Nigeria Times

By Xu Peiyu

What once belonged to the realm of science fiction – zipping above traffic in a personal flying car – is rapidly becoming a tangible reality in China. A 40-kilometer journey that now takes an hour by car could soon be completed in just 20 minutes by air. 

According to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), China’s low-altitude market will soar to 3.5 trillion yuan ($487.69) in 2035. Recognizing the potential of this huge market, Chinese automakers are accelerating their push into the skies.

With overlapping industrial chains and shared technological foundations, automakers enjoy a natural advantage in the burgeoning market for electric vertical take-off-and-landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Several major players have already completed prototype development and moved into flight testing.

On June 12, Chinese automaker GAC Group unveiled GOVY AirCab, its first mass-produced eVTOL aircraft, now available for pre-orders. The AirCab adopts a modular, dual-body structure: the upper part is the flying module, while the lower half serves as a standard electric car. A single tap transforms the vehicle from ground to air mode, merging the convenience of intelligent driving with the agility of short-range flight.

Other Chinese companies are exploring similar dual-use configurations. For example, XPENG AEROHT, the flying car affiliate of Chinese electric vehicle maker XPENG, unveiled the modular flying car “Land Aircraft Carrier.” Like GAC’s model, it features an airborne unit paired with a terrestrial vehicle base. Both fall under the eVTOL category, the dominant format currently being pursued by aerospace innovators around the world.

Experts say eVTOLs are favored for several reasons. They eliminate the need for long runways, relying instead on compact vertical takeoff pads. Traditional propulsion systems are replaced by batteries, electric motors, and rotors. Many also incorporate advanced technologies such as distributed propulsion with redundant safety systems, autonomous navigation, real-time obstacle detection, and emergency landing capabilities. These innovations not only enhance safety and reliability but also help reduce manufacturing and operational costs.

Potential eVTOL applications span diverse sectors such as tourism, logistics, and emergency rescue. Several Chinese automakers have already advanced to the testing and regulatory approval phase. XPENG AEROHT’s flying module has had its production license application accepted by the CAAC Central and Southern Regional Administration, with full certification expected by the end of this year. XPENG AEROHT’s intelligent manufacturing base is scheduled to be completed in the third quarter this year, with mass production and deliveries targeted for 2026. 

Meanwhile, Aerofugia, a subsidiary of China’s electric vehicle giant Geely Auto, is preparing for manned test flights, aiming to obtain its type certificate by 2026. Chery’s “three-body” composite-wing flying car has successfully completed a test flight, while Changan Automobile has partnered with autonomous aerial vehicle technology platform company EHang to co-develop and commercialize flying cars.

Automakers’ enthusiasm for the low-altitude economy reflects its market potential. A report released by the China Low-Altitude Economy Alliance predicts that once air traffic networks and ground infrastructure are established in Chinese major cities, large-scale commercialization of eVTOLs is expected to drive down costs, making the vehicle more accessible to the public. According to the report, China could potentially see 100,000 eVTOLs serve as family vehicles or air taxis by 2030.

An Tiecheng, chairman of China Automotive Technology and Research Center Co., Ltd., explained that low-altitude new energy aircraft and intelligent, connected new energy vehicles (NEVs) share deep technological and industrial linkages.

Both sectors share common R&D systems,, manufacturing processes, and end-use applications. Technically, NEV electric systems readily adapt to eVTOL propulsion, with approximately 70 percent of eVTOL components. This allows automakers to apply their expertise in large-scale vehicle production to the emerging field of flying cars.

Existing NEV charging stations and energy storage hubs can be adapted for eVTOL operations, including high-voltage rapid charging. Parking garages and logistics centers can be repurposed into take-off, landing and maintenance facilities. Smart transportation systems developed for automobiles can also be integrated with low-altitude airspace management systems, as they share similar technical foundations.

According to a representative from XPENG AEROHT, early operations will be confined to restricted scenarios such as suburbs, tourist destinations, and designated flight zones. From there, services will expand to include intercity travel and last-mile transfers between airports and train stations. The company’s ultimate goal is to achieve fully integrated “3D urban mobility.” Its “Land Aircraft Carrier” has already received over 4,000 pre-orders, and partnerships have been established for more than 200 planned flying camp locations.

Still, challenges remain. As An Tiecheng emphasized, gaps persist in key technologies, product performance, and supporting infrastructure. He called for the accelerated integration of artificial intelligence and next-generation energy solutions to drive progress, particularly in areas such as propulsion and safety certification. “Only through breakthroughs in these core technologies can we truly make the final step toward making commercial low-altitude flight a part of everyday life,” he said.

By Liao Ruiling

Products from Southeast Asian dried fruits and African coffee to European black tea are flooding Chinese store – fresher and more affordable than ever – driven by cross-border e-commerce expansion.

As China’s cross-border e-commerce sector grows, its global partnerships strengthen. China has established Silk Road E-commerce collaborations with 35 countries. Cross-border cooperation across e-commerce domains is gaining momentum, with global businesses increasingly viewing the Chinese market as essential for sectoral growth.

What are the unique features and emerging trends of China’s major e-commerce platforms? How can AI empower businesses going global? These were among the topics discussed at the recent Silk Road E-commerce Online Lectures for ASEAN. Real-time subtitles in Chinese, English, Vietnamese, and Thai scrolled across a large screen, while attendees listened attentively, jotting down notes.

Chinese companies and platforms are rapidly internationalizing. Cross-border leaders such as AliExpress, TikTok Shop, and Temu have gained global popularity, drawing a wave of “e-commerce fans” eager to replicate China’s success models.

Husna, a student from Universiti Putra Malaysia, is one of many who came to China to study e-commerce. She recently joined a vocational training program on Chinese language and cross-border e-commerce at Guangxi Economic and Trade Vocational Institute in south China’s Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. The program offered courses on new media operations, business data analysis, and cross-border store management, while providing hands-on experience in running live-streaming sessions on platforms like TikTok. After a short period of study, Husna successfully began selling designer toys on TikTok.

As a key initiative under the Belt and Road framework, Silk Road E-commerce has become a new platform for bilateral and multilateral economic cooperation. Among its flagship programs, the Silk Road E-commerce Online Lectures series has hosted 108 sessions since its launch in 2020, benefiting more than 80 countries. Themed sessions tailored for Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America, Africa, and ASEAN have helped train a growing pool of e-commerce talent through both online and offline sessions.

For many traditional exporters, joining Chinese cross-border e-commerce platforms and embracing digital transformation is becoming a viable way to access global markets.

“Direct business with UK or Belgian customers seemed unimaginable before,” said Eugene, an Uzbek entrepreneur. Initially skeptical of digital platforms, Eugene’s company joined global business-to-business e-commerce platform Alibaba.com in April last year. The company’s products were soon listed in English, Russian, and Arabic. In the very first month, Eugene received a $1,200 trial order from a UK buyer. A Belgian supermarket chain also placed a $9,000 order and quickly followed up with a second one double the size. “Now we’re receiving orders every day from countries like the UK, Hungary, and Russia. Orders from Europe alone make up 65% of our business,” Eugene said.

China’s e-commerce sector, known for its innovation, diverse business models, and massive market size, is playing an increasingly active role in promoting global cooperation. So far, China has established Silk Road E-commerce partnerships with 35 countries, developed a range of cooperation brands, built 120 online and offline national pavilions, and set up 65 direct sourcing bases in 19 countries. Over 100 sessions of the Silk Road E-commerce Online Lectures series have been held to support skills development and knowledge sharing.

This year, China’s Ministry of Commerce has launched an e-commerce campaign, in which 18 provincial regions and 8 major e-commerce platforms rolled out 40 collaborative initiatives. Partner countries are invited to choose from a “menu” of projects tailored to their needs, enabling targeted and efficient cooperation.

This “menu-based” approach allows China to offer a catalog of potential collaboration projects, with partner countries selecting those best fit their development needs and implementing them accordingly.

The results have been significant. The Silk Road E-commerce Online Lectures for ASEAN held in Guangxi featured the first overseas in-person training and hands-on practice sessions, receiving praise from over a thousand ASEAN participants. The Quality African Products Online Shopping Festival has helped create more than 200 bestsellers. Qingdao, Guangxi, and Hunan province are also helping Silk Road E-commerce partner countries from Shanghai Cooperation Organization, ASEAN, and Africa to establish new online and offline national pavilions.

“The essence lies in using e-commerce as a tool focused on inclusivity and mutual benefit, and our aim is to serve global partners,” said He Yongqian, spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce. “Next, we will further expand imports of high-quality, specialty products and work together to build a shared global e-commerce marketplace.”

By He Yin, People’s Daily

On the afternoon of June 17 local time, the second China-Central Asia Summit was held in Astana, Kazakhstan. Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the summit and delivered a keynote speech, where he proposed for the first time a China-Central Asia Spirit. He also outlined a comprehensive vision for advancing China-Central Asia cooperation. His remarks injected fresh momentum into the joint endeavor of building an even closer China-Central Asia community with a shared future.
The most prominent highlight of this summit is Xi’s announcement of the China-Central Asia Spirit of “mutual respect, mutual trust, mutual benefit, and mutual assistance for the joint pursuit of modernization through high-quality development.” The spirit distills the successful experience of China-Central Asia relations and encapsulates the shared principles and aspirations that underpin their cooperation. It is an important guideline for China and Central Asia to carry forward friendship and offer mutual support in times of need.
The principles of equality and shared aspirations embedded in this spirit explain the robust momentum of China-Central Asia cooperation. During the summit, the six heads of state jointly signed the Astana Declaration of the second China-Central Asia Summit, which stresses the importance to fully carry forward this spirit as a basis for developing friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation under the China-Central Asia mechanism.
China consistently takes Central Asia as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy. The successful development of China-Central Asia relations fully demonstrates the vitality of the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness.
Steeped in history, driven by broad actual needs, and built on solid popular support, the China-Central Asia mechanism has emerged as an effective platform for advancing China-Central Asia cooperation in a changing global landscape.
At a time when major countries are establishing dialogue mechanisms with Central Asian countries, the China-Central Asia mechanism has been widely recognized across the region for its efficiency, pragmatism, and tangible outcomes, becoming a model of regional cooperation.
Building on the full implementation of the outcomes from the first China-Central Asia Summit held in Xi’an, China, this second summit drew a comprehensive blueprint for the future of China-Central Asia cooperation.
The systematic approach to cooperation proposed by Xi will encourage both sides to engage with greater determination and pragmatism, thereby enhancing their capacity to jointly tackle risks and challenges while accelerating their drive toward modernization.
The Astana Declaration reaffirmed major political consensus among the six countries and a treaty on eternal good-neighborliness, friendship and cooperation was signed to enshrine the principle of everlasting friendship in the form of law. In the face of global uncertainties, China-Central Asia relations offer a strong sense of direction and stability.
Today, unprecedented changes are unfolding at a faster pace across the globe, thrusting the world into a new state of heightened turbulence and volatility. The strategic importance of unity and cooperation between China and the five Central Asian countries has become ever more evident.
History should move forward, not backward; and the world should be united, not divided. Humanity must not regress to the law of the jungle. Instead, the world should build a community with a shared future for mankind. The China-Central Asia cooperation stands as a powerful example of solidarity among Global South countries. It is not only central to their respective development and revitalization, but also essential to regional and global stability and prosperity.
At the summit, all participating countries expressed strong support for Xi’s vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind and the three global initiatives – the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilizations Initiative. They voiced their commitment to enhancing coordination with China, upholding free trade and the multilateral trading system, and safeguarding international equity and justice. The growing consensus and alignment between China and Central Asia will contribute more positive energy to world peace and development.
A strong belief in fairness and justice and an unyielding commitment to mutual benefit and win-win cooperation are the only way to maintain world peace and achieve common development. China-Central Asia cooperation serves the interests of all six countries and reflects the trend of the times and the direction of history. As long as the six countries continue to work together, uphold the China-Central Asia Spirit, and stay focused on building a community with a shared future, they are bound to create a brighter future together.

By Salman Bashir

I spent my childhood in Abbottabad, a picturesque town nestled among the mountains in
northwest Pakistan. As early as the 1950s, a Chinese shoe shop stood prominently at the center of
the town – a local landmark. My father often praised the exceptional craftsmanship of the Chinese
shoemakers, whose leather shoes were considered the finest in town.
Throughout my teenage years, though no one in my family had ever visited China, it remained
vivid in our imaginations. My grandmother often told me stories about the country: beyond the
towering mountains north of Abbottabad lies another land, one with breathtaking landscapes and
kind-hearted people.
Time passed, and the Karakoram Highway came into being – carved through rugged passed,to link
Abbottabad closely with China. While that old Chinese shoe shop may have faded into history, a
growing number of Chinese companies have since taken root in this region. As cooperation
between Pakistan and China continues to deepen across various sectors, the friendship between
our two peoples has grown more profound with time.
My connection with China has evolved from secondhand stories to lived experience. In 1980, I
became a diplomat at the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations in Geneva. The
Cold War loomed large over the international landscape, but the Chinese delegation has always
been our trusted partner at the United Nations. We often exchanged views on global affairs and
our conversations were often followed by generous invitations to Chinese dinners. The warm
hospitality of our Chinese colleagues made every visit feel like coming home. I was able to share
my thoughts freely with dependable Chinese friends whose understanding and support were a
constant source of reassurance.
Over the course of my 40-year diplomatic career, my time serving in China stands out as one of
the most rewarding and enjoyable periods. In 2005, I was appointed Pakistan’s ambassador to
China, and my family shared my excitement. We spent three and a half wonderful years in the
country.
During my tenure, I traveled extensively across China – from Kashgar in the far northwest to
Dalian in the northeast and Guangzhou on the southern coast. The vitality and dynamism of this
ancient land were truly awe-inspiring. The brilliance of Chinese civilization left me marveling
time and again. Never before in human history, I believe, has a nation achieved such huge
progress in such a short span of time. To witness and experience the great rejuvenation of the
Chinese nation was one of the greatest privileges of my life.
When I first arrived in Beijing, the city was bustling with preparations for the 2008 Beijing
Olympic Games. The capital was transforming at an astonishing pace. The grandeur of the Beijing
Olympics opening ceremony, attended by political dignitaries from more than 80 countries and
regions, remains vivid in my memory. When the Pakistani delegation entered China’s National
Stadium, or the Bird’s Nest, the crowd erupted in applause. The moment was electrifying, moving
not only Pakistani officials present at the stadium but also countless Pakistanis watching at home.
Another unforgettable moment was in 2005, when a powerful earthquake struck northern Pakistan.
China was among the first to respond, dispatching an international rescue team that was one of the
earliest to reach the hardest-hit areas. Over the following month, China sent 10 shipments of
emergency supplies – over 1,900 tons in total – delivered on 24 flights. These supplies brought
crucial aid and comfort to affected communities.
When the Chinese rescue team completed their mission and returned home, I went to the airport to

see them off. There, I heard deeply touching stories: many survivors, despite losing everything,
still shared their remaining supplies with the rescue workers. Many of the team members were
brought to tears by such selfless gestures. It was a moment of profound reciprocity, a moving
reminder of the compassion that transcends borders.
That sense of solidarity has never faded. In 2008, when a devastating earthquake struck Wenchuan
in China’s Sichuan province, I had already returned to Islamabad for official duties, but my wife
and children were still in Beijing. My son and daughter held up the Pakistani flag as they stood
with the Chinese people in mourning. It was more than a symbolic gesture – it was a heartfelt
expression of our family’s sorrow and unwavering support. I firmly believe that no matter how the
global landscape may change, the people of Pakistan and China will always stand together. Ours is
a friendship as solid as rock and as enduring as time.
My love for China began over half a century ago in that little town of Abbottabad. It has followed
me throughout my life, shaping and enriching my journey. And now, that connection is being
passed down: my granddaughter, only two months old, will one day hear stories about China from
her grandparents and her father, who is studying at Peking University. I have no doubt that the
next generation of our family will also witness the unfolding of China’s remarkable legends – and
watch the Pakistan-China friendship bloom ever more brilliantly in this new era.
(Salman Bashir is the former foreign secretary of Pakistan and former Pakistani ambassador to
China.)

By Zheng Na

A small, quirky creature from China has quietly become a global phenomenon. With its jagged teeth, mismatched eyes, distorted body proportions, and mischievous personality, Labubu defies conventional beauty norms, yet has captivated young consumers worldwide. Some camp out overnight to purchase it; others pay steep premiums to add it to their collections. After a decade of relative obscurity, the character has surged into mainstream prominence, becoming a cultural and commercial juggernaut while igniting debate over the evolving aesthetics of a new generation.

Originally inspired by a Northern European forest elf, Labubu’s unsettling yet strangely endearing appearance exemplifies what has come to be known as the “funny-ugly” aesthetic. At first glance, many find themselves asking, “What is this odd creature?” A second look often evokes a different reaction: “It’s weirdly adorable.”

The term ” funny-ugly” – a blend of the charming and the offbeat – has gained traction online as a way to describe products that stray from traditional beauty standards but possess an inexplicable allure. Over the past few years, dolls, mascots, and novelty goods that once would have seemed too peculiar for mainstream taste have found enthusiastic audiences, especially among Gen Z consumers. Once niche, this aesthetic is fast becoming a cultural movement.

In 2022, a plush toy modeled after a bronze galloping horse from the Gansu Provincial Museum went viral in China for its awkwardly cocked head and carefree expression. The toy’s appeal lay precisely in its imperfection. The following year, a garish green frog-shaped spoon with bulging eyes and a gaping mouth became an unexpected social media hit, spurring a wave of online sharing, comments, and purchases. 

In 2025, among the many snake-themed mascots unveiled for the Year of the Snake, two stood out: Guangzhou’s “Heart-Eyed Snake” and Kunming’s “Baby Snake.” 

Online platforms have helped turn this aesthetic into a social phenomenon. The Taobao Ugly Stuff Contest, which invites users to share offbeat or intentionally unattractive designs, has completed four popular editions. On Xiaohongshu, a Chinese platform with combined features of Instagram and Pinterest, also known as RedNote abroad, hashtags like “Ugly Stuff” and “Ugly Stuff Contest” have racked up over 60 million views.

This trend is not unique to China. In the UK, Fuggler has built a fanbase around creepy-cute monster dolls – each featuring mismatched teeth and slightly grotesque expressions. In Japan, a keychain mascot called YUKIO – a slouching, emotionless humanoid figure with droopy eyes – has become a best-seller among young travelers. With more than 200 variations, YUKIO embodies the global appeal of the funny-ugly ethos.

Behind this trend lies a deeper cultural and psychological shift shaped by consumerism and social media dynamics. The embrace of funny-ugly reflects not just changing aesthetic sensibilities, but also evolving attitudes toward identity, self-expression, and emotional release in a high-pressure, hyper-connected world.

For many young people, funny-ugly products are more than collectibles but emotional companions, stress relievers, and conversation starters. Their appeal is magnified by social media, where trends are amplified in real time and communities form around shared, often quirky tastes.

Some critics question whether this embrace of the bizarre signals a retreat from beauty or a drift into “anti-aesthetics.” But such judgments may overlook a fundamental point: aesthetic standards are neither fixed nor universal. In German, the word for aesthetics – Ästhetik – derives from the concept of perception itself. Today’s youth are not rejecting beauty but expanding its definition.

What makes the funny-ugly aesthetic resonate so strongly with Gen Z is its spirit of rebellion and individuality. It challenges the notion that beauty must conform to symmetry, polish, or tradition. Instead, it embraces pluralism, imperfection, and play – qualities that mirror the values of a generation intent on self-definition.

Pop Mart, the Chinese toy company behind Labubu, has tapped into this cultural current with precision. Blending distinctive design with savvy marketing, the company has turned Labubu into a symbol of new-age aesthetics. In 2023, China’s designer toy market surpassed 50 billion yuan ($6.96 billion), with funny-ugly products claiming an ever-growing share. 

As cultural tastes continue to diversify, the future of funny-ugly is likely to evolve. Whether Labubu will remain a lasting icon or be overtaken by the next strange-yet-endearing sensation depends on a simple truth: understanding the emotional and cultural language of youth.

By Dilbert Reyes Rodríguez, Yesey Pérez López
Mention your Chinese heritage while walking through Havana’s streets, and you will likely encounter warm smiles – a reciprocity mirrored in Beijing – where Cubans receive immediate hospitality upon revealing their origins. Separated by oceans but bound by history and shared ideals, Cuba and China continue to chart a course of enduring friendship.
2025 marks the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Cuba and China. Under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, bilateral ties are ascending to new heights. At Granma, the official newspaper of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee , we have long placed great emphasis on covering news related to China – politics, culture, economy, and society. Our sustained cooperation with People’s Daily has established a crucial bridge in deepening mutual understanding and trust between our two nations.
Our cooperation took a significant leap last August when we were invited to attend the 2024 Media Cooperation Forum on Belt and Road, hosted by People’s Daily. During the event, we signed a bilateral memorandum of understanding and embarked on a media journey through Chengdu, Zigong, Yibin, Guangzhou, and Foshan, gaining firsthand insight into China’s rapid development.
We marveled at China’s high-speed railways, observed autonomous driving in action, and toured smart factories humming with innovation. At the same time, we delved into the richness of Chinese civilization – exploring the Jinsha Site Museum in Chengdu, strolling the Yongqing Fang historical alleyways, and attending performances at the Cantonese Opera Art Museum in Guangzhou – deeply moved by China’s reverence for its historical and cultural heritage.
These moments sparked something more than stories. They gave birth to a new voice: “Diarios De Navegacion” (“Navigation Diaries”), a dedicated column in Granma for sharing China’s stories in the new era, was officially launched at the 2024 China-Latin America and Caribbean Media Cooperation Forum held in Rio de Janeiro last October.
Since its inception, the column has published more than 70 stories – a living record of the Cuba-China friendship. In Cuba, we have covered vibrant cultural exchanges, such as the “Happy Spring Festival” co-hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Cuba and local institutions, which brought together Chinese traditions with Caribbean flair.
In China, we reported on the “two sessions,” breaking down the Chinese government work report to help our readers better understand Chinese concepts such as whole-process people’s democracy and Chinese modernization. We also covered China’s consistent support for Cuba’s UN resolutions opposing the U.S. blockade – demonstrating China’s firm commitment to Cuban sovereignty and resistance to external interference.
A recent milestone was our reporting on the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum. We provided timely analyses of the cooperation proposals put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping, underscoring the shared aspirations of Latin America and China for peace, development, and cooperation.
Meanwhile, our journalists have conducted field reporting across Beijing, Jiangsu, Henan, and other regions. In Henan’s Luoyang, we visited the birthplace of the “Dongfanghong” tractor – a legendary symbol of China’s agricultural modernization and now widely used on Cuban farms. We’ve also written about the cultural and historical resonance of the Great Wall, Jiangsu’s innovative cultural-tourism integration, and China’s extensive low-carbon development expertise. These stories have enriched our newspaper and drawn strong online engagement, with numerous Cuban readers acknowledging China’s growing global influence and recognizing its development model as a valuable reference for Global South countries .
The column has become more than a collection of words and images – it is a new bridge for cultural exchanges between Cuba and China. For our reporting team, contributing to the building of a Cuba-China community with a shared future and promoting much-needed dialogue among civilizations is both an honor and a responsibility. As a faithful chronicle of the evolving Cuba-China relationship, “Diarios De Navegacion” will continue documenting each chapter of cooperation between our countries, bearing witness as our friendship sails toward a brighter future.
(Dilbert Reyes Rodríguez is the director of the Granma newspaper, and Yesey Pérez López is the director of communications of the Granma newspaper.)

By Zhang Danhua, People’s Daily

As one of the world’s most renowned ancient capitals, Xi’an in northwest China’s Shaanxi province boasts a history spanning more than 3,100 years and serves as the capital for 13 dynasties for more than 1,100 years. The city is home to an abundance of cultural relics, ranking among China’s most archaeologically rich urban areas with unparalleled density of underground heritage.
In the midst of its bustling modernization, a unique blend of archaeology and infrastructure has emerged at Xianyang International Airport, where a groundbreaking museum now brings the relics of antiquity into the flow of modern life.
The story begins with the third-phase expansion of the airport, launched in 2020. As construction began, the Shaanxi provincial institute of archaeology, working in collaboration with China West Airport Group (CWAG), started excavating the site. What followed was nothing short of an archaeological treasure trove: more than 6,800 relic sites, over 4,000 ancient tombs, and more than 22,000 artifacts have been unearthed.
“On the very first day, a cluster of Northern Zhou Dynasty (557-581) tombs was discovered. This was quickly followed by tombs from the State of Qin during the Warring States period (475-221 BC) and aristocratic burials from the Han Dynasty (202 BC-220 AD),” recalled Qi Quanhai, a member of the airport construction command center. “Our investigation team worked tirelessly during that time.”
In the most artifact-rich areas, over 300 tombs were discovered per square kilometer, turning what was supposed to be a routine infrastructure project into a living dialogue with history.
Faced with the urgent need to rescue thousands of tombs, the airport’s construction team and the Shaanxi provincial institute of archaeology developed an innovative “zoned prioritization” excavation approach, allowing critical construction areas to proceed while temporarily halting work elsewhere. Each zone was handed over for construction immediately after archaeological work was completed.
“Archaeologists and construction teams shared real-time location data to coordinate efforts. This close collaboration allowed both archaeological rescue and construction to move forward together,” said Qi.
By synchronizing construction and archaeology in real time, this approach ensured the project stayed on schedule while preserving invaluable cultural heritage, such as a camel figurine bearing cargo.
Among the most significant finds was the 2022 uncovering of the tomb of Yuwen Jue, founding emperor of the Northern Zhou Dynasty. Located near the airport’s west interchange road (north), the planned road network of the Airport New City (south), and the third-phase expansion zone (east), the discovery attracted widespread public attention.
With bustling commercial activity and logistics development on one side, and a tomb of immense historical value on the other, the tomb raised an interesting dilemma: how to balance development with preservation? After consulting with experts in archaeology, history, architecture, and cultural heritage, the decision was made to preserve the tomb in situ, covering it with a protective structure and building a heritage park above it. LED screens and digital installations now educate visitors about its archaeological and historical significance.
“This approach not only enhances cultural value but also creates a win-win outcome for cultural preservation and economic development,” said Ma Zhifeng, an official with the administrative office of the Airport New City.
The “archaeology-first” principle guided the entire project. For example, Xi’an’s intercity rail line underwent multiple design revisions to avoid disturbing both a Qin Dynasty (221-207 BC) pottery workshop and the ruins of ancient Xianyang city – the former capital of the dynasty. Construction was suspended nearly 100 times due to cultural discoveries, yet workers consistently demonstrated deep respect for the relics beneath their feet, a quiet tribute to the legacy of the past.
The excavation site quickly became a cultural sensation online, with over 100,000 comments surging for an on-site museum to showcase the discovered artifacts. The call was answered with the creation of the CWAG Museum of Heritage inside the airport’s Terminal 5, the world’s first in-situ archaeological museum housed within an airport terminal.
Situated in the heart of Terminal 5, the museum draws on the rich cultural history of Xi’an and showcases artifacts unearthed during the airport’s expansion. Designed in the architectural style of the Tang dynasty (618-907), the museum creates an immersive experience where each piece tells a localized story of the region’s past.
Since its opening on February 26, the museum has welcomed nearly 100,000 visitors and hosted over 1,300 volunteer-guided tours. In partnership with universities, the museum offers immersive programs for international students, streams virtual tours, and features “Pei Fuzhou” – a real-time interactive 3D digital guide. With its combination of ancient relics and modern technology, the museum has become a cultural hub within a bustling transportation hub.
“Modern airports are no longer just places for planes to take off and land. They are becoming cultural spaces in their own right,” said Lin Bin, deputy general manager of CWAG.

By Wang Yongzhan, People’s Daily

Chengdu, a key city in southwest China’s Sichuan province, has become a magnet for foreign businesses and investors, thanks to its rich cultural heritage, convenient location, and strong pro-business environment. Today, more than 4,000 foreign-invested enterprises are based in the city, and over 100,000 foreigners live and work there.
When Dutch national Robert was asked why he settled in Chengdu, he instantly cited the local expression: “Ba shi,” meaning “ideal comfortable.”
In 2008, while attending university in the Netherlands, Robert met his future wife, Chen Ruze, a Sichuan native. After graduating and beginning careers, the couple visited Chen’s hometown Zigong in 2013, extending their trip to Chengdu
Known for its long history and vibrant culture, Chengdu ranks among China’s most compelling cities for international visitors. Robert found himself captivated not only by the city’s famous landmarks but also by quintessential local scenes – citizens dancing in public squares or leisurely drinking tea in traditional teahouses – all epitomizing the city’s signature unhurried lifestyle.
In early 2015, the couple moved to Chengdu permanently. Robert began learning Chinese and adapting to local customs. “Here, you can enjoy both tradition and modernity – historic sites, pandas, Sichuan opera, exhibitions, hot pot, teahouses. There’s always something new to experience,” he said.
Around the same time, Chengdu unveiled its plan to become an international exchange center, rolling out policies to attract overseas professionals and international students. “After conducting thorough market research, we decided to start a company to help foreign talent find jobs in China,” Robert said.
In 2016, Robert founded the company eChinaCareers. The following year, the company moved into an industrial park built for international talent in Chengdu High-tech Industrial Development Zone, benefiting from subsidized rent policies. “We primarily help international schools and foreign enterprises in China with talent acquisition,” explained Chen Ruze.
In 2023, the company relocated to the nearby International Talent Hub, which is also in the Chengdu High-tech Industrial Development Zone. The company continued to enjoy rent-free space.
Leveraging the platform of International Talent Hub, the Chengdu High-tech Industrial Development Zone aims to become a major hub for human resources services in central and western China and a vibrant zone for young global innovators and entrepreneurs.
Chengdu’s international appeal has grown significantly in recent years. According to Ctrip’s 2024 Chinese travel destination heatmap, Chengdu ranked as the top destination for foreign tourists in China. A wide range of talent programs and streamlined mechanisms for attracting overseas professionals have helped Chengdu earn repeated recognition as one of the best Chinese cities for talent and a top destination in the eyes of expats.
This environment also creates opportunities for eChinaCareers, which has helped tens of thousands of foreign professionals find jobs. “More and more foreigners are coming to Chengdu and falling in love with it,” said Robert, adding that his company now also helps local talent explore international opportunities.
At a Chengdu production facility of Australian medical device company Cochlear, general manager of Cochlear China Li Xinyu was inspecting the latest batch of cochlear implants.
In September 2017, Cochlear approved plans to build a production base in Tianfu New Area, Sichuan. It would become the company’s sole overseas manufacturing site for cochlear implants. With an investment of about $87 million in buildings and equipment, the Chengdu facility officially began operations in 2021.
“Chengdu has an advanced transportation network and serves as a key node along the Belt and Road,” Li explained. “The components we use can be shipped here quickly and cost-effectively by rail or air.”
Soft infrastructure also plays a role. “At every stage of project development and operations, we received robust multi-level support,” Li said. After the project was approved, the local government in Tianfu New Area provided tailored one-on-one assistance with incentive applications. “With institutions like the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, the city offers a deep talent pool, and dozens of top hospitals present huge potential for cooperation.”
Chengdu’s logistical advantages have strengthened since operations began. “Dual international airports enable efficient distribution across China and Southeast Asia,” said Li. With support from customs and other agencies, clearance time for shipments has dropped from two weeks to just one day, significantly reducing logistics costs.
With convenient transportation and an open, business-friendly environment, Chengdu continues to attract foreign investment. In 2024, the city’s international airports handled over 87 million passengers and more than 1 million tons of cargo. In the first four months of this year, Chengdu brought in $656 million in foreign direct investment, ranking first among all cities in western and central China.

By Zhang Bolan, Zhao Yipu, Mang Jiuchen, People’s Daily

Once a niche form of entertainment, Chinese online literature, from serialized novels to adaptations in television, gaming, and animation, is emerging as a new cultural bridge to the world – drawing millions of international readers into its vivid narratives and offering a fresh perspective on contemporary China.

In 2024, the overseas market for Chinese online literature exceeded 5 billion yuan ($695.09 million), according to a report by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The expanding community now includes 460,000 overseas web novel authors and over 350 million readers across more than 200 countries and regions.

In Cannes, France, a mother found inspiration in Release That Witch, a fantasy novel set in an alternate medieval world. Taken by a scene describing a Chinese dessert, she handcrafted “ice-skin baozi” for her children, eager to bring a taste of China into her own home. Thousands of miles away in Quebec, Canada, a young woman working in a kindergarten spends her night translating her favorite Chinese web novels into French, uploading them online to share with fellow readers.

“Chinese online fiction doesn’t just captivate through fantasy. It reflects real emotional and moral concerns,” said Charles Dewees, co‑founder and editor‑in‑chief of Chireads, a France-based online reading community. 

Founded in 2017, Chireads has become the largest hub for Chinese web novel translations in the French‑speaking world, attracting nearly one million monthly active users, primarily from France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Monaco, and Canada. On average, users spend more than 50 minutes a day on the site.

The forum has flourished thanks to licensing agreements with leading Chinese platforms such as Qidian and China Literature, enabling high-quality translations that preserve the nuance of the original texts. Comments on the site – “Fantastic!” “Engaging!” “Legendary!” – testify to their growing popularity.

Dewees sees Chinese web literature as both a storytelling powerhouse and a cultural ambassador. “With its thrilling plots, imaginative fantasy, and heartfelt emotion, it resonates far beyond China’s borders,” he said.

For Andeez Ziauddin, a Bangladeshi student at Fudan University in Shanghai, Chinese online fiction played a formative role in her life. Her first encounter came during childhood visits to Guangzhou, south China’s Guangdong province, where her entrepreneur parents often traveled for business. She discovered Chinese novels at local libraries, including web fiction, and was instantly hooked. Even after returning to Bangladesh for secondary school, she continued reading online.

Now 27 and in her seventh at Fudan University, Ziauddin has been a fan of Chinese web literature for over two decades. She believes the appeal lies in shared cultural values. “South Asian readers can relate deeply to Chinese stories about perseverance, destiny and justice,” she said.

In South Korea, translator Park Nu Lee has witnessed the rising appeal of Chinese online literature firsthand. She first found them from TV adaptations such as Joy of Life and Nirvana in Fire, which sparked her interest in the original novels. Today, she works with professional institutions to bring more of these works to Korean audiences through translation.

The influence of Chinese web literature in South Korea has grown remarkably, with adaptations into television dramas winning popularity among young audiences, Park noted.

She said Chinese online literature covers a variety of genres, including history, fantasy, sci-fi, mystery, wuxia and romance. “There’s something for everyone.”

She credits the genre’s growing momentum in part to the strength of China’s online literature industry, which has developed a mature ecosystem of spin-offs and adaptations. “In South Korea, many learn about Chinese web novels through TV shows or animations, then return to the original works. That adaptation cycle – how it loops back to the source – is something quite unique,” Park explained.