1. (China Daily) A record 26 rare Dalmatian pelicans were recently observed at the Jiuduansha Wetland Nature Reserve in Shanghai, highlighting the city's progress in biodiversity conservation and ecological protection.

    The sighting follows two separate encounters in January, when a total of 17 Dalmatian pelicans were recorded at the reserve. The species had last been seen there in November 2021, when a single bird was spotted.

    The Dalmatian pelican, a first-class nationally protected species, is the largest of all pelican species and one of the world's biggest waterfowl. It measures 1.6 to 1.8 meters in length and weighs more than 10 kilograms. Adults can have a wingspan of up to 3 meters and weigh as much as 15 kg.

    "Dalmatian pelicans typically inhabit inland lakes, rivers, marshes and coastal areas with minimal human interference and high-quality ecological conditions," said Zhou Taoye, a staff member at the reserve's management affairs center. "They have strict environmental requirements and primarily feed on fish, crustaceans, mollusks and amphibians."

    While pelicans are familiar to the public — they are often seen in zoos and are known for their distinctive large beaks — the East Asian population of Dalmatian pelicans is extremely rare. Breeding in western Mongolia and wintering along China's southeastern coast, their numbers were estimated at around 160 in early 2024.

    Ma Zhijun, a professor of avian ecology at Fudan University's School of Life Sciences, said human hunting in their Mongolian breeding grounds and habitat loss due to human activity are the main causes of the species' decline.

    Jiuduansha Wetland Nature Reserve, located where the Yangtze River meets the East China Sea, is an uninhabited estuarine wetland with little human interference. Situated along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, it serves as a critical wintering site and stopover point for migratory waterfowl. In 2023, it was designated a nationally important wetland and included in the first batch of nationally significant habitats for terrestrial wildlife.

    By June last year, the reserve was home to 63 species of higher plants, 126 species of macrofauna and 135 species of fish, according to Zhou. Additionally, 236 bird species have been recorded in the reserve and surrounding waters, including 10 species under first-class national protection and 41 under second-class protection.

    Shanghai has strengthened wetland and ecological conservation efforts in recent years. In July, the city's Chongming Dongtan Bird National Nature Reserve was added to UNESCO's World Heritage List as part of the Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Coast of the Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China (Phase II). In December, 18 Dalmatian pelicans were observed there.

    In October, Shanghai introduced a special wetland conservation plan focusing on six key areas: protection, restoration, management, research and monitoring, public engagement and sustainable use.

    Source: By Wang Xin in Shanghai | China Daily | Updated: 2025-02-28 08:50

    Posted by
    Labels: China Environment China Wetlands China Wildlife Shanghai
    0

    Add a comment


  2. (China Daily) China's burgeoning culture and tourism industries enjoy a very promising future, which can greatly boost domestic consumption and promote the nation's high-quality development, a senior official said on Tuesday.

    Minister of Culture and Tourism Sun Yeli said that based on the market's encouraging and robust growth last year, he is confident of the steady development of China's culture and tourism industries.

    "In 2024, cultural companies with an annual turnover of over 20 million yuan ($2.8 million) saw a total revenue of 14 trillion yuan, up 6 percent year-on-year," Sun said in an interview after the conclusion of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress in Beijing.

    "While domestic tourism consumption reached about 5.7 trillion yuan last year, up 17 percent year-on-year, the inbound tourism market also performed well, with about 132 million visits contributing nearly $100 billion in revenue," Sun added.

    Globally, the culture and tourism industries play a significant role in a nation's modernization, he noted.

    "In some developed countries, the culture and tourism industries make up a high proportion of their GDP — usually 20 percent or above. The added value of each of China's culture and tourism industries makes up about 5 percent of its GDP, so we have a good foundation and ample room for development," he said.

    Sun added that it is important to turn culture and tourism into China's pillar industries, as they can attract different groups of consumers, thus expanding domestic consumption.

    The minister emphasized the need to include culture and tourism in the State-level socioeconomic development plan and support the two industries' development with stronger and precise policies.

    "Improving infrastructure matters, and that requires huge financial investment and fiscal support," he said, adding that related authorities should have a more inclusive outlook when it comes to emerging tourism trends such as low-altitude sightseeing and ocean tourism.

    Relevant authorities should also encourage culture and tourism companies to use state-of-the-art technologies to diversify their products and services, in order to speed up the development of the two industries.

    Sun highlighted some challenges, such as "forced shopping", which he said have harmed tourist experience, infringed on consumer rights and undermined the local business environment.

    "We will take stringent measures this year to crack down on such cases and improve laws and regulations to streamline market management. We will also promote ethics and the culture of integrity to prevent vicious competition," he added.

    The nation's modernization process and improved livelihood opportunities have altered consumption needs, with the people's focus shifting to products and services with high cultural, aesthetic and emotional value, according to the minister.

    Turning the culture and tourism industries into the nation's pillar industries will help better meet the people's pursuit for better lives, which will further propel the nation's modernization, he said.

    Source: By Cheng Si | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2025-03-11 23:54

    Posted by
    Labels: China Culture China Government Tourism
    0

    Add a comment


  3. (China Daily) The continued growth of Ne Zha 2's box office will spark stronger interest in Sichuan province, the birthplace of the film series, creating new development opportunities for its culture and tourism sectors, said Chen Guanghao, a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress, during the ongoing two sessions in Beijing.

    The animated film, released during Spring Festival this year, has grossed nearly 15 billion yuan ($2.07 billion).

    Chen, who is also the director of the Sichuan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism said, "The movie incorporates well-known Sichuan elements such as the Sanxingdui Site, giant pandas, Sichuan cuisine, Sichuan Opera and traditional Sichuan architecture."

    He added that the movie also draws inspiration from over 20 historical Chinese artifacts, such as birds and swords.

    "Success of the film also stems from the portrayal of the character of Ne Zha as a young hero striving to change his destiny, which has gained widespread recognition among the audience," he said.

    Chen emphasized that the film's popularity will bring more tourism opportunities to the province, which boasts scenic spots like the ancient Shu roads, Jiuzhai valley and Daocheng Yading. Sichuan plans to develop new travel products for visitors to explore Sichuan linked to the movie and music, which will help boost consumption, he said.

    Additionally, Sichuan will further enhance the protection and utilization of its cultural heritage and accelerate the development of its digital cultural industry.

    Chen highlighted that the success of the Ne Zha series is closely tied to the province's favorable environment for film and animation production.

    Over the past three years, Sichuan has provided 210 million yuan in support for 18 film projects, and the number of film production enterprises in the province has increased from 123 in 2020 to 923 in 2024, significantly enhancing the industrialization and commercialization level of the film creation sector, according to Chen.

    Looking ahead, Sichuan aims to extend its digital cultural industry chain and stimulate innovation vitality within the digital economy, he said.

    Source: By Chen Meiling | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2025-03-08 11:06

    Posted by
    Labels: Arts & Entertainment China Culture Sichuan Province Tourism
    0

    Add a comment


  4. (Xinhua) China's railway network transported 622 million tons of cargo in the first two months of the year, an increase of 2 percent year on year, the country's railway operator said Wednesday.

    China's railway industry has been working to optimize transportation services and improve the efficiency of delivering daily necessities, which has supported economic activity and ensured people a warm winter, according to China State Railway Group Co., Ltd (China Railway).

    During this period, railways handled 301 million tons of coal, helping thermal power plants meet peak demand, China Railway revealed.

    Earlier data showed that in the first two months of 2025, railway passenger trips in China had risen by 4.7 percent year on year to 726 million, hitting an all-time high. 

    Source: Xinhua  2025-03-12 14:27:31

    Posted by
    Labels: China Cargo Trains and Automobiles Transportation
    0

    Add a comment


  5. (China Daily) The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in Guizhou province, set to become the world's tallest bridge, is 95 percent complete, with installation of the bridge deck panels expected to finish by mid-March, a deputy to China's top legislature said during the ongoing two sessions.

    Zhang Shenglin, a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress, said the bridge's main structure was completed in January, and engineers have overcome key technical challenges. The focus has now shifted to installing the deck, followed by anti-corrosion work on the main cables and infrastructure projects such as mechanical and electrical equipment.

    "When the bridge opens in the second half of 2025, this super project spanning the 'Earth's crack' will showcase China's engineering capabilities and boost Guizhou's goal of becoming a world-class tourist destination," said Zhang, who is also chief engineer of Guizhou Highway Engineering Group Co.

    The bridge's main span stretches 1,420 meters, with a height of 625 meters from deck to water — comparable to a 200-story building — surpassing the 565-meter-high Beipanjiang Bridge as the world's tallest.

    It is also the world's longest span bridge to be built in a mountainous area.

    "Its steel trusses weigh about 22,000 metric tons — the equivalent of three Eiffel Towers — and were installed in just two months," said Zhang.

    The bridge connects Liuzhi to Anlong and is a key link in southwestern China's highway network. Once operational, it will cut cross-river travel time from about two hours to just two minutes.

    Beyond transportation benefits, Zhang said the bridge is expected to boost the local economy by promoting sales of agricultural products and ethnic handicrafts, as well as encouraging development of homestays and restaurants. At a nearby village, more than 100 young people have returned to their hometown to invest in tourism projects such as cliff hotels and camping sites, she said.

    The Guizhou Transportation Investment Group, responsible for the bridge's "integrated development of bridge and tourism" program, said it is seeking investment from companies and individuals.

    The project includes the Yundu service center, a commercial complex spanning 21,100 square meters with dining, shopping, entertainment and tourism facilities. The development plan features 13 subcategories, including sightseeing suspension bridges, canyon cable cars, rock climbing, food markets, cultural products, resort hotels, holiday campsites and sky cafes, the company said.

    Source: By Yang Jun and Chen Meiling | China Daily | Updated: 2025-03-06 09:05

    Posted by
    Labels: China Logistics Guizhou Province Transportation
    0

    Add a comment

  6. (Xinhua) A snub-nosed monkey is pictured at the Baima Snow Mountain National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Yunnan Province, March 10, 2025.

    The black-and-white snub-nosed monkey, also known as the Yunnan golden hair monkey, is a national first-class protected animal of China. The species is also on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). 
    A snub-nosed monkey is pictured at the Baima Snow Mountain National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Yunnan Province, March 10, 2025.
    A snub-nosed monkey is pictured at the Baima Snow Mountain National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Yunnan Province, March 10, 2025.
    A snub-nosed monkey is pictured at the Baima Snow Mountain National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Yunnan Province, March 10, 2025.
    A snub-nosed monkey is pictured at the Baima Snow Mountain National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Yunnan Province, March 10, 2025.
    A snub-nosed monkey is pictured at the Baima Snow Mountain National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Yunnan Province, March 10, 2025.
    A snub-nosed monkey is pictured at the Baima Snow Mountain National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Yunnan Province, March 10, 2025.


    Source: Xinhua  2025-03-11 16:42:30
    Posted by
    Labels: China Wildlife Yunnan Province
    0

    Add a comment


  7. (China Daily) Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd’s full-year profit inched higher, defying expectations for a drop, as the carrier benefited from continued strong demand for air travel and robust cargo volumes.

    Net income rose 1 percent in the 12 months ended Dec 31 to HK$9.9 billion ($1.3 billion) year-on-year, the airline said Wednesday. That was better than analyst estimates of HK$8.1 billion. Sales for the full year were HK$104.4 billion, compared with estimates of HK$103.8 billion.

    The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s flag carrier enjoyed a strong end to 2024 — profit in the second half rose by around HK$750 million versus the previous corresponding period — after first-half net income fell 15% to HK$3.6 billion. The second half was buoyed by good cargo revenues, a narrower loss at associate Air China Ltd and lower jet fuel prices.

    However, Cathay faces an uncertain outlook for its cargo unit, which typically contributes about one-quarter of revenue, amid a US crackdown on purchases from Chinese mainland online retailers and broader trade dislocations from President Donald Trump’s tariff regime.

    “Of course, 2025 and beyond will not be without headwinds,” Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam said. “Trade conflicts, as they develop, could pose challenges to Cathay cargo.” Lam added that supply chain challenges continue to rile the entire aviation industry, “impacting many airlines.”

    Cathay said in a presentation to analysts that “with the US tariff increases and uncertainty around the de minimis exemption, we are closely monitoring any impacts on air cargo demand,” referring to a rule that allows goods with a retail value of $800 or less to enter the US duty free and that President Donald Trump has mulled scrapping.

    Chairman Patrick Healy described cargo as “absolutely essential to Cathay’s solid financial results.” “Clearly when it comes to international trade, we don’t like uncertainty and friction, which we’re seeing a lot these days,” he said.

    Still, with Cathay and budget unit HK Express’s monthly passenger volumes now virtually recovered to pre-COVID levels, the business outlook appears relatively solid. Cathay has been able to reward staff with a bonus equivalent to about 6.2 weeks’ salary, a spokesperson said.

    Cathay is also closing in on a target to expand to 100 destinations this year. Among the routes relaunched or to be started include Brussels, Munich, Rome, Dallas and Urumqi in the mainland.

    Shares in Cathay closed down 1.8 percent on Wednesday, trimming gains this year to around 15 percent, making the carrier the second-best performer in the Bloomberg World Airlines Index.

    Source: China Daily by Bloomberg  Published: 22:02, March 11, 2025 | Updated: 03:06, March 12, 2025

    Posted by
    Labels: Airlines Investor News
    0

    Add a comment


  8. (China Daily) Aviation Industry Corp of China, the nation's leading aircraft supplier, has designed and built two models of the electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, or eVTOL, and is working on their flight tests, according to a senior AVIC expert.

    Wu Ximing, a senior rotorcraft researcher and chief technologist at the State-owned aviation conglomerate, told China Daily in an exclusive interview that testing of the two models — AR-E300 and AR-E3000 — is underway at the China Helicopter Research and Development Institute in Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province, which built the prototypes for both.

    "Research and development of the AR-E300 started in the spring of 2023 and progressed smoothly. In September that year, we unveiled the model at the 6th China Helicopter Exposition in Tianjin. In the summer of 2024, we conducted its first flight test in Jingdezhen," Wu said.

    "Design work for the AR-E3000, a larger configuration, was launched in the second half of 2024, and it also moved fast. The model was first unveiled to the public at the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, in November. A prototype will have its maiden flight around the end of this year," he added.

    Engineers at the Jingdezhen institute will continue to carry out more tests involving the two models, optimize some subsystems according to the tests' results, and work with civil aviation authorities to arrange the timetables for airworthiness certificate applications, according to the senior researcher.

    "We hope that they can obtain the type and production certificates within two to three years, but it depends largely on the certification process," he said.

    Wu, who is also a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, China's top political advisory body, made the remarks on the sidelines of the third session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee, which concluded in Beijing on Monday.

    Low-altitude economy

    The eVTOL aircraft models are part of the aviation conglomerate's hardware portfolio designed for China's low-altitude economy, Wu said.

    The low-altitude economy has been a common term in the lexicon of China's economic planners for several years. Though there has yet to be an official definition, economists have generally agreed that it refers to a spectrum of business activities occurring within low-altitude airspace, commonly defined as airspace up to 1,000 meters above ground.

    It involves manned and unmanned civilian aircraft activities, such as passenger transportation, air tourism and cargo delivery, and also covers related hardware manufacturing, maintenance and integrated services.

    According to a report from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, China's low-altitude economy reached 506 billion yuan ($70 billion) in 2023, marking an increase of 33.8 percent year-on-year. The Civil Aviation Administration of China has projected the sector's market scale to hit 1.5 trillion yuan by 2025 and further expand to 3.5 trillion yuan by 2035.

    Wu said the eVTOL aircraft feature advantages such as simplified structures, low maintenance costs, zero emissions and reduced noise.

    "Such vehicles are driving growth in industries such as new electric motors, batteries, advanced materials and telecommunications. Their deployment is expected to stimulate the construction of integrated transit networks, create new business scenarios and give new momentum to public consumption," he said.

    According to the aviation conglomerate, the AR-E300 has a maximum takeoff weight of 400 kilograms, a maximum carrying capacity of 120 kg, and can fly 30 kilometers when fully loaded.

    The model has been designed for urban transportation, aerial sightseeing and cargo delivery. It is equipped with low-noise and low-vibration rotors, high-safety flight control, a lightweight full-composite body structure, and high-performance batteries and motors.

    The AR-E3000 has a maximum takeoff weight of 2.6 metric tons, a maximum carrying capacity of 450 kg, and can fly 200 km when fully loaded. It can serve personnel and cargo transportation purposes and is also suitable for medical rescue missions.

    Source: By Zhao Lei | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2025-03-10 23:12

    Posted by
    Labels: China Aviation China Cargo Transportation
    0

    Add a comment


  9. (Xinhua) By the end of February, cargo volume on the Chancay-Shanghai shipping route had exceeded 22,000 tons since the sea link between China and Peru became fully operational in both directions on Dec. 18, 2024, according to Shanghai Customs.

    The total cargo value reached 610 million yuan (about 85.03 million U.S. dollars), the customs department said Tuesday.

    Currently, two regular voyages operate between the ports each week, benefiting other major Chinese ports along the east coast, including Dalian, Qingdao, Ningbo and Xiamen.

    Chancay Port is not only a deep-water hub but also South America's first smart and green port. As a flagship Belt and Road cooperation project between China and Peru, the direct route has cut sea travel time between the two countries from over a month to approximately 23 days, reducing shipping costs by at least 20 percent.

    The new route has enhanced cargo flows from Latin America to Asia, with projected shipments from Brazil, Ecuador and Colombia. It also streamlined distribution across Asia, offering faster and more cost-effective shipping services.

    Statistics from Shanghai Customs show that in 2024, the import value of goods transported from Peru to Shanghai port reached 26.4 billion yuan, marking a year-on-year increase of 23.6 percent; meanwhile, the export value of goods transported from Shanghai port to the South American country amounted to 25.1 billion yuan, up 22.2 percent.

    In December 2024, the first month after the sea route was launched, total trade between Shanghai port and Peru surged to 4.68 billion yuan, a 46.1 percent increase from the previous year.

    Chinese-made automobiles are among the key exports to Peru, while agricultural products such as fruit and fish powder from the South American country are common imports.

    Shanghai Customs has established a "green channel" for cargo and optimized supervision services to ensure safety and efficiency on the route. 

    Source: Xinhua  2025-03-04 16:31:15

    Posted by
    Labels: China Cargo China Logistics Shanghai Transportation
    0

    Add a comment


  10. (China Daily) Jewelers see the Hong Kong International Jewelry Show as a prime platform to connect with global customers — particularly those from emerging economies — and believe organizers should ramp up their overseas marketing efforts.

    The show drew more than 4,000 jewelry companies from over 40 countries and regions to Hong Kong. The event, showcasing raw materials, finished jewelries, and technical tools, ran until Saturday.

    Sarju Shah, owner of Indian firm Illusion Solitaire Diamond Jewelry, has been a regular at this show for over a decade. Shah said he prepares for the event around a month in advance each year, as it is a good opportunity to engage with clients from across Asia, the Americas and Europe.

    Shah said sales figures were not bad, although they had declined in the past two to three years due to global economic headwinds. He added that he expects his company will achieve at least $100,000 in sales during this year’s show, matching last year’s figures, and there is potential to hit $200,000.

    Varghese Sunny, wholesale manager of Dubai-headquartered La Marquise Jewelry, said he has built relationships with buyers from diverse regions at previous shows and achieved good sales numbers.

    With the motive to further expand the business in Asia-Pacific, he said, “This is why we have participated in the event for the past 12 years” and opened an office in Hong Kong.

    But the jeweler said that losing clients from the Chinese mainland over the past few years has affected his business, so he hopes this year’s show will help him gain a better understanding of the mainland market’s recovery.

    Hong Kong-based Eternal Bliss shares a similar goal of expanding its customer network. Consultant Paul Lee said he is eager to connect with more buyers from Southeast Asia. “Traditionally, the clientele has been predominantly from Europe and North America, but as purchasing power rises in Southeast Asian nations, the proportion of buyers from these emerging markets is getting higher,” Lee noted.

    Shikhar Rastogi, design and merchandising manager of KGK Jewellery Manufacturing in Bangkok, Thailand, said that as a designer, he hopes he can learn about the latest trends of jewelry design through the show and purchase the most innovative ideas for his company. 

    However, Shah said that competition in the global jewelry industry is intensifying, creating challenges for both show organizers and jewelry suppliers. He said he hopes that Hong Kong can ease visa requirements for exhibitors and buyers from certain Southeast Asian countries and enhance promotional efforts in these places to attract more buyers, in response to the fierce competition caused by an increasing number of similar exhibitions worldwide.

    Exhibitors’ sales can only be boosted with more buyers, which in turn could make them feel that the effort and investment required to attend the show is worthwhile, Shah added.

    This year’s show featured a new Young Jewelry Designer Arena, providing a platform for emerging designers. The event also sees the return of the International Jewelry Design Excellence (IJDE) Award co-organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and four local jewelry associations. This is the first time the IJDE Award has been held following the COVID-19 pandemic, and it has attracted 80 entries from nine countries and regions.

    Meanwhile, the 11th Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show opened on Sunday at AsiaWorld-Expo, located near the international airport, and will conclude on Thursday.

    Source: China Daily by Li Xiaoyun in Hong Kong  Published: 02:36, March 4, 2025

    Posted by
    Labels: China Economy Hong Kong
    0

    Add a comment

Loading