China Highlights
The 2026 Chengdu Intangible Cultural Heritage Lantern Festival dazzles with light and color, attracting throngs of visitors.
The 2026 Chengdu Intangible Cultural Heritage Lantern Festival dazzled with brilliant lights and drew throngs of visitors. Foreign tourists were also captivated by the giant themed lantern installations and eagerly took photos to commemorate the experience. The thousand-year-old craft of “iron flower” forging created a magnificent spectacle resembling a tree of fire and silver blossoms, showcasing the charm of traditional culture and bringing residents and tourists a joyful and unforgettable festive experience.
Yu Zidi named the Most Valuable Female Athlete of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi was named the Most Valuable Female Athlete of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. As the youngest competitor in the swimming events, she won three gold medals and broke one Asian record and two Games records, demonstrating exceptional ability and a bright future.
Chinese player Wu Yize advances to the final of the 2026 World Snooker Shenzhen Open.
Chinese player Wu Yize delivered an outstanding performance in the semifinal of the 2026 World Snooker Shenzhen Open, defeating English star Judd Trump 6–1 to advance to the final. This victory showcased the strength and excellent form of Chinese players, while also heightening anticipation for the title showdown.
Shandong Deepens Digital Government Development to Make Government Services Easier and More Convenient
Shandong is deepening the development of its digital government to make government services more convenient and efficient. In Laiwu District, Jinan, self-service terminals and one-on-one guidance from staff enable seniors aged 65 and above to complete social security benefit eligibility verification within minutes, saving their children from having to take time off work and make the trip, and significantly improving the public’s experience when handling government affairs.
The Shenzhou-23 crew celebrates two holidays in space, while scientific experiments, health management, and other work are progressing.
The Shenzhou-23 crew members Zhu Yangzhu, Zhang Zhiyuan, and Li Jiaying celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day—the “double holiday”—aboard China’s space station after spending more than four months in orbit. While creating a warm festive atmosphere, they continued advancing space science experiments, space station maintenance, health management, and other tasks, demonstrating the orderly and efficient execution of the space mission.
County Getaway | Experience the Slow Life of a Small Island Town, “Backed by Mountains and Facing the Sea”
The small island town attracts visitors with its cool sea breezes, casuarina forests, wooden boardwalks, beaches, and blue skies, inviting them to experience the tranquil, unhurried lifestyle of being backed by mountains and facing the sea. Its beautiful natural scenery makes visitors feel as though they have returned to nature, while also showcasing the unique charm of county-level tourism.
The Asian Games in Numbers: Zhejiang Athletes Win 35 Golds, Their Best-Ever Performance at an Overseas Event
The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games have concluded, with China’s sports delegation firmly retaining the top spot on the gold medal table. Fifty-four athletes from Zhejiang won 35 gold, 12 silver, and 12 bronze medals across 18 sports and 22 events, ranking first among all provinces and municipalities in China in terms of gold medals. They set a new record for Zhejiang athletes competing overseas and demonstrated their formidable strength.
WTT China Grand Slam: Wang Manyu makes a winning singles debut
The 2026 WTT China Grand Slam began its first day of main-draw action in Beijing, with women’s singles top seed Wang Manyu defeating American player Amy Wang in straight games to advance to the round of 32. Her dominant performance got her off to a winning start and gave Team China a strong opening to the tournament.
Fujian and Taiwan table tennis players build friendship and foster closer ties through the sport
The “Ningde-Taiwan Family” Table Tennis Invitational was held on the 4th in Fu’an, Ningde, Fujian, bringing together 10 teams from Fujian and Taiwan to compete and hone their skills. Using sports as a bridge to enhance exchanges and interaction, the event showcased the deep friendship between compatriots on both sides and promoted closer integration.
Okay, okay, now I’m screwed! Everyone else is full of energy, while I’m the only one using my phone upside down. This vacation was a complete waste...
The article humorously depicts the contrasting ways people spend a long holiday: some are full of energy and meticulously plan their days, while others lazily play on their phones upside down. Along with its lighthearted teasing, it also reminds everyone to embrace their own way of resting and enjoy the carefree moments of the holiday.
Reporter’s Notebook | Experiencing the “Chinese Language Craze” in Central Asian Countries
A “Chinese language fever” is sweeping across Central Asian countries, with more and more people learning Chinese to understand Chinese culture and expand opportunities for exchange. The growing interest in language learning reflects the deepening friendship and exchanges between China and Central Asian countries, while also creating more opportunities for youth development and people-to-people cooperation.
Global Media Spotlight | Indian Media: China Is Building a Technological Powerhouse
India’s *Deccan Herald* notes that, backed by its strong manufacturing capabilities and sustained state support, China is accelerating its efforts to become a leading science and technology powerhouse. Its scientific and technological strength and international influence continue to grow, demonstrating the vitality and potential of China’s innovative development.
Global Good News
Fan ‘Storms Out’ as Team Loses on TV, Only to Become Hero for Woman Stuck in Mud Chest-high
After Arsenal’s disappointing loss, Alastair Cass stepped outside and heard a woman crying for help. He discovered her trapped chest-deep in mud and rescued her, transforming a frustrating evening into a life-saving act of courage and compassion.
Gallery: winning pictures from Bird Photographer of the Year
This year’s Bird Photographer of the Year celebrates remarkable winning images, including a striking photograph of a gannet flying through the water. The gallery highlights the beauty, movement, and diversity of birdlife through outstanding photography.
The Spark: The ‘Community Lighthouses’ Where Neighbors Help Neighbors
“The Spark” highlights “community lighthouses,” local spaces where neighbors support one another and create positive change through meaningful everyday actions. The feature celebrates grassroots cooperation, showing how communities can grow stronger and more hopeful when people come together to help.
Nairobi Is Transforming Neglected Libraries Into Vibrant Civic Hubs
Nairobi is revitalizing neglected libraries into vibrant civic hubs that provide reliable electricity and welcoming spaces for work and learning. For residents like Sunil Totti, these transformed facilities offer practical support and reassurance, helping people pursue job opportunities despite unreliable power at home.
UK’s National Museums to Continue 25-Year Policy of Free Entry for Foreign Visitors
The UK’s 14 national museums, including the British Museum, National Gallery, and Natural History Museum, will continue offering free entry to international visitors. The decision preserves a 25-year tradition, making world-class art, history, and science accessible to millions of tourists while supporting the UK’s cultural appeal and tourism sector.
‘Flourishing’ Sycamore Gap Tree Has Ring of New Shoots Already 3-Feet Tall
Three years after the illegal felling of Britain’s iconic Sycamore Gap tree, new aerial images show its stump flourishing. A ring of basal shoots has already grown to around three feet tall, offering encouraging evidence that the beloved landmark is regenerating and inspiring hope for its future.
Stunning Collection of Stolen Greek Artifacts Spanning 5,000 Years Were Just Returned to Greece
New York authorities have returned a remarkable collection of stolen Greek artifacts to Greece after identifying them at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Spanning nearly 5,000 years, the pieces include ancient bronze helmets, protective armor, and a marble bust of a Roman emperor, restoring valuable cultural treasures to their homeland.
What went right this week: the good news that matters
This week brought encouraging developments, including the presentation of the “alternative Nobel Prize,” meaningful progress in challenging ageism, and positive news for gorilla conservation. Together, these stories highlight inspiring advances for people, wildlife and a more hopeful future.
Rare 1-in-100M ‘Ghost Lobster’ Goes to School to Help Scientists Crack Genetic Mystery–in Time for Halloween
A rare “ghost lobster,” estimated to appear only once in 100 million, has found a new home at the University of New England’s Marine Science Center just in time for Halloween. Donated by the Maine State Aquarium, the striking white crustacean will help scientists investigate the genetics behind its unusual coloring.
Underwater Umbrellas Could Protect Coral Reefs From Heat Damage
Florida scientists found that temporary underwater shades can shield vulnerable Caribbean corals from extreme heat, reducing bleaching and potentially helping damaged reefs recover. This promising approach could protect threatened marine ecosystems while broader climate solutions are developed.
What went right this week: a brighter future for Kosovo, plus more
Kosovo was declared free of landmines, marking a major step toward safer communities and a brighter future. Germany also set a date to phase out oil, while the discovery of a new species offered another encouraging sign of progress and biodiversity.