China Highlights
The 8th Hainan Island International Film Festival Receives a Record Number of Submissions, with a More Diverse Range of Creators
The 8th Hainan Island International Film Festival received 4,632 film submissions from 133 countries and regions, with both the number of submissions and the breadth of coverage reaching record highs. A rich and diverse array of creators and works converged in Hainan, showcasing the vitality of global filmmaking and offering audiences an even wider selection of outstanding films.
The 3rd World Minnan Language Young Singers Competition kicked off in Quanzhou, Fujian.
The 3rd World Minnan Language Young Singers Competition has kicked off in Shishi, Quanzhou, Fujian, inviting young singers from around the world who love Minnan-language music to participate. The event provides a platform for young people from different regions to showcase their talent and exchange cultures, further promoting the dissemination and preservation of Minnan culture.
Chongqing’s Publishing Industry Expands into the Spanish-Speaking Market, with Nearly 80 High-Quality Books and Magazines Showcased in Spain
For the first time, Chongqing’s publishing sector made a collective appearance at the Madrid International Book Fair in Spain, showcasing nearly 80 high-quality books and magazines spanning Chinese culture, global history, urban narratives, and other fields. The event will help expand into Spanish-speaking markets in Europe, promote cultural exchange between China and other countries, and further enhance the international influence of Chongqing’s publications.
The Paris event of the “Meet China” International Outreach Section of the 8th China–EU Film Festival was held.
The International Communication section of the 8th China–EU Film Festival, “Meet China,” was held in Paris, France, bringing together figures from China and Europe’s film and television, cultural, and media sectors, as well as local audiences, to enjoy Chinese audiovisual works. The event featured dialogue on cross-cultural creation and exchange, further deepening mutual understanding and cultural ties between the Chinese and European peoples.
The Taiwan Affairs Office responds to *The Fragrance of Orchids Remains* becoming a huge hit in Taiwan.
The mainland TV drama *Orchid Fragrance as Before* quickly became a hit in Taiwan after its premiere, with Taiwanese media hailing it as the “dark-horse hit series of 2026” and sparking heated discussion online. Focusing on life during the Ming dynasty, the drama showcases the魅力 of Chinese culture and provides a new opportunity for people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to deepen their understanding and emotional exchanges.
The longest-span cable-stayed bridge on the Shenzhen–Jiangmen railway was completed today, paving the way for one-hour travel in the future.
The road-rail bridge over the Hongqili Waterway on the Shenzhen–Jiangmen railway successfully closed today. With a main span of 808 meters, it is the longest-span cable-stayed bridge on the entire line and an important part of the coastal corridor of the “eight vertical and eight horizontal” high-speed rail network. This key construction milestone will help enable one-hour travel between Shenzhen and Jiangmen in the future, further promoting regional connectivity and development.
The National Day holiday is approaching, and the consumer market is heating up.
As this year’s National Day holiday approaches, with only three working days separating it from the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, holiday consumption continues to heat up. Localities are actively stocking up, with ample supplies and stable prices of agricultural products, better meeting consumers’ diverse needs and adding vitality to the holiday market.
The “gateway at the starting point” of the Wu-Liang Expressway has been opened, with T-beam erection completed at the Pingqiao South Interchange.
The T-beam installation at the Pingqiao South interchange, the “gateway at the starting point” of the Wu-Han Expressway, has been completed, marking significant progress in the project’s construction. The successful completion of this key milestone will lay the foundation for subsequent construction and the expressway’s early opening to traffic, further enhancing regional transportation convenience and development vitality.
(Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games) China’s diving team wins its 100th Asian Games gold medal
The Chinese diving team swept all 10 gold medals in the diving events at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Lian Junjie narrowly won the men’s 10-meter platform event, securing the team’s 10th gold medal of the Games. As a result, the Chinese diving team’s total number of Asian Games gold medals reached 100. Since first competing in 1974, it has maintained a perfect gold-medal record, a truly inspiring achievement.
Livestream Poster: Shimmering Lights Celebrate the Nation’s Anniversary; Join Us to Enjoy National Day Celebrations Across the Country
The livestreamed event celebrates the motherland’s birthday with dazzling light displays, inviting viewers to enjoy National Day celebrations from across the country online. A rich variety of festivities showcases the joy of the holiday and love for the nation and family, conveying warm wishes to people throughout the country.
China’s Ministry of Water Resources: Water supply security has been improved for 30.24 million rural residents since the beginning of this year.
China’s Ministry of Water Resources said on September 30 that it has improved water supply security for 30.24 million rural residents since the beginning of this year. The move will further improve drinking water conditions in rural areas, enhance the quality of rural life, and support rural revitalization.
China Open Roundup: Yuan Yue and Bu Yunchaokete Make Winning Starts; Djokovic Wins His Opener
On the opening day of the 2026 China Open, China’s Yuan Yue defeated Olynykova in straight sets, while Bu Yunchaokete battled past Cerundolo, with both advancing. Six-time champion Novak Djokovic returned to the China Open after 11 years and comfortably defeated Borges in the first round. The tournament got off to an exciting start, with the Chinese players putting in impressive performances.
“Guangxi Dragon Boat Super League” Attracts More Than 190 Teams, International Students Experience Paddling Through the Waves
The “Guangxi Dragon Boat Super League” series opened in Rong’an County, Liuzhou, attracting more than 190 teams and showcasing the vitality of dragon boat racing and the public’s enthusiasm. International students also joined the paddling and racing, experiencing traditional Chinese culture firsthand and adding an international dimension to the “Autumn and Winter Tour of Liuzhou” campaign.
Tibet: Italian Edition of Sha Maozhihua’s Poetry Collection *The Name Living at Home* Released Worldwide
The Italian edition of Tibetan-Chinese bilingual poet Sha Maozhihua’s poetry collection *Living in the Name of Home* was officially released worldwide recently, making it the second of his poetry collections to be translated into Italian. The work’s international circulation further advances the global reach of Tibetan poetry and culture, showcasing the unique appeal of China’s multiethnic literature.
“Artistic Craftsmanship in the Kiln Fire: V&A Museum’s Collection of Wedgwood Ceramics on Display in Chengdu”
On September 30, “Artistic Craftsmanship in the Kiln: V&A Museum’s Wedgwood Ceramics Collection” opened at the Chengdu Museum, showcasing 202 treasures from the Victoria and Albert Museum in the United Kingdom, the Sichuan Museum, and the Chengdu Museum. As the first stop of its tour in China, the exhibition offers visitors a valuable opportunity to appreciate British ceramic art and promote cultural exchange between China and the United Kingdom.
China’s 16th Arctic expedition returns in triumph, with multiple achievements filling international gaps.
China’s 16th Arctic expedition team successfully returned to Shanghai aboard the Xuelong and Xuelong 2 after nearly three months. The expedition completed tasks including comprehensive monitoring, cutting-edge scientific research, and international cooperation. Its scale and total number of missions reached an all-time high, while several achievements filled gaps in international research, injecting new momentum into polar science and global cooperation.
Global Good News
12-yo’s Annual ‘Diaper Drive’ Delivers 30,000 Diapers Off at Arizona Food Bank
Twelve-year-old Sloan’s fifth annual “Diaper Drive” collected an impressive 30,000 diapers for an Arizona food bank. Her initiative provides essential support to families in need and shows how one young person’s compassion and dedication can make a powerful community-wide difference.
Newly Identified Frog-like Creature Named by Student Scientists After Their Moms
Student scientists Allison Sefcovic and Payton Kohlberg identified a frog-like amphibian that lived in what is now the United States more than 300 million years ago. They named the new creature after their mothers, celebrating both their scientific achievement and the family inspiration behind it.
18 Year-Old from the Bronx Starts Nonprofit to Sponsor School Children in Ghana
At 18, Bronx high school senior Max Owobu is balancing exams, university applications, and leading an international nonprofit that sponsors children’s education in Ghana. His initiative, including a trip to Ghana, demonstrates how young people can turn compassion into meaningful action and expand educational opportunities for students abroad.
Gallery: winning pictures from Bird Photographer of the Year
The winning images from this year’s Bird Photographer of the Year award showcase the beauty, drama, and diversity of birdlife. Among the highlights is a striking photograph of a gannet flying through the water, celebrating both remarkable wildlife and creative photographic talent.
A Strategy of Cash-for-Photos Turns Animal Hunters into Animal Protectors in Indonesia
In Indonesia’s West Kalimantan, a cash-for-photos program is helping transform wildlife hunters into protectors. Residents of nine villages earn supplemental income by photographing or recording endangered birds and orangutans, creating a hopeful, community-led model that supports both local livelihoods and conservation.
Norway’s Newest Marine Protected Area Shelters Rich Marine Habitat, Whales, and Seabirds
Norway has established the Andfjorden Marine Protected Area, spanning about 714 square miles of rich marine habitat. The sanctuary supports whales, seabirds, and diverse underwater ecosystems, helping protect unique nature while contributing to food supplies and strengthening long-term ocean conservation.
Good News in History September 27
Francesco Totti, one of Italian football’s most iconic forwards, is celebrated on his 50th birthday. During a remarkable 25-year career with AS Roma, he made 619 appearances and scored 250 goals, leaving a lasting legacy as one of his generation’s greatest players.
‘The forest is life’: how Indigenous communities in Peru are preventing wildfires
While wildfires have ravaged parts of Peru, some Indigenous communities are seeing fires decline through local prevention efforts. In Paamari, forest protectors draw on deep knowledge and a strong belief that “the forest is life,” offering an inspiring example of community-led conservation.
Chris Evans Puts His Limelight on a Bonded Dog Pair with Cute Video, Immediately Sees Them Adopted
Chris Evans used his celebrity platform to spotlight Greg and Carley, a bonded pair of dogs at the Animal Rescue League of Boston who needed to be adopted together. His adorable video quickly captured attention, and the dogs soon found a loving home—showing how a little publicity can make a life-changing difference for shelter animals.
Coastal Golf Course Turned into Vital Wetland Habitat for Seabirds
England’s coastal Sandilands golf course has been transformed into a wetland nature reserve, creating valuable habitat for plovers, terns, avocets, and lapwings. The wildlife-friendly restoration is already attracting seabirds before opening to the public, offering a hopeful example of how former recreational spaces can support thriving native ecosystems.
Nairobi Is Transforming Neglected Libraries Into Vibrant Civic Hubs
Nairobi is revitalizing neglected libraries into vibrant civic hubs that provide reliable electricity, welcoming spaces, and essential resources. These community centers are helping residents like Sunil Totti prepare for job opportunities with greater confidence while strengthening access to learning and connection.