China Highlights
Jia Zhangke-directed short film “The Shadow of Turin” shortlisted for the Cannes International Film Festival
The 79th Cannes International Film Festival has announced that “Shadow of Turin,” a short film directed by Jia Zhangke and starring Zhao Tao, has been selected for the “Special Screenings” section and will have its world premiere in the “Cannes Classics” program. This news highlights the growing international influence of Chinese filmmakers and brings confidence and opportunities for more outstanding Chinese-language works to reach the world.
Academician Guo Huadong of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Wins the International Astronautical Federation “Hall of Fame” Award
Academician Guo Huadong of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has been awarded the 2026 International Astronautical Federation (IAF) “Hall of Fame” Award, highlighting the international influence of China’s space and aerospace science and technology. The world’s first Sustainable Development Science Satellite 1 (SDGSAT-1), which he led in developing, has been widely promoted and applied among UN member states, providing strong scientific and technological support for global sustainable development—an exciting piece of good news.
The “May Day” holiday saw booming two-way tourism between Fujian and Taiwan
Data from the Fujian Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism show that during the May Day holiday, the number of inbound visitors to Fujian increased by 20.1% year on year, and inbound tourism spending rose by 35% year on year. Cross-strait tourism exchanges between Fujian and Taiwan have been brisk in both directions and continue to recover, with people-to-people cultural and tourism exchanges across the Strait becoming more active, driving market prosperity and consumption growth.
China’s original technology guidance coronary bypass research findings were published in *The Lancet*
The core findings of the FAVORIV-QVAS randomized controlled trial involving the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University were recently published in the world’s leading medical journal The Lancet, with Associate Professor Zhao Yuanren as a co–first author. The study provides high-level evidence-based support for revascularization strategies such as coronary artery bypass grafting and is expected to help optimize cardiac surgical treatment plans worldwide, benefiting more patients.
During the “May Day” holiday, Xinjiang’s integration of culture, sports, and tourism blossomed on multiple fronts
During the “May Day” holiday, Xinjiang leveraged its unique natural scenery and Silk Road culture to comprehensively advance the deep integration of culture, sports, and tourism, rolling out a diverse range of offerings such as immersive experiences, intangible cultural heritage performances,特色 sporting events, and nearby leisure trips. Scenic spots saw soaring popularity and surging consumer vitality, with the holiday tourism market featuring numerous highlights and demonstrating new momentum in the development of cultural tourism.
"Chinese People's Holidays Are Full of Vitality" — Observations on "China Travel" During the May Day Holiday
On the first day of this year’s May Day holiday, Guangzhou Baiyun Airport’s T3 terminal was bustling and vibrant, with travel activity in full swing. Carlos, a Brazilian buyer attending Phase III of the 139th Canton Fair, cleared immigration in just three minutes after arriving, demonstrating the convenient and smooth services at China’s ports of entry and supporting international exchange and trade.
XLG and EDG have secured qualification for the VCT Masters London tournament.
The VCT CN League Stage 1 playoffs are in full swing in Beijing, with XLG and EDG already securing qualification for the VCT Masters London. Both teams are advancing to the international stage, showcasing the strong strength of the Chinese region and bringing fans even more anticipation and glory.
Once You’ve Made Up Your Mind, Go Do It — An Exclusive Interview with Snooker World Championship Champion Wu Yize
Wu Yize won the Snooker World Championship at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, UK, fulfilling his dream and reaching the pinnacle of the “snooker holy land.” After the match, he could hardly contain his excitement and lay awake for a long time, gazing at the place where he had claimed the title. This victory has injected new momentum into Chinese snooker and inspired more young people to stay committed to their goals and bravely pursue their dreams.
Guangdong has built the mainland’s largest European-standard charging service network.
The Foshan Wenhua Park Integrated Energy Demonstration Station has officially been put into operation, driving the number of European-standard charging stations operated by Guangdong Electric within the province to exceed 200, covering all counties and districts across the province. As a result, Guangdong has built the largest European-standard charging service network in mainland China, making electric vehicle charging and cross-standard travel more convenient and supporting the development of green, low-carbon transportation.
The French National Assembly reviewed and passed a draft bill to streamline the procedure for returning illegally obtained cultural artifacts.
The French National Assembly passed a draft law with 141 votes in favor and 0 against, aiming to simplify the process of returning to other countries cultural relics obtained illegally. The draft still awaits review by the Senate, but the move is expected to speed up the repatriation of artifacts to their countries of origin and promote cultural justice and international cooperation.
China will conduct the “Dixing-3” bed-rest experiment to support long-duration crewed spaceflight
The China Astronaut Research and Training Center has released a recruitment announcement for volunteers for the “Dixing-3” bed-rest experiment, which is planned to be conducted in Beijing in 2026 to provide technical support for long-duration crewed spaceflight. This will further enhance China’s research capabilities in crewed spaceflight and support safer, longer-lasting space exploration in the future.
During the “May Day” holiday, the number of passengers carried by China Railway Guangzhou Group reached a record high
China Railway Guangzhou Group reported that from May 1 to 6 it transported a total of 15.252 million passenger trips, up 3.5% year on year, setting a new historical high; on May 1 alone, 3.758 million passenger trips were transported in a single day, also breaking the record. Holiday transport was overall steady and orderly, demonstrating the positive results of strong travel demand and improved railway service保障 capacity.
The Guangzhou Trading Delegation at the 139th Canton Fair secured ASEAN intended orders, up 23.3% year on year.
During the 139th Canton Fair, the Guangzhou trading delegation achieved abundant order gains, with intended deals in the ASEAN market standing out in particular; the related transaction amount increased by 23.3% year on year. This indicates that Guangzhou’s foreign trade vitality continues to strengthen and its economic and trade cooperation with ASEAN is steadily deepening, bringing more opportunities for enterprises to expand their markets.
The Great Powers’ Great Benefit to the World — A Record of China’s Head-of-State Diplomacy in the Spring of 2026
In the spring of 2026, China’s head-of-state diplomacy continued to advance. China’s leader warmly welcomed President Chapo of Mozambique on a state visit to China and conveyed greetings to his delegation and ministers. The Chinese side highly commended the new achievements Mozambique has made in its economic and social development since President Chapo took office, highlighting the positive prospects of the two countries’ ever-deepening friendly cooperation and their joint promotion of development and prosperity.
Global Good News
Rescued From Kitchen Cabinet, a Hairless Puppy Nicknamed ‘Dobby’ is Now Healthy, Happy and Free
A hairless puppy nicknamed Dobby was rescued from a kitchen cabinet where she was found trembling in terrible conditions. Thanks to Humane World for Animals, she recovered and is now healthy, happy, and thriving in a loving new home. Dobby now spends her days playing and cuddling with her new family and a best-friend dog, showing the power of second chances.
The ‘Magical’ Moment Subway Passengers Start Applauding a London Marathon Runner (WATCH)
London Marathon runner Liam Williams, who raced in honor of his late niece Freya, experienced a heartwarming surprise when subway passengers spontaneously applauded him. After an emotional day and even taking the wrong train, the uplifting show of support turned his journey home into a “magical” moment. The clip highlights how small acts of kindness can bring comfort and community.
Women DJs over 60 Take Stage at German Music Festival Rocking the Crowd, ‘It Was Fantastic’ (WATCH)
At a pop festival in Cologne, Germany, organizers sought to better include older audiences and booked Forever Fresh, a group of women DJs all over 60. Their high-energy set thrilled the crowd, with performers calling it “fantastic,” showing that great music and fresh talent have no age limit.
Tow Truck Driver Tells Customers to Wait Until He Finishes Moose Rescue: ‘Oh, that’s fine…’ (WATCH)
A Saskatchewan tow truck driver, Clint Gottinger of Rebel Towing, paused his scheduled jobs to rescue a moose trapped in the ice of a frozen lake. He told customers they’d need to wait, and they happily agreed once they heard why. The story highlights compassionate community spirit and a successful effort to help wildlife in need.
What went right this week: a triumph of people power, plus more
This week brought plenty of reasons for optimism: environmental champions were celebrated, the world reached a major clean-energy milestone, and scientists achieved a breakthrough against a type of blindness. These wins highlight the power of people and progress, showing how collective action and innovation are creating a healthier, more hopeful future.
The $1 Visionary
Math teacher Martin Aufmuth was inspired in 2009 after learning that hundreds of millions of people live with vision impairment simply because they can’t afford glasses. Motivated by insights from Paul Polak’s *Out of Poverty*, he set out to help change that reality—bringing affordable eyewear within reach. It’s uplifting news because it highlights practical, low-cost innovation that can dramatically improve lives worldwide.
The new UK television dating show boosting deaf representation
A new UK dating show in British Sign Language is breaking new ground by putting deaf people and BSL communication at the heart of mainstream television. By challenging misconceptions and celebrating deaf culture, it’s boosting representation and helping audiences better understand and connect with the deaf community.
London’s unique charity-led restaurant gets a makeover
A unique London charity-run restaurant that employs people who have experienced homelessness has relaunched after a makeover, with a MasterChef judge leading the kitchen as chef. The revamp shines a spotlight on inclusive employment and skills-building, creating fresh opportunities while serving great food. It’s uplifting news for the city’s community and for people rebuilding their lives through meaningful work.
Orphaned Otter Found on a Beach Is Now Surrogate Mother to an Orphaned Pup Found on a Beach
Rescuers found a 2-week-old otter pup alone on California’s Asilomar State Beach and brought her to the Aquarium of the Pacific for care. There, Sunny was paired with Rey, a maternal-aged otter who was once orphaned herself and is now serving as a surrogate mother. It’s heartwarming good news that gives the pup a strong chance to grow up safe and nurtured.
Students Use Makeshift Stretcher to Rescue Injured Hiker, a Skill They Had Specifically Practiced
A women’s group from Armidale’s Presbyterian Ladies’ College rescued hiker Thomas Wendland after finding him in Warrumbungle National Park with a broken leg during their 4-day hike. Thanks to training they’d specifically practiced, the students made a makeshift stretcher and helped get him to safety. It’s uplifting news that preparedness and teamwork can make a real difference in an emergency.
The Beloved Oregon Restaurant Rewriting the Rules of Seafood
Local Ocean in Newport, Oregon is drawing food lovers with standout dishes like roasted garlic and Dungeness crab soup and lightly battered rockfish tacos packed with fresh, local flavor. Its popularity highlights how a community-focused restaurant can celebrate regional seafood in creative ways, boosting local fisheries and giving visitors a delicious reason to explore the Oregon coast.