city

Ti Gong A group of students perform traditional pingtan story-telling for residents of Xuhui. Shanghai's Xuhui District launched a major community improvement initiative on Wednesday, to encourage residents to enhance the local environment. The launch released plans to renovate public spaces and enhance community services. The initiative will involve 100 renovation projects, 100 new service projects, and the creation of 100 model sites across the district. The goal is to improve the quality of life for residents and promote ongoing community development. A community-led garden renovation event titled "One-square-meter Herb Garden" in Hongmei Community is part of the effort. Residents, guided by experts in gardening and sustainability, transformed four local gardens with unique themes. Over 150 participants, including 50 parent-child pairs and 40 youth planners, braved the heat to complete the projects, revitalizing the gardens with new plantings and green art installations. Ti Gong Some cultural figures, including broadcasters and artists, are appointed to the Xuhui Chinese Classics Reading Mentor Group. During the event, Xuhui also unveiled its "Civilization Marketplace" service list. The project offers 60 voluntary services across six categories, such as cultural heritage, policy consultation, child education, and health. These services will be available both online and offline.…Original link

A delegation from the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party, or PSOE (Partido Socialista Obrero Español), led by Juan Lobato, general secretary of PSOE of the Community of Madrid, has expressed admiration for Shenzhen's pioneering approach to urban development.   Yu Xinguo, deputy Party chief of Shenzhen, welcomed the delegation at the Wuzhou Guest House yesterday. Both parties look forward to enhancing communication and cooperation in the fields of industry, technology, culture, and tourism.   Founded in 1879, PSOE stands as Spain's oldest political party and is a center-left party in Spain's political spectrum. The delegation arrived in Shenzhen on Sunday for a four-day visit.   During their meeting with Yu, Lobato conveyed his profound admiration for Shenzhen's rapid and successful development, attributing it to the support of the Communist Party of China and the Chinese Government.   "There is much we can learn from Shenzhen and apply in Spain," Lobato said, emphasizing Shenzhen's role as a paragon of reform and opening up.   Lobato was particularly impressed by Shenzhen's innovative strategies in urban governance, which he believes hold significant relevance for Spain's governance.   Yesterday morning, the delegation paid homage to the bronze statue of late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping at…Original link

After a resounding success in Singapore last year, the Shenzhen dance drama "Wing Chun" is set to go abroad once more, this time touching down in the U.K. for a series of 12 performances. The critically acclaimed production will be staged at the prestigious Sadler's Wells Theatre in London from Friday to Sept. 7 local time, marking its second overseas journey since its international debut in Singapore in 2023. Preparations for the "Wing Chun" team are in full swing, with the crew and cast readying themselves for their journey to the U.K. The team has been rigorously rehearsing at their home venue, the Shenzhen Opera & Dance Theater, to ensure a flawless presentation on the British stage. The Sadler's Wells Theatre, a storied venue located on Roseberry Avenue in London, has been a home for performing arts for over three centuries. The building consists of two performance spaces — the 1,500-seat main auditorium and the Lilian Baylis Studio. There are also extensive rehearsal rooms and technical facilities on-site. There are a number of associated artists and companies who produce original works for the theater, one of the U.K.'s foremost dance venues and production houses. For the dance drama's debut in…Original link

In a big busy city like Beijing, it’s easy to get lost in our day to day – focus on our phones on our daily commute, tune out everyone and everything while we run through the motions. Sometimes, it’s nice to stop and take in the city we call home, perhaps even document what we see with a snapshot. This is the modus operandi of LS Lee, a British expat and photographer whose works are now on display at Aotu Space. An observer within a sometimes unpredictable city, Lee’s photographs work to find the little moments in Beijing. His current exhibition, titled Peking into Beijing, continues the themes Lee presented in previous exhibitions, focusing on intimate moments and the people of the city, with a twist this time around. “The color photographs are a kind of respite from the directness and intensity of the black-and-white images,” says the artist of the choice to include color photographs in this exhibition. Unlike the black-and-white photos, which depict people at an intimate level, the color photos depict still life and deliberately avoid showing people directly. In this way, the color photos act as a means of coming up to the surface for air…Original link

At the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Legal Forum at the end of August, the first standard for arbitration secretaries in China, known as the "Guangzhou Standard", will be officially launched. Arbitration secretaries are individuals appointed by arbitration institutions to assist with case management and service tasks. In 2022, arbitration secretaries were officially included in the Occupational Classification System of the People's Republic of China. The "Guangzhou Standard" has already been recognized and signed by the Asia Pacific Centre for Arbitration & Mediation (Hong Kong), the World Trade Center Macao Arbitration Center, as well as arbitration institutions in Zhuhai, Huizhou, Nanjing, Ningbo, Harbin, and Maoming, making it the world's first cross-institutional standard for arbitration secretaries. "Arbitration secretaries are both mediators for arbitration institutions to manage cases and a crucial support for arbitration panels to efficiently advance proceedings, a significant role in the construction of international legal practices," said Li Zhenghua, an Associate Professor at Sun Yat-sen University School of Law and an arbitrator of the Guangzhou Arbitration Commission. He noted that the standard not only fills a gap in industry rules but also prepares a foundation for the long-term development of arbitration in China, further promoting the export of secretarial services in international arbitration. He…Original link

The Liangzhu Cultural Corridor, an initiative that Yuhang district, Hangzhou launched to promote Liangzhu culture, a prehistoric rice-cultivating civilization that existed between 3300 BC and 2300 BC in China, has witnessed remarkable progress as exemplary projects are carried out. A surge of tourists flocked to the recent market event at the Liangzhu 5000+ Artistic Creation Park, one of the initial 10 projects in the Liangzhu Cultural Corridor initiative. The park has welcomed 120,000 visitors since its opening on July 12, solidifying its status as a new landmark along this cultural corridor. Following the inscription of the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City onto the World Heritage List in 2019, Yuhang district embarked on an exploration of the "second chapter" of Liangzhu culture by launching the Liangzhu Cultural Corridor initiative, which focuses on cultural empowerment and integrates historical preservation, economic development, industrial transformation and shared prosperity. With a series of flagship projects currently underway, Yuhang is leveraging the 5,000-year-old Liangzhu culture as a guiding force for socioeconomic growth. By connecting it with regional cultures such as Grand Canal culture, Jingshan culture, ancient towns and modern digital culture, the district is ushering in a new era of cultural prosperity to drive comprehensive urban…Original link

Hangzhou is accelerating efforts to lead the nation's low-altitude economy, with a focus on drone sports. Following the launch of the Low-Altitude Economy Development Plan (2024-27), the city aims to establish itself as a hub for drone sports in China. Drone sports, encompassing activities like drone racing, acrobatics, and aerial photography competitions, have garnered increasing attention due to their blend of education and technology. According to Shao Ying, executive director of the Hangzhou Smart City Research Institute, this push aligns with Hangzhou's vision of becoming an international sports city in the post-Asian Games era. As one of the first cities designated as a national test zone for civilian drones, Hangzhou has developed an innovative ecosystem with companies like Xizi Spirit Aerosystems and Antwork Technology leading the way. The city's universities and research institutions are also at the forefront of efforts to develop electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technology. To achieve its goal, Hangzhou plans to integrate drone sports into its broader sports development strategy, provide financial incentives, and attract top international talent. The upcoming World Drone Racing Championships in October will further solidify Hangzhou's global position in drone sports, with 200 competitors from 40 countries expected to participate.  Original link

The aerial view of the Haizhu Wetland. After years of ecological protection and restoration, Haizhu Wetland now features clear waters and abundant birds with more and more rare wild birds camping here. Recently, researchers discovered two new bird species—the rose-ringed parakeet and the collared finchbill. This brings the total bird species recorded at Haizhu Wetland to 200. The rose-ringed parakeet is notably beautiful and has the intelligence level of a four-year-old human. The rose-ringed parakeet often tries to mimic human sounds in its environment and can learn vocabulary by listening to music. It is listed as a second-level protected species in the List of National Key Protected Wild Animals. Historically, its distribution was broad, living in tropical and subtropical regions, with Guangzhou being the northernmost location. The rose-ringed parakeet found in South China was introduced from outside around 1900 and gradually established a sizable wild population. It was once widely distributed in the south of the Pearl River in Guangdong, and was commonly seen flying over the Pearl River Delta. However, there have been no records in the wild in Guangzhou since 1980. The rich habitat of Duoji fruit forests in Haizhu Wetland, with its diverse resources, provides ample food…

Olympic champions meet with the Guangzhou organizing committee for the 15th National Games and Paralympic and Special Olympics. On Aug 26, Paris Olympic diving champions Xie Siyi and Chen Yiwen, along with women's freestyle wrestling bronze medalist Feng Ziqi, visited the Tianhe Sports Center to meet with the Guangzhou organizing committee for the 15th National Games and Paralympic and Special Olympics. They showed their support for the upcoming events and expressed excitement about competing in their hometown next year. As a two-time gold-medal winner at the Tokyo Olympics, Xie overcame several injuries to successfully defend his title in the men's diving event at the Paris Olympics after just over a year of recovery and training. As a Guangdong athlete, Xie expressed excitement for the upcoming 15th National Games, "It is a significant event for domestic athletes, on par with international competitions. With the Games taking place in my hometown, my expectations are as high as they've ever been." Xie, a treble champion at the last two National Games, discussed his aspirations for the upcoming event, emphasizing his commitment to giving the best performance he can. At the Paris Olympics, Chen clinched two gold medals in the women's diving events, marking a powerful start for both the Chinese diving team and the Guangdong delegation. Her exceptional…Original link

Timeless Verses The exhibition showcases the charm and brilliance of European art over two centuries. This exhibition will open the door to the art world for you, allowing you to witness the authentic works of art masters and experience their profound expressions of ancient art, nature, mythology, and beliefs. Until September 7, 2024 Guangdong Museum of Art (Baietan), No.19-1 Bai'etan Nan Lu, Liwan 荔湾区白鹅潭南路19号之一 Neither Here Nor There In this project, Yu Heng Museum of Art has chosen Qu Yuan, a figure strongly associated with the Dragon Boat Festival, who is a pioneer of Oriental Romanticism and has a profound impact on subsequent literature, drama, music, and other fields. The museum attempts to stand in the current context and use various contemporary art forms to explore and express his spiritual characteristics and the enlightenment he brings to the present time. Until September 8, 2024 Qinghe Lane, Liede Qinghe Village, Liede, Tianhe 天河区猎德清和里 Art of the Roman Empire The exhibition is divided into six sections, each delving into different aspects of the artistic charm of ancient Roman civilization. Until October 13, 2024 Guangdong Museum, No.2 Zhujiang Dong Lu, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe 天河区珠江新城珠江东路2号 Time to Heal In the painting are sphynx cats with different…Original link

The 2024 Hangzhou Open (ATP 250) is set to take place from Sept 17 to 24 at the Hangzhou Olympic Tennis Center. Tennis fans can expect an exciting lineup of nearly 60 top players from around the world. Leading the roster are big names such as Andrey Rublev, ranked sixth globally and a two-time ATP 1000 Masters champion, and Zhang Zhizhen, Hangzhou Asian Games singles champion and Paris Olympics mixed doubles silver medalist. Other notable stars include Holger Rune, ATP 1000 Paris Masters champion, and Wu Yibing, the first Chinese mainland player to win an ATP Tour title. Recent additions to the tournament include Sebastian Korda, who just won the ATP 500 Washington Open, and Karen Khachanov, a Grand Slam quarterfinalist. Former world No. 3 Marin Cilic will also make his return after a knee injury. The event will feature a week of thrilling matches, with ticket prices ranging from 50 yuan ($7) to 1,280 yuan, allowing fans to enjoy multiple matches with a single ticket.Original link

The 4K restored version of Princess Iron Fan, China's first animated feature film, premiered at the China Cartoon & Animation Museum in Hangzhou on Aug 24. Prior to the screening, Yang Chenxi, a professor at the China Academy of Art's Film School, provided an introduction to the film. Directed by the Wan brothers, Wan Laiming and Wan Guchan, Princess Iron Fan was originally released in 1941 in Shanghai. It is a milestone in both Chinese and Asian animation, drawing inspiration from the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. The film skillfully integrates elements of Chinese painting, opera, and traditional performance arts, while also incorporating Disney-style animation techniques. The film was well-received across Southeast Asia and Japan, where it significantly influenced the famous manga artist and Astro Boy creator, Osamu Tezuka. The screening was accompanied by a dedicated exhibition at the museum, showcasing historical materials and interactive experiences related to the film and allowing visitors to relive iconic scenes and feel the legacy of China's pioneering animation.  Original link

The 2024 Xin'an River summer swimming international challenge took place in Jiande on Aug 25, attracting over 2,000 swimmers from 11 provinces, including Zhejiang, Anhui, and Fujian, as well as international participants from the United States, Russia, Latvia, and Kazakhstan. The event featured two key competitions: a group endurance swim and an individual endurance swim, offering participants the chance to embrace nature and test their limits in the cool 17 C river waters. The opening ceremony was filled with excitement, including thrilling performances like water flyboarding, displays of traditional Yanzhou shrimp lanterns, and demonstrations of the ancient martial art of Tiangang Boxing. Popular fitness coach Liu Genghong, also known as Will Liu, led a warm-up session with participants, setting the stage for the day's competitions. The group race, held in the morning, drew the most attention, as teams braved the fast-flowing waters of the Xin'an River. The competition tested not only swimmers' endurance but also their mental resilience in the face of the river's chilling temperatures. This event is more than just a sports competition – it's a celebration of Jiande's spirit and cultural heritage. Originally known as the Xin'an River endurance challenge and held annually since 1988, the competition…Original link

Construction began on the Xiaoyuanxi Water Sports Park in Tonglu county, Hangzhou on Aug 22, with an investment of approximately 3.2 billion yuan ($448 million). Located in a tranquil valley in Sanxin village, the park will integrate advanced AR technology, offering an immersive experience within a water park setting – the first of its kind in the region. The park will feature a mix of attractions, including a large water park, high-tech visual performances, luxury hotels, and wellness facilities. The design will blend local cultural elements with cutting-edge technology to create a unique destination for both leisure and business travelers. Scheduled to be completed in phases, the park aims to become a top micro-vacation destination in East China and a national base for immersive performances. Highlights include the country's longest water park lazy river, which is over 2 kilometers long, and the largest wave pool, which covers an area of 21,000 square meters. Set against the backdrop of a natural mountain valley, the park will offer a year-round experience, adapting its attractions to different seasons and times of day. From winter performance stages to summer water activities, it is expected to draw many tourists and generate substantial revenue for Tonglu.…Original link

The 2024 Hangzhou Qianjiang Century City International Basketball Showdown will be held from Aug 31 to Sept 2 at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center. The highlight of the event is expected to be Europe's powerhouse, FC Barcelona's basketball team, featuring former NBA stars like Juancho Hernangomez, Tomas Satoransky, and Jabari Parker. This marks their first pre-season game in China. Two CBA teams, Zhejiang Guangsha and Beijing Shougang, will also compete, bringing excitement for Chinese basketball fans. Tickets are available on Damai are being bought up by both domestic and international basketball communities.  Original link

As the summer heat subsides, winter sports are heating up in Hangzhou. The first Hangzhou Ice Hockey Festival and "MixC Cup" 2024 National Ice Hockey Championship kicked off on Aug 22 at the Hangzhou MixC shopping mall, running until Aug 25. This event has attracted top clubs from across China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Chengdu. Nearly 30 teams, competing across four divisions, will compete in nearly 60 matches. With around 300 young players involved, this event marks a record for Hangzhou ice hockey, promoting the integration of ice hockey education and competition while building a strong talent pool for the sport's growth in Zhejiang. Hosted in a bustling commercial area, the event offers spectators a chance to enjoy competitive ice hockey up close while raising the sport's profile and boosting public interest. The Qianjiang New City business district will also host cultural activities to further promote the sport to the local community.  Original link

Sun Yang has been confirmed Tuesday to represent Zhejiang in the 2024 National Summer Swimming Championships, which to be held in Hefei, capital city of east China's Anhui Province on Aug 25-28. The three-time Olympic champion's four-year and three-month suspension ended on May 28, when Sun's studio posted on social media: "Exceed yourself. Be a fearless swimmer." Wang Wei, director of the Zhejiang Provincial Swimming Sports Management Center, stated that Sun Yang will compete in the men's 400-meter freestyle event. The National Summer Swimming Championships is a Class B national swimming event in China, second only to the National Swimming Championships in terms of level and prestige. According to Wang, Zhejiang will send a youngster-packed 59-member squad to the competition, excluding the Paris 2024 Olympians Wang Shun and Pan Zhanle.Original link

  The highlights of the show include Impressionist masterpieces. An art exhibition, showing 100 iconic paintings in digital formats, captivated visitors in downtown Yuyuan Road with its combination of cutting-edge display technology and immersive experiences. The pop-up TCLArt event is organized by home appliance giant TCL, in collaboration with Center Pompidou in France and the National Gallery in the UK. Highlights of the show include impressionist masterpieces from Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh, alongside works by Piet Mondrian. The exhibition features a 115-inch TV, the world's biggest on the market. Zhu Shenshen / SHINE The exhibition features interactive elements, such as a gesture-controlled lobby that adapts to light and shadow effects. The exhibition also features interactive elements, such as a gesture-controlled lobby that adapts to light and shadow effects. To enhance the visitor experience, a Seesaw coffee stand offers complimentary specialty coffee to those who participate in on-site activities. Zhu Shenshen / SHINE The exhibition is held in a lane in downtown Yuyuan Road that is filled with art venues, coffee shops, bookstores and handmade goods shops. If you go: Address: 1,088 Lane of Yuyuan Road, Opening hours: 12pm-8pm Monday-Friday; 1pm-9pm weekends Duration: through September 17 Tickets: Free Public…Original link

  People learn history at the museum. A series of popular life sciences activities are being rolled out in the city under with the collaboration of museums and cemeteries as an innovative approach exploring the integration of life education and justice. Shanghai Museum of Public Security and Shanghai Fushouyuan Cemetery have teamed up to host a series of activities to popularize law and security and raise public awareness on life education, they said on Tuesday, in hopes that people re-examine and understand the significance of life. In recent years, public demand has soared for museum visits. As one of only two public security museums in the country, the Shanghai Museum of Public Security displays the historical evolution of the city's police institutions, details of major cases solved by officers since 1949, and the development of criminal science and technology. Ti Gong A group of people look at a display at the museum. Among them, the Heroes and Martyrs Hall includes portraits and materials of 82 Shanghai public security heroes who sacrificed their lives before and after the liberation of Shanghai. As the first activity, a life education study tour was organized by the two parties. About 50 people followed professional…Original link

Nguyen Thi Phuc, a Vietnamese student at Zhongnan University of Economics and Law in Wuhan, Central China's Hubei province, has a deep-rooted connection with Chinese language and culture. Her journey began in 2015 when she graduated from the Department of Chinese Language of Hanoi Open University. She then joined China Railway Sixth Group, witnessing China's prowess in infrastructure development during the construction of Vietnam's first light rail project. During this time, she also went from being a Chinese translator to being a project manager assistant. Then, she moved to Wuhan, and in 2022, she established an online community to help Vietnamese parents learn pinyin so that they can teach their children the Chinese language. Now, as she pursues higher education at Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Nguyen has rekindled her love for the Chinese language and discovered a new passion for the guqin, a traditional Chinese instrument. Her dream is to one day play "High Mountains and Flowing Water" on the guqin in Vietnam, using the melodies of the ancient instrument to promote global understanding and harmony. Editor: Surnamed xiong  Original link

Original link