China Highlights
Marathon’s first sub-two-hour runner Sabastian Sawe talks with Chinese runners in Beijing about the path to success through hard work.
The first person to break the two-hour barrier in the marathon, Kenyan star Sawe, visited China for the first time to cheer on runners in the 2026 Beijing Marathon and share the perseverance and innovation behind his world record. The event inspired runners from China and abroad and showcased the positive role of sports in fostering cultural exchange.
Nine Years of the Xi’an Marathon: One Course, Half the Tang Dynasty’s Poetry
The Xi’an Marathon got underway as scheduled, with 36,000 runners heading north from Yongning Gate’s South Square to test their speed and endurance along the course. The event brought together the city’s scenery and the charm of Tang poetry, letting runners experience Xi’an’s unique blend of ancient and modern as they ran.
“You’re Part of the ‘New’” | “Red Shankou” Brings the Green Foundations of Development into Focus
During the May Day holiday, the Ulan Hada Volcano Scenic Area in Ulanqab, Inner Mongolia, drew large crowds. Visitors dressed in “spacesuits” to take photos, and at one point long lines formed on the road to the summit. As volcano tourism gains popularity, the local green economy is also thriving, reflecting strong momentum in both cultural tourism and green development.
The FIA TCR World Tour’s Chengdu round kicks off, marking its debut in southwestern China.
The FIA TCR World Tour made its debut in southwestern China, getting underway on October 17 at Chengdu Tianfu International Circuit. Drivers from around the world gathered in Chengdu, bringing a world-class touring car event to the city and showcasing its energy as a host of major international sporting events.
47 Major Scientific Facilities Have Come Online One After Another. How Did a Small Gobi Town Become a World-Class Astronomical Observatory Hub?
Forty-seven major scientific facilities have been put into operation one after another in a Gobi town in the Qaidam Basin, which is accelerating efforts to build a world-class astronomical observation base. Researchers are pressing ahead with their work, opening a new chapter in China’s exploration of the starry sky.
Chinese medical aid anesthesiologists conduct difficult airway training in Lesotho.
Chinese anesthesiologists on an overseas aid mission conducted difficult airway management training at Maseru District Hospital in Lesotho. The Lesotho National Association of Anesthesiologists organized healthcare professionals from multiple disciplines to take part. The exchange will help strengthen the professional capabilities of local anesthesia and emergency and critical care teams, providing greater safeguards for patient safety.
Reform, strategic planning and preservation of the classics advance in tandem as Shanghai’s performing arts embark on a new journey.
Shanghai has released the Three-Year Action Plan for Revitalizing Shanghai Theater (2026–2028), established the Shanghai Performing Arts Group, and launched a curated collection of classic repertory works by municipal state-owned arts troupes. Advancing reform, development, and the preservation of classics in tandem will bring new vitality to Shanghai’s performing arts sector.
Official Taiwan statistics: The number of people traveling to mainland China from January to August this year rose nearly 20% from the same period last year.
Official statistics from Taiwan show that 2.492 million trips were made by Taiwanese people to mainland China from January to August this year, an increase of approximately 19.63% over the same period last year. Cross-strait travel continues to pick up, reflecting positive momentum in exchanges and interaction.
CBA Weekly Review: Promotion and Relegation Return, Sichuan Get Off to a Winning Start in the New Season
The 2026–27 CBA season tipped off on October 16, bringing new changes: the league reinstated promotion and relegation, added more games, and reduced the number of foreign-player slots. Several powerhouse teams won in the opening round, while Sichuan also claimed its first regular-season victory in 580 days, ending a 42-game losing streak and celebrating an inspiring opening-day win.
Jay Chou’s family has a big deer in mainland China.
Set against the backdrop of Nanjing Hongshan Forest Zoo after the National Day holiday, the article mentions a fun topic involving Jay Chou and a “big deer.” The zoo’s latest stories add a touch of lighthearted fun to post-holiday life.
2026 Wuhan Open: Poland’s Hvalinska rallies to win the title
The 2026 Wuhan Open has come to a close, with Poland’s Hvalinska rallying to defeat Britain’s Katar in the women’s singles final and claim the first WTA Tour title of her career. The victory opens a new chapter in her career and adds a highlight to the tournament’s finale.
The Shanghai Masters concludes, with Fognini claiming his first Masters title.
The 2026 Shanghai Masters concluded on the 18th. Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina came from a set down to defeat compatriot Rafael Jódar in three sets, claiming the first Masters title of his career. He also became the first Spaniard to win the men’s singles title in the tournament’s history, marking a breakthrough for himself and a new chapter for the event.
People from both sides of the Taiwan Strait take to the streets in Kunshan to welcome Mazu’s return.
On the evening of October 17, a lively street parade was held in Kunshan, Jiangsu. Folk arts troupes from both sides of the Taiwan Strait welcomed Mazu’s return procession with performances including stone-lock lifting, the “Stroll Around Treasure Island” dance, and the electronic-music San Tai Zi. The blending of Jiangnan and Taiwan cultures not only showcased the rich diversity of folk traditions but also strengthened emotional ties between people on both sides of the Strait.
50 Teenagers from Dingri, Tibet, Embark on a Shanghai Study Tour, Packing Stories of the Revolution and Dreams of Science and Technology in Their Bags
Fifty young people from Dingri, Tibet, traveled to Shanghai on an educational study tour, where they learned about revolutionary history and explored their dreams in science and technology. The exchange broadened their horizons, planted seeds of aspiration, and helped them grow and find inspiration.
The 2nd “Ride Across the Taihang” Cycling Tour in She County, Hebei: Riders Chase the Wind and Enjoy the Late-Autumn Scenery
On October 18, the second “Ride Across the Taihang Mountains” cycling event was held in She County, Hebei. A total of 650 cycling enthusiasts from 19 provinces and municipalities across China set off from Chishuiwan Ancient Town to ride through the Taihang Mountains and enjoy the late-autumn scenery. Combining sports with cultural tourism, the event showcased She County’s natural beauty and cultural charm while injecting vitality into the development of local cultural tourism.
World Superbike Championship concludes; Zhang Xue Motorcycles finishes third in the manufacturers’ standings for the year.
The 2026 World Superbike Championship wrapped up in Spain, with Zhang Xue Motorcycles rider Valentin Debise finishing runner-up in the WorldSSP riders’ standings and the team taking third place in the manufacturers’ standings. The Chinese motorcycle brand delivered an impressive performance on the international stage, demonstrating its strong competitiveness.
Global Good News
99-yo Woman Snags ‘World’s Oldest Wing-Walker’ Title – 3 Months After Another Gran Did It (LOOK)
At 99, Helga Duffy has officially become the world’s oldest wing-walker, earning recognition from Guinness World Records after taking on the daring flight at Rendcomb Airfield. Encouraged by her niece and assisted-living staff, she shows that age need not stop people from pursuing extraordinary adventures.
Massive 70lb Dog the Size of Baby Hippo Sheds Pounds and Gets New Home
Peggy Sue, a 70-pound bulldog who struggled with mobility, infections, and overheating, was taken in by an RSPCA animal centre in England. After losing weight, she has found a new home—giving her a fresh start and a happier, healthier life.
Coral Bleaching Reversed at Record Speed Using New Stanford Method: ‘Not a Lost Cause, at All’
Stanford researchers restored severely bleached corals to full health in just seven weeks, marking the fastest documented recovery and the first observed revival of corals near death. The breakthrough offers fresh hope that coral bleaching may be reversible and that threatened reefs are not a lost cause.
North America’s Largest Wildlife Overpass Is Working: Animal Collisions on I-25 Down 91%
North America’s largest wildlife overpass over Interstate 25 near Larkspur, Colorado, has cut animal-vehicle collisions by 91% in its first 10 months. The 200-foot-wide crossing gives bears, elk, moose, and other wildlife a safer way to move across the highway, protecting animals and drivers alike.
Largest Private Conservation Project in the US Hits Major Milestone as Free-Roaming Bison Pass 1,000
American Prairie, the country’s largest private land conservation project, has reached a milestone: its relatively free-roaming bison herd has surpassed 1,000 for the first time in the nonprofit’s more than 20-year history. The growing herd marks encouraging progress for conservation across the Great Plains.
Drape Some ‘Plant Armor’ Fabric Over a Strawberry Patch to Triple Yields with Less Pesticides
A specially designed textile called Plant Armor more than tripled strawberry yields in field tests without harming plant health. Draped over crops, it could also help growers use less water and fewer pesticides, making strawberry production more efficient and sustainable.
Tribe Just a Signature Away from Recovering 1,100 Ancestral Acres Along Undammed Elwha River
The Lower Elwha River ecosystem is recovering after the removal of a dam exposed 1,100 acres that had been submerged for more than a century. The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe is now just a signature away from reclaiming this ancestral land, reconnecting the community with a place it lost 171 years ago.
Wildlife photographer of the year 2026, the winning images
The 2026 Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition has unveiled its winning images after attracting a record-breaking number of entries. The celebrated photographs showcase the creativity of wildlife photographers and bring the beauty of the natural world to a wider audience.
Village Installs Knitted Traffic Cops to Slow Down Speeding Drivers
Residents of Fillongley, Warwickshire, have knitted life-sized traffic officers and speed cameras to encourage drivers to slow down. The cheerful community effort aims to reduce speeding and prevent accidents on local roads.