuously discovered, and the diversity, stability, and sustainability of ecosystems have steadily improved.
These 70 years have been about ecological priority, green development, and improvement of people's livelihoods. Within the protected areas, restoration and management, monitoring and patrols, and strict protection of the authenticity and integrity of ecosystems are carried out; outside the protected areas, new business forms such as ecological tourism, under-forest economy, and nature study have flourished, and the general public shares ecological dividends in protecting nature. In Pingwu County (平武县), Sichuan (四川), villagers have become ecological tour guides after training, and have received more than 600,000 nature education visitors since 2024; in Wendeng District (文登区), Weihai City (威海市), Shandong (山东), the local State Grid Power Supply Company has promoted the integrated development of aquaculture ponds to achieve complementary fish and light, saving energy and reducing emissions while promoting the dual harvest of local economy and ecology.
At present, China's national conditions of greater resource pressure, limited environmental capacity, and fragile ecosystems have not changed, and the construction of ecological civilization is still in a critical period of superimposed pressure and heavy burden. The newly revised Regulations on Nature Reserves have been implemented to better coordinate high-level protection and high-quality development; the Ecological Environment Code has been promulgated, further consolidating the legal foundation for building a beautiful China. We must continuously shape new momentum and new advantages for development through higher-level protection, continue to improve the greening of the economy, and continuously enhance the potential and stamina of development.
"People who live up to the green mountains, the green mountains will surely live up to the people." Focusing on starting the "15th Five-Year Plan," let us thoroughly implement Xi Jinping's (习近平) ecological civilization thought, continue to improve the natural protected area system, and make continuous efforts to promote the construction of a modernization in which humans and nature coexist harmoniously, laying a green path for the sustainable development of the Chinese nation.
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 祝大伟
In December 2025, China's "Hezhe (赫哲族) Imakan (伊玛堪)" was successfully transferred from the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding (hereinafter referred to as the "Urgent Safeguarding List") to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (hereinafter referred to as the "Representative List"). At the same time, its protection plan was included in the Register of Good Safeguarding Practices. This is the first time China has achieved both goals simultaneously.
From the brink of extinction to a new lease on life, Hezhe Imakan not only revives a precious ethnic cultural memory but also provides a vivid practice for the systematic protection of intangible cultural heritage.
--Editor
On the Sanjiang Plain (三江平原), the Heilongjiang River (黑龙江), Songhua River (松花江), and Wusuli River (乌苏里江) flow endlessly. The Hezhe settlements built along the riverbanks are like pearls inlaid on flowing ribbons.
Evolving from the ancient fishing and hunting civilization of "clothing made of fish skin and animal hides, traveling by land and boat," the Sanjiang (三江) River basin has nurtured the Hezhe people's rich folk oral storytelling art. "Imakan" is the most influential representative, known as the Hezhe people's "oral encyclopedia" of intangible cultural heritage treasures.
New Generation
Inheriting the "Oral Encyclopedia"
"'Alang (阿郎)...' The tone starts slowly, drawn out, and then a little more tactful." In the Imakan characteristic class, Wu Jing (吴静), a teacher at the Fifth Primary School in Tongjiang City (同江市), Heilongjiang Province (黑龙江省), is instructing the children.
"Imakan undulates tactfully, and the tune is like the waves in the river." Speaking and singing a section, Wu Jing (吴静) unconsciously imitates her father's expression and tone.
Her father, Wu Baochen (吴宝臣), is a national representative inheritor of Hezhe Imakan. Wu Jing (吴静) was born in Yuyecun (渔业村), Jiejinkou Hezhe Ethnic Township (街津口赫哲族乡), Tongjiang City (同江市), and has been exposed to Imakan since childhood.
"The two generations inherit Imakan, and the responsibilities they shoulder are different." Looking at her nearly 70-year-old father, Wu Jing (吴静), who is in her 40s, said with emotion that her parents once faced difficult situations such as the intergenerational inheritance gap of Imakan and the endangerment of the Hezhe language.
Wu Baochen (吴宝臣) grew up listening to the older generation singing Imakan. He had witnessed more and more old artists pass away.
The Hezhe people have a language but no written script. Wu Baochen (吴宝臣), who became the head of the township cultural station in his 20s, started learning with a cassette tape of Imakan left in his hand, visited old artists on the Sanjiang Plain (三江平原), collected materials, and learned from teachers.
Wu Jing (吴静) saw her father's hard work and helplessness in consciously rescuing and inheriting Imakan: "I will cooperate as my father's apprentice and let Imakan be inherited in the family first."
Finally, Wu Baochen (吴宝臣) ushered in a turning point in his inheritance career.
Hezhe Imakan was included in the national intangible cultural heritage list in 2006 and in the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in 2011. Intangible cultural heritage centers, research teams, and others at all levels have joined in, and Wu Baochen (吴宝臣) has more "fellow travelers."
Only by preserving the Hezhe language can we preserve Imakan. The national, provincial, municipal, and county-level four-level protection system has accurately exerted its strength, from language tutorials and other books to recordings and documentaries... a relatively complete static protection system has been constructed.
Now, as a municipal representative inheritor of Hezhe Imakan, Wu Jing's (吴静) characteristic class has been open for 7 years, attracting nearly a hundred children to study. Her father, Wu Baochen's (吴宝臣) class is located in the Imakan Heritage Center in the village, and has trained more than 60 students so far.
"The rescue and excavation of our parents allowed Imakan to be preserved. As a new generation of inheritors, we have more confidence and confidence in inheriting and spreading Imakan well." Wu Jing (吴静) said that the national intangible cultural heritage protection measures have stimulated the enthusiasm of more young people to inherit.
Relying on the Imakan Heritage Center, campus characteristic classes, and language WeChat groups, multiple entities such as families, communities, schools, and governments are working together to bring living heritage into a broader platform. At present, the number of Imakan inheritors has increased from 5 at the beginning of the declaration of the "Urgent Safeguarding List" to 121, and representative inheritors under the age of 50 account for 60%, and young and middle-aged people have become the main force of inheritance.
"The next generation has a stronger sense of identity with Imakan." Wu Jing (吴静) mentioned that her son chose the Imakan interest class when he was in elementary school because "Imakan sounds good, and the Hezhe people love it." These simple words made Wu Jing (吴静) more convinced that "there is hope if there is inheritance."
New Songs
Interweaving the Beauty of Tradition and Modernity
In Aoqiwan Village (敖其湾村), Aoqi Town (敖其镇), Jiamusi City (佳木斯市), the exterior walls of new houses are painted to resemble rows of birch tree trunks. Yu Zhongmei (尤忠美), 60, runs a fish skin craft studio in the village, and the room is full of fish skin clothes.
Born in a large Hezhe family, Yu Zhongmei (尤忠美) is proficient in all traditional Hezhe skills, including learning to make fish skin clothes from her grandmother, learning to sing from her father, and learning to make fish banquets from her mother-in-law.
Accompanied by cheerful music, Yu Zhongmei (尤忠美), wearing a fish skin coat sewn by herself, sang a section of "Hezhe New Song" in the Hezhe language, from the green waters and green mountains with fat fish, to the party's care that makes the Hezhe life sweeter than honey.
The new song sings the new meaning of Hezhe ancient rhyme. "We are willing to innovate and let Imakan bloom with more charming brilliance." From the changes in the embroidery patterns on fish skin clothes to the singing with the Jew's harp, Yu Zhongmei (尤忠美) strives to promote the innovative development of Imakan.
Currently, Yu Zhongmei (尤忠美) has been hired by the School of Music of Jiamusi University (佳木斯大学) and is busy planning an Imakan stage play with teachers and students.
"Imakan has always been an expression of the life of the Hezhe people, telling ancient legends and touching the scene." Wu Baochen (吴宝臣) also does not reject changes, maintaining the authenticity, charm, and skeleton, and creating "new Imakan" that is more in line with modern literary and artistic needs.
Singing about the new life of the Hezhe people, the content and form of Imakan are constantly integrated with new elements.
Hu Yi (胡艺), a Hezhe girl in her 90s, is a teacher at the Imakan Heritage Center in the suburbs of Jiamusi City (佳木斯市). She wears traditional fish skin clothes and mixes ancient Imakan tunes with electronic music to make short videos and publish them on online platforms. The collision between tradition and modernity has aroused enthusiastic responses, and the number of views of many videos has exceeded one million.
In recent years, from the large-scale Hezhe Imakan song and dance drama "Lahasusu (拉哈苏苏)" to "meeting" Imakan in the shifting scenery of the Hezhe Ethnic Culture Village, to the display of inheritors on online platforms, the concept of intangible cultural heritage protection and inheritance of "seeing people, seeing things, and seeing life" runs through it.
With the continuous cultivation of new inheritance experience scenarios, Imakan is stepping into a broader life stage.
In the Tongjiang (同江) Intangible Cultural Heritage Digital Experience Hall, the light of technology brings tourists into the historical corridor of Hezhe civilization. In the interlacing of light and shadow, the fisherman's song travels through time and space, and the 360-degree holographic projection of the representative inheritor of Imakan is singing, as if a real person is close at hand, immersing people in the melodious singing melody of Imakan.
In April, on the bank of the Songhua River (松花江), at the Jiamusi (佳木斯) "Roaring River Festival," tens of thousands of people sang "Roaring River" with Imakan music elements, awakening the river water that had been sleeping for a winter. "The Roaring River Festival originated from the fishing and hunting culture, which is also a vivid display of the charm of Hezhe culture." said Zhang Minggang (张明刚), director of the Jiamusi (佳木斯) Intangible Cultural Heritage Center.
"The love and creation of generations have made Imakan integrate into modern society in an increasingly fresh posture, attracting more people to walk into the story of Imakan," said Zhang Minggang (张明刚).
New Villages
Nourishing Living Native Culture
The Songhua River (松花江) flows through Aoqiwan Village (敖其湾村), and after converging into the Heilongjiang River (黑龙江), it flows through Jiejinkou Hezhe Ethnic Township (街津口赫哲族乡) and Bachacha Hezhe Ethnic Township (八岔赫哲族乡) in turn. In Fuyuan City (抚远市), the "Easternmost of China," there is Zhuaji Hezhe Village (抓吉赫哲族村) on the bank of the Wusuli River (乌苏里江). Going upstream along the river, Sipai Hezhe Ethnic Township (四排赫哲族乡), Raohe County (饶河县), Shuangyashan City (双鸭山市) is quietly located on the riverbank.
The "three townships and two villages" where the Hezhe people live are beautiful villages, surrounded by mountains and rivers, with beautiful scenery.
During the National People's Congress (全国两会) this year, Liu Lei (刘蕾), a Hezhe national representative to the National People's Congress (全国人大代表), not only displayed Hezhe fish skin crafts on the spot, but also sang Imakan impromptu, the lyrics of which roughly mean "there are many colored houses in our village, which are very grand."
"The living standards of the villagers are rising higher and higher like the rising sun." Liu Lei (刘蕾) grew up listening to Imakan in Yuyecun (渔业村) and witnessed the tremendous changes brought to the new Hezhe villages by the national support policies.
Imakan is rooted in the life of the Hezhe people, and its systematic protection and inheritance are inseparable from the construction of new Hezhe villages.
As a national representative to the National People's Congress (全国人大代表) for 18 years, from calling for the rescue and protection of Imakan to paying attention to rural revitalization, Liu Lei (刘蕾) said, "**自古** (zì gǔ - "since ancient times," from ancient times) the Hezhe people have lived in harmony with this landscape, and only by protecting the green waters and green mountains and building beautiful villages can we nourish the living native culture."
From the severe decline of fishery resources to the ecological changes brought about by the ecological protection and restoration of mountains, rivers, forests, fields, lakes, and grasses on the Sanjiang Plain (三江平原), from generations of fishing for a living to cultural empowerment of rural revitalization, Imakan has "come alive," and the good ecology of "boats full of rivers and fish full of warehouses" has reappeared. Liu Lei (刘蕾) tells the story of vitality to more people.
In early spring, in Yuyecun (渔业村), flocks of geese fly over, sometimes in the shape of a "person" and sometimes in the shape of a "one," changing from time to time. Hezhe characteristic fish restaurants are distributed on both sides of the village road, and some villagers have begun to repair fishing boats.
"Villagers can eat 'tourism meals' at their doorstep." Li Zhilin (李治霖), secretary of the Party branch of Yuyecun (渔业村), introduced that villagers have more new identities as "Hezhe cultural commentators" and "fishing and hunting experience instructors."
As a Chinese traditional village, Li Zhilin (李治霖) and the villagers are planning to improve research and study experiences, build characteristic homestays, and other projects to create a Hezhe fishing and hunting culture experience area, cultivate new scenarios for inheritance experience, and allow Hezhe intangible cultural heritage to better return to life.
Today, Hezhe intangible cultural heritage has become a bright business card on the Sanjiang Plain (三江平原), attracting more people to inherit and spread it.
Yang Shuangyan (杨双艳), a farmer from Fuqiang Village (富强村), Linjiang Town (临江镇), Tongjiang City (同江市), established a fish skin paper-cutting intangible cultural heritage workshop, leading more than 40 members to make Hezhe fish skin crafts, with an annual income of more than 1 million yuan. Guo Lin (国林), a Korean young man from Tongjiang City (同江市), designed and developed the image of "Hezhe God Idol," which is presented in the form of figures, pillows, and tea drinks, attracting a large number of young audiences.
At present, there are more than 10 fish skin craft enterprises with a certain scale in Tongjiang City (同江市), nearly 10 intangible cultural heritage workshops, with an annual output value of more than 10 million yuan. The virtuous circle of "protection-inheritance-utilization" of Hezhe culture is releasing greater charm for intangible cultural heritage.
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 董泽扬
In December 2024, the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO reviewed and approved the transfer of "Traditional Li Textile Techniques" from the "List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding" to the "Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity." In recent years, the inheritors of this technique have brought Li brocade out of the mountain villages, into schools, and to the world, allowing intangible cultural heritage to enter daily life.
Chen Mengli (陈孟丽), who often wore Li brocade and sang folk songs with adults during festivals as a child, chose textile technology and trade as her major when applying to university. After graduating in 2014, she studied under Liu Xianglan (刘香兰), a representative inheritor of national intangible cultural heritage.
In the process of learning from her master, Chen Mengli gradually had new ideas. In terms of design, she integrated more Li brocade elements into cultural and creative products, providing more possibilities for integrating Li brocade into modern life. In terms of operation, she founded a company and tried the "company + cooperative" model, operating in an "online + offline" manner, allowing Li brocade products to leave the mountain villages and be sold to other places.
Today, the company has designed and produced more than 100 kinds of cultural and creative products with Li ethnic elements, driving more than 20 poverty-stricken households and more than 300 grass-roots craftsmen to increase their employment and income. As of now, the number of people in Wuzhishan City (五指山市), Hainan (海南) who have mastered Li brocade skills has increased to more than 5,400, cultivating more than 20 intangible cultural heritage masters and pairing them with more than 100 apprentices. More young people like Chen Mengli are learning Li brocade skills, and a tiered team of old, middle-aged, and young people is gradually forming.
In Changjiang Li Autonomous County (昌江黎族自治县), Hainan, primary and secondary schools and vocational schools have successively incorporated intangible cultural heritage such as Li brocade into courses or clubs, with an average of more than 280 activities per year, accumulating 27,000 person-times of training. In Haikou No. 1 Middle School (海口市第一中学), Fu Huili (符慧莉), a municipal-level representative inheritor of Li brocade in Dongfang City (东方市), and her mother, Fu Yu (符玉), brought Li brocade looms and cultural and creative products to participate in the campus cultural festival. The students sat on the ground, imitating the appearance of the inheritors, with the loom belt wrapped around their waists, their eyes focused.
In 2025, the "Five-Year Action Plan for the Protection and Development of Traditional Li Textile Techniques (2025-2029)" issued by the People's Government of Hainan Province (海南省人民政府) proposed to increase the training of intangible cultural heritage teachers and support representative inheritors to participate in school teaching and teaching research. At present, more than 100 primary and secondary schools in Hainan Province have carried out Li brocade skill practice classes. The number of inheritors of traditional Li textile techniques in Hainan has increased from less than 2,000 in 2009 to more than 20,000.
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 窦 皓
In 2009, the traditional Chinese wooden arch bridge construction technique was inscribed on UNESCO's "List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding." In 2024, the project was transferred to the "Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity." Today, from the inheritance and development of intangible cultural heritage techniques to the systematic protection of cultural relics, wooden arch covered bridges are being reborn.
Qingyuan County (庆元县), Lishui City (丽水市), Zhejiang Province (浙江省) is a famous hometown of covered bridges in China. In order to do a good job in the inheritance of skills, Qingyuan (庆元) organized skill inheritance units and inheritors to carry out protection work, provide technical guidance, preserve relevant materials, and carry out skill demonstrations. As of now, Qingyuan (庆元) has held 8 training courses on traditional wooden arch bridge construction techniques, with more than 70 covered bridge craftsmen and 6 construction teams. Since 2009, it has undertaken the construction and maintenance of about 50 wooden arch bridges in 4 provinces and cities including Zhejiang (浙江) and Fujian (福建).
Taishun County (泰顺县), Wenzhou City (温州市), Zhejiang Province (浙江省), also a hometown of covered bridges, established a leading group for intangible cultural heritage protection and issued the "Measures for the Protection of Cultural Heritage" and other measures to encourage the use of traditional techniques to build bridges, support inheritors of traditional wooden arch bridge construction techniques to accept apprentices and teach skills, and carry out inheritance practice activities through bridge construction. Each bridge is subsidized up to 300,000 yuan according to the construction cost, and the inheritors continue to expand in a tiered manner.
Fire hazards, floods, man-made damage... The protection of wooden arch covered bridges faces multiple risks and challenges. Compared with rescue protection, prevention is more important. Today, ancient covered bridges have 24/7, intelligent "digital sentinels," allowing staff to view the status of the covered bridges in real time in front of the screen.
Taishun County (泰顺县) continues to increase investment in fire protection facilities and equipment for ancient covered bridges, collecting more than 50 million pieces of cultural relic information, meteorological information, etc., and connecting more than 700 sets of front-end IoT sensing equipment. Video surveillance is set up for all 32 ancient covered bridges, and AI (artificial intelligence) smoke and fire monitoring devices and micro fire station equipment are fully covered for 15 "national protected" covered bridges.
At the junction of Fujian (闽) and Zhejiang (浙), the "Covered Bridge Wonderland" cross-provincial cultural relic theme tourist route connects covered bridges, ancient villages and towns, ancient roads, intangible cultural heritage inheritance centers, and mountain and water environments into a line, creating an immersive cultural experience corridor. Tourists are no longer just "checking in and taking photos," but listening to the elderly tell bridge-building stories at the bridgehead, watching craftsmen demonstrate mortise and tenon structures in the covered bridge, and tasting local delicacies in the village, immersing themselves in the covered bridge culture.
The China Qingyuan Covered Bridge Museum (中国庆元廊桥博物馆) and other related characteristic exhibition halls are emerging in competition, allowing visitors to feel real cultural relics up close and experience and understand the traditional techniques of wooden arch covered bridges and covered bridge culture.
In 2021, after the "Wenzhou City Taishun Covered Bridge Protection Regulations" (《温州市泰顺廊桥保护条例》) officially came into effect, a multi-governance system for covered bridge protection is being improved around the main line of protecting both the "bridge" and the "art."
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 王永战
Every year on the first day of the tenth month of the lunar calendar, the Qiang people celebrate their grandest festival – the Qiang New Year.
"The Qiang New Year has a history of more than 2,000 years. With the theme of offering sacrifices to heaven for blessings and expressing gratitude, it is a comprehensive folk activity integrating folk beliefs, oral traditions, song and dance performances, skill displays, knowledge transmission," said Xiang Kui (向葵), Director of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Institute of the Sichuan Provincial Academy of Arts. Currently, Qiang New Year celebrations are held in many places such as Chengdu (成都市), Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture (阿坝藏族羌族自治州), and Mianyang (绵阳市) in Sichuan Province.
During the festival, the Qiang people wear festive costumes and sing and dance, making visitors linger. Earthen hot pot, Qiang cured meat, mashed potato cakes... one after another, Qiang delicacies make people's mouths water.
However, due to various factors, the Qiang New Year once faced a crisis of inheritance. In 2009, the Qiang New Year was listed on UNESCO's "List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding."
In recent years, China has established a national-level Qiang cultural ecological protection experimental zone, carrying out planning and construction from the aspects of cultural space, project practice, inheritance, dissemination, research, and promotion, and implementing holistic protection of the Qiang New Year.
"In terms of cultural space construction, traditional Qiang villages and sacrificial sites have been fully restored, and the infrastructure of some Qiang New Year inheritance centers has been upgraded and transformed," Xiang Kui (向葵) said. With the normalization of the "Intangible Cultural Heritage Entering Campus" activities, Qiang youths' recognition of their ethnic culture has been continuously enhanced, and the number of people participating in Qiang New Year folk inheritance activities has significantly increased. Now, representative inheritors of the Qiang New Year project are also actively taking on apprentices to pass on their skills, and Qiang New Year folk activities are widely carried out. In December 2024, the Qiang New Year was transferred from the "List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding" to the "Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity."
Now, more and more people are focusing on the protection and inheritance of the Qiang language. "By encouraging the media to set up Qiang language programs and encouraging the masses to use the Qiang language to communicate in daily life, the Qiang New Year will become more and more flavorful, and this traditional folk custom that has been passed down for thousands of years will shine more brightly," said Xiang Kui (向葵).
Return to TopBy: 孟 扬
In the past two years, four intangible cultural heritages that were once deeply mired in endangered situations—Hezhe Yimakan, traditional Li textile techniques, traditional Chinese wooden arch bridge construction techniques, and Qiang New Year—have been transferred from the "List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding" to the "Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO, achieving a wonderful leap from endangerment to rebirth, and from decline to prosperity. These four intangible cultural heritages have different forms and techniques, but their "rebirth" has precipitated common inspirations: integrating the protection of "single techniques" into the restoration of "cultural ecology" allows intangible cultural heritage techniques to "grow" back into the soil, so as to achieve the sustainable inheritance of "seeing people, seeing objects, and seeing life."
Intangible cultural heritage is not a suspended "cultural specimen," nor is it an isolated "historical amber," but a living practice that grows in a specific natural, social, and cultural environment. Once the cultural ecology on which it depends is severed, intangible cultural heritage techniques become trees without roots. The rebirth of Yimakan is not only due to the revival of singing and the rescue of techniques, but also to the systematic restoration of the cultural ecology on which it depends. When the melodious singing of "He Ni Na..." changes from an endangered swan song to a folk song that everyone in the village hums, and oral epics return to life scenes, intangible cultural heritage also changes from a technical symbol to a cultural root and nostalgic memory integrated into the texture of the village. Finding the connection point between living protection and modern life, traditional culture has been rejuvenated in the dialogue with the times.
Inheritance is not rigid replication. The breakthrough path of Yimakan and other four intangible cultural heritages being transferred to the representative list is also a comprehensive rural revitalization path that revitalizes culture, prospers villages, and enriches people. In the new Hezhe (赫哲族) village, Yimakan murals have made a street popular, and singing on tour boats attracts tourists; in the Qiang (羌族) cultural ecological protection zone, festival rituals connect the complete chain of annual song activities and festival customs... Economic empowerment with the core attraction of intangible cultural heritage activation and cultural tourism integration, and the return of talents around cultural ecological restoration and industrial development, have become the "endogenous engine" of comprehensive rural revitalization. Promoting industry through culture and gathering strength through culture, cultural inheritance and protection consolidate community belonging, stimulate cultural identity, reshape the spirit of the countryside, and achieve the two-way improvement of rural civilization and rural governance. The vigorously developing countryside also provides a material foundation and conditions for intangible cultural heritage inheritance and cultural development. When living inheritance resonates with rural life, and when protection and development form a "two-way rush" that are prerequisites for each other and achieve each other, the practical wisdom of creative transformation and innovative development is vividly interpreted.
The process of the four intangible cultural heritages being transferred to the representative list provides a Chinese solution that combines holistic protection and inclusive development for intangible cultural heritage protection. When culture flourishes, the countryside flourishes. When culture takes root in the soil and the countryside grows hope, inheritance will not be a 苦苦坚持 (kǔ kǔ jiān chí - "bitterly persist," to persevere with difficulty), but running, jumping, singing, generation after generation...
Return to TopLayout Design: Zhang Danfeng (张丹峰)
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 杨文明
In Yunnan, there is a type of architecture that "grows" in the rainforest. They do not use a single nail or rivet, relying entirely on mortise and tenon joints; they do not occupy an inch of solid ground, relying entirely on stilts. This is the Dai bamboo house.
When the morning mist gently caresses the banks of the Lancang River (澜沧江), these Dai bamboo houses, nestled among the coconut palms and banana leaves, are using the unique language of "living above and empty below" to tell the story of the millennia-old wisdom of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.
A "Breathing" Tropical Building
In Xishuangbanna (西双版纳), Yunnan, Dai bamboo houses are never an isolated landscape, but an organic link in the overall order of "mountains, rivers, fields, and villages."
Manling Village (曼岭村), Mengla County (勐腊县), is surrounded by fertile farmland on the east, west, and north sides, and dense economic forests on the southern slopes. The village's residential buildings are mainly Dai-style stilt houses, perfectly interpreting the spatial pattern of "relying on mountains and rivers, with fields and forests complementing each other."
"Dai bamboo houses are first and foremost a product of long-term adaptation to the natural environment," said Xu Jian (徐坚), Executive Vice Dean of the School of Architecture and Planning at Yunnan University (云南大学). This layout is not arbitrary, but a choice made by the Dai ancestors after a deep understanding of the natural environment.
The history of bamboo houses can be traced back to the ancient "nest dwelling." Scholars generally believe that the Dai ancestors originated from the ancient "Baiyue (百越)" ethnic groups. When they migrated south along the Lancang River (澜沧江) basin and plunged into this tropical坝区 area with high temperatures, heavy rainfall, and mosquito breeding, survival became the top priority.
In order to survive better, they built nests in the trees. With the development of productivity, the nests fell from the "treetops" to the "ground," but the survival wisdom of "being elevated" was completely preserved.
In Xu Jian's (徐坚) view, this "living above and empty below" is not a simple physical stacking, but a precise triple combination of "climate-culture-structure."
The Dai bamboo house is a "breathing" tropical building. The elevated bottom layer is like a huge "breathing cavity," allowing air to circulate under the building, taking away moisture and lowering the room temperature. This design not only cleverly isolates mosquitoes, snakes, and beasts, but also makes the Dai bamboo house a model of ecologically adaptive architecture.
From the waterfront stilt buildings of the Haimenkou Site (海门口遗址) in Jianchuan County (剑川县) thousands of years ago to the bamboo houses that still stand in the villages today, this wisdom of "living in suspension" is a vivid portrayal of the laws of survival.
Mortise and Tenon Joints Without Nails Support "Inner" and "Outer" Spaces
The structure of the Dai bamboo house not only solves the problem of survival, but also reflects the ingenuity of the craftsmen.
Walking into a Dai bamboo house, a clear "three-section" facade comes into view: an elevated bottom layer, a living area on the second floor, and a roof covering.
The roofs of Dai bamboo houses mostly adopt the hip-and-gable style with multiple ridges, with gentle slopes and wide eaves, even double eaves. This not only facilitates the rapid drainage of rainwater, preventing it from eroding the walls, but also gives the building a unique temperament of lightness, transparency, and orderly expansion.
In Xu Jian's (徐坚) eyes, the Dai bamboo house is a veritable "nail-free" mortise and tenon museum. The entire building does not rely on a single iron nail, but entirely on the precise interlocking of beams, columns, purlins, and rafters through mortise and tenon joints, forming a stable load-bearing system.
This clear structural logic relies on the local sourcing of fir and pine wood, as well as the intergenerational inheritance of craftsmanship, vividly reflecting the unique value of the southwestern Chinese border's wooden structure tradition.
However, the ingenuity of the Dai bamboo house goes far beyond its structure. Its interior layout strictly follows the principle of "distinguishing between inside and outside, and dividing upper and lower areas," reflecting the social order of the Dai people.
The lower level is usually used for storage or semi-public activities, which is the "outside"; the upper level is mainly used for living, divided into the main room and bedrooms, which is the "inside." Traditional bamboo houses often have family shrines and supporting public clubhouses. These spaces are like invisible bonds, maintaining the family structure and social interaction.
Within the village, the spatial organization is also full of wisdom. Manling Village (曼岭村) takes the central square as its core, with roads radiating outwards, forming a free and organic transportation network. The living space and the mountains, forests, and paddy fields permeate each other, fully reflecting the unique free appearance of tropical坝区 villages. From the original shelter from wind and rain to the spiritual landmark that carries cultural memories today, the evolution of the Dai bamboo house itself is a living textbook.
Living Heritage Continues the "Cultural" Gene
"Dai bamboo houses make the village a node in the natural ecosystem, rather than an abrupt intruder," said Ding Wenlei (丁文磊), a lecturer at the School of Architecture and Planning at Yunnan University (云南大学). This is a settlement form that organically integrates mountains, rivers, fields, and villages.
However, under the impact of modernization and rural revitalization, traditional stilt-style dwellings are facing unprecedented challenges. The replacement of new materials and the weakening of traditional crafts are putting this ancient skill at risk of "discontinuation."
In response, Yunnan is exploring a new path of "living heritage" and "creative transformation."
On the one hand, establish an academic "gene bank." The Plateau Mountain Human Settlement Environment Team led by Xu Jian (徐坚) at the School of Architecture and Planning at Yunnan University (云南大学) is committed to systematically surveying, recording, collecting crafts, and digitally archiving Dai bamboo houses. This is not only a rescue record of endangered skills such as "dovetail tenon" and "oblique shoulder tenon," but also preserves the most original data base for future restoration and research.
On the other hand, explore moderate updates. By exploring reasonable update paths in the practice of traditional village protection and comprehensive rural revitalization, bamboo houses can continue to be inhabited and understood. Today, the ancient Dai bamboo houses in the villages of Xishuangbanna (西双版纳) are焕发出别样生机 焕发出别样生机 (huàn fā chū bié yàng shēng jī - "radiate a different kind of vitality," to take on a new lease of life), and the carefully renovated bamboo houses are being transformed into characteristic homestays, cultural exhibition halls, and intangible cultural heritage workshops.
"The continuation of the residential tradition not only requires the preservation of its traditional material form, but also its integration into contemporary life through revitalization and utilization. We must not only do a good job in cultural inheritance, but also allow the ancient mortise and tenon technology to continue to grow in the context of the new era," said Xu Jian (徐坚).
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 杨 迅 申智林
As the lanterns light up, the river street of Changde (常德), Hunan (湖南) is bustling with tourists on the bluestone road. The aroma of Lei Cha (擂茶) wafts from the Lei Cha teahouses, and the simmering sound of Bozi Cai (钵子菜) from the small street-side shops reaches the hearts of passersby. Among the various aromas, the savory and spicy Jiangban Duck (酱板鸭) is particularly mouthwatering. During holidays, long queues often snake in front of Jiangban Duck shops. Some people rush to buy duck right after visiting the scenic spots, while others drag their suitcases to pack some before leaving. A Jiangban Duck has become a flavorful thread connecting the landscape and the everyday life of this ancient Yuanli (沅澧) city.
At a routine press conference of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council (国台办) in April, spokesperson Zhu Fenglian's (朱凤莲) heartwarming invitation made this traditional Hunan (湖湘) delicacy a hot topic on both sides of the Taiwan Strait: "I heard that many Taiwanese compatriots have been asking where to buy Jiangban Duck recently. We welcome Taiwanese compatriots to Hunan (湖南) to taste the Jiangban Duck with different flavors in Changde (常德), Chenzhou (郴州), and Zhuzhou (株洲)."
"As a national geographical indication protected product, Changde (常德) Jiangban Duck is mainly characterized by 'fragrant, spicy, fresh, and mellow' flavors. Its deliciousness is never accidental," said Zhang Guangbin (张光斌), chairman of the Changde Jiangban Duck Industry Association and head of Jindan Food Co., Ltd. (金丹食品有限公司), who once led the establishment of the association to standardize industry standards. He said that the production process of Jiangban Duck has strict requirements.
First of all, in terms of raw materials, water-raised Ma ducks (麻鸭) are selected, and after removing the feathers and internal organs, the weight is best controlled between 1.5 and 2 jin. Such ducks have firm meat, moderate fat, and a light fishy smell. Before entering the warehouse, the ducks that have been plucked, gutted, and cleaned must have a certificate of conformity from the national quarantine department. After the ducks enter the workshop, they undergo 15 processes such as sauce, marinating, and braising. Finally, the duck skin is red and shiny, the meat is firm and flavorful, and even the bones are permeated with a rich sauce aroma.
With the changes of the times, Changde (常德) Jiangban Duck has also spawned many fancy ways to eat it. It can be combined with Changde (常德) Bozi Cai (钵子菜) and stewed in steaming heat, or it can be made into Jiangban Duck hot pot, Jiangban Duck bullfrog pot, Jiangban Duck crayfish stew, plum Jiangban Duck, Jiangban Duck pizza, Jiangban Duck turtle Bozi Cai (钵子菜), etc. In addition, many shops in Changde (常德) will also launch Jiangban Duck Zongzi (粽子) and Jiangban Duck mooncakes according to the season, which are popular among young people.
Located on the river street of Changde (常德), the Changde Jiangban Duck Museum is a food culture space integrating cultural science popularization, product display, and interactive experience. The museum focuses on various Jiangban Duck products of many well-known brands, and the sales staff will explain the characteristics of different brands and flavors to customers in detail. In terms of cultural traceability, the museum has sorted out the historical context of Changde (常德) Jiangban Duck. Yan Yong (颜勇), the person in charge of the Changde Jiangban Duck Museum, introduced that in order to take into account the taste preferences of tourists from all over the world, the museum also assisted in launching customized flavors such as "slightly spicy" to convey this authentic Hunan (湘) flavor to guests from all over the world in a more friendly way.
Behind the deliciousness is the orderly growth of an industry. "In 2013, Changde (常德) Jiangban Duck was successfully selected as a national geographical indication protected product, and the Changde Jiangban Duck Industry Association was subsequently established," introduced Peng Changhai (彭长海), secretary-general of the Changde Jiangban Duck Industry Association. At present, there are 42 Jiangban Duck enterprises in Changde (常德), and their products sell well at home and abroad, with an annual output value of nearly 3 billion yuan. From breeding bases to processing workshops, from e-commerce platforms to offline terminals, Changde (常德) Jiangban Duck has formed a complete industrial chain of "raw material planting + ecological breeding + standardized processing + full-channel sales," driving the employment of tens of thousands of people.
A Jiangban Duck, like an invisible flavor bond, connects the city's natural scenery, cultural heritage, and urban life. Come to Changde (常德), visit the Jiangban Duck Museum, taste the authentic Jiangban Duck, and take home Jiangban Duck with different flavors - let this sauce aroma accompany a wonderful journey.
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 张云河 徐 阳
The third day of the third lunar month, traditionally known as the "Shangsi Festival," is one of China's traditional festivals and a cultural event shared by many ethnic groups, carrying the ancients' praise for the bright spring scenery and their prayers for a better life.
The historical origin of "March 3rd" can be traced back to the Shangsi Festival in the pre-Qin period. In the Han Dynasty, Shangsi was established as a festival. From the officialdom to the common people in the Central Plains, "Fu Xi" rituals were held to ward off evil spirits and pray for blessings, and to remove filth. By the Tang Dynasty, "March 3rd" had become an important festival, highly valued by both the court and the people. Du Fu's (杜甫) poem "On the third day of the third month, the weather is fresh, many beautiful women are by the water in Chang'an (长安)" vividly recreates the grand scene of the festival at that time.
After the Song and Yuan Dynasties, "March 3rd" gradually faded in the Central Plains, but it was preserved and continued in some areas of the South, forming unique ethnic customs. Today, many ethnic groups, such as the Zhuang (壮族), Dong (侗族), She (畲族), Mulao (仫佬族), Gelao (仡佬族), Bai (白族), Yi (彝族), Li (黎族), and Buyi (布依族), hold colorful festive activities on "March 3rd." "She Ethnic Group's March 3rd" (畲族三月三), "Li Ethnic Group's March 3rd Festival" (黎族三月三节), and "Zhuang Ethnic Group's March 3rd" (壮族三月三) have been included in the national intangible cultural heritage representative project list.
The "March 3rd" festivals of various ethnic groups have their own characteristics. "She Ethnic Group's March 3rd" is also known as the "Black Rice Festival." During the festival, every household soaks glutinous rice with the juice of Eurya nitida leaves to steam black rice, which is also given as gifts to each other, with the intention of praying for a good harvest. "Li Ethnic Group's March 3rd" is an auspicious festival for the Li and Miao (苗族) compatriots in Hainan (海南) to worship their ancestors, bless newborns, and sing praises of love. People dress in festive costumes, carrying rice wine and bamboo rice, and gather from all directions to worship their ancestors.
"Zhuang Ethnic Group's March 3rd" is also known as the "Song Festival" (歌圩节). During the festival, young men and women sing to each other and look for their loved ones through singing. In addition, people also dance the bamboo pole dance and eat five-color glutinous rice to celebrate the festival, expressing their wishes for a happy and auspicious life. "Zhuang Ethnic Group's March 3rd" is also a day for worshiping ancestors and gods, and praying for a good harvest. After the sacrifice, a series of cultural and sports entertainment activities such as singing, egg bumping, and opera performances will be carried out. In the Mulao mountain villages, every "March 3rd," every household goes to the Flower Grandmother Temple (花婆庙) to enshrine the Flower Grandmother who bestows flowers and children. Young men and women also dress up in festive costumes and gather on the song slopes to sing antiphonal folk songs, using songs as matchmakers and songs to determine love, which is called "walking the slopes" (走坡).
In 2014, "Zhuang Ethnic Group's March 3rd" was selected into the national intangible cultural heritage representative project list, and the People's Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (广西壮族自治区人民政府) designated it as a statutory holiday, giving this traditional festival a new lease of life. Tian Yu (田宇), deputy director of the Guangxi Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Center (广西非遗保护中心), introduced that since 2017, Guangxi (广西) has been fully committed to creating the "Guangxi March 3rd · Bagui Carnival" (广西三月三·八桂嘉年华) cultural tourism brand, carrying out a month-long series of wonderful activities every year, cleverly integrating the profound heritage of ethnic culture, the vigorous vitality of mass sports, the unique charm of exotic tourism, and the diverse experience of characteristic consumption, attracting people of all ethnic groups to actively participate, and has become an ethnic cultural carnival that is extremely attractive to domestic and foreign tourists. This year's "Guangxi March 3rd" coincides with the spring break in many parts of the country. Guangxi officially announced a 4-day exclusive holiday, with the theme of "March 3rd, Fun in Guangxi" (三月三 趣广西), integrating the taste of technology, the taste of Guangxi, the taste of ASEAN, and the sense of the times, inviting tourists from all over the country to a spring feast of folk customs and technology.
Relying on the strong festive atmosphere of "March 3rd," various parts of Guangxi are also deeply exploring local folk resources and promoting innovative expressions of traditional festivals. On April 17, Luocheng Mulao Autonomous County (罗城仫佬族自治县) in Hechi City (河池市), Guangxi, brought the traditional custom of walking the slopes to the big stage, innovatively creating the "Walking the Slopes Music Festival." As an important part of the "Guangxi March 3rd · Hechi Carnival," this music festival uses a trendy form to spread the romance of the Mulao ethnic group, "using songs as matchmakers and slopes as appointments," wider and farther.
In traditional slope walking, the slope field is mostly selected at the junction of villages to facilitate the meeting of young people from all directions. Today's slope walking has richer content. In addition to mountain song duets, climbing, tug-of-war, grass dragon dance, sending the same year cake, bamboo ball grabbing competition, martial arts performances, etc. are staged in turn. This "Walking the Slopes Music Festival" breaks the traditional boundaries and realizes the new singing of ancient customs. On the stage, there are not only traditional mountain songs, but also mixes of pop, rock and other musical styles. The traditional local sounds are matched with trendy rhythms, giving traditional folk songs a new vitality. Non-heritage characteristic performances are staged in turn, comprehensively displaying the traditional folk customs and cultural heritage of the Mulao ethnic group; traditional folk performances such as grass dragon dance and cat lion dance are lively and vivid, and various interesting competitions are highly interactive, with constant cheers from the audience.
Long Xiaojie (龙晓洁), Director of the Luocheng County Culture, Radio, Television, Sports and Tourism Bureau (罗城县文化广电体育和旅游局), introduced: "This 'Walking the Slopes Music Festival' ignited the holiday cultural tourism boom and strongly boosted the county's cultural tourism consumption market. Driven by the music festival and other activities, the county's cumulative number of tourists during the 'March 3rd' holiday increased by 28.68% year-on-year, and the total tourism expenditure increased by 27.18% year-on-year."
(Yin Lanjuan (银兰娟) participated in the writing)
Return to TopLayout Design: Shen Yiling (沈亦伶)
Return to TopBy: 王 瑨
Lengthening the axis of time, we can always see subtle echoes between stories.
Ten years ago, the documentary "Masters in the Forbidden City" (我在故宫修文物) aired, and we remembered the saying, "Choose one thing, and dedicate your whole life to it." Clock restorer Wang Jin (王津) unexpectedly became popular. When people "saw" him, he had already silently persevered in one thing for almost 40 years. In the film, Wang Jin (王津) wore a magnifying glass, concentrating on repairing a gilded copper musical automaton clock, trying to make the little chicken wings on the top of the clock move with the music. Now, every new member of the Forbidden City (故宫) clock repair team has been influenced by this work in their career choices. In this relay race about time, the attraction of patiently doing one thing well is very strong.
Ten years later, Ye Jun (叶君), the director who filmed this film, left us forever. Two days before his death, he shared his feelings in the family group: "Reading 30 pages of books today will not make you smarter immediately, filming a year's worth of content will not immediately become a hit, and polishing a work for 3 months may not be as fast as gaining followers by蹭流量 (cèng liú liàng - "riding the traffic," capitalizing on trends), but long-termism suffers losses in the early stage and will only be effective in the later stage." "Masters in the Forbidden City" (我在故宫修文物) only has 3 episodes, but the preliminary research took 5 years, and the filming involved 4 months of continuous recording. This is indeed something that Ye Jun (叶君), who believed in "long-termism" and called himself a "笨小孩" (bèn xiǎo hái - "stupid child," a humble way of referring to oneself), would do—he wanted to be a little笨 (bèn - "stupid," simple) in his conduct and go further in his profession.
In an era of great change, our hearts still yearn for things that are more lasting and unchanging. The recorder and the recorded in a work give an answer with their life choices: "Slow" can also keep up with the times, and "hand-crafting" still has value.
People who have put in "笨功夫" (bèn gōng fū - "stupid effort," diligent and persistent effort) know what "slow" means. If AI (artificial intelligence) can complete instructions in a few seconds, then the "slow" of cultural relic craftsmen is to break down an instruction into "sub-actions" that are so细 (xì - "fine," detailed) that they cannot be further refined, and then use repeated practice to refine the actions to be严丝合缝 (yán sī hé féng - "tightly fitting," perfectly matched). "Slow" approaches the ultimate in precision.
Is it difficult? Of course. First-class basic skills are not enough; you also need a first-class mindset. 慢工出细活 (màn gōng chū xì huó - "slow work produces fine products," good work takes time). Day after day of operation, adjustment, and沉淀 (chén diàn - "sedimentation," accumulation), subtle perception and accurate judgment are presented in "hand-crafting."
Restoring wooden doors involves more than 10 processes, and not a single step can be wrong. Restoring ancient calligraphy and paintings,揭命纸 (jiē mìng zhǐ - "unveiling the backing paper," separating the layers of paper) sometimes requires rubbing with fingers, and it takes one or two months to揭 (jiē - "unveil," separate) one painting. Making bamboo carvings involves carving hairlines, carving patterns, and carving folds of clothing. If one knife is carved wrong, the entire work is ruined. Thousands of repetitions, countless times of resisting boredom, slow work磨 (mó - "grinds," refines) out craftsmanship.
崇尚 (chóng shàng - "advocating," valuing) "slow" is because the process of "slow" is concrete enough, real enough, and enough to make us feel grounded. Today, information is pouring in from all directions. Short videos that "teach you to learn in 3 days" can only teach you the simplest skills, while the skills that are truly沉淀 (chén diàn - "sedimented," accumulated) over time cannot be taught to us. "Slow" will cure the anxiety of skill panic. It allows things to grow, little by little, into the flesh and blood of life at their own pace and according to the laws of objective development, until they grow into solid, core competencies that belong to us.
Efficiency is not always a one-size-fits-all solution. The continuous叠加 (dié jiā - "superposition," accumulation) of "slow" can often achieve a leap-forward breakthrough in the long run. Archaeologists use "years" as a unit, "手铲释天书" (shǒu chǎn shì tiān shū - "interpreting the heavenly book with hand shovels," painstakingly excavating and interpreting historical artifacts), in exchange for the rediscovery of cultural sites. Faced with restoration problems, cultural relic craftsmen can rely on the "feel" trained over many years to provide solutions. Generations of people create, generations of people observe, and generations of people格物致知 (gé wù zhì zhī - "investigate things to attain knowledge," to thoroughly investigate things to gain understanding), and cultural character and national aesthetics are shaped in this way. In the broader river of civilization, "slow" allows us to calm down and see the limitations and boundlessness of human beings.
Aesthetician Zhu Guangqian (朱光潜) once said, "To achieve great things, one must walk the path of greatest resistance." The stories of cultural relic craftsmen may be precisely along the "path of greatest resistance." They use willpower to overcome inertia and replace shortcuts with "笨功夫" (bèn gōng fū - "stupid effort," diligent and persistent effort). They say, "In a lifetime, it is worth it to守住 (shǒu zhù - "guard," preserve), do well, and pass on the craft." For us who are in a hurry, this calm and self-possession on the road of life is enlightening and thought-provoking.
Do what you can do in a down-to-earth manner, do it slowly, and don't乱阵脚 (luàn zhèn jiǎo - "lose formation," be thrown into confusion)—the affairs of life are all like this.
By: 肖家鑫
At the archaeological exploration site of the Tonglin Site (桐林遗址) in Zibo City (淄博市), Shandong Province (山东省), he "emerged" from a cherry orchard, with dark skin and a simple smile. He is Sun Liangshen (孙亮申) from the Shandong Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology (山东省文物考古研究院).
On March 24th, the State Administration of Cultural Heritage (国家文物局) and the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (中华全国总工会) jointly announced the first list of "National Great Craftsmen of Cultural Relics" (全国文物大工匠), with only 10 people selected nationwide. Sun Liangshen (孙亮申) was among them. At this moment, he is leading his team to drill into the soil with a Luoyang shovel, carefully observing the characteristics of the soil samples. "This is a basic skill that we archaeologists must have," said Sun Liangshen (孙亮申).
As a "Great Craftsman," Sun Liangshen (孙亮申) has mastered the entire process of technology from investigation, exploration, excavation to restoration, and is a respected national technical expert. Since joining the job in 1988, he has been rooted in the archaeological cause for 38 years, participating in nearly 300 investigation, exploration, and excavation projects, and has traveled almost all over the land of Qilu (齐鲁大地). Although he officially retired in December 2025, he is reluctant to put down the shovel in his hand and reluctant to leave the front line of archaeology.
Surprisingly, this "Great Craftsman" did not come from a "professional background" and did not attend university. In 1988, after graduating from high school, by chance, Sun Liangshen (孙亮申) participated in the archaeological technician training class held by the Shandong Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology (山东省文物考古研究院). "At that time, the archaeological conditions were very difficult. After the training class, many people quit. When they arrived at the archaeological site, many people retreated in the face of difficulties. I think this work is valuable and can learn knowledge." Sun Liangshen (孙亮申) chose to stay.
When he first entered the construction site, facing the gray soil layer, the confusion in his heart was similar to the soil layer. Sun Liangshen's (孙亮申) mentor, Yu Haiguang (于海广), instructed him: "Be bold and analyze carefully." During the day, Sun Liangshen (孙亮申) worked hard in the exploration square to practice scraping the surface, identifying soil, and drawing maps. It was common for blisters to form on his palms. In the evening, he stayed up late to read and organize notes. In 1990, he was transferred to the excavation site of the Chengziya Site (城子崖遗址). He stayed at the important birthplace of Longshan Culture (龙山文化) for 6 years, and he devoted almost all of his time to the site. Countless days and nights of sweating like rain and even being "covered in dust" witnessed the transformation of a young man.
Archaeology is not only about excavation, but also requires patience and perseverance. Sun Liangshen (孙亮申) was responsible for cleaning up a large ash pit from the Longshan period, which unearthed fifty or sixty pieces of pottery that could be repaired. The work of classifying and matching pottery fragments was extremely tedious. It took a whole month to piece together a black pottery urn from the Longshan period that was more than 1 meter high.
In Sun Liangshen's (孙亮申) archaeological career, the biggest challenge he encountered was the excavation of the Ximengzhuang Site (西孟庄遗址) in Tengzhou (滕州) in 2018. The relics were scattered and the information was limited. After a month of work, less than 10 ash pits were cleared, and everyone was inevitably frustrated. "If there are ash pits in the site, it means that there must be human activity." Grasping this key judgment, they re-examined the entire site. In order not to damage the relics, archaeological work could not use large tools, and relied entirely on hand shovels to scrape again and again. When their legs were numb from squatting, they knelt down to work; when their knees ached from kneeling, they moved a little and then continued to work. During that time, thick calluses were worn on their hands and even deformed, and two pairs of pants were worn out from kneeling.
Until 2019, the walls of the two phases of the Longshan Culture period, the orderly foundation trough sites inside the walls, and the outer "ring ditch" were finally rediscovered. A complete prehistoric settlement emerged from the soil, and the site was subsequently selected as one of the "Top 10 Archaeological Discoveries in China in 2019" by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (中国社科院).
He also recalled the winter of 1997. In order to restore the rope patterns of ancient pottery, he and his colleagues repeatedly experimented, and finally created a unique method of using sticky mud as the base, beeswax as the mold, and rope to make rope patterns, successfully restoring realistic patterns. This technique has been widely praised in the industry.
"With the help of more and more scientific technologies, archaeological work is more precise and efficient than before. Archaeologists must also 与时俱进 (yǔ shí jù jìn - "advance with the times," keep up with the times and develop). " In 2003, Sun Liangshen (孙亮申) saw a total station for the first time at the Tonglin Site (桐林遗址) and was attracted by this modern surveying and mapping technology. He watched and learned, and soon he was able to operate independently. Later, the unit was equipped with a more advanced RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) measuring instrument, and he quickly mastered it. Everything is for more accurate archaeological data.
Looking back on the past 38 years, if there is any unique secret from "non-professional" to "Great Craftsman," it is nothing more than 16 characters: 脚踏实地 (jiǎo tà shí dì - "step on solid ground," be down-to-earth), 一丝不苟 (yī sī bù gǒu - "not a thread loose," be meticulous), 善于思考 (shàn yú sī kǎo - "good at thinking," be good at thinking), 责任担当 (zé rèn dān dāng - "responsibility take charge," take responsibility). From being in the prime of life to having gray hair, these 16 characters are the best interpretation of "choose one thing, and finish it in one's life."
Return to TopBy: 李凯旋
Outside, birds chirped, and flowers and willows surrounded the small building of the Sichuan Provincial Museum (四川博物院) Cultural Relics Conservation Center. Du Shaofei (杜少飞), a restorer of calligraphy and paintings, did not spare a moment to admire the scenery. A fragmented rubbing lay on his workbench, and he was rapidly formulating a restoration plan in his mind.
This year marks Du Shaofei's seventeenth year in the field of calligraphy and painting restoration. Chinese calligraphy and painting art is profound and extensive, but even though the strength of the brush can penetrate a thousand years, the silk, paper, and other materials that carry them cannot withstand the erosion of time. "Many of the magnificent masterpieces in the museum have also been 'down on their luck,' suffering from fractures, decay, mold, and other ailments." Du Shaofei is the "doctor" who prescribes and diagnoses these calligraphy and paintings.
Cleaning, dyeing paper, unmounting, patching life paper, stretching, color matching... the restoration process of ancient calligraphy and paintings is complex and lengthy; the logic between each step is strong, and even slight errors can affect the overall situation. When he receives a calligraphy or painting, Du Shaofei is often not in a hurry to start. He identifies the material and pigment composition, sees the characteristics of the texture clearly, completes a thorough "physical examination" first, and then plans all the steps clearly before the restoration work officially begins.
The core of some cultural relics is fragile, and its strength depends entirely on the life paper tightly attached to it, so the handling of the life paper is crucial to the restoration result. Du Shaofei introduced that unmounting emphasizes the unity of mind and hand. After moistening the core of the painting, gently peel it away from the old life paper along one corner, and adjust the force at any time according to the stress level and adhesion of the core of the painting. "A moment of impatience from the restorer can put the cultural relic in danger."
How to preserve the original charm of the cultural relic as much as possible? It is necessary to select or even mix the patching paper that is closest to the material of the cultural relic itself from a large number of materials, to carefully reinforce the creases and fractures, and to stretch it to allow the cultural relic to "experience all kinds of weather" and adapt to the current air humidity. When the "physique" of the cultural relic is re-solidified, Du Shaofei mixes colors and starts to paint, filling in the missing parts of the original work; when the pen stops, the previous restoration traces seem to disappear, and the ancient calligraphy and painting are reborn.
"Being able to make something incomplete become complete again always gives me a sense of accomplishment," said Du Shaofei. In 2005, he entered Jilin College of Arts (吉林艺术学院) to study. At that time, the school had taken the lead in opening a major related to traditional calligraphy and painting restoration in the country. At a calligraphy and painting restoration graduation exhibition, he saw his predecessors restore "shreds of paper" into exquisite paintings, and he couldn't help but be moved: "Calligraphy and painting restorers are like repairing fragments of history."
Entering the calligraphy and painting restoration and mounting major, Du Shaofei felt the difficulty of this path. When he was young, he was full of thoughts of becoming a painter, and his ideas were unconstrained, "I dared to use any color or tool." Calligraphy and painting restoration requires meticulousness and a steady hand. He suffered from his unrestrained personality, and Du Shaofei almost "**干一步错一步**" (gàn yī bù cuò yī bù - "do one step, make one mistake," making mistakes at every step). "At that time, I was just practicing with handicrafts, but when you really hold a cultural relic in your hand, you can't make a single mistake." He filled his notebook with reflections and summaries, learning the caution and reverence of his teachers. Near graduation, when he and his classmates went out to sketch, he no longer wanted to use bright colors, and his brushstrokes became similar to traditional Chinese painting. "Only then did I realize that my temperament had been tempered."
Even after growing into an excellent calligraphy and painting restorer, he still has not relaxed his demands on himself. "The 'condition' of each cultural relic is unique, and starting is a new challenge; the improvement of each restoration process requires a lot of practice, and no one dares to pat their chest and say that they can get full marks." Du Shaofei frankly said, "The more you do calligraphy and painting restoration, the more you know how difficult it is."
A painting captures a scene from a hundred years ago; each stroke reflects the author's momentary thoughts. Having restored countless calligraphy and paintings, Du Shaofei always has a sense of "dialogue." He once received an ancient painting that was moldy, worm-eaten, and rolled into a wooden stick. He spent half a month softening and peeling it off with steam, and finally the picture and signature were completely restored, "like waking up a sleeping painting." Many calligraphy and paintings also retain traces of the work of previous generations of mounters. Although time is staggered, Du Shaofei seems to be learning from them.
The river of time flows, and the art of calligraphy and painting restoration has been passed down for a long time. The core of today's restoration steps and materials has not changed significantly from the records in Tang Dynasty (唐代) literature, which shows the wisdom of the ancients. There are also many new things: through equipment such as acidity meters, color difference meters, and ultra-depth-of-field video microscopes, Du Shaofei can conduct multi-faceted observation and analysis of the material, microscopic morphology, and damage of cultural relics, without having to rely entirely on tactile judgment. The studio is equipped with a constant temperature and humidity system, which greatly reduces the impact of the humid weather in the south on the restoration. "We don't have to 'rely on the weather' anymore," Du Shaofei said with a smile.
Now, Du Shaofei puts a lot of energy into scientific research and innovation. Exploring the development of alternative materials, improving the formula of adhesives... there is no end to overcoming difficulties, and Du Shaofei enjoys it, "Working hard to contribute to the cause of Chinese traditional art protection."
Return to TopBy: 苏 滨
Approaching noon, sunlight streamed through the carved window lattices, casting dappled patterns on the corner of the wooden desk. Wu Shengcheng (吴胜成) hunched over the desk, examining a *queti* (雀替 - a type of bracket) removed from an ancient building. On the camphor wood component, the arabesque patterns had their edges blurred by time, and the broken gap resembled a deep wound.
"The grain hides the knife marks of the past. To restore it to its original state, the eye must be accurate, the hand must be steady, and the heart must be calm." Wu Shengcheng (吴胜成) took a transparent plastic sheet, covered the broken part, and traced the pattern exactly along the grain. Then, he fixed it to a camphor wood board and chiseled it little by little. Wu Shengcheng's (吴胜成) palms were broad, and his fingertips were covered with calluses. The chisel was held as if nailed to the wooden desk. The chisel blade slowly cut in, and the wood shavings were as fine as dust, accumulating into small piles. He stopped from time to time, squinting to observe the direction of the wood grain. "You can't rush. If you deviate even slightly, you have to start over. 失之毫厘差之千里 (shī zhī háo lí, chā zhī qiān lǐ - "lose a hair's breadth, miss by a thousand miles," a tiny error can lead to huge mistakes)." As he spoke, he changed to a round chisel with a finer blade and a smaller arc, meticulously outlining the pattern. Finally, he picked up a carving knife, sometimes lightly lifting, sometimes deeply cutting. The originally flat wood gradually revealed the arabesque pattern, the curves almost identical to the old pattern.
"The restoration of wooden cultural relics emphasizes the original materials, original shape, original craftsmanship, and original structure. Although no one can achieve a one-to-one accurate restoration, craftsmanship fears 'almost.' I set a goal for myself—to get closer each time." Wu Shengcheng (吴胜成) sanded the carved marks, and then, through the designed mortise and tenon joints, with a few "papas" sounds, successfully replaced the broken part. Looking closely, it was almost impossible to see the traces of repair. After two and a half days, the new, complete *queti* (雀替) was placed on the desk. The arabesque patterns were smooth and flowing, and the mortise and tenon joints were tightly fitted. The old object seemed to radiate new brilliance, telling the vicissitudes of time. Wu Shengcheng (吴胜成) has persisted in this work for 29 years.
Recently, the decision to commend the 2026 National May Day Labor Awards was released, and Wu Shengcheng (吴胜成) won the 2026 National May Day Labor Medal. He is from Zhenyuan County (镇远县), Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture (黔东南苗族侗族自治州), Guizhou Province (贵州省). His ancestors and fathers were all carpenters, and his family lived in wooden houses. Influenced by his family from a young age, he learned carpentry from his father at the age of 17, and at the age of 18, he participated in the construction of the Guizhou Garden (贵州园) at the Kunming World Horticultural Exposition (昆明世界园艺博览会). From an ordinary carpenter to a cultural relic restorer at Guizhou Poly Cultural Relics and Ancient Building Co., Ltd. (贵州保利文物古建有限公司), his enthusiasm for inheriting the craft has not diminished.
"I have relied on this craft to make a living all my life, but the carpentry market is getting smaller and smaller. Whether it's for life or inheritance, I have to find other ways out." From the Jiaxiu Tower (甲秀楼), Wenchang Pavilion (文昌阁), Yangming Temple (阳明祠), and Qingyan Ancient Town (青岩古镇) in the province, to important ancient buildings in Chongqing (重庆), Guangxi (广西), Anhui (安徽), and other places, Wu Shengcheng (吴胜成) has been involved in the restoration of wooden cultural relics since he entered the industry, and officially became a cultural relic restorer in 2007.
On Wu Shengcheng's (吴胜成) desk, three boxes are neatly arranged, containing a total of hundreds of tools for roughing, finishing, and comprehensive use, all of which he has equipped little by little according to the needs of his craft. When talking about restoration techniques, he is a bit troubled. "I learn and ponder while doing. Over time, I can basically understand the internal structure at a glance of the real object and know how to repair it, but it's hard to explain how I do it in one sentence." Taking a wooden door as an example, Wu Shengcheng (吴胜成) further explained, "First, choose the right material, accurately draw the dimensions, and then drill holes, carve, assemble, and so on. There are more than 10 processes, each linked to the other, and each is important. If one link goes wrong, it's a failure. Ordinary buildings can be torn down and rebuilt, but there is no room for error in restoring cultural relics."
Wu Shengcheng (吴胜成) has participated in the renovation projects of many national and provincial key cultural relics protection units. In July 2025, Wu Shengcheng (吴胜成) represented Guizhou (贵州) in the Second National Cultural Relics Industry Vocational Skills Competition. This is the highest-level, most extensive, and most influential vocational skills competition in the domestic cultural relics industry. Wu Shengcheng (吴胜成) chose the wooden cultural relic restorer project and competed with more than 40 experts from all over the country through a "theory + practical operation" dual-track assessment.
"The practical operation question was to make a *dougong* (斗拱 - a unique structural element of interlocking wooden brackets) based on a reference product and drawings, with a time limit of 16 hours. There were no extra materials, testing quality, efficiency, and mentality." With his rich experience, Wu Shengcheng (吴胜成) quickly disassembled the task, clarified the operating steps, and after 14 hours and 20 minutes of hard work, finally completed it ahead of schedule. Smooth surface, distinct edges and corners, natural patterns... After comprehensive evaluation by the on-site judges, Wu Shengcheng (吴胜成) won the first prize for wooden cultural relic restorer.
"Only by becoming more familiar and understanding can the protection of wooden structures be more scientific. I have confidence in whatever cultural relic restoration task I receive." Now, Wu Shengcheng (吴胜成) is not only deeply involved in the restoration of wooden cultural relics but also planning to establish a studio, hoping to pass on this skill to more young people. "Now I only have one apprentice. I hope to jointly train talents with colleges and universities, inherit the skills, and protect the cultural relics."
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I picked up the carving knife at the age of 16 and have been working with wood and bamboo ever since. I've been holding this knife for almost 40 years. Looking back on these decades, it feels like just a blink of an eye.
I was born in Hongkeng Village (洪坑村), Huizhou District (徽州区), Huangshan City (黄山市), Anhui Province (安徽省). When I was a child, there was a stone archway right outside my house, and I could see the horse-head walls when I looked up. I was most fascinated by the exquisite stone and wood carvings on them. At that time, I thought that when I grew up, I would learn this craft. After graduating from middle school in 1987, I first learned carpentry with my uncle for two and a half years, and then I went around to learn wood carving and brick carving from various masters. Finally, I plunged into bamboo carving and never left it again. At that time, learning carving was not favored. Some people said, "Learning this is useless, it can't support a family," but I was convinced that the mountains of Huizhou (徽州) were full of bamboo, which could be carved into good things and could be used to make a living by hand.
Over the years, my life has revolved around bamboo and carving knives every day. I go to the studio as soon as it dawns, and first sharpen the tools one by one—carving knives, flat knives, beveled knives, round knives, dozens of them in all sizes. If the knife is not sharp, the work cannot be done carefully. Then I select the bamboo material. Bamboo carving requires good material. It must be moso bamboo that is four or five years old in the twelfth lunar month, growing on a shady hillside, with a smooth, spotless surface and uniform node length. The selected bamboo must be steamed, boiled, dried, and dried in the shade for more than half a year before it can be used, otherwise it is easy to crack and be infested by insects.
In the morning, I draw drafts and outline lines, carefully tracing the patterns I have in mind on the bamboo surface; in the afternoon, I rough out and finely carve, slowly carving one knife at a time; in the evening, I repair and polish, smoothing out the knife marks and making the bamboo surface warm and jade-like. For a single piece, a small pen container takes two or three months to carve, and large screens and ornaments take half a year or even longer. There are no holidays, no days off, for decades.
In bamboo carving, the most difficult and grueling steps are polishing and fine carving. Polishing requires rubbing with sandpaper over and over again, from coarse to fine grit, to polish the bamboo's warm luster. Sometimes one surface takes several days to polish. Fine carving tests patience even more. Within an inch, you have to carve hairlines, patterns, and folds of clothing. The knife must be steady, the hand must be still, and you don't even dare to breathe heavily. If one knife is carved wrong, the entire piece is ruined. In the summer, the studio is hot and stuffy, and sweat flows into your eyes, and you don't even have time to wipe it away. In the winter, it is cold, and your hands are so stiff that you can't hold the carving knife, but you have to persevere. Many people ask, how can you persevere for decades in such a difficult and boring job? I always say with a smile that it depends on the love in my heart and the duty of a craftsman. When I was young, it was difficult to find a master and hard to learn the craft. I didn't even have the money to buy tools, and I was once confused and wavered. But every time I carve a satisfactory pattern and see ordinary bamboo turn into a spiritual work in my hands, that sense of accomplishment makes me forget all the hardships. The ancient Huizhou (徽州) saying goes, "Sell fields and sell land, but don't sell craftsmanship." Craftsmanship is the foundation of life. It is down-to-earth and reassuring to rely on the labor of your own hands, and it is not shameful. I will do bamboo carving all my life. With the knife in my hand, my heart is at peace. This is the reason why I persevere.
Along the way, there have been hardships and gains. I have created new techniques such as high-relief multi-layer carving, multi-level openwork carving, and high-relief splicing and inlay, restored the carving techniques of 7-layer high-relief carving in the mid-Qing Dynasty, and broken through the technical difficulties of 12-layer high-relief carving. In 2006, my work "The Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove" (《竹林七贤》) was permanently collected by the Palace Museum; in 2018, the bamboo carving pen container "Sages Boating" (《圣人泛舟》) was collected by the National Museum of China; in 2025, the China Art Museum held the "The Way of the Master Craftsman - Hong Jianhua (洪建华) Huizhou (徽州) Bamboo and Wood Carving Art Exhibition"; I have also become a representative inheritor of Huizhou (徽州) bamboo carving, a national intangible cultural heritage, and was selected into the list of national rural craftsman masters for publicity and selection in 2025. Some people say that I am great, but only I know that every work is polished out, and every honor is a testament to my dedication to Huizhou (徽州) carving, and it is the best reward that labor has given me.
What I am most concerned about now is the inheritance of craftsmanship. I have taken in more than 60 apprentices, some from rural areas and some from universities, but not many can calm down and persevere. Young people nowadays cannot stand loneliness and think that this industry is hard and slow to make money, so it is better to go out and work for a living. But the craft of bamboo carving takes at least 3 years to get started and 10 years to master, so you can't rush it. Many people leave after studying for a month or two because they find it boring and hard, which is really heartbreaking to see.
How can we attract young people? I am thinking that we must stick to tradition and keep up with the times. In recent years, I have built the Huizhou (徽州) Carving Museum and the Inheritance Base, and cooperated with universities to open intangible cultural heritage courses to allow young people to get in close contact with bamboo carving and understand bamboo carving; I have developed bamboo carving cultural and creative products, making pen containers, tea scoops, and small ornaments to bring bamboo carving into ordinary people's homes. I also learned to make short videos, filming the carving process and bamboo carving stories and posting them online. Now some apprentices have come to learn from me after watching the videos. I want young people to know that old crafts are not old antiques, they have warmth, culture, and value, and you can create a world with your own hands.
In my life, I have not done anything earth-shattering, just dealing with bamboo and carving knives. But I think that labor is the most glorious, and it is most down-to-earth to live by your own hands. A pair of hands can create value, inherit culture, and support yourself and your family. This is the meaning of labor. Huizhou (徽州) bamboo carving is a treasure passed down from our ancestors. In my life, it is worth it if I can preserve, do well, and pass on this craft.
(The author is a representative inheritor of Huizhou (徽州) bamboo carving, a national intangible cultural heritage, interviewed and compiled by Li Junjie (李俊杰), a reporter from this newspaper)
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