Nigeria Times

By Li Bin, People’s Daily

When selecting a pillow in Chinese market, one might found himself overwhelmed by the vast array of options. Even within the category of functional pillows, there is a wide variety, from the traditional ones made of buckwheat, cassia seed, and bamboo charcoal to the increasingly popular memory foam, latex, zero-pressure, and down pillows. When considering wellness needs, there are even more choices, with over a dozen types of Chinese herbal pillows alone.

The shapes of these pillows follow ergonomic principles, while their functions cater to personalized needs. The fillings are designed to aid in health and wellness. These small pillows embody both technological and industrial innovations.

This sense of being overwhelmed by choices is a common experience across various subcategories in consumer goods. Daily necessities are indispensable in people’s lives, offering an important window into China’s economic growth and its high-quality development.

Where does the growth in consumption come from? It arises from the precise identification of new consumer demands.

For example, toilet paper that easily clogs toilets has led to the rise of water-soluble toilet paper, which is both environmentally friendly and hygienic. Timed power outlets address safety concerns from leaving plugs in, while also saving energy. Stretchable storage boxes keep things organized; waterproof medical tape securely holds surgical dressings; safety box cutters make it easier to unpack deliveries. These small but clever products meet the needs of consumption upgrades, making life more convenient.

The strength of the Chinese economy lies in the evolving and upgrading demands from a consumer market of over 1.4 billion people, which continuously stimulates changes and upgrades in production and supply.

Demand is a broad concept but also reflects individual differences. For example, elderly consumers prioritize smart aging solutions and healthcare features when selecting daily necessities. Young people, who are keen on sharing and discovering new products on social platforms, often look for personalized, custom-made items, focusing more on brand value and shopping experience. Office workers, on the other hand, tend to choose practical items, like versatile power outlets and multifunctional storage boxes, that suit their work environment and help reduce stress.

China’s massive consumer market not only exhibits huge general demand but also embraces diverse individual needs. By tapping into these differentiated and personalized demands, many companies have been able to expand and strengthen themselves by aligning technological and industrial innovation.

The consumption of daily goods is not only essential for people’s daily lives but also crucial for the growth of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, social employment, and workers’ income. It serves as a clear example of the fundamental role that consumption plays in economic development.

From education and training to fitness and entertainment, and from healthcare to domestic services, small daily necessities cater to a wide range of service needs. The expanding consumption of daily necessities in China has brought about significant benefits for both consumers and manufacturers.

At a broader level, it is beneficial for both the present and the future to understand the overarching trends of increasing consumption demand among urban and rural residents, identify new demands from residents, enhance the supply of novel products from enterprises, and maintain a high-level balance between demand and supply.

China is actively integrating the strategy of expanding domestic demand with deepening supply-side structural reforms, a move with far-reaching positive implications.

By Han Xin, People’s Daily

Logistics is the “lifeblood” of the real economy. In 2024, China’s annual freight volume reached approximately 56.5 billion tons, averaging 150 million tons per day, with a year-on-year growth of about 3.5 percent. This effectively supported the stable and positive development of the national economy.

In recent years, the overall level of social logistics costs in China has been on a downward trend. The ratio of social logistics costs to GDP decreased from 18 percent in 2012 to 14.4 percent in 2023, meaning that the logistics costs incurred for every 100 yuan ($13.73) of GDP decreased from 18 yuan to 14.4 yuan.

How has the continuous reduction in total social logistics costs been achieved?

The “Kawa Ningbo“ vessel, departing from Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, arrived at Wilhelmshaven, Germany in the early hours of Jan. 24, taking only 26 days.

Behind this accelerated delivery lies a strategic integration of sea-rail intermodal transport and the “China-Europe Express” shipping route. The shipment contained furniture manufactured in east China’s Jiangxi province, transported by rail from Ganzhou, Jiangxi to Ningbo-Zhoushan Port’s Chuanshan port area, then directly loaded onto the express line vessel for Germany.

“The China-Europe Express enables direct maritime delivery from our port to Europe, cutting transit time from 38 to 26 days,” explained an representative of the Ningbo-Zhoushan Port. “Through coordinated rail-sea operations, containers can transfer from trains to ships without reloading, which significantly reduces logistics costs.”

In 2024 alone, Ningbo-Zhoushan Port handled over 1.8 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) through its sea-rail intermodal services, achieving double-digit year-on-year growth.

China’s ongoing optimization of its transportation structure has become a cornerstone for reducing logistics costs while enhancing service quality and operational efficiency. In recent years, the country has witnessed tangible progress in coordinated infrastructure development and systemic innovations.

Key transport corridors like the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, the Yangtze River Economic Belt logistics network, and the intermodal transport network in central China have significantly improved regional connectivity. Strategic expansion of dedicated railway lines into industrial hubs, ports, and logistics parks has effectively addressed the critical “first and last-mile” connectivity challenges in rail transport, solidifying the infrastructure framework.

Various organizational models have emerged as innovative solutions – from high-speed rail express and double-stack container trains to multimodal express networks. Streamlined practices like unified documentation systems and standardized container management across transport modes exemplify breakthroughs in regulatory coordination.

In 2024, China’s rail-water intermodal transport volume reached 11.5 million TEUs, up 15 percent year on year.

The integration of next-generation technologies like AI and Internet of Things with modern logistics is unlocking new possibilities for cost-efficient, intelligent supply chains. Digital freight platforms and smart logistics solutions are reshaping China’s transportation sector through data-driven optimization.

Fu Yefei, general manager of a textile company in Shaoxing, east China’s Zhejiang province, illustrated this transformation. Previously, hiring on in-house drivers cost his company 30,000 yuan monthly with frequent empty return trips and low efficiency. After adopting intelligent logistics platforms, AI-powered matching systems have reduced transportation costs by nearly 70 percent while boosting delivery efficiency over 50 percent.

“AI bridges the information gap between shippers and carriers, fundamentally lowering systemic logistics costs,” said Zhang Hao, chief technology officer of Lalamove, a Chinese delivery and logistics company. The company’s platform processed 1.86 million daily orders with a 92 percent successful matching rate in 2024.

According to statistics, China is home to 3,286 digital freight platforms coordinating over 8 million trucks and 7.3 million drivers nationwide. Compared to traditional methods, digital platforms have slashed waiting times from 2-3 days to 8-10 hours while reducing transaction costs by 6-8 percent.

JD Logistics, the logistics arm of e-commerce giant JD.com, demonstrates another dimension of innovation through its nationwide network of 3,600 smart warehouses. By integrating warehousing, transportation, and distribution operations, it provides comprehensive supply chain solutions for more than 100,000 enterprises.

“Previously, relying on a single warehouse caused delays and high costs,” said Zheng Chengjun, founder of a manufacturer of small home appliances. “With JD Logistics’ regional distribution hubs, we’ve cut delivery times by eight hours across platforms and plan to reduce warehouse space for additional savings.”

This year, China’s logistics sector is accelerating its digital transformation, with deepening integration between logistics providers and manufacturers.

“We anticipate reducing national logistics costs by 300 billion yuan in 2025,” said vice minister of transport Li Yang, adding this will provide substantial support for growth in real economy, particularly in manufacturing sector.

By Wu Yong, People’s Daily

Hasen, an 80-year-old womanof China’sDaur ethnic group, has learned how to use her smartphone to watch live sports events.

As the first Chinese national female fieldhockey coach, Hasenwas filled with pride as she watched the Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2024 unfold in her hometown – Morin Dawa Daur autonomous banner in north China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region.

This event held a special significance for the Chinese men’sfield hockey team, which fought all the way to a historic silver medal, marking the country’s best-ever performance in this competition. Seven players on the team hailed from Morin Dawa Daur autonomous banner, a region steeped in hockey tradition.

With a population of over 300,000,Morin Dawa Daur autonomous banner is known as the “hometown of field hockey in China”.. The people in the banner carried forward the traditional sporting heritage and made it popular in the whole region.

The journey into this remote banner winds through the southern Greater Khingan Mountains, where the indigenous oak trees stand tall and straight along the way. Drawing on local resources, the children here often create temporary hockey sticks from oak branches to play field hockey onopen ground.

Field hockey became an Olympic sport at the 1908 London Games. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, Chinese sports authorities sent an expert team to investigate the development of field hockey across the country.

When the experts arrived in Morin Dawa Daur autonomous banner, they were pleasantly surprised to find that the traditional sport of China’sDaur ethnic group, known as beikuo in the Daur language (which translates to “curved stick”), bears resemblance to field hockey in terms of equipment and competition rules.

This discovery sparked historic development: China’s first men’s field hockey team was founded in the banner in 1976, predominantly composed of players of the Daur ethnic group. Four years later, Hasen – now recognized as a Chinese national-level intangible cultural heritage inheritor of Daur traditional hockey – pioneered China’s first women’s field hockey team, and started coaching the trailblazing squad.

In 1989, the Chinese Hockey Associationofficially designated Morin Dawa Daur autonomous banner as the “hometown of field hockey”. This prestigious title was further acknowledged in September 2024 when Tayyab Ikram, president of the International Hockey Federation, presented the banner with a commemorative plaque and album, recognizing it as a renowned hub for the sport of field hockey.

“Morin Dawa Daur autonomous banner has a huge fan base for the sport, which makes field hockey widely popular here,” said Wang Tong, captain of the Chinese men’s field hockey team.

Over the past almost five decades, athletes from Morin Dawa Daur autonomous banner have played a crucial role in the Chinese national field hockey team and made significantcontributions to China’s field hockey competitions. For example, the Chinese women’s field hockey team wona silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics Games, and the Chinese men’s team secured a silver medal at the Asian Games and 11th place at the Olympics.

To date, Morin Dawa Daur autonomous banner has nurtured over 500 athletes and coaches for various Chinese provincial teams, with over 200 athletes and more than 30 coaches being selected for the Chinese national field hockey training camp.

Integration of sports and education

On the sidelines of the Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2024, seven foreign referees visited the Secondary Vocational and Technical School of Morin Dawa Daur Autonomous Banner, providing guidance for field hockey students.

After a training match, Ao Hanze, a second-year student who has spent four yearsin professional field hockey training, was dripping with sweat. When the referees commended his performance, the young boy was struck by a sense of shyness and excitement.

“The international hockey event held in my hometown has illuminated my goals,” said Ao. His dream is to become an outstanding professional field hockey athlete.

“With such excellent training facilities and much better conditions than before, I will redouble my efforts,” he noted.

The school introduced a field hockey program in 2015 and has so far nurtured numerous groups of athletes for Chinese professional teams. In 2025, it collaborated with other Chinese higher education institutions to enroll students with special talent in field hockey.

This collaboration aims to enable student-athletesto pursue vocational education while receiving professional sports training, which means they can advance their academic and athletic careers simultaneously.

In recent years, the banner has been exploring new ways of integrating sports and education to cultivate young talents. Every one of the 40 primary and secondary schools within the banner has launched field hockey courses, and 39 of them have created their own teams for the sport.

“Based on the vibrant hockey-playing environment, we have established a comprehensive educational system to nurture and train students of all educational institutions, from elementary schools to universities. Outstanding players have the opportunity to join Chinese professional teams right away. This approach can contribute to the sound and orderly development of field hockey in China,” said Liu Jinzhu, head of the education and sports bureau of Morin Dawa Daur autonomous banner.

By Yao Xueqing, People’s Daily

Yancheng city, east China’s Jiangsu province, boasts the world’s largest intertidal wetland system and China’s first World Natural Heritage site ofcoastal wetlands. As an important stopover site for migratory birds on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, this ecological wonderland shelters millions of birds annually as they rest, molt, and overwinter.

In recent years, the city has developed a multifaceted ecotourism model and fostered new consumption scenarios around these winged visitors. Tourists can witness spectacular bird congregations across tidal wetlands, explore museums and creative product shops, and purchase cultural souvenirs like the popular cultural icon “Salt Spoon,” a cartoon character based on the critically endangered spoon-billed sandpiper.

Birdwatching has become the city’s new approach to developing ecotourism, providing tourists and citizens a deeper and more engaging way to appreciate the natural beauty.

“When migratory birds pick their habitats, they primarily focus on abundant food sources and a sound natural environment,” said tour guide Shen Dandan at the research center of the Tiaozini wetland in Dongtai of Yancheng city, where a highlight of every August is the arrival of millions of migratory birds.

She explained the reasons behind bird migration and habitat selection to tourists, showcasing videos and images to introduce bird species often seen in wetlands during winter. Equipped with newfound bird knowledge, the tourists then made their way to an observation deck to kick off their birdwatching adventure.

“The tide is rising! Now it’s the prime time for birdwatching,”exclaimed Shen.

Shen explained that asthe tide went out, migratory birds would hunt for food on the beach; but when the seawater submergedtheir feeding grounds, theywould retreat with the seawater to a “shelter region”within the dyke for a break, creating an ideal opportunity for birdwatchers to spot them from the observation decks.

The “shelter region” used to be the nearest fish pond to the feeding grounds, covering a total area of 720 mu (48 hectares). After micro-topographic transformation, wetland restoration and environmental improvement, the pond was transformed into the current fixed habitat at high tide level, serving as a sanctuary for migratory birds when the tide rises.

Within the habitat, there are four observation decks equipped with 16 high-powered telescopes that reveal intimate details of migratory birds leisurely strolling around, such as geese, ducks, black-faced spoonbills, and Eurasian spoonbills, within a 500-meter range.

After traveling 12 kilometers to the south, the tourists reached a large lake nestled deep within the Tiaozini wetland, which serves as the habitat for big wading birds like red-crowned cranes and flamingos. Dozens of photography enthusiastsstood by, ready to capture pictures.

“It’s truly worth the wait. I recorded a flamingo feeding its chick,” said Qi Xiaoyun, president of the Yancheng Municipal Photographers Association.

Qi said that the photography events organized by the association always attract a full crowd of photography enthusiasts – in spring, they rush to capture spoon-billed sandpipers; in summer, black-headed gulls enter their breeding season; when the autumn comes, the saltwort turns red everywhere; and this winter, more and more flamingos are being photographed.

Chang Wei, deputy director of the management committee of the Coastal Economic Zone of Dongtai, explained how the wetland offers different scenery throughout the year. With birdwatching as a major project, the Tiaozini wetland scenic area offers a variety of ecotourism products designed for different seasons, such as birding festivals, photography camps, and ecological camping, drawing nearly a million visits each year.

Cultural and creative industry

Museums have also become an essential part of localbirdwatching tourism. For instance, the Yellow Sea Wetland Museumpresents the changing landscapes of migratory bird habitats and has become an interactive and immersive encyclopedia of wetland ecology.

The museum, receiving around 260,000 visitors annually, has developed various activities like “World Heritage Education” and “Wetlands and Science Workshops.”It hosts 140 World Heritage Education events each year.

At the store of the museum, cultural and creative products such as T-shirts, cups, notebooks, fridge magnets, and plush toys featuring images of “Salt Spoon” are very popular among tourists.The design team is also creating characters based on the red-crowned crane and milu (commonly known as Pere David’s deer),which are collectively dubbed the “three wetland treasures” in Yancheng, together with spoon-billed sandpiper, prototype of “Salt Spoon.”

“Birdwatching tourism has ignited a wave of cultural creativity, which has in turn boosted consumer spending,” said Jin Longfei, an official from Yancheng Municipal People’s Government.

According to Jin, the sales of cultural and creative products inspired by westland ecotourism in the city have exceeded 30 million yuan ($4.12 million), generating an economic output of tens of millions yuan.

By Ji Fang, Wang Liang, People’s Daily

During this winter season, ice and snow tourism has experienced a significant surge in popularity across various regions of China.

In Hebei province, a diverse range of ice and snow events are captivating visitors, while in Jilinprovince, tourists are flocking to witness the beauty of rime and participate in thrilling ice and snow activities. Additionally, in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, numerous ski resorts have undergone expansions and upgrades to elevate service standards, thereby enhancing the overall visitor experience.

The growing enthusiasm for winter sports in China, coupled with the rising trend of ice and snow tourism, has not only stimulated consumption growth but also fostered regional development.

On a weekend, a long line was formed by visitors waiting to take cable cars at a ski resort on Changbai Mountain in Jilin province, and Zhang Yao from Beijing, was standing in the line.

Zhang Yao developed a passion for skiing after a 2018 trip to Chongli district, Hebei, known for its thriving winter sports development. Since then, she has been hitting ski resorts every winter, leaving her footprints Beijing, Hebei, Jilin, and other places.

The booming of winter sports has significantly boosted the development of relevant industries. According to statistics, since the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, 313 million people across China have engaged in ice and snow sports or related leisure activities, with 264 million participating during the 2023-2024 snow season.

Wang Yuxiong, director of the Sports Economics Research Center at the Central University of Finance and Economics, stated that with the development of social economy and the improvement of living standards, the demand for sports will stimulate consumption enthusiasm, and the ice and snow economy still has great potential.

A report showed that China’s ice and snow consumption exceeded 150 billion yuan ($20.48 billion) in the 2023-2024 snow season, with 72.73 percent of winter sports participants reporting expenditure.

Since December last year, a series of winter sports events have been hosted in China, transforming the attention to the games into consumer spending. The National Ski Jumping Center, nicknamed “Snow Ruyi,” hosted the FIS Ski Jumping Intercontinental Cup and women’s events of the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup, which led to a 250 percent surge in the number of visitors from a year ago.

Nearly 140,000 people visited the Shougang Park in Beijing when it hosted the 2024-2025 FIS Snowboard & Freeski Big Air World Cup. The event led to a significant rise in local dining and accommodation consumption.

In Jilin’s Beidahu Ski Resort, over 20 events have been hosted, sparking widespread enthusiasm for winter sports. In Xinjiang, the Freeride World Tour attracted over 100 top skiers from around the globe, and the hosting of a winter fishing festival and other activities has further consolidated Xinjiang’s status as an ideal destination for skiing enthusiasts.

Data shows that during the 2023-2024 snow season, China recorded 430 million winter leisure and tourism trips, and this figure is expected to reach 520 million in the 2024-2025 season.

Winter tourism is embracing new experiences. Recently, a ski resort in Jilin just tried to fuse traditional Chinese culture into winter sports – skiers were seen gliding down the slopes in Peking Opera costumes.

Zhao Lanjv, the resort’s general manager, noted that since the slopes opened in late November, the resort has seen a surge in visitors, with weekend attendance exceeding 5,000 people.

Traditional Chinese medicine wellness centers, China chic, and opera performances were part of the resort’s efforts to enrich visitor experience and showcase China’s rich cultural heritage to the world through winter sports, Zhao said.

China’s winter sports industry is rapidly growing in southern cities where sustained snowfall is a rarity. Chongqing municipality in the southwest has launched over 150 ice and snow-themed activities and more than 80 winter tourism routes, spurring a wave of winter spending.

Hubei province plans to distribute 100 million yuan in cultural and tourism vouchers, covering key projects like skiing and hot springs. Meanwhile, indoor ski resorts in Guangdong provincebreak seasonal barriers, catering to snow enthusiasts year-round.

Wang believes that as consumer demands become more personalized and diverse, the ice and snow experiences will be further expanded, creating more varied consumption scenarios.

A 2024 report on the development of China’s ice and snow industry revealed that the industry has grown from 270 billion yuan in 2015 to 970 billion yuan in 2024, and will probably surpass 1 trillion yuan by 2025.

“The enthusiasm for winter sports is soaring, and with the support of favorable policies, the ice and snow economy is set to shine,” Wang added, believing that this industry is a source of invaluable assets.

By Zou Xiang, People‘s Daily

For Chinese across the world, the Spring Festival is a time for family reunions, festive traditions, holiday shopping and diverse cultural and tourism activities. Shopping events for festival goods centered around Chinese intangible cultural heritage (ICH) are gaining popularity across China in recent years.

During a recent event in north China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region, ICH inheritors demonstrated a wide range of skills including embroidery, paper-cutting, and lanterns. Local citizens and tourists were also invited to join the hands-on workshops, experiencing the cultural charm of ICH up close. China’s ICH has become part of people’s daily lives, demonstrating the new vitality of Chinese culture.

Compared to the ubiquitous presence of Chinese ICH elements online and offline, some key transformations may trigger people’s reflection on how to protect the cultural heritage.

In Dec. 2024, three Chinese cultural elements, namely traditional Li textile techniques: spinning, dyeing, weaving and embroidering, Qiang New Year festival celebrated in southwest China’s Sichuan province, and traditional design and practices for building Chinese wooden arch bridges, were added by UNESCO to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.The three items were included in 2009 in the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.

The main difference between the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding and the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity is that the former is about cultural elements that face the risk of disappearing.

When an ICH item sees its sustainability enhanced through protection and development efforts and no longer faces the risk of extinction, it will be “transferred” from the former to the latter.

The successful inscriptionof the three itemsin the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity marks the first transition between the two lists under the framework of UNESCO’s Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage. It demonstrated the international community’s recognition of China’s ICH protection efforts.

Over the past more than two decades since China joined UNESCO’s Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, the country has made remarkable achievements in preserving and revitalizing ICH, offering Chinese wisdom and solutions to ICH protection and revitalization worldwide.

China now has 44 cultural elements or practices recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, ranking first in the world. The country has enacted a law on ICH, and provincial-level regions across the country have also issued their local regulations on ICH protection, building a sound legal framework.

Over 90,000 ICH representative inheritors of different levels in China are working to keep the country’s intangible cultural treasures alive. China has over 100,000 ICH items of various levels, including 1,557 featured on the national list.

Preserving cultural essence of ICH

Each ICH item is priceless and embodies a profound historical and cultural legacy that is deeply connected to the customs and emotions of local people.

To preserve ICH, a crucial aspect is to carry forward its aesthetic tastes and cultural essence. For instance, the entire process of the Li brocade tradition includes four steps of spinning, dyeing, weaving and embroidering, which take at least three to four months to complete. The intricate process of back weaving and double-sided weaving takes even longer.

This time-honored brocade craft tests patience and craftsmanship. It is essential to pass down the technique itselfandcarry forward the spirit of diligence, wisdom, innovation, and craftsmanship behind the ancient art.

Integrating ICH into people’s daily lives

ICH is deeply rooted in social practices and people’s daily lives. It is not a static cultural symbol but a dynamic cultural organism.

The Qiang New Year festival is the most significant traditional festival celebrated by China’s Qiang people on the first day of the 10th lunar monthevery year. The Qiang New Year celebrations incorporate cultural elements such as Qiang customs, traditions, dances, and cuisine.

China has established a national Qiang cultural ecological protection zone, prioritizing the preservation of Qiang culture. The systematic protection and holistic preservation have laid a solid natural, cultural and social foundation for preserving the authenticity of the Qiang customs and promoting the inheritance of the Qiang culture.

Through years of efforts, China’s ICH protection and revitalization have yielded fruitful results, painting a vivid picture of the harmonious coexistence of traditional culture and modern life.

For example, Li brocade has become a “brocade of happiness” that creates more job opportunities and drives income growth for local people. The Qiang New Year festival now serves as an “accelerator” for cultural, ecological and rural tourism. Traditional Chinese wooden arch bridges have become “concerto” that showcases China’s achievements in cultural inheritance and natural preservation.

ICH itemsare the crystallization of the wisdom of the Chinese nation and a vivid witness to the continuity of Chinese civilization.

Whether it is the inscription of the three ICT items in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the global dissemination of Chinese ICH, or the accelerating integration of ICHinto people’s lives, the ongoing process ensures better inheritance and protection of invaluable heritage.

By Zhang Yangjun

At the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show held in the U.S. city ofLas Vegas, the“Land Aircraft Carrier,” a modular flying car developed by Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker XPENG, made its first international debut,drawing significant attention worldwide. It is expected to be delivered to customers in 2026.

Flying cars are gradually turning into a reality, presenting endless possibilities for future transportation. Perhaps in 10 years, theyare likely to shorten the commutingtime from 1-2 hours to just 10-20 minutes, relieving the stress of traffic jams for city residents.

Today, people have a more concrete definition of flying cars. In a narrow sense, a flying car refers to a dual-mode vehicle that can both drive on the ground and fly in the air; while in a broad sense, it includes electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL) used for publictransportation.

In 2024, the China Society of Automotive Engineers released the country’s first research report on flying cars. It observed that the development of smart EVs in the 21st century has laid a solid industrial foundation for smart electric aviation.

According to the report, as a category of flying cars, eVTOLs are expected to become public transportation vehicles,just like cars on the ground, by integrating smart electric technologies and industrial chains of airplanes and cars. The concept of flying cars in a broad sense has been widely accepted by the industry, the report said.

Looking ahead, the era of flying cars is rapidly becoming a reality. According to a Chinese white paper on flying cars, the development of flying cars will go through three stages.

For the first stage, from 2025, flying cars will enter the 1.0 phase of commercialization, during which cargo eVTOLs will be put into commercial operation, while passenger eVTOLs will be demonstrated and applied in specific scenarios.

The second stage comes in around 2035, when flying cars will embrace the 2.0 phase of development, bringing forth more intelligent eVTOLs. These aircraft will be manufactured on a large scale and become a major mode of low-altitudetransportation.

In the third stage, by around 2050, flying cars will enter the 3.0 phase, characterized by mass applications of amphibious flying cars that can drive on the ground and in the air. The low-altitude and ground transportation will be deeply integrated, establishing a three-dimensional intelligent transport system.

Many countries around the world are accelerating the innovation and application of flying cars. There are three main development approaches.

Firstly, some companies are transitioning from traditional mechanical aviation to smart electric aviation. For instance, companies like Joby Aviation in the U.S., European aircraft manufacturer Airbus, and Chinese companies such as AutoFlight and Aerofugia have leveraged their design experience and technological advantages in traditional aviation to develop flying cars.

Secondly, some businesses are venturing beyond smart EVs into smart electric aviation. Around 85 percent of the industrial chain that underpins flying cars is closely linked with smart EVs, providing a robust foundation for flying car technologies. For instance, XPENG and Chinese auto manufacturer GAC Group are intensifying their R&D efforts in flying cars based on their expertise in the smart EVindustry.

Thirdly, other enterprises are moving from multi-rotor drones to smart electric aviation. Multi-rotor droneshave established a foundation in flight control technology for smart electric aviation. For instance, Chinese drone maker EHang Holdings Limited and other companies are marching toward flying cars based on their early experience in multi-rotor drones.

Joby Aviationis set to commercialize eVTOLs in 2025, charting new territory in urban air mobility. Airbus, building on its extensive experience in traditional aviation and strong global presence, has initiated the CityAirbus NextGen project. In 2024, Airbus unveiled its fully electric CityAirbus NextGeneVTOLprototype and successfully conducted the maiden flight, which was a major step in its transition from traditional aviation to smart electric aviation.

China’s world-leading technologies and industrial capabilities in EVs and multi-rotor drones provide a strong foundation for developing and producing flying cars. For example, Chinese automaker Changan Automobile has partnered with drone maker EHang to create an innovative approach – merging automotive and multi-rotor drone technologies, providing new momentum for the development of flying cars.

Low-altitude transportation serves as a primary platform and scenario for the application of new technologies such as new energy, artificial intelligence, big data, and 5G communications. It represents a strategic direction for the development of the low-altitude economy and will reshape the global economic development landscape.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and flying cars are the primary modes of transportation for low-altitude economic activities. Just as bicycles, motorcycles, and cars areimportant for the ground economy, consumer-grade UAVs, industrial-grade UAVs, and transportation-grade flying cars are equally essential in the low-altitude economy.

UAVs play a leading role in the low-altitude economy andhas transitioned from consumer-grade recreational devices to industrial-grade production tools used for activities like power line inspections, and agricultural and forestry protection. Moving forward, the extensive application of flying cars will lead humanity into a new era of three-dimensional transportation, creating a trillion-dollar blue ocean market for the low-altitude economy.

(Zhang Yangjun is a professor with the School of Vehicle and Mobility, Tsinghua University.)

By Gu Yekai, People’s Daily

Modern scientific research increasingly depends on advanced research tools. In particular, large-scale scientific facilities play a crucial role in exploring the unknown, uncovering natural laws, and propelling technological progress.

In recent times, notable scientific breakthroughs have been made in connection with large-scale scientific facilities. For instance, Chinese researchers, during the Large Hadron Collider beauty experiment at the European Organization for Nuclear Research, have attained the most precise measurement of the parity violation parameter to date. This parameter, also referred to as the “Lee-Yang” parameter, was originally proposed by physicists Tsung-Dao Lee and Yang Chen-Ning in 1956.

The construction of large-scale scientific facilities is advancing at a rapid pace in China. The Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), known as China’s “artificial sun” in Hefei, east China’s Anhui province, has recently made significant strides in research. Scientists have successfully conducted experiments utilizing a newly constructed large-scale superconducting magnet dynamic performance test system. This achievement has established a solid foundation for the future development of fusion reactor components.

Besides, the Advanced Attosecond Laser Infrastructure is under construction in Dongguan, south China’s Guangdong province. By utilizing attosecond laser pulses, scientists can track, measure, and manipulate the motion of electrons, akin to capturing the “dynamic images” of electrons using a “high-speed camera.” An attosecond is the shortest time scale currently mastered by humans, with one attosecond being only one quintillionth of a second. It is truly the epitome of a “fleeting moment.”

In addition to pushing the boundaries of science, many technological challenges crucial for economic and social development are being addressed with the help of large-scale scientific facilities.

A recent example is the utilization of the China Spallation Neutron Source, often referred to as a “super microscope,” in the testing of large-caliber high-grade oil and gas pipelines. This advanced facility has played a key role in enabling precise evaluation of the reliability of circumferential weld joints, optimizing welding processes, and enhancing the safety of oil and gas operations.

When discussing “scientific tools,” it is impossible to overlook the current buzz surrounding AI. In recent years, scientists have been exploring the simulation of life systems through innovative approaches like synthetic biology. Recently, a Japanese company introduced a cutting-edge technology that leverages visual language-based models to autonomously search for and identify novel artificial life forms. This groundbreaking technology eliminates the need for laborious manual design processes, thereby expanding the potential for uncovering previously unknown life forms.

Scientific discovery is a multifaceted journey that can be propelled by cutting-edge technologies and methodologies, as well as the tireless efforts of dedicated scientists. Recently, a collaborative research effort between the China University of Geosciences (Beijing) and the China Geological Survey led to a remarkable find in Changdu, Xizang autonomous region: the world’s smallest sauropod footprints. Measuring a mere 8.8 centimeters, these miniature footprints have significantly contributed to people’s knowledge of dinosaurs.

The recently held 2025 Consumer Electronics Show has become a hub for cutting-edge technological innovations, with a particular focus on the widespread integration of AI.

Chinese companies have notably showcased their advancements in AI technology, elevating the quality and sophistication of products under the “Made in China” label. One standout example was the modular AI companion robot presented by Chinese tech firm TCL, which has garnered significant attention for its charming design and its capacity to engage in seamless, natural interactions with humans across various modes while offering emotional support and companionship.

The emergence of robots capable of providing emotional support raises intriguing questions about their possession of emotional intelligence, a subject currently under scientific investigation. Emotional intelligence represents a promising technological frontier that enables digital beings and robots to recognize emotions, express emotions, and form emotional bonds. This capability holds great potential for diverse applications in sectors like healthcare and education.

However, the advancement of emotional intelligence in AI must place a strong emphasis on establishing clear boundaries, as concerns surrounding privacy, safety, and ethical implications are set to become pivotal within the industry. It is imperative for legal regulations and policy frameworks to adapt to these developments. While the prospect of more empathetic “cyber friends” is exciting, it is crucial to recognize that the decisions made today will shape the future of humanity.

By Gao Qiao

In recent years, China’s groundbreaking advancements in biomedicine have garnered significant global attention.

Experts highlight China’s robust innovation prowess in biotechnology, which is enticing greater investment from multinational biopharmaceutical firms. Simultaneously, the expansive international pharmaceutical market is propelling Chinese biopharmaceutical companies towards global expansion. China is actively immersing itself in the global biopharmaceutical innovation system.

According to a 2024 report on the development of life sciences and biotechnology in China released by the China National Center for Biotechnology Development, China published 222,964 life science papers in 2023, with a 10-year compound annual growth rate of 11.38 percent, significantly higher than the international average.

In the same year, the number of patent applications in life sciences and biotechnology in China surged by 30.59 percent compared to the previous year, with an 11.39 percent increase in granted patents. China’s share of global patent applications and granted patents stood at 39.38 percent and 41.33 percent, respectively.

Data from the China’s National Medical Products Administration indicated that in 2023, China green-lighted 36 domestically developed innovative drugs for market entry, alongside 6,151 Class III medical devices, 2,079 of which were first-time registrations..

The significant growth across various metrics indicates that China’s innovation capabilities, market size, and international competitiveness in biotechnology have been rapidly advancing in recent years.

A recent 20-month investigation by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), a Washington-based think tank, examined the innovation performance of 44 Chinese companies in key technology sectors like nuclear power, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and electric vehicles.

The findings revealed that in the biopharmaceutical sector, although China still trails behind the U.S. and other Western leaders, it is making swift progress in catching up. Notably, from 2002 to 2019, China’s share of added value in the global biopharmaceutical industry has experienced a significant increase.

A recent article in the Saudi Arabian newspaper Makkah highlighted China’s biotechnology industry as a prime example of transforming challenges into growth opportunities. With a focus on international cooperation, regulatory reforms, and innovation, China is poised to emerge as a key player in the global healthcare sector in the future. Despite encountering obstacles, the biotechnology sector in China has shown remarkable resilience and creativity, positioning it as one of the most promising industries for development in the years ahead.

Life sciences are at the forefront of modern research, and the biotechnology industry is a typical technology-intensive sector. Experts attributed China’s rapid progress in biotechnology innovation to the country’s solid support for human resource, technological reserves, and capital investment.

According to the Makkah article, in recent years, Chinese biotechnology startups have signed over 20 significant agreements with Western companies. These agreements not only involve financial investments but also demonstrate the increasing global recognition of the capabilities of Chinese biotechnology startups in drug research and development.

These collaborations span a wide range of areas, including the development of innovative drugs and advanced therapies such as immunotherapy and protein technology innovation. For China, this progress signifies a turning point, as local startups are increasingly becoming trusted partners for global enterprises.

Gao Fu, chairman of the Chinese Society of Biotechnology, said the rapid development of biotechnology in China is a result of the collaborative efforts of the Chinese government, research institutions, and businesses.

The government has played a crucial role by formulating policies that specifically target the strengthening and expansion of strategic emerging industries like biotechnology, as well as by improving research mechanisms in the field.

Additionally, a number of research institutions and companies have aligned their research objectives with societal demands, focusing on addressing practical issues. By leveraging technological advancements such as gene editing, genetic recombination, and mRNA technologies, they are propelling the industrial application of biotechnology.

In recent years, China has made significant adjustments to its policies in the field of biology, actively promoting industrial development.

On one hand, the country has bolstered its intellectual property protection system to create a robust “protective barrier” for innovative accomplishments. This enables research institutions to commercialize their intellectual property rights, derive profits from innovative breakthroughs, and further support scientific research.

On the other hand, China has become a member of the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use, progressively integrating into the global pharmaceutical regulatory framework. This move is aimed at elevating domestic drug regulatory standards and enhancing the credibility of Chinese medical data within the international pharmaceutical sector.

Besides, Chinese technology-driven enterprises are utilizing various methods to expand internationally, and multinational pharmaceutical companies are intensifying their localization strategies through partnerships with Chinese domestic enterprises and institutions. China is steadily progressing in its integration into the global biotechnology innovation trend.

By Zhou Shanshan, People’s Daily

“It’s been getting better and better year by year,”said Mr. Song, a taxi driver in Beijing.

What Song referred to is not only the better experience brought by the switch to electric vehicles from petrol-powered vehicles in Beijing’s taxi business, but also noticeable improvements in the city’s air quality.

Song was among the first taxi drivers in Beijing to switch to an electric cab. In just 100 seconds, he can recharge his battery without getting out of his car.”With more electric vehicles on the road, exhaust emissions have dropped significantly. I often roll down the window to get some fresh air,”Song said.

Behind these noticeable changes are the collective efforts of the whole city. Across the streets and alleys, more taxis and buses are now powered by renewable energy. In winter, natural gas has become the primary energy source for heating.

Statistics show that in 2024, Beijing set two historic records in air quality: the highest number of days with good air quality and the lowest number with heavy pollution.

On a chilly winterday at Taihu Lake in east China’s Jiangsu province, distant mountains appeared misty blue, and the lake stretched endlessly in emerald waves. After nearly 20 years, cross-regional water tours on Taihu Lake have been resumed recently.

“Feeling the breeze from the lake, there’s no trace of blue-green algae odor,” said local residents aboard a cruise, expressing their heartfelt amazement after taking a deep breath.

The confidence to restart water tours on Taihu Lake stems from the substantial improvement in the water quality. In 2024, for the first time in three decades, the average water quality of the lake reached Grade III on China’s five-tier water quality system, meaning it was classed as “fairly good.”

From the north to the south, China’s tenacious efforts in ecological conservation have brought the country bluer skies, greener lands, cleaner waters, and a more colorful landscape, demonstrating the vigor and vitality of Chinese modernization.

Today, a sound ecological environment, the most basic public good, is benefiting everyone in China. The greater “visibility” of blue skies and clean waters and the rising “green quotient” in China’s social and economic development demonstrate the wider recognition of China’s new development philosophy.

Patrick Nijs, former Belgian ambassador to China often affectionately called a Chinese “foreign farmer,” decided to retire early and stay in China with his wife after completing his tenure in 2013. He is running an organic farm in southwest China’s Yunnan province.

Why did Nijs choose to pursue his ecological dream in China?

“China is paving the way for a greener, more prosperous world with unwavering determination and resilience,” Nijs said. He believes that China aligns perfectly with his aspirations, and he has witnessed the country’s progress in high-quality ecological development.

Today, China is laying a greener foundation for high-quality development, with more and more people expressing their recognition through concrete actions.

Take new energy vehicles (NEVs) as an example. In 2024, China’s NEV production and sales reached more than 12 million units, topping the global list for ten consecutive years. The country’sNEV exports rose 6.7 percent to 1.284 million units, maintaining global leadership. This achievement is not only a milestone in China’s auto sector but also contributes significantly to global emission reduction efforts.

In many countries, Chinese NEVs have become a common sight on city streets. “It’s good for the environment.””This eco-friendly mode of transportation is highly favored by Egyptian people as it helps reduce carbon emissions and pollution.” These comments by overseas consumers represent their shared commitment to green and low-carbon development.

China’s concrete actions has demonstratedthat green and low-carbon development is the fundamental solution to ecological and environmental issues.

As China accelerates the formationof green production modes and lifestyles, and supports high-quality development with a high-quality ecological environment, it will not only gain a competitive edge but also pave the way for a brighter future.