2026-09-09 • Wednesday • Featured: China
Past Editions

China Highlights

Yangzhou’s urban landmark is “planted” in rice paddies, creating a beautiful rural landscape.

Hedong Village in Gongdao Town, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, has incorporated urban landmarks such as the “Five-Pavilion Bridge” and “Wenchang Pavilion” into colorful rice paddies, creating distinctive rice-field artwork. The local authorities are actively tapping into agricultural resources to promote the integration of urban culture with pastoral scenery, adding beauty and vitality to the countryside and supporting the development of rural tourism.

The fifth “Tiangong Classroom” session from China’s space station begins today.

The “Tiangong Classroom · Hong Kong and Macao Special Session” was held this morning, with Shenzhou-23 crew members Zhu Yangzhu, Zhang Zhiyuan, and Li Jiaying explaining scientific knowledge and demonstrating experiments for students from Hong Kong and Macao aboard China’s space station. This was the fifth “Tiangong Classroom” conducted from China’s space station, helping to inspire young people’s enthusiasm for exploring science and pursuing space exploration.

Chacha Yangbi Walnut Harvest Festival Kicks Off, Industry and Farmers Join Forces to Boost Employment and Income

On September 7, Qiaqia’s first Yangbi Walnut Harvest Festival opened at the foot of the western Cangshan Mountains. At the nut-harvesting ceremony, the first basket of high-quality walnuts was unveiled, showcasing the area’s bountiful harvest. The event promoted cooperation between the company and local farmers, helping create jobs, increase incomes, and support the development of rural industries.

A new breakthrough has been achieved in the efficient and green separation of rubidium and cesium resources associated with China’s distinctive lithium ores.

China’s first continuous tower extraction and separation demonstration line with an annual capacity of 500 tons has been operating stably, successfully achieving the efficient and environmentally friendly separation of low-grade rubidium and cesium resources associated with specialty lithium ores. The purities of cesium carbonate and rubidium carbonate both exceed 99.9%, and the products have been commercialized. This technological breakthrough will promote the recycling and industrial development of China’s rubidium and cesium resources and enhance the country’s capacity to secure critical resources.

Education Watch: How Is Hangzhou Paving the Way for Post-2000s Teachers to Grow?

Hangzhou is creating diverse growth opportunities for “post-2000” teachers. Young male preschool teachers, special education homeroom teachers, and smart classroom teachers are demonstrating professionalism and compassion in their respective roles. Through attentive support, innovative teaching, and digital tools, they help children grow, showcasing the vitality and sense of responsibility of the new generation of teachers.

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs: The Ninth Chinese Farmers’ Harvest Festival Will Feature 47 Key Events

The 2026 Chinese Farmers’ Harvest Festival will feature 47 major events. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs has held a press conference on the overall plans and preparations. This year’s activities will be organized at two levels, further fostering a positive atmosphere for celebrating the harvest and supporting the development of agriculture and rural areas.

AI “Sees Patients” at the Pharma Expo: A New Expression of Traditional Chinese Medicine Wellness for Gen Z

At the Bozhou Medicine Expo in Anhui, an AI four-diagnosis device rapidly generates a constitution report through “observation, listening and smelling, inquiry, and palpation,” then customizes medicinal meals and teas based on the user’s answers. Technology is making traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis and treatment, as well as wellness services, more precise, convenient, and appealing to younger people, offering Generation Z a new way to experience traditional Chinese medicine.

Global Good News

S. Carolina Aquarium Celebrates ‘Baby Boom’ of Critically-Endangered Penguin Chicks

Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach is celebrating a record nesting season after five critically endangered African penguin chicks hatched, joining two born in May. The “baby boom” is encouraging news for conservation efforts and highlights the aquarium’s successful work supporting this vulnerable species.

22-yo with Down Syndrome Becomes Certified Fitness Instructor, Leads Class of 60 at Local Gym

At 22, Utah resident Aubry Allbridge, who has Down syndrome, became a certified UpBeat Barre fitness instructor after demonstrating exceptional memory and dedication. She recently led a class of 60 at a local VASA Fitness gym, inspiring participants and highlighting the power of inclusion, determination, and opportunity.

Chance Encounter Between 2 Indiana Graduates Rescues Former College Ball Star from Homelessness

A chance encounter between two Indiana graduates helped former college basketball star Sampson James move beyond homelessness. His red backpack, once holding his few possessions, became a symbol of hope and the fraternity and compassion that helped change his life.

Teen Discovers Coconut Fungi Can Filter Plastic and Sunscreen From Sea—And Wins Science Fair

Kaiser High School senior Vera Wang discovered that fungi found in coconut husks may help remove plastics and sunscreen pollutants from ocean water. Her promising research, conducted in a university lab, earned her multiple awards at the Hawaiʻi State Science & Engineering Fair, highlighting an inspiring student-led approach to environmental cleanup.

Armless Racing Driver Hits 110 mph Steering with His Feet–Aims to Make History at Le Mans

Callum Smith, the world’s only armless racing driver, has reached speeds above 110 mph while steering with his feet. The 23-year-old has signed his first contract with Team BRIT, an all-disabled competitive racing team, and hopes to make history at Le Mans.

‘My life-changing career break happened because I was wearing a second hand coat’

Actor Richard E. Grant says a second-hand coat bought in a charity shop helped lead to his life-changing career break. Now fronting a campaign, he is encouraging others to discover the opportunities and positive impact of choosing pre-loved clothing.

The Spark: Your Laundromat Could Be a Library

“The Spark” celebrates how everyday spaces, such as laundromats, can be transformed into community libraries and sources of connection. The feature highlights the meaningful, hopeful ways ordinary people are creating positive change one small step at a time.

The Goat-Cow Is Spain’s Wildfire-Fighting Secret Weapon

In Galicia, Spain, goats and cows are being used as a natural wildfire-fighting team by grazing on fast-growing vegetation that can become dangerous fuel during dry summers. This sustainable approach helps clear land, reduce fire risk, and support local farming communities.