China Highlights
The “Sound of Spring: Singing Tour of Inner Mongolia” cultural performance was held in Nepal.
On the evening of April 21 local time, the special cultural performance “Sounds of Spring · Singing and Traveling in Inner Mongolia” was held in Kathmandu, Nepal. It was hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Nepal and the Department of Culture and Tourism of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and organized by the China Cultural Center in Nepal. The Inner Mongolia Art Theatre presented 13 programs with grassland charm, including songs, dances, throat singing, and the morin khuur. Several Chinese and Nepali guests attended and delivered remarks. The event promoted people-to-people exchanges and friendship between China and Nepal, showcasing the appeal of China’s rich and diverse culture.
In the age of AI, the importance of reading is still increasing
As World Book Day approaches, the 5th National Reading Conference opened on April 20 in Nanchang, Jiangxi, and launched the first nationwide “National Reading Activity Week.” With the “Regulations on Promoting Nationwide Reading” taking effect on February 1, officially designating the fourth week of April each year as the activity week, it will further advance nationwide reading, making the reading atmosphere in the AI era richer and learning more convenient.
The group draw for the 2026 Women’s Basketball World Cup has been announced: China’s women’s team is in the same group as the United States.
The group draw for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup was unveiled in Berlin. China’s women’s team, placed in Pot 2, was drawn into Group D, where it will face the defending champion United States, Italy, and the Czech Republic. Being grouped with strong teams is both a challenge and an opportunity, helping China test its strength through high-level competition, build experience in major tournaments, and lay the groundwork for aiming for a strong result.
A patch of skin suddenly turned white—what’s going on? Is it vitiligo?
The article points out that there is no need to be overly anxious when white patches suddenly appear on the skin, because there are many possible causes of skin whitening, and vitiligo accounts for only a small number of cases. Most white patches are not a serious problem, and some do not even require treatment, which helps people view the issue more rationally and make timely, science-based judgments.
Ministry of Emergency Management: In the first quarter, the total number of workplace safety accidents nationwide dropped significantly
At the quarterly routine press conference on April 22, the Ministry of Emergency Management reported that the total number of production safety accidents nationwide declined markedly in the first quarter of this year. The safety situation has continued to improve, reflecting the effectiveness of safety production governance and risk prevention and control efforts across various regions, and providing stronger safeguards for the safety of people’s lives and property as well as for stable economic and social development.
In the first quarter of 2026, China's express delivery volume increased by 5.8% year-on-year.
Data from the State Post Bureau show that in the first quarter of 2026, China’s postal industry handled 51.90 billion mail and delivery items, up 4.5% year on year, of which express delivery accounted for 47.73 billion items, up 5.8% year on year. The steady growth in volume reflects consumer vitality and improved logistics efficiency, injecting more momentum into economic operations and public services.
Promote Youth Hostels and Encourage Youth Shops: 15 Departments Introduce 18 Measures to Deepen the Development of Youth-Friendly Cities
The Central Committee of the Communist Youth League of China, the Cyberspace Administration of China, the National Development and Reform Commission, and 12 other departments jointly issued the “Opinions,” proposing 18 measures to deepen the development of youth-oriented cities. The measures will stimulate young people’s creativity and urban innovation momentum, enhance young people’s quality of life and livable urban spaces, and promote green development, positive social norms, and higher-level urban governance. This will help young people grow and succeed better, and make cities more vibrant and warm.
During the May Day holiday, Shaanxi will roll out more than 2,200 cultural and tourism events
The Shaanxi Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism said that during this year’s May Day holiday, Shaanxi will roll out 765 themed cultural and tourism initiatives and more than 2,200 events, along with 110 measures to benefit and serve the public, to create a holiday cultural and tourism experience featuring “province-wide coordination, coverage for all age groups, and all-day experiences.” The diverse activities and preferential policies will give visitors more travel options and better experiences, helping boost holiday consumption and the popularity of culture and tourism.
Farewell to “whirlwind sightseeing”: Linze turns itself from a “check-in spot” into a “destination”
Relying on the Rainbow Danxia landscape, Linze County in Zhangye, Gansu, is using “technology + culture” to upgrade cultural and tourism business formats, successfully solving the problem of “passing-through tourism and difficulty retaining visitors,” and encouraging tourists to shift from hurried “check-ins” to staying for immersive experiences and overnight visits. The once internet-famous attraction is becoming a more appealing travel destination, driving higher-quality local tourism development.
Taiwanese Author’s New Work “Taste of Days Past” Chronicles Everyday Flavors, Preserving Memories Across the Taiwan Strait
Taiwanese writer Zheng Ruqing’s new book *Flavors of Bygone Days* held its new book launch and reader sharing event in Beijing on April 22. Using everyday home-cooked flavors as its thread, the book carries shared memories across the Taiwan Strait, fostering emotional resonance and cultural exchange—good news for readers on both sides to share warm experiences of everyday life.
Guangxi will host China’s main event for “International Tea Day,” leveraging AI empowerment to boost Guangxi tea’s overseas expansion
Guangxi will host China’s main event for “International Tea Day” in Nanning from May 21 to 22, 2026, under the theme “Tea Aroma Along the Silk Road, Shared Wisdom and Shared Benefits,” highlighting the use of artificial intelligence to empower the tea industry. The event will build a platform for exchange and cooperation between China, ASEAN, and the global tea community, helping Guangxi tea accelerate its expansion overseas, enhance brand influence, and promote high-quality industrial development.
The 6th Asian Beach Games opened in Sanya.
The 6th Asian Beach Games opened on April 22 in Sanya, Hainan, with Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin attending and announcing the opening. Launched in this beautiful coastal city, the event will promote sports exchanges and friendship in Asia, boost local cultural and tourism development, and convey an active, upbeat sporting spirit.
Guangdong’s “Four Major Series” Publishing Project Released to Preserve the Roots of Lingnan Culture
Guangdong Province’s 2026 “National Reading Week” was launched in Guangzhou, and the publication programs for the “Lingnan Comprehensive Series of Fine Arts,” the “Comprehensive Series of Guangdong Historical Materials from the Republic of China Period,” the “Comprehensive Series of Guangdong Qiaopi Documents,” and the “Comprehensive Series of Historical Documents on Guangdong’s Foreign Trade” were officially announced. This major cultural project aims to preserve Guangdong’s historical records and retain the roots of Lingnan culture by systematically organizing precious documents and artistic achievements, thereby promoting nationwide reading and the development of cultural inheritance.
Can optical metamaterials be printed? Chinese scientists take the lead in achieving something “as simple as printing a newspaper.”
Led by Chinese scientists, the team has achieved printable fabrication of optical metamaterials “as simple as printing a newspaper,” bringing breakthroughs to key fields such as next-generation optoelectronics, communications, and imaging. This progress is expected to enable low-cost, large-scale mass production of optical metamaterials and accelerate their real-world adoption in high-end manufacturing as well as in information, biomedical, energy, and other fields.
Global Good News
6,500 Volunteers Build 10,000 Beds in 24 Hours for Kids Who Don’t Have One of Their Own (WATCH)
6,500 volunteers, including Lowe’s employees, came together at the Charlotte Convention Center in North Carolina and built more than 10,000 beds in just 24 hours. Supporting the charity Sleep in Heavenly Peace, their around-the-clock effort will help ensure thousands of children have a bed of their own—bringing comfort, stability, and a better night’s sleep to families in need.
Watch London DJ Lead a Fabulous ‘Day Rave’ at Senior Center to Combat Loneliness
A lively video shows London DJ AG bringing a fun “day rave” to a senior center, leading a karaoke-style singalong to help combat loneliness. Known for performing alongside stars like Ed Sheeran and Idris Elba, he took part in a UK program aimed at reducing isolation. It’s uplifting news because it highlights creative, joyful ways to build connection and boost wellbeing for older adults.
2 Litters of Kittens Discovered Living Atop a Shelf at Lowe’s – Soon Ready to Be Adopted
Employees at a Lowe’s in Downingtown, Pennsylvania discovered seven kittens from two litters hiding atop a high shelf while retrieving a pallet. They quickly contacted Lucky Dawg Rescue, ensuring the frightened kittens were safely cared for. Thanks to the swift response, the kittens are now doing well and will soon be ready for adoption into loving homes.
Update–Dad’s ‘Terrible’ Paintings Hilariously Earn Thousands in Commissions With 430 Requests Last Year
A 42-year-old dad’s intentionally “terrible” paintings have turned into a joyful global side hustle, bringing in thousands of dollars after he received over 430 commissions worldwide last year. It all started as a playful gag gift for his wife in 2024, and her social media post helped the hilarious art take off—showing how creativity and humor can spark unexpected success.
Book Fairies Giving Away 25,000 Books to New York’s Children Thanks to Big Donation
Book Fairies is distributing more than 25,000 donated books to underserved children and families across New York City and Long Island. Since 2012, the nonprofit has already given 6 million books to Title I schools, educators, and community partners. This major gift will help more young readers access stories and learning resources, strengthening literacy and opportunity across the region.
‘King of the birds’ set to return to England’s skies
Golden eagles, often called the “king of the birds,” could soon return to England through a planned reintroduction, and they may even recolonize naturally before then. Their comeback would be a major boost for biodiversity and a powerful sign of improving habitats, bringing an iconic predator back to England’s skies.
Meet Mr. Trash Wheel and His Trash-Catching Friends
The article highlights innovative “trash-catching” devices like Mr. Trash Wheel and the hands-on work of people such as Mallory Willem, who efficiently sort litter captured from storm drains in places like Cedar Key, Florida. By intercepting items like cigarette butts, plastic bits, and Styrofoam before they reach the ocean, these efforts help keep waterways cleaner and protect wildlife. It’s encouraging news about practical, community-powered solutions to pollution.
What went right this week: a ‘global milestone’ for ocean conservation, plus more
This week brought uplifting progress, including a “global milestone” for ocean conservation that benefits both people and the planet. Terrorism rates have dropped significantly, improving safety and stability worldwide. There’s also exciting momentum in clean energy with the dawn of round-the-clock solar power, signaling a brighter, more sustainable future.
The Verdant Refuge of India’s Sacred Groves
India’s sacred groves offer lush, cooler refuges amid dry grasslands, where denser vegetation, greener grass, and precious water sources support wildlife and livestock alike. These protected forest pockets highlight how community traditions can conserve biodiversity and create thriving natural oases, bringing hope for healthier landscapes.
World’s Oldest Gorilla, Known for Her Dignified Manner, Celebrates 69
Fatou, the world’s oldest gorilla, turned 69 on April 13 and celebrated with a special vegetable feast at the Berlin Zoo. While her early journey from Africa remains unclear, her remarkable longevity and well-cared-for life are a heartwarming milestone that highlights dedicated animal care and conservation efforts.
She Found Her Soulmate 4 Months After Deciding to Start a Family On her Own With IVF
A 39-year-old nurse, after giving up on dating, chose to pursue IVF to start a family on her own—then met her soulmate just four months later. Their relationship blossomed, and he became a devoted father, turning her long-held dream of a loving family into a joyful reality.