Nigeria Times

By Li Xinshu

Amid China’s 2025 national college entrance examination, known as gaokao, scenes of quiet determination played out across the country.

In Suzhou, east China’s Anhui province, Wang Ziwen, a student with osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as “brittle bone disease”, was gently assisted into the exam hall by staff. In Ziyang, southwest China’s Sichuan province, Jiang Xintong, paralyzed from the waist down due to myelitis, arrived at the examination room 30 minutes early via a special access route. In Shenzhen, Guangdong province in south China, Chen Xinhe, the only fully blind candidate in the province, took his braille exam with the support of special education teachers, a counselor, and medical staff arranged by the test center. 

These touching moments reflect not only the resilience of the examinees, but also the progressive enhancemen of inclusivity measures within China’s education system.

Reasonable accommodations for examinees with disabilities are now systematically standardized: Blind candidates receive 150% of the standard exam duration; those with hearing impairments may utilize assistive devices such as hearing aids or cochlear implants; candidates with severe upper limb disabilities or those with severe writing difficulties are granted a 30% time extension . 

This year, among the 13.35 million students who registered for gaokao, over 14,000 candidates with disabilities qualified for specialized support – a stark contrast to the mere 100 students in 2012 – representing a 140-fold increase in just over a decade.

Gaokao has long been regarded in China as one of the most equitable systems for talent selection. This perception stems not only from its rigorous procedures and transparent mechanisms, but also from its institutional inclusiveness – offering individuals from all socioeconomic backgrounds an equitable pathway to pursue academic aspirations. For candidates with disabilities, this educational access constitutes a profound motivator.

The rights to survival and development are among the most fundamental human rights. As China advances economically while strengthening public services and social security systems, the basic needs of people with disabilities are increasingly met. Building upon this foundation, more attention now focuses on fulfilling their self-actualization aspirations. The once-exceptional practice of requesting examination accommodations has evolved into standardized practice, exemplifying how a modern society elevates vulnerable populations through systemic compassion..

Education is essential to the holistic human development. As of 2024, China has more than 915,900 students enrolled in special education programs. Initiatives such as assistive device access in schools, large-print textbooks included in the national curriculum, as well as flexible programs like home-based instruction and remote learning, have helped special education steadily advance, creating a pathway for students with disabilities to achieve personal growth and success. While individual journeys differ, inspiring stories multiply of students overcoming physical challenges to lead fulfilling lives.

Beyond education, China is working to improve support across the full spectrum of life. 

In employment, tailored job assistance for college graduates with disabilities and local job creation projects have been rolled out, and more than 9 million people with disabilities were employed across China in 2024. 

In healthcare, dynamic adjustment mechanisms for severe disability care subsidies are being refined, and participation in disability-inclusive health insurance programs continues to rise. A more comprehensive and tightly woven support network, ranging from daily care to medical treatment, is being built to better empower people with disabilities in their pursuit of aspirations.

Through equitable, inclusive, and accessible approaches to public welfare, China is striving to ensure that the benefits of development are shared by all, regardless of physical conditions.

By Wang Junling

In Lower Saxony, Germany, homeowner Hoffmann has a sizable lawn that needs frequent maintenance. When it came time to buy a robotic lawn mower, he did his research, comparing multiple brands before ultimately choosing China’s ECOVACS.

“ECOVACS has already built a robust after-sales network in Germany, and its design suits European users’ habits,” Hoffmann said. “What really impressed me is its route planning. It doesn’t move around randomly; it systematically covers the lawn, which is much more efficient. My wife is thrilled I no longer spend every weekend pushing the lawn mower.”

Chinese brands are quickly becoming go-to choices for smart lawn care in overseas markets. Since the beginning of the year, companies such as Segway-Ninebot, ECOVACS, Greenworks, and Daye have reported rapid business growth, with smart lawn mowers standing out as a key driver of their rising overseas sales.

“In suburban areas across Europe, the United States, and Australia, where population density is low, many homes feature spacious yards. Traditional manual mowing is inefficient and expensive,” said Zhu Fanghao, senior vice president of Chinese electronics manufacturer Anker Innovations, adding that smart mowers save significant labor, time, and money.

These devices are suited for residential gardens, public parks, and small landscaped areas, accommodating spaces from 200 to 4,000 square meters while capably navigating slopes, flowerbeds, swimming pools, and trees. Moreover, in many of these regions, lawn upkeep is factored into property values, supporting a mature and high-retention consumer market.

Demand for robotic mowers continues to rise, driven by aging populations, increasingly fast-paced lifestyles, and growing demand for outdoor living spaces.

“Electrification, low-carbon operation, and smart automation are the key trends driving the future of lawn equipment,” said Wu Junliang, general manager of Shanghai Worth Garden Products Co., Ltd., a Chinese gardening products and accessories provider that is currently expanding operations in the United States. 

“We’ve moved beyond buried perimeter wires to a new phase of automation and intelligence, opening up massive growth opportunities,” he said. According to industry forecasts, the global robotic lawn mower market is expected to reach approximately $4 billion by 2028.

What makes Chinese-made robotic lawn mowers so appealing overseas? Robust performance is a major factor. On platforms like Amazon, Chinese models have garnered large numbers of positive reviews, with “easy to install and operate,” “accurate obstacle avoidance,” and “excellent performance” being the top praises.

“When I bought a robotic mower back in 2018, I had to lay down boundary wires which was very time-consuming,” wrote a user going by the name A.T.K. in an online review. “Now with Anker’s eufy E18, I just charge it and press start. It’s amazing! If new grass grows in areas not previously mowed, it expands the zone automatically. If a mole digs a hole, it avoids it. I suspect the developers are updating the software weekly.”

Industry insiders attribute the rise of Chinese robotic mowers to the strength of China’s industrial ecosystem and increasingly sophisticated supply chains. 

“Breakthroughs in technologies like LiDAR and boundary-free navigation have dramatically improved product performance and the user experience,” Wu explained. “Many newer models now support remote control via smartphone apps, allowing users to customize mowing schedules and zones, monitor real-time status, and receive maintenance reminders.” He added that the Chinese-made core components like LiDAR sensors are helping reduce overall manufacturing costs and retail prices.

Ying Xinsen, director of the general office of Chinese garden tools manufacturer Safun, emphasized that core technologies such as precise positioning, obstacle detection, motion control, and path planning are critical for achieving full automation and intelligence in robotic mowers. China now boasts leading companies across several of these key domains, including smart algorithms, low-pulse motors, multimodal control systems, and LiDAR sensors.

China’s thriving cross-border e-commerce ecosystem has also fueled growth. Platforms like AliExpress offer simplified market access, streamlined transactions, and enhanced brand exposure, helping Chinese manufacturers expand their global footprint, speed up product innovation, and strengthen brand identity.

Experts view the surge in robotic mower exports as a vivid example of Chinese manufacturing moving up the value chain toward smarter, higher-end development. As China becomes more deeply integrated into the global economy, more “Made in China, sold worldwide” success stories are expected to follow.

By Han Xin, Wang Zhe, Shi Yu, People’s Daily

Vast, beautiful, and rich in resources, the ocean offers boundless opportunities. In 2024, China’s marine economy exceeded 10 trillion yuan ($1.39 trillion) for the first time, a 75.9% increase over the past decade. Fueled by expanding scale and robust momentum, the sector is experiencing rapid growth in emerging industries such as marine engineering equipment and marine biomedicine. The tertiary marine industry has now become the primary driver of this blue economic surge.

Smarter, Faster Maritime Transport

With the sound of a ship’s horn, a container vessel loaded with small commodities from Yiwu, east China’s Zhejiang province, departed Ningbo-Zhoushan Port. At 12:36 am Beijing time, it arrived at the Port of Jebel Ali in the United Arab Emirates, completing a 17-day journey. This marked the successful launch of a dual-mode logistics channel combining sea-rail express and fast maritime shipping from Yiwu to the UAE via Ningbo-Zhoushan Port.

“Yiwu goods first travel via sea-rail express to Ningbo-Zhoushan Port. After warehouse consolidation, containers move directly to the port without repacking, saving at least three days versus traditional road transport,” explained Lyu Zhe, business manager of a Zhejiang-based supply chain service company.

The second leg of the journey, under the fast maritime shipping model, requires close coordination among ports, customs, shipping lines, and inland warehouses to ensure seamless connectivity with deep-water ports. This allows goods to travel directly from consolidation centers in Yiwu to distribution terminals in Dubai.

“Previously, shipping Yiwu goods to the Middle East took about 25 days, with frequent customs delays,” Lyu added. “This new logistics model has built a more efficient trade and logistics corridor between Yiwu and the Middle East, significantly shortening delivery time and cutting logistics costs by 18%.”

With Ningbo-Zhoushan Port as its hub, China has now established two high-efficiency intermodal corridors: Hefei-Anhui to Wilhelmshaven, Germany, and Yiwu to Dubai, demonstrating the model’s operational maturity.

The Yiwu West Railway Station – Ningbo-Zhoushan Port sea-rail intermodal route now bridges the “world’s supermarket” and the world’s busiest port. The port’s sea-rail network serves 67 cities across 16 provinces, with cargo throughput ranking first globally for 16 consecutive years.

Smarter, Greener Marine Fisheries 

“These juvenile large yellow croakers are ready to be moved onto the ship for offshore farming,” said Wu Yimei, a juvenile fish breeder in Ningde, southeast China’s Fujian province, as she pointed to a tank on a transport vessel teeming with fish.

What kind of ship can be used for fish farming? Not long after departing, a massive vessel came into view on the open sea, with the name Guoxin-1 painted on its hull. 

“Guoxin-1 represents the world’s first 100,000-tonne intelligent aquaculture vessel,” said Qu Shancun, general manager of the vessel. Measuring 249.9 meters long and with a displacement of 130,000 tonnes, it pioneers a roaming, vessel-based aquaculture model and boasts an annual production capacity of 3,200 tonnes.

Below deck, Guoxin-1 houses 15 aquaculture tanks containing 90,000 cubic meters of water, equivalent to 36 standard swimming pools. The tanks feature 24-hour water circulation and  oxygenation systems that simulate deep-sea, wild-like conditions ideal for fish growth.

Equipped with more than 2,000 sensors, the ship enables real-time monitoring of environmental indicators and fish development from its central control room. Once the fish are ready, they can be processed and packaged directly onboard. To date, Guoxin-1 has traveled over 18,000 nautical miles and transferred more than 12 million self-bred juvenile large yellow croakers.

A Thriving Marine Tourism Sector

With a sea area of 6,064 square kilometers, 408 kilometers of coastline, around 70 kilometers of sandy beaches, and 126 islands, Pingtan in Fujian province boasts abundant marine tourism resources.

To enhance the visitor experience of island hopping and ocean activities, Pingtan launched the Pier. 22 International Yacht Marina in June last year. The facility features 49 berths and offers a variety of water-based experiences, including sailing, yachting, artificial wave surfing, jet skiing, and water go-karting.

Now, wave-chasing and sunset-viewing at sea have become a must-do activity for many tourists. Lin Xiaoyan, a visitor from Fuzhou, capital of Fujian province, booked a sunset cruise with her friends. They enjoyed the sea breeze and the sunset glow while watching performances and taking photos in themed outfits on the ship. “Sipping a drink by the window and taking in the view was pure bliss,” she explained.

“Our single-vessel daily passenger record reached 1,500 last year,” said Wang Feng, Chairman of Pingtan Maritime Sightseeing Cruise Co., Ltd. “This summer, we plan to add two daily sailings and introducing themed offerings such as maritime study tours, corporate retreats, and oceanic weddings packages.”

From January to May this year, Pingtan received nearly 4.39 million domestic tourists, a year-on-year increase of 15%, generating 4.29 billion yuan in tourism revenue, up 18.5% compared to the same period last year.

By Liu Lingling, Hou Lulu, Qu Pei, People’s Daily

If you board a train from Mohan, Mengla county in southwest China’s Yunnan province, 10 minutes later you’ll be in Boten, the first stop in Laos on the China-Laos Railway.

This is a key node on the ancient Tea-Horse Road, a trade route dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907). During the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), Chinese mule caravans set out from Kunming, capital of Yunnan province, carrying Pu’er tea and ironware through the province’s Pu’er and Xishuangbanna, and passed through Mohan before reaching Southeast Asia. In return, Lao traders brought rock salt and agricultural specialties into China via Boten.

Today, vendors’ hawking at border markets and the multilingual announcements on the China-Laos Railway keep alive the pulse of cultural exchanges along this historic trade route, continuing the ever-evolving story of openness and connectivity.

Mengla is the southernmost county in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan province, sharing mountains and rivers with Laos and Myanmar. At daybreak, Yan Shu, head of Mengla’s Manlie village, was already up and headed out the door, as the village was hosting a lively market gathering. Twice a month, Chinese and Lao residents gather in Manlie village for this festive event to visit friends and relatives, enjoy local food, and trade goods in a warm and joyous atmosphere.

Manlie village lies about five kilometers from Mengman Port on the China-Laos border, faces Muang Sing in Luang Namtha province, Laos. At the bustling market, aromas of grilled Dai cuisine mingled with the rich fragrance of Lao coffee, while handmade Lao crafts such as bamboo weaving and natural soaps filled the stalls. Yan weaved through the crowd, exchanging greetings with vendors along the way, staying busy until noon before sitting down to share a meal with his friends.

“China’s roads just keep getting better!” one of Yan’s Lao friends said, savoring a bite of pickled fish. Yan seized the moment to extend an invitation: “Next time, bring your wife and kids along – it’s even better with family!”

Border trade between China and Laos has a long history. In 1993, the two governments officially opened the Mohan-Boten national port, further relaxing policies for cross-border commerce.

In June last year, Mengla and Muang Sing launched a “sister households” program, encouraging families from both sides of the border to support one another in times of hardship and come together for weddings and other celebrations, cultivating bonds like cross-border kinship. 

For Yan, it’s a relationship that has grown from business to brotherhood: “At first we were just trading partners, then drinking buddies – now we’re neighbors watching each other’s backs.” These everyday interactions, he added, have slowly woven a durable fabric of friendship.

Tickets for the D87 international passenger train on the China-Laos Railway, running between Kunming and Vientiane, are in high demand. For 19-year-old Anong, a student from Laos, the railway is tied to her dream. Her sister began working for the railway over a year ago, and now Anong hopes to follow the same path. That’s why she chose to study at Mengla Vocational High School. 

Over the past two decades, the school has enrolled nearly 3,000 Lao students. They typically spend the first two years learning Chinese before either applying to Chinese universities or pursuing careers as translators.

Many of Anong’s classmates travel to school via the China-Laos Railway. To them, the railway is a “modern-day Tea-Horse Road” – still winding through mountains, still bearing goods and friendship. But unlike the past, when caravans traveled for three months, today’s train journeys take just a few hours. The rhythmic clatter of horse hooves has given way to the roar of trains; loads once carried on horseback now move in containers.

Chanxay Xekang, another 19-year-old student from Laos, also studies at Mengla Vocational High School. He hopes to pursue a medical degree at a Chinese university after graduation. “China’s medical technology is highly advanced,” he said. “My goal is to return to Laos and open my own clinic.” 

Chanxay comes from northern Laos’ Phongsaly province, where tea cultivation is a part of everyday life – with nearly every village growing it, and nearly every household consuming it. His grandfather often recalls the slow, grueling pace of mule caravans once used to carry tea out of the region. Today, a single rail line and a fiber-optic cable are enough to connect Phongsaly’s tea with markets thousands of miles away.

From the jingle of mule bells to high-speed trains, and from ancient post stations to modern border ports, the mechanisms of connection have changed. Yet the bond forged by shared landscapes and sustained through vibrant cross-border exchanges remains unbroken. 

Yan has already arranged the next gathering with Laotian friends via phone. Anong celebrates the water-splashing festival with classmates and teachers, and Chanxay returns home bearing freshly harvested spring tea. Across the borderlands, hope and friendship continue to flourish, stretching farther and wider than ever before.

By He Yin, People’s Daily

The 16th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, was recently held in Tianjin, north China, drawing global attention to China’s role in revitalizing the global economy. 

At the forum, participants expressed strong confidence in China’s economic outlook and its continued commitment to openness and cooperation. As one attendee put it, “China’s innovation and opening-up help strengthen the resilience of free trade and the multilateral system.” Another noted, “China continues to inject strong momentum into global development and remains a land of promise for international investment and cooperation.” 

At a time when protectionism, unilateralism, and anti-globalization sentiments are on the rise, the world economy and international trade cooperation are facing new challenges. Global development now finds itself at a critical crossroads. 

Many stakeholders are striving to counter mounting uncertainties and instabilities, and there is a strong desire across the international community for solidarity and cooperation to overcome challenges and promote common prosperity. 

This year’s Summer Davos forum attracted a record number of participants in recent years, bringing together political leaders alongside more than 1,700 representatives from over 90 countries and regions. This robust turnout demonstrates a global consensus on safeguarding economic globalization and the free trade system, and sends a strong message of win-win cooperation.

Business leaders at the forum noted that foreign enterprises operating in China have long witnessed the country’s sustained economic growth. Amid growing global uncertainty, China’s policy stability and long-term planning are particularly valuable.

In recent months, as growth-stabilizing policies have been rolled out, the resilience of China’s economy has come to the fore. Leading foreign institutions such as Morgan Stanley, Deutsche Bank, and Goldman Sachs have all raised their forecasts for China’s economic growth. 

Time and again, facts have shown that with clear development goals, consistent planning, firm reform measures, and pragmatic macro policies, China has the confidence and capability to sustain sound economic growth despite external shocks. 

As World Economic Forum President Borge Brende noted, China’s recent series of policy measures are ensuring the solid advancement of structural reforms. These efforts not only support the realization of this year’s growth target of around 5%, but also lay a solid foundation for the next decade.

Through continuous opening-up, China is fostering shared prosperity by further integrating into the global economy. As the world’s second-largest consumer and import market, China boasts nearly 50 trillion yuan ($7 trillion) in consumption, over 50 trillion yuan in investment, and 20 trillion yuan in imports, showing immense potential for growth on multiple fronts. 

China is proactively opening its market to the world, advancing a strategy to expand domestic demand, and launching special initiatives to boost consumption. These efforts aim to transform China from a manufacturing powerhouse into a vast consumption-driven economy, offering even broader market opportunities for global businesses. .

Mirek Dusek, managing director of the World Economic Forum, remarked that China’s economic scale and vast consumer market play a crucial role in driving the development of new quality productive forces and in shaping the broader ecosystem across Asia. 

Thanks to China’s sustained opening-up, more and more countries are engaging in cooperation with China across fields such as trade and technology, sharing in the dividends of development, creating new growth momentum for the global economy, and contributing to greater certainty worldwide.

One of the highlights of this year’s forum was China’s scientific and technological innovation. . The country has successfully pursued a path where sci-tech innovation drives industrial upgrading and, in turn, industrial transformation fuels sci-tech breakthroughs, drawing global attention. China actively shares original technologies and innovative application scenarios with the world, supports international joint research and development and technology promotion, and fosters global innovation through open collaboration. 

Many participants expressed a strong desire to deepen cooperation with China in areas such as emerging technologies and industrial transformation, seeking new opportunities for development. 

Lee Hee-sup, secretary-general of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat, observed that China’s focus on digital technology, artificial intelligence, and green industries is advancing new quality productive forces. This positions China at the forefront of building future growth engines, thereby supporting global economic recovery.

Partnering with China will bring more opportunities. China firmly embraces a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and upholds free trade and multilateralism. It stands ready to work with all parties to safeguard common interests through mutually beneficial cooperation, contribute to each other’s development by generating more growth, and contribute its own development capacity to what the world economy needs most.

By Wang Yuan, Zhou Zhou, People’s Daily

Located in northeast China’s Heilongjiang province, Suifenhe was established in 1903 following the construction of the Chinese Eastern Railway. Dubbed “a train-forged city,” this border town has grown in tandem with the railway and flourished through its port. 

Today, walking through this border city, one encounters a vibrant tapestry of Chinese-Russian culture, storefronts adorned with bilingual signs, candy-colored Russian architecture, clusters of foreign visitors, and local vendors fluent in both Chinese and Russian – painting a vivid picture of close cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

The Chinese Eastern Railway, a branch line of the Trans-Siberian Railway, stretches from Manzhouli in the west to Suifenhe in the east. The railway has breathed new life into the city, promoting cultural and commercial exchanges and making Suifenhe one of the first cities in China’s northeastern border region to gain access to trains, motor vehicles, electricity, and telephone services.

In 1987, Suifenhe and Russia’s Pogranichny launched cross-border trade with a symbolic exchange: 1,000 thermos flasks and 100,000 kilograms of apples for 30,000 kilograms of halibut and 50,000 kilograms of pollock. 

During the 1990s, barter trade flourished among ordinary citizens . Streets buzzed with activity as locals set up stalls, exchanging daily necessities such as snacks and toys for Russian leather goods – a scene that remains etched in the collective memory of Suifenhe’s residents.

As one of China’s pioneering border cities to expand opening-up, Suifenhe boasts both highway and railway ports at the Chinese national level, serving as a vital node in the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor and an important gateway for the eastern route of the China-Europe freight train service. The city’s railway port now handles over 10 million tons of goods annually, with nearly 900 train trips each year. China-Europe freight trains departing here reach five European countries, while inbound trains serve 25 Chinese cities, cementing this border town’s status as a genuine “international commercial hub.”

Throughout Suifenhe’s urban areas and countryside stand numerous Russian-style buildings. These structures preserve the architectural style of the early 20th century along the railway, serving as a “three-dimensional” testament to Suifenhe’s urban development and the mutual exchange of Eastern and Western civilizations.

Russian social media influencer Artem always commutes between Russia and Suifenhe by train. He loves promoting Suifenhe’s cultural and tourism highlights to Russian audiences on social media, with 220,000 followers. 

“Compared to my first trip here with my family 20 years ago, transportation is much more convenient now – they even opened an airport last year,” he noted. “Many Russian tourists take trains here to explore the food and culture of China’s northeast region, and they always go home happy. The city’s blend of Russian and Chinese charm makes everyone feel right at home.”

In November 2023, Wang Xuehan, a student at Suifenhe No. 1 High School, traveled to Pogranichny to stay with the family of Russian student Lisa. She participated in the “China-Russia student homestay exchange program” launched by the local government in 2006. During her stay, she was welcomed by local fresh fruits, seafood, and handmade gifts like bracelets and dolls crafted by Liza and her sister Alina. “I made Russian blini with my Russian classmates in cooking class. We were covered in flour but laughed non-stop,” Wang recalled.

The following spring, Lisa and Alina visited Wang’s family as promised, their suitcases filled with Russian specialties and heartfelt care. “They brought my favorite Russian candies and fresh shrimp,” Wang recounted.

The trip left vivid memories for the sisters. They participated in a school sports meet, played traditional Chinese games, and experienced paper-cutting. “Every day in Suifenhe felt as warm as home,” Lisa later wrote in Russian. Today, the students continue to stay in touch across borders.

Over the years, more than 400 students have participated in the homestay exchange program. Annual events like the China-Russia international youth art festival and youth sports exchanges provide fertile ground for lasting friendships.

A monument in the central square of Suifenhe recounts another story of the China-Russia friendship. Galia, a Chinese-Russian woman, bravely ventured to a fortress on the Tianchang Mountain to negotiate with Japanese invaders to protect innocent civilian hostages in 1945, on the eve of victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Though she never returned – losing her life at the age of 17 – her legacy lives on.

At the nearby Peace Angel Galia memorial hall, artifacts, photos, and videos recount her bravery. “Galia is remembered as a symbol of Russia-China friendship. Her story reminds us of the deep bonds between our peoples – bonds that should be preserved and passed on,” said a visiting Russian tourist.

By Zhou Zhou, Guo Xiaolong, Wangyuan, People’s Daily

On June 21, the summer solstice, the northern slopes of the Greater Khingan Mountains are bathed in more than 21 hours of daylight. This is Mohe, China’s northernmost city in Heilongjiang province, located at the country’s geographic extremity.

Dubbed “Northernmost Point of China,” Mohe is known for its unique climate. Summer temperatures barely reach 20 degrees Celsius, while winter lows can plummet to minus 53 degrees Celsius. 

Yet in recent years, this remote frontier town has experienced a cultural renaissance, propelled by an unlikely ambassador: a popular song.

Titled “Mohe Ballroom”, the song tells the story of a solitary dancer, known by the pseudonym Zhang Dequan, who lost his beloved wife in a fire. The haunting melody and poignant lyrics have captivated audiences in China and the world. “The song has become a cultural window open to the world,” said Li Jinbao, manager of the real-life Mohe Ballroom. “It’s brought our once-obscure border town on the global map.” 

As the song went viral, visitors now flock to the ballroom, often queuing for hours during peak seasons. The venue now welcomes hundreds of visitors daily, including many from overseas.

Inside, Li shares videos of international guests dancing together beneath the twinkling lights on his phone. “I remember a group of South African tourists forming a circle and dancing with the locals. It was so lively,” he recalled. “We didn’t speak the same language, but the music did the talking.”

On international social media platforms, Mohe Ballroom has inspired countless renditions across languages including English, Russian, Spanish, and Japanese. A Brazilian netizen shared lyrics on TikTok, marveling: “Such powerful words! What snow-covered land could birth such fervent emotions?”

This global attention has translated into real economic momentum for Mohe. In the past year, inbound tourism has surged, with notable increases from Europe, North America, Japan, and South Korea. For many, the destination is singular: Mohe Ballroom. 

French backpacker Emilie said, “The song’s tale of a distant, heartfelt northern China drew us here. Standing in the real dance hall, imagining that lone dancer who never stops, feels like touching the song’s soul.”

The local government has embraced the moment, introducing themed tourism routes like “Auroras and Melodies,” which weave together aurora-viewing, cultural activities and forest excursions.

Yet Mohe’s cultural significance extends beyond the song. 

About 130 kilometers north of the city lies Beihong village, home to 256 residents, 119 of Russian descent. Strolling along the riverside walkway tracing the Heilongjiang River, visitors encounter Russian matryoshka dolls and European-featured residents speaking Mandarin with the distinct inflection of China’s northeast.

Beihong’s history dates back to the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), when a gold rush drew waves of Chinese settlers northward. At the time, the proximity of China and Russia fostered intermarriage, resulting in a lasting blend of customs and architecture.

At the cozy “Russian Bakery,” Zhao Yinhua, 60, pulls warm loaves from the oven. “My mother-in-law was Russian. Every autumn, she’d take me to the mountains to pick wild hops and teach me to bake Russian lieba (a Chinese transliteration of bread in Russian),” she said. Made with all-natural ingredients and no preservatives, Zhao’s bread became so popular that her family opened a bakery.

“Making lieba isn’t easy,” she explained. “You begin fermenting the dough a day early, adding flour every hour or two through the night. Even in Russia, few people still make it this way.” Zhao is committed to preserving the practice. “As someone who carries both Chinese and Russian cultures, preserving this tradition feels like honoring my roots,” she noted.

Further north in Beiji (“North Pole”) village, boutique homestays celebrating cross-cultural heritage have become signature attractions. Just across a river sits Ignashino, a Russia city within view.

Sun Cuirong, a third-generation member of a Chinese-Russian family, runs a guesthouse named “Russian Home.” “We used to rely on winter tourism, but now we’re busy year-round!” she said. Guests are especially fond of the eclectic decor – a blend of cultures – with floral-print linens brought from Russia and family recipes for meat pies, pickled vegetables, and iron-pot stews. “It’s the mix of traditions that makes us special to visitors,” Sun said.

By He Yin, People’s Daily

On June 24, China’s State Council Information Office held a press conference on plans for marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

On the morning of Sept. 3, Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, will address a grand gathering held that day to mark the anniversary.

The commemoration events serve as a solemn tribute to the Chinese people’s arduous and heroic resistance against Japanese militarist aggression, reaffirming the Chinese people’s steadfast commitment to the path of peaceful development and to upholding world peace, carrying far-reaching and profound significance.

Remembering the past, honoring sacrifice

Commemoration is an act of remembrance. Eighty years ago, after a grueling 14 years of tenacious resistance, the Chinese people achieved a great victory in the war against Japanese aggression, which also signaled the complete triumph of the global war against fascism.

It is a victory of justice over evil, light over darkness, and progress over reaction, a victory for not only the Chinese people, but also for all people around the world. It stands as an enduring chapter in the history of the Chinese nation and the global pursuit of justice.

Under the theme “Remember History, Honor the Martyrs, Cherish Peace, and Create the Future,” the commemoration aims to honor the Chinese people’s resolute resistance against Japanese militarist aggression, pay tribute to the heroes who gave their lives, and the international solidarity that helped make victory possible. At its core, the remembrance reaffirms China’s commitment to safeguarding the outcomes of World War II and respecting history.

A shared legacy of resistance

Commemoration is also about carrying forward a shared legacy. The victory of Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression is the great triumph achieved through the collective efforts of the Chinese people, the anti-fascist alliance and all peoples around the world who opposed fascist aggression. Countless peace-loving and justice-upholding nations, peoples, and international organizations offered invaluable support to China’s efforts.

The Soviet Union provided China with large quantities of weapons and equipment, and the Flying Tigers from the United States created “The Hump” airlift to transport much-needed supplies to China. Humanitarian heroes such as Canadian surgeon Norman Bethune, Indian doctor Dwarkanath S. Kotnis, German businessman John Rabe, and Bernhard Arp Sindberg from Denmark stood up against atrocities, saving countless lives. British journalist Michael Lindsay and international fighter Hans Shippe lent their voices and strength to China’s cause.

On Sept. 3, a grand military parade will be held at Beijing’s Tian’anmen Square to honor the spirit of the resistance against Japanese aggression and to reflect the character of a modern China that remains committed to peace. China will invite foreigners who aided the country’s resistance against Japanese aggression or representatives of their family members to observe the military parade, underscoring international solidarity and commemorating shared sacrifices in pursuit of peace and justice.

Learning from history, defending peace

Commemoration is also a solemn reminder of the costs of war and the value of peace. The painful lessons of World War II must never be forgotten. History should move forward, not backward; and the world should be united, not divided. All peace-loving peoples around the world must remember the history written in blood and sacrifice, resolutely safeguard the outcomes of World War II, uphold true multilateralism, and work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind and a brighter future for humanity.

Amid mounting global uncertainty and instability, China’s solemn commemoration underscores its enduring commitment to safeguarding the victory of World War II, defending international fairness and justice, and advancing the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind. It also sends a clear message to the international community: in times of turmoil, it is essential to draw on the wisdom of history, to summon the strength and clarity needed to oppose all forms of hegemonism and power politics.

Looking back on history, Taiwan’s return to China is an integral part of the victory of World War II and the post-war international order. Around October 25, China will hold a gathering to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s recovery from Japanese occupation. The gathering will honor the heroic deeds of those who fought for China’s victory, recall the joint resistance of compatriots across the Taiwan Strait against foreign aggression, and reaffirm a clear stance against “Taiwan independence” and external interference. It will also rally collective efforts toward national reunification and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

The emblem of the commemoration features symbolic elements of the Great Wall and olive branches. The Great Wall symbolizes the spirit of the Chinese people uniting together and fighting with courage, representing the decisive role of a national spirit to which patriotism is central in the victory of the war against Japanese aggression. The olive branches demonstrate that after an arduous war of resistance, the Chinese people have won peace with victory, and that the Chinese people unite with people of all other countries to cherish and safeguard peace.

In remembering the past, China looks to the future. Standing with all peace-loving nations and peoples, China will remain a guardian of historical memory, a partner in national development and rejuvenation, and a champion of global fairness and justice. Together, they will strive for a better future for all humanity

By Shi Ziqiang, People’s Daily

Off the coast of Tangshan in north China’s Hebei province, a quiet ecological transformation unfolds beneath the waves of Bohai Bay. Vibrant green expanses are emerging in these coastal waters – fields of seagrass forming “underwater meadows.” 

Once degraded, these vital ecosystems are now being carefully restored through a long-term, systematic effort. Among them, the Caofeidian seagrass bed stands out as the largest continuous single-species seagrass habitat in China, spanning over 4,400 hectares. 

In recent years, Hebei has advanced its efforts to protect and restore marine ecosystems, developing a comprehensive and multi-pronged restoration system for seagrass beds. As a result, vegetation coverage has steadily increased, and the ecological benefits are becoming increasingly evident.

A 30-minute speedboat ride southeast from the central fishing port of Caofeidian brings visitors to a smart offshore monitoring platform. Nearby lies the site of the phase-1 Caofeidian seagrass bed restoration project.

As the tide recedes, the underwater meadow reveals itself. In the shallows, lush green seagrass sways with the waves. This species of eelgrass can grow from several dozen centimeters to over one meter in length and makes up the primary vegetation of the Caofeidian seagrass bed.

Seagrass beds play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem: they stabilize the seabed, prevent sediment erosion, and provide critical habitat for a wide range of marine organisms, thereby supporting biodiversity.

A few years ago, however, the Caofeidian seagrass bed began to show signs of degradation, with some areas becoming sparse or barren. “Frequent fishing activities such as trawling and clam digging damage the seagrass and ecological environment, squeezing out living space and disrupting benthic communities and the broader ecosystem,” explained Shi Zhijun, deputy director of the Caofeidian natural resources and planning bureau.

To reverse this decline, Hebei launched the Caofeidian seagrass bed restoration project in 2019. Measures included clearing abandoned fishing nets and traps, restricting vessel access in restoration zones to minimize disturbance, and improving nearshore water quality. Tangshan also explored technical standards for monitoring wastewater outlets and remediated 283 discharge points in the bay.

Aerial images taken before and after the restoration clearly show that sparse and barren patches are now flourishing with seagrass. “These new growths were all planted by hand,” said Niu Shihao, a senior engineer with the Hebei Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology Exploration Institute.

Successful underwater planting requires precise tidal coordination. “It’s all about knowing the tides – you only get a window of two to three hours each time,” explained Niu. Crews must reach the site about two hours before low tide to prepare, distributing crates of seagrass to designated spots to save time. Once the tide reaches the optimal level, transplanting begins immediately.

“Initial attempts failed when currents displaced seedlings within days,” noted Shi. “We discovered anchoring roots with compact mud blocks ensures plant stability.”

Complementing transplantation, technicians developed a seed-ball method. He Rongda, a villager from Liuzan township who took part in the project, described the process: “Guided by technical staff, we mixed soil to mimic marine sediment, rolled it into ping pong-sized balls, embedded the seeds inside, and used a seeding device to bury them in the seabed. This way, the seeds could sprout without being washed away.”

The project also adopted a differentiated restoration strategy. In areas with strong natural recovery potential, passive restoration combined with routine patrols was sufficient. In more severely degraded zones, more intensive interventions were applied, including sediment remediation, direct seeding, transplanting seedlings, and relocating mature plants.

With growing experience and improved techniques, the restoration of Caofeidian’s seagrass has become more efficient and science-based. The once-degraded ecosystem is gradually returning to life.

After six years of sustained effort, the project has yielded promising results. “Systematic ecological restoration has led to continuous recovery of the seagrass beds, which now serve as vital habitats, migration corridors, and breeding grounds for marine life. The number of large benthic species has increased from 60 to 111, and the biodiversity index has risen by 42.3% year on year,” said Wen Guoyi, an official with the Ministry of Natural Resources.

By Huang Weixin, Xiao Jiaxin, People’s Daily

“Serving the people knows no borders. As a Chinese doctor, I am proud to let my Tanzanian colleagues feel the strength of our country and our profession,” Zhang Junqiao, the leader of the 27th Chinese medical team in Tanzania, wrote in a final social media post.

Days later, on June 15, these words became his legacy. Witnessing a local woman drowning off the coast of Dar es Salaam, Zhang sprinted into the surf to rescue her. Though the woman survived, the 38-year-old anesthesiologist, overcome by exhaustion, perished in the waves despite desperate resuscitation attempts by his colleagues.

A Zhang had arrived in Dar es Salaam in early 2024, serving at Muhimbili National Hospital where he specialized in anesthesiology and trained local medical staff.

His sudden death left his colleagues heartbroken and deeply moved the local community. At a memorial on June 20, more than 300 Tanzanian medical personnel, residents, and members of the Chinese community gathered in solemn silence, standing side by side to bid farewell to Zhang.

As Tanzania’s top referral facility, Muhimbili National Hospital faces a long-standing shortage of anesthesiologists despite having multiple surgical centers. Zhang took it upon himself to address the gap by organizing targeted training sessions for local healthcare professionals and medical students. To those he trained, Zhang was not only a skilled clinician but also a man of profound compassion, generosity, and sincerity.

“He was truly a hero. We will never forget him,” said Daniel Munubi, acting head of anesthesia at the hospital. “He imparted his expertise generously, never keeping his knowledge to himself. We had hoped for more time with him. Fate decided otherwise.”

“He rarely declined patients seeking help,” said team member Guo Qing. Guo recalled that Zhang was incredibly dedicated, initiating many groundbreaking efforts at the hospital and organizing multiple clinical training sessions. Zhang had hoped to establish a clinical simulation center for anesthesiology and train more local talent to “leave behind a medical team that won’t leave” in Tanzania.

“Dr. Zhang’s actions speak louder than words. His sacrifice embodies pure humanitarianism and will endure in memory,,” said Elic William Mwakaungila, a nurse anaesthetist from Muhimbili National Hospital, who now studies in north China’s Shanxi province. Fighting tears, he added: “I came to China because of him. He urged me to gain knowledge and bring it home. He wasn’t just a colleague. He was my best friend and role model.”

During a free community clinic, the medical team encountered 8-year-old Louis suffering from severe congenital umbilical hernia. With the assistance of the team, his family went to Muhimbili National Hospital for diagnosis and treatment, but could not afford the hospitalization expenses. Zhang and his colleagues pooled their own funds to cover the hospital expenses of little Louis. After successful surgery, the boy’s mother requested a Chinese name from the medical team, who chose “Qilu” – the poetic name for Shandong province.

In China, Zhang worked in the anesthesiology department at the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University. In recent conversations with department head Sun Yingui, Zhang had been exploring ways to deliver critical medical resources to Tanzania and expand training programs, through both virtual and in-person initiatives..

“He had a warm heart and an unwavering passion for public service,” said Sun. “Even when our department was overwhelmed, he was always the first to volunteer for outreach clinics.”

In June 2020, Zhang used personal funds to purchase simulation equipment and set up a CPR teaching booth in a public square in Weifang, Shandong province, offering lifesaving instruction to passersby. He aimed to conduct more than 100 public training sessions each year. “My goal is simple,” he once said. “If just one out of every 100 people pauses to learn, that’s still one more life that might be saved.”

Zhang’s commitment inspired many healthcare workers. With support from his hospital and university, he launched a volunteer campaign called “Heartbeat Action” to raise public awareness about pre-hospital emergency care. By late 2023, the campaign had held more than 400 public events.

Now, Zhang’s colleagues in the “Heartbeat Action” volunteer team are determined to sustain his vision. Anesthesiologist Yao Fuwang has assumed the leadership. “Zhang is gone,” Yao said, “but the ‘heartbeat’ of this mission must go on.”