Nigeria Times

By Luo Shanshan, People’s Daily

Lately, there has been much talk about foreign investors withdrawing from China on a large scale. Official data show that in 2024, foreign direct investment in the Chinese mainland in actual use dropped by 27.1 percent year on year, while the number of new foreign-invested firms increased by 9.9 percent from a year ago.

Are these two figures in conflict with each other?

To answer this question, let’s first delve into a story about Walmart’s development in the Chinese market.

Over the past few years, retail giant Walmart has been actively closing locations across China. Many people just feel likethat “Walmart is withdrawing from China.” But is this the whole picture? Certainly not.

On Dec. 18, 2024, Walmart-owned Sam’s Club opened its 52nd store in Wenzhou, east China’s Zhejiang province. More strikingly, in the third quarter of 2024, Walmart’s net sales in China climbed 17 percent year on year.

So how could a company that is allegedly “pulling out of China”maintain steady sales growth in the Chinese market?

Walmart’s story highlights important shifts in the Chinese market:as personalized and diversified consumption has emerged as a new trend among Chinese consumers, and with the rapid development of Chinese domestic retailers, traditional business models are struggling to survive in the country. Only those foreign companies that adapt quickly to the evolving Chinese market can succeed.

Simply put, the times have changed. The Chinese market is no longer what it used to be, and China’s relationship with foreign investment has also changed.

Does China still need foreign investment?

Before discussing whether foreign investment is leaving the Chinese market, it is essential to clear up one question: Does China still need foreign investment?

China has entered a new stage of high-quality development and has moved from capital scarcity to capital abundance. The country is shifting its focus from attracting foreign investment to a new strategy with equal emphasis on both “bringing in” and “going global.”

However, some argue that “China no longer needs foreign investment as before.”Some Western media have even hyped up their narrative that “China is no longer welcoming foreign investors.”

Apparently, capital abundance and “going global” do not mean that China no longer needs foreign investment. In fact, foreign capital remains crucial in China’s “dualcirculation” paradigm – the new development pattern that China adopted in 2020, which takes the domestic market as the mainstay while allowing domestic and foreign markets to reinforce each other.

Over the past few years, China has introduced a range of measures for voluntary and unilateral opening up on a larger scale and at a higher level. For instance, it has hosted the China International Import Expo and the China International Supply Chain Expo, reduced negative lists for foreign investment, and granted national treatment to foreign-funded enterprises.

With lower entry barriers, more small- and medium-sized foreign-invested enterprisesare entering the Chinese market, which can explain the rapid increase in the number of new foreign-funded enterprises in the country.

Why has the scale of foreign direct investment declined?

Industrial investment is a long-term, rational economic decisioninfluenced by multiple factors in the medium and longterm. Therefore, fluctuations in investment align with economic patterns.

In the medium term, China has attracted over one trillion yuan ($136.85 billion) each year in foreign investment for three consecutive years since 2021. The large foreign capital inflow has unleashed investment demand in the country, and thedrop in foreign direct investment in 2024 falls within normal economic cycles.

From a long-term perspective, global cross-border investment is shifting toward service-oriented and asset-light industries, thereby leading to a periodic discrepancybetween the scale of foreign investment in actual use and the number of new foreign-invested enterprises.

Currently, around 70 percent of foreign investment in China flows into the services sector, which is characterized by asset-light business models, thereby significantly impactingthe overall scale of foreign investment.

The next “China“ is still China.

How do foreign-invested enterprises view the Chinese market?

“The next ‘China’ is still China.” This is a sentiment widely shared by global investors.

Today’s China is experiencing technological breakthroughs and a talent boom, which have led to a substantial increase in total factor productivity and more added value for the “world factory.”The huge Chinese market has become a “global market,” stimulating domestic demand and providing immense opportunities for foreign companies.

Undoubtedly, a constantly developing China with strong growth momentum remains highly attractive to foreign investors. At the same time, in China’s highly competitive open market, foreign-funded enterprises must bring their best expertise to secure a foothold.

In recent years, some foreign enterprises that failed to keep up withthe changing Chinese market have withdrawn, while more high-tech foreign investors have come in.

Meanwhile, some Western countries have politicized economic and trade issues in recent years, leading to a continuous downturn in global cross-border investment and presenting challenges to China’s ability to attract foreign direct investment. The tougher the external environment, the more necessary it is for China to respond to global uncertainties with higher-quality development and higher-level opening up.

As always, China remains firmly committed to opening up and win-win cooperation with foreign investors.

No matter what, this remains true: partnering with China means embracing future opportunities, and investing in China is investing in the future.

By He Yin, People’s Daily

The ongoing 9th Asian Winter Games held in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang province, themed “Dream of Winter, Love Among Asia,” embodies the shared aspiration of the Asian people for peace, development and friendship.

Ahead of the opening ceremony of the Games,Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed a welcoming banquet, during which he called on Asia to uphold the shared dream for tranquility and harmony, pursue the shared aspiration for prosperity and development, and fulfill the shared desire for friendship and affinity. His remarks reaffirmed China’s sincerity and commitment to promoting peace, development, and friendship.

“Light up Asia, light up the stars, with the beating of our hearts… Light up Asia, hold our hands high, together we form a bond that’s tight…”

These lyrics of the theme song “Light Up Asia”reflect the Asian people’s shared aspiration of using sports to promote peace, unity, and inclusiveness.

President of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach praised China for advocating and practicing the concepts of unity, cooperation, equality and respect, and upholding multilateralism. He expressed the confidence that China will continue to achieve greater accomplishments and make greater contributions to world peace, development, and progress.

Every snowflake is unique, and every civilization is distinctive. All civilizationsare rooted in their unique cultural environment. Each embodies the wisdom and vision of a country or nation, and each is valuable for being uniquely its own.

The opening ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games showcased Asia’sdiverse traditions through dancers clad in the traditional attires of various Asian countries, creating a vibrant picture of beauty in diversity and shared prosperity.At the Harbin Ice and Snow World Park, ice sculptures of iconic landscapes in Asian countries, such as China’s Temple of Heaven, India’s Taj Mahal, and Singapore’s Merlion, stood side by side.

All of these have demonstrated Asian culture that is inclusive, vibrant and always keen to learn from others.As the Asian winter sports athletes chase their dreams in Harbin, they are also strengthening their friendships and writing a new chapter of unity and solidarity in Asia.

Supitr Samahito, vice president of the Thai Olympic Committee, said that the Asian WinterGames is not just a sporting event but also a unique opportunity for Asian countries to showcase their cultures and deepen mutual understanding.

Xi once said, “Asian countries are just like a cluster of bright lanterns. Only when we link them together, can we light up the night sky in our continent.”

China is dedicated to presenting a splendid winter sports spectacle to the world, creating beautiful and unforgettable memories of ice and snow for all countries across the globe.

By He Yin, People’s Daily

This Spring Festival, “China Travel” has reached new heights in popularity, with foreign travelers flocking to iconic destinations across the country.

From marveling at lantern displays on the Jiuqu Bridge in Shanghai’s Yuyuan Garden to savoring a Chinese New Year’s Eve feast in the picturesque countryside of Zhejiang’s Lishui, from witnessing vibrant dragon and lion dance parades in Sichuan’s Langzhong ancient town to embracing the enchanting winter wonderland of Harbin in Heilongjiang, the festive spirit of the season has captivated hearts and minds.

With visa-free and transit visa exemption policies continuously optimized, China is seeing a surge in inbound tourism. According to the National Immigration Administration, a total of 958,000 foreign tourists entered and exited China during the Spring Festival holiday, a 22.9 percent increase compared to last year.

The growing appeal of “China Travel” highlights China’s rising tourism competitiveness, cultural influence, and international attractiveness, presenting a welcoming, open, and dynamic image to the world.

More and more foreign travelers are coming to witness China’s breathtaking landscapes, explore the country’s rich cultural heritage, and experience Chinese modernization firsthand.

On overseas short-video platforms, the hashtag “China Travel” now features over 100,000 videos with nearly 1 billion views. Comments under these videos from foreign users reflect a growing recognition and appreciation of Chinese culture. Some said, “I feel the unique charm of Chinese culture,” and some said “Experiencing it firsthand is the best way to understand China.” Many of them believe that their perception of China is now clearer and deeper.

These experiences deepen cultural exchanges and foster mutual understanding, demonstrating the world’s genuine curiosity and enthusiasm for China.

The rapid growth of inbound tourism is a direct result of China’s commitment to high-level opening up. With upgraded transit visa exemption policies, an expanding network of visa-free agreements, and increased international flights, foreign visitors are showing greater enthusiasm for traveling to China.

In Shanghai, international arrivals has been assisted by the volunteer language service teams. In Beijing and many other cities,foreign travelers can enjoy the free half-day toursand tailored cultural experiences. The improving travel ecosystem makes it easier for foreigners to not just “arrive” in China but truly integrate and explore.

In 2024, the total number of foreign entries and exits reached 64.88 million, an 82.9 percent surge year on year, making China both a major source of outbound tourists and a key global travel destination. This openness and inclusiveness reflect China’s confidence and growing global engagement.

Traveling in China provides foreign visitors with a direct and immersive way to understand the country, constantly refreshing and deepening the “Beautiful China” image. Nowadays, foreign tourists are also venturing beyond major cities to hidden gems rich in local traditions – whether sipping Qingzhuan tea in the ancient town of Yangloudong, Hubei province, or birdwatching in Mingxi county, Fujian province. For the first time ever, foreign travelers booked trips to 51 small towns across China during this Spring Festival, according to third-party travel data.

Each new experience adds a fresh chapter to China’s story, creating a powerful word-of-mouth effect and showcasing a real, diverse, and welcoming China.

China’s tourism and consumption market is vibrant and full of potential, sending a strong signal of economic resilience to the world.

According to the State Taxation Administration, compared to last year’s Spring Festival holiday, the average daily sales revenue of consumer-related industries in China increased by 10.8 percent, while revenue from tourism-related services surged by 37.5 percent year-on-year. Meanwhile, airline data reveals that one in four foreign tourists who visited China last year was visiting for a second time, proving the country’s strong tourism appeal.

China’s booming tourism industry is not only fueling domestic economic growth but also acting as a major driver for the global tourism economy.

The popularity of “China Travel” is a testament to China’s unwavering commitment to high-level opening up, reflecting confidence in its development and the appeal of its open economy.

Opening up is a defining feature of Chinese modernization. A modernized China must be an open China. With an inclusive and welcoming stance, China will continue to embrace visitors from around the world, fostering people-to-people connections, cross-cultural exchanges, and shared prosperity.

By Guo Xiaolong, People’s Daily

Mohe, located on the southern bank of the Heilongjiang River and the northern slope of the Greater Khingan Mountains, is the northernmost city in China. Temperatures here can plummet to minus 53 degrees Celsius, and the land is covered by ice and snow for nearly six months each year.

Leveraging its unique natural environment, Mohe has been actively developing the cold-weather testing industry, turning its “cold resources” into a burgeoning “hot economy.”

Currently, six testing companies are operating in the city, conducting tests on over 1,200 vehicles and 23,000 pieces of testing categories every year, including new materials, electronic components, and vehicle clothing and films.

In Beiji village, or “North Pole village,” a bustling tourist destination in Mohe, there is a testing base run by Heilongjiang Red Valley Automotive Test Co., Ltd., a leading player in the local automotive testing sector. Here, a new energy vehicle (NEV) was racing around a circular ice track, stirring up bursts of snow as it drifted through sharp turns.

Not far away, Cao Shuwen, a test engineer from an automobile company in Wuhan, central China’s Hubei province, was troubleshooting issues with a test driver. In 2022, Cao began to conduct cold-weather testing in Mohe. This winter, his team arrived in the city once again to test 140 automobiles of 13 different models in extreme cold weather.

“Extreme cold testing is a critical step before a new vehicle hits the market,” Cao explained.

With the rapid development of NEVs, automakers must rigorously evaluate battery range, charging speeds, and the performance of electric motors, battery packs, and electronic control systems in extremely low temperatures, Cao said.

The prolonged cold environment, lasting for five months each year, provides an extended period of cold-weather testing, making Mohe a popular destination for car manufacturers.

“The city not only provides excellent testing tracks and facilities, but pays close attention to the needs of car companies. Before constructing, upgrading, or maintaining test tracks each year, local authorities will gather opinions and suggestions from automakers to ensure the facilities meet their needs,”said Cao, who was very satisfied with the services here.

The winter testing industry has become a new source of growth in the city. Last winter, 1,500 test engineers from 39 automakers flocked to the city, generating more than 36 million yuan ($4.93 million) in indirect revenue for local businesses, including fuel stations, restaurants, hotels, transportation services, and retail stores.

“Just take a walk down the street. You’ll see cars from every major brand!” said Mr. Li, a restaurant owner in Beiji village. His restaurant was packed with engineers speaking in different Chinese regional accents. “Even though it’sfreezing outside, our business is red-hot!” Li said cheerfully.

Cold-weather solar panel testing

When exposed to extreme cold conditions, solar panels face challenges such aslow temperatures, large temperature differences between day and night, heavy snow loads, and strong winds.

To better understand how these extreme weather conditions affect solar power generation, China Testing & Certification International Group Co., Ltd. (CTC) established a cold-weather testing park in Mohe – the first comprehensive outdoor cold testing site in China’s photovoltaic industry that integrates offices, testing, research, and storage facilities. As of Dec. 2024, the park had attracted over 60 companies, testing more than 80 different photovoltaic models.

According to Tang Ning, an administrative manager at CTC’s Mohe branch, the park was equipped with specialized software to remotely monitor key performance indicators of each solar panel, including power generation data, voltage, current, and efficiency levels.

“Unlike simulated cold chambers, real-world cold-weather testing in Mohe provides a more authentic assessment by exposing solar panels to natural conditions like heavy snow loads, strong winds, and fluctuating temperatures, which can reveal material degradation, aging, and failure of electrical components,” said an executive of a photovoltaic company.

The company joined the testing park during its early stage and has already begun a one-year extreme cold exposure study. “We’re preparing to expand into high-latitude markets in Norway and Iceland, and we need a field test like this. Mohe offers us a cost-effective way to validate our products in real extreme-cold conditions,”said the executive.

Cold-weather air conditioner heating pump testing

Early on a snowy morning, as the first rays of sunlight peeked over the horizon, Li Xiaohui, a memberof the heat pump performance testing project of Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) was already on his way to the test site.

In the air-conditioning industry, there’s a saying: “Cooling is standard, but heating is the real challenge.”

The heating performance of air conditioners in extreme cold weather is a crucial aspect of their overall efficiency. At the Mohe test site, the HIT team aimed to evaluate the cold resistance of air conditionercomponents, long-term operational stability, and energy consumption under extreme cold conditions.

“Currently, there is no official industry standard for cold-weather heat pump testing in China,” said professor Wu Jian, head of the project from HIT. “Our goal is to collaborate with leading Chinese universities in heat pump research to establish both national and international standards.”

Looking ahead, Wu’s team plans to extend their testing to more extreme conditions such as freezing rain and blizzards to develop more resilient heating solutions, contributing to China’s efforts in clean energy and sustainable heating.

By Zhang Zhiwen, People’s Daily

In recent years, Chinese smartphone brands have seen a steady rise in their sales inthe Middle East.

According to data released by Singapore-based market research firm Canalys, smartphone shipments in the Middle East (excluding Türkiye) reached 11.5 million units in the second quarter of 2024, marking a 20 percent year-on-year increase.

In the third quarter of 2024, the Middle East smartphone market (excluding Türkiye) grew by 2 percent year on year, with shipments reaching 12.2 million units, according to Canalys’ research.

Notably, three major Chinese brands – HONOR, Transsion, and Xiaomi – account for nearly 50 percent of the region’smarket share.

Arabian Gulf Business Insight observed that Chinese smartphones are winning over Middle Eastern consumers with better camera quality, larger battery capacities, and affordable pricing.

The Middle East isone of the earliest adopters of 5G technology. This new generation of telecommunications technology has advanced industries such as software, internet services, and e-commerce in the region. According to The National, a mainstream newspaper in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the region’s digital economy is projected to hit$780 billion by 2030, which would significantly outpace the global average through the end of the decade.

The rapid development of the digital economy and continuous improvement of digital infrastructure, such as mobile internet, have boosted the smartphone market in the region.

At Dubai Festival City Mall in the UAE, a Chinese smartphone brand’sconsumer experience store displays a variety of foldable smartphone models, attracting shoppers to explore,consult and test the devices.

Azhad, a store employee, particularly presented the Honor Magic V3, the latest model unveiled by Chinese smartphone maker HONOR. He explained that this model boasts a long battery life, a lightweight design, and a built-in translation feature supporting ten languages, including Chinese, English, and Arabic.

“Since its launch, the model has become the best-selling smartphone in our store,”Azhadsaid.

In recent years, Chinese smartphone brands such as Xiaomi, Transsion, and HONOR have introduced a range of cost-effective and high-performance models, while alsocontinuously expanding their sales channels. The strong performance and trendy designs of these models have frequently placed them at the forefront of the sales charts on Middle Eastern e-commerce platforms.

“Chinese smartphones prioritize customer demand, offer high-quality specifications, and often bring forth groundbreaking innovations,”said Ahmed Al Zarouni, a UAE tech expert and writer who has been closely monitoring the smartphone industry.

He observed that after more than a decade of development, Chinese smartphone brands have becomemajor players leading global smartphone advancements.

The popularity of Chinese smartphones in the Middle East is attributed to Chinese companies’ adaptability and commitment to meeting local consumers’ diversified needs.

According to a senior executive with HONOR’s Middle East and Africa division, since establishing their presence in the Middle Eastern market, Chinese smartphone brands have been increasingtheir R&Dinvestment, enhancing after-sales services, and launching innovative products and services to provide users with more personalized experience. He noted that in 2024, HONOR’s smartphone sales in the Middle East and Africa grew by 66 percent year on year.

Market analysts pointed out that the Middle Eastern smartphone market is rapidly developing. For companies looking to establish or increase their presence in the region, it is crucial to understand local culture and consumer preferences, and flexiblyadjust marketing strategies in line with local conditions.

With the rapid advancement of large artificial intelligence (AI) models, Chinese smartphone manufacturers are accelerating the application of AI technology in their devices.

“Chinese smartphone brands have been innovating their AI applications, making smartphones an essential tool for our life and work,” said Ahmed, as he showcased a Chinese smartphone model featuring an advanced translation app enabled by large AI models, which can provide accurate multilingual translations.

According to forecasts from International Data Corporation, 170 millionnext-generation AI smartphones will be shipped in 2024, representing almost 15 percent of the total smartphone market.

AsMiddle Eastern countries push forward the AI development, Chinese smartphone brands, including HONOR, Xiaomi, and OPPO, have rolled out new AIsmartphone models in the region since 2025, striving to expand their market presence. Ahmed noted that Chinese companies boast unique advantages in smartphone R&D and manufacturing, and in particular, they are making constant breakthroughs in AI technologies.

By Liu Yang, People’s Daily

China’s film industry set a new milestone during the 2025 Spring Festival holiday.

According to the China Film Administration, the country’sbox office revenue during this period reached a staggering 9.51 billion yuan ($1.3 billion), with 187 million moviegoers packing theaters, up 18.64 percent and 14.68 percent from a year ago, respectively.

As of 9:00 a.m. on Feb. 5, the total box office revenue since the beginning of 2025 had amounted to 11.63 billion yuan, with240 million moviegoers attending theaters.

Six Chinese films hit the big screen in the Spring Festival holiday this year, including “Ne Zha 2,””Boonie Bears: Future Reborn,””Detective Chinatown 1900,””Operation Hadal,””Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force,” and “Legends of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants.”

“The effective and sufficient supply of high-quality films is key to the historic high box office,” said Rao Shuguang, president of the China Film Critics Association.

Rao said that the six films cover a wide range of genres, such as action, animation, wuxia (literally meaning “martial arts heroes”), comedy, suspense, and Chinese mythology. “All of them boast distinctive Chinese style and temperament, and can satisfy the diverse needs of the Chinese audience,” noted Rao.

“Besides eating dumplings, setting off firecrackers, and watching the Spring Festival gala, Chinese people can also immerse themselves in movies – a delightful experience featuring more cultural elements,” said Yin Hong, a professorat Tsinghua University.

In recent years, China’s film industry has seen rapid development, marked by accelerated cinema construction and a more complete cinema network in third- and fourth-tier cities. The number of cinema screens in China has exceeded 90,000. The improved cinema infrastructure has provided solid support for rising box office revenues.

At the same time, more high-definition (HD) films are emerging in the Chinese film market, as IMAX, CGS, CINITY, Dolby Cinema, and other theaters have enhanced their movie-watching experience by introducing advanced special effects. Many theaters in China have also improved their equipment and services, providing audiences with a technology-enabled cinematic experience.

Among the holiday film lineup, “Ne Zha 2″has emerged as the undisputed leader. As of Feb. 6, the animated blockbuster’s earnings had exceeded 5.77 billion yuan, making it the highest-grossing film of all time in China. This milestone comes on the heels of the series’ first installation, “Ne Zha,”which grossed over 5 billion yuan and topped the country’s box office charts in 2019.

Before its premiere, “Ne Zha”went through 66 script revisions and featured over 1,400 special effects shots. The number of characters in “Ne Zha 2” is three times that of its predecessor, with nearly 2,000 special effects shots offering an even more immersive cinematic experience.

“When making animations, we prefer quality over quantity. We won’t settle for anything that doesn’tmeet our standards. We believe our audience will appreciate the films that were made with genuine sincerity,” said the film’s director Yang Yu, also known as Jiaozi.

Patriotism, traditional Chinese culture, IP movies, and film industrialization are the key themes of this year’s Spring Festival movie season. The fantasy epic “Creation of the Gods” incorporates numerous elements of Chinese intangible cultural heritage, with many architectural designs inspired by China’s”chuandou” structure, a distinctive type of traditional Chinese architecture that allows for much more flexibility in roof and wall design.

“Chinese intangible cultural heritage has been passed down for centuries. We should better understand and incorporate these cultural elements into our film creation. As Chinese filmmakers, we are incredibly fortunate to have this cultural wealth at our disposal,”said Wu Ershan, director of the series.

“All six films in this year’s Spring Festival holiday are productions frompopular IPs. The key to a successful film series lies in the creator’s ability to make constant innovation. Only through perpetual learning and adaptation can filmmakers grow alongside their audience,” said Chen Sicheng, director of “Detective Chinatown 1900.”

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the “Detective Chinatown”movie series. Since debuting in 2015, the series has released four films and two spin-offs, Chen said.

Film industrialization contains three key aspects: specific genres, standardized production management, and the application of new technologies. The six films in this year’s Spring Festival holiday embody all the three characteristics.

The success of these films has significantly boosted tourism, as the filming locations and story settings have turned into popular travel destinations. Many regions in China have seized the opportunity to enhance their tourism offerings, providing a wider range of options for audiences to explore filming sites, taste local delicacies, and immerse themselves in cinematic experiences – all contributing to a more vibrant cultural tourism market.

For example, “Detective Chinatown 1900” was filmed in the Laoling Film Studio in Dezhou, east China’s Shandong province. The set, which covers nearly 200,000 square meters, was constructed in seven months. Taking advantage of the film’s popularity, the studio opened a themed park during the Spring Festival holiday this year, attracting tens of thousands of visitors on the first day alone.

“It feels like stepping straight into the movie. I was completely immersed in the story,” one visitor remarked.

“Films have never been just about box office revenue; they also generate significant spillover effects. In recent years, various industries have shown a greater willingness to collaborate with filmmakers, which amplifies their impact and invigorates new consumption models and immersive entertainment experiences,” said Yin.

By Song Shuang

Chinese AI company DeepSeek just astonished the world with its open-source model DeepSeek-R1 recently.

The rise of the AI model was nothing short of breathtaking. On Jan. 20, DeepSeek officially launched DeepSeek-R1. Within a week, it soared to the top of the free app rankings on Apple’s App Store in both China and the U.S. Shortly after, it claimed the No. 1 spot on mobile app download charts in around 140 countries. It marked a rare, simultaneous breakthrough in both Eastern and Western markets.

The response it generated was equally astonishing. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said it is legit invigorating to have a new competitor. The New York Times hailed the emergence of DeepSeek as “a milestone” in AI development.

On the same day, tech giants NVIDIA, Amazon, and Microsoft all announced their integration of DeepSeek-R1 into their platforms.

What makes this success even more remarkable is that DeepSeek accomplished it with a fraction of the industry’s typical R&D costs.

By achieving breakthroughs in multimodal interaction, low-power computing, and multilingual adaptation, along with a dramatic enhancement in inference capabilities, DeepSeek has redefined “cost-effective innovation” in AI.

It has challenged the global AI industry’s long-standing reliance on brute-force computing power- the belief that scaling hardware is the only way forward.

As The Financial Times bluntly put it, DeepSeek has disrupted the AI industry’s core assumption that more powerful hardware is the key to progress.

DeepSeek, a name now making waves worldwide, also raises profound questions. Despite U.S. policies of “small yards with high fences” aimed at restricting China’s access to critical technologies, companies like DeepSeek are forging ahead with breakthrough innovations. When U.S. chip bans sought to slow China’s access to cutting-edge hardware, more efficient alternatives emerged under the immense pressure.

DeepSeek’s rise has also brought unexpected benefits to the world. Its open-source approach has accelerated the adoption of AI globally. DeepSeek’s dialect recognition technology has enabled remote communities in some countries and regions to access AI-powered healthcare. AI-powered devices running on DeepSeek models are even being used for agricultural disaster forecasting. More and more Global South countries will benefit immensely from this efficient and accessible AI technology.

As China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Fu Cong, emphasized, “Only through cooperation and shared development can we bridge the digital and AI divide, ensuring that the Global South benefits equally from AI advancements.”

Let’s turn our attention to where DeepSeek was born – China. It is implementing the strategy for invigorating China through science and education, the workforce development strategy, and the innovation-driven development strategy, fostering a continuous stream of top-tier tech talent.

Former OpenAI policy director Jack Clark stated that DeepSeek has hired a group of “enigmatic geniuses.” DeepSeek’s founder, Liang Wenfeng, responded, “These ‘geniuses’ are, in fact, recent graduates from top universities, PhD interns in their fourth or fifth year, and young professionals who have just graduated only a few years ago.”

Turing Award winner and Academician Andrew Chi-ChihYao of the Chinese Academy of Sciences highlighted, “China’s AI talent pipeline – from undergraduate students to PhD researchers – has already reached world-class levels.” As Fu aptly put it, “Never underestimate the ingenuity of Chinese scientists and engineers.”

According to the World Intellectual Property Organization‘s Global Innovation Index 2024, China has risen to 11th place in the latest rankings of the world’s most innovative economies, making it one of the fastest risers in the past decade.

From quantum computing to controlled nuclear fusion, from brain-computer interfaces to space mining, and from Huawei’s HarmonyOS to the world’s first petabit-level ultra-high-capacity optical disk storage system – China’s journey toward high-level technological self-reliance is filled with milestones that will shape the future.

The path illuminated by these innovations is one that brings new hope to the world.

By He Yin, People’s Daily

During the 2025 Spring Festival holiday, more than 2.3 billion passenger trips were made in China, and the total box office revenue surpassed 11 billion yuan ($1.51 billion), leading to increased consumption spending in catering and shopping.

The livelySpring Festival celebrations have mirrored China’s economic vitality. The Chinese economy has demonstrated stronger growth momentum and more open-market advantages, propellingthe consumer market toward innovation and high-quality development. International observers believe that the travel and spending boom during the Spring Festival holiday has sent a positive signal to the world, showing the resilience and vitality of China’s economy.

Thevibrant holiday market reflects the strong momentum of China’s high-quality economic growth.

Expanding domestic demand remains a top priority for China’s economic agenda in 2025 and beyond. According to the latest value-added taxinvoice data released by China’s State Taxation Administration, the eight-day Spring Festival holiday saw the average daily sales revenuesof consumer-related industries increase 10.8 percent yearonyear, with goods consumption up 9.9 percent and services consumption rising 12.3 percent.

Thanks to China’s policy-backed consumer goods trade-in program, the sales of home appliances and furniture have skyrocketed in the country, making them new highlights of the Spring Festival shopping season. Sales revenues from household audiovisual equipment, such as televisions, soared by 226.8 percent compared to the same period last year.

“China had a solid start to the Year of the Snake,”said Citi Research analysts. Many global financial institutions have recognizedthe tangible progress of China’s high-quality developmentin their 2025 economic outlooks. They believe that the green economy, digital economy, and high-tech manufacturing are emerging as new growth drivers, andservice consumption will continue to account for a larger share of the Chinese economy.

The creative economic activities during the Spring Festival holiday this year highlight the innovation-driven development of the Chinese economy.

This year’s Spring Festival is the first since its inscription on the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list. A number of traditional cultural activities have been held across China, providing foreign visitors with an immersive festival experience.

Meanwhile, winter sports have become a popular option for Chinese people during the holiday. A range of ice and snow activities have drawn travelers to explore snow-covered landscapes, ice and snow sports, and winter-themed cultural experiences.

Digital technologieshave injected new impetus into Chinese cultural exhibitions and brought AI-powered Spring Festival temple fairs to the public, blending technology and traditional culture through interactive and immersive experiences.

The booming holiday spending echoes China’s economic vitality, with cultural prosperity and economic growthmutually reinforcing each other. The unique appeal of Chinese culture has sparked a “China travel” boom, which is expected to further expand the country’s services trade.

The benefits brought by China’s vibrant holiday market to the world demonstrate the positive impact of the country’s efforts to expand high-level opening up.

According to statistics released by China’s National Immigration Administration, 14.37 million cross-border trips were made during this year’s Spring Festival holiday, 6.3 percentmore than a year earlier. Chinese travel platforms reported that Chinese tourists visited over 2,100 overseas cities during this period, reflecting China’s recovering outbound travel demand.

Chinese New Year goods have gained rising popularity in the global market, indicating the growing global appeal of Chinese products. For instance, spring couplets, dumplings, and “blind boxes” inspired by the Chinese zodiac flew off the shelves in overseas supermarkets and e-commerce platforms. Smart home appliance sets from China became trendy gifts among foreign youth.

Besides, China’s increasingly diversified consumer demand has boosted imports, with New Zealand kiwis and Chilean cherries becoming highly sought-after holiday goods.

As China continues to advance high-level openingup, the Chinese market will welcome morehigh-quality products from around the world.

The economic boom during the Spring Festival holiday indicates a positive beginning for the Chinese economy in 2025, significantly boosting confidence in the country’s development prospects throughout the year. With policies taking hold, China will continue to invigorate its consumer market,expand high-level openingup, strengthen momentum for steady economic growth, and remain the biggest engine of world economic growth.

By Wang Yongzhan, People’s Daily

What can you discover when you come to southwest China’s Sichuan province in search of giant pandas?

In Sichuan, one can explore the Giant Panda National Park to observe these adorable creatures in their natural habitat. Additionally, the research bases dedicated to giant panda breeding are the perfect place for gaining insights into panda behaviors and conservation efforts.

In addition to the pandas, Sichuan offers opportunities to discover newly identified plant species, diverse companion plants and animals, and engaging natural education activities.

Since the beginning of 2024, Sichuan has launched new eco-tourism routes that connect several key points, including the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, the WolongNational Nature Reserveand the Wanglang National Nature Reserve of the Giant Panda National Park, offering visitors a unique experience.

The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is always crowded. In front of a panda-themed exhibition board on the first floor of the office building, visitors are often seen reading and learning about pandas’ living habits.

The Giant Panda National Park is an important research and conservation base for the species. In recent years, the Wolong area of the park has attracted more visitors due to fascinating discoveries, such as wild panda sightings and the identification of new plant species.

Here, visitors can watch live footage of wild pandas captured by the park’s monitoring cameras on large screens. With the help of local networks and ultra-shortwave transmission, along with “panda face” recognition technology, real-time images of wild pandas are now available, which significantly aids in understanding their living conditions.

Backpack on, trekking poles in hand, ranger Luo Chunping gathered his team and strode out from aprotection station, heading to a fixed monitoring trail within the Wanglang area of the Giant Panda National Park.

Besides the pandas, the Wanglang area is home to 72 species of large and medium-sized mammals and over 280 species of birds, many of which are under national-level protection.

“In summer, visitors enjoy tracking and photographing plants and animals, while in winter, they come to enjoy the snow sight and learn about how the animals survive the cold,”said Luo.

Thanks to various conservation efforts, the Giant Panda National Park is home to a rich diversity of plants and animals. The “umbrella species” effect of the panda is especially prominent. This term refers to how protecting a species with specific habitat needs, like the panda, also protects the broader ecosystem, benefiting many other species. In fact, by protecting pandas and their habitats, over 10,000 accompanying species, such as snub-nosed monkeys, snow leopards, and Chinese yews, are also being safeguarded.

Not long ago, a woman surnamed Lin came to the nature education center in the Wanglang area. She marveled at the ecological foundation of the area, the Minshan Mountain dynamic monitoring network, and the real-time footage of wild panda monitoring. “It’s my first time in Wanglang, and I’ve learned so much,” she said.

She then visited the Minshan Mountain national permanent sample plot, where an audio guide explained the environment, species composition, community structure, and biomass in the small units that make up the forest.

“With the audio guide and the informative signage, even as a first-time visitor, I gained a deep understanding of the plants and animals here,” Lin said.

What she participated in was an educational tour themed “Giving the Primeval Forest a Check-Up,” which allowed visitors to engage in environmental studies and research.

With 16 different tour routes and 18 distinct educational themes, the natural education experience at the park has become more refined. The park has divided its educational routes into four types, such as observational and research-based, to cater to visitors of all ages.

The public is not only able to participate in eco-tourism, but also receive a comprehensive natural education. The Giant Panda National Park’s educational experiences continue to evolve.

“We have established a Giant Panda National Park natural education alliance, as well as two main natural education schools and 14 branches in Pingwu and Wenchuan counties. Over 1,000 people have received training, and the guide team now includes 500 members,” said Zhang Liming, an official with the forestry and grassland administration of Sichuan province.

According to Zhang, the number of participants in natural education programs in the Sichuan section of the Giant Panda National Park exceeded 4.4 million last year.

By Shi Yu, People’s Daily

How many new experiences can an ecotourism route offer?

In the case of the Wuyi Mountainsnational forest trail, the answer is “plenty.”

On a warm winter’s day, with a gentle mountain breeze on his face, He Weixin, an outdoor enthusiast from Xiamen city, southeast China’s Fujian province, was struck by the lush greenery surrounding him as he walked along the Wuping section of the Wuyi Mountainsnational forest trail.

As sunlight filtered through the dense canopy of trees, He walked along a mountain trail paved with river pebbles in Jiewen village, Wan’an township, Wuping county, Longyan city, southeast China’s Fujian province. Before long, sweat broke outon his forehead.

“The area is well-connected, with five walking loops to choose from. The surrounding environment is pristine and ideal for hiking and mountaineering,” he said, impressed by how the trail design complemented the stunning scenery on either side.

The Wuyi Mountainsnational forest trail connects various stunning natural spots in Fujian, including the Tianjieshan national forest park, the Minjiangyuannational wetland park, and the Zhongshan River National Wetland Park, covering six nature reserves and two state-owned forest farms.

Jiewen village, a key stop along this forest trail, has made it an important part of its infrastructure for the development of forest tourism, according to Li Cailin, head of the villagers’ committee of Jiewen village.

The section of the forest trail in Jiewen village is rich in natural broadleaf forests, according to Li, noting that the section, by making the most of ancient roads and existing footpaths, has managed to preserve the natural beauty and integrity of the local forest ecosystem.

Leveraging its rich forest resources, Wuping county has developed a range of forest-based wellness services, including rehabilitation and recuperation services, leisure activities, sports experiences, and nature education, attracting numerous visitors.

“In recent years, we’ve been making use of the forest floor space to develop specialty industries like forest fungi cultivation, beekeeping, and medicinal herb farming,” Li said. “When visitors come and see the good environment, many of themchoose to buy some of our forest products taking home.”

Statistics show thatin 2024, Wuping county’s under-forest economy covered an area of around 1.61 million mu (about 107,586.67 hectares) and generated a total output value of 4.71 billion yuan (about $646.85 million), whileits forest-based wellness service facilities receivednearly 3.48 million visits, producing a total output value of 1.42 billion yuan.

Not long ago, Jiang Anyao, a second-year graduate student from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, participated in a study tour at the Minjiangyuannational wetland park in Jianningcounty, Fujian, as a member of ateam aimed to gain deep insights into biodiversity.

“What plant is this?”

“What’s the name of the bird that was just foraging?”

Jiang and othermembers of the teamasked questions and took notes as they explored the park’s various ecological sites along the riverbank.

“Seeing it all firsthand really helps you appreciate the rich biodiversity of nature. It has made me realize just how crucial ecological conservation is,”Jiang said.

Zhou Sixing, deputy director of the tourism development center of Jianning county, revealed that the county’s hotels are so busy during public holidays that it’s hard to book a room.

“The national wetland park is endowed with abundant natural resources and a unique ecological environment. So we have madeobservations of and introductions to the natural landscapes of the park a highlight of our study tour program, helping participants learn the geological processes that formed the landscapes,” Zhou said.

Following the forest trail further north, visitors can reach Taining county in Sanming city, Fujian.

Taining county’s Dajin Lake Geopark is known for its unique geological relics of water-based Danxia landform, characterized by reddish sandstone features.

The red and orange rock formations, reminiscent of a fiery sunset, reflect in the clear waters of the Dajin Lake, offering breathtaking views to visitors.

As ablack kiteflew over the lakeinto mountains under the glowing sun, photography enthusiast Lin Na quickly snapped a picture of the moment.

“Every winter,the wetlands by the lake attract birds like egrets and black kites. I wait here to capture the perfect shot,” Lin explained.

Leveraging its abundant water resources, Shuiji village in Meikou township, located near Dajin Lake, hasvigorously boosted the development of B&B hotels and restaurants, among other business forms, offering visitors one-stop servicesencompassing accommodation, shopping, travel, and sightseeing.

Not long ago, Lin participated in a photography tour in Taining, along with more than 50 fellow photography enthusiasts, exploring and capturing the natural beauty of the area.

“I find the photography-themed group tour particularly fun. I can stay in a lakeside B&B hotel, capture the beautiful scenery and exchange tips with other shutterbugs,” Lin said.

Villages along Dajin Lake have also tapped into their rich natural ecological resources to developemerging business formsof the cultural tourism industry, such as photography, sketching, and film production.

According to credible sources, Taining county has started to create an extensive sketching base, which has already received over 300,000 visits for sketching and social practice activities.

With the market-oriented transformation gaining momentum in certain segments of the industrial chain, several companies providing sketching-related services haveestablished themselves in the county.

“Visitors can enjoy the views of sprouting green plants in spring; cool, refreshing mountain breeze in summer; colorful foliage in autumn; and snow-capped mountains in winter… Every season offers unique experiences, and many more natural wonders are waiting for us to explore,” Lin said.