Multilingual guidebooks to scenic spots, volunteers in red vests who help tourists exchange currency... China is not only well known for its natural scenic spots and rich cultural heritage but also treating foreign tourists with more hospitality and lovely, kind smiles from people who are ready to offer help to make their trips more convenient. Through multilingual services, the enhancement of travel facilities and the hands-on support of volunteers, it is fueling the "China Travel" trend, making visiting the country more accessible and enjoyable for visitors from all corners of the globe.

One of the most significant indicators of this trend is the recent measures taken to improve the overall travel experience for foreign tourists. For instance, in the Xishuangbanna Dai autonomous prefecture, Southwest China's Yunnan Province, the local government announced on Monday a bilingual travel guide that will serve as a comprehensive resource for both Chinese and international visitors. The guide will be meticulously translated by seasoned professionals to ensure accuracy and cultural relevance, showcasing China's commitment to making travel easier and more informative for non-Chinese speakers.

This effort aligns perfectly with the broader picture. Liu Haitao, a senior official of the National Immigration Administration (NIA), highlighted the explosive popularity of "China Travel" online at the press conference on Monday, emphasizing how foreign tourists are witnessing firsthand a confident, open, and modern China, as reported by the Xinhua News Agency. The numbers back up this claim: From January to July, 17.25 million foreign visitors entered China, marking a 129.9 percent increase compared with the previous year. He noted that further policies will also be carried out to increase convenience and broaden the scope of visa-free entry in the future.

Cities across China are embracing this wave of international tourism with targeted initiatives. In Suzhou, the local government has launched a series of measures to facilitate foreign visitors' stays, leading to a 75 percent increase in international overnight visitors in the first half of the year. The city has equipped its cultural and tourist sites with multilingual translation devices, established multiple service points, while providing foreign currency exchange services in key tourist areas. These efforts have transformed Suzhou into a model city for international tourism in China.

Similar strides are being made in Beijing, where the "BEIJING PASS" has been introduced as an all-in-one solution for foreign tourists. This card not only covers public transportation across the city but also works at major tourist attractions, allowing seamless access to places like the Summer Palace and the Great Wall. Taishan Mountain in East China's Shandong Province has also introduced travel guides in English, providing guidance on climate, transportation, food and the city mascot so as to make travel more convenient for foreign tourists.

China's infrastructure improvements extend beyond physical facilities to include personal, human connections. In Beijing, volunteers like those at the Beijing South Railway Station's bus hub provide invaluable assistance to foreign travelers. The story of Lu Qinghong, a volunteer in a red vest who helped a Venezuelan tourist navigate the city in English, exemplifies the warm and supportive environment that China offers to its guests. Through multilingual communication and genuine care, these volunteers are the embodiment of China's hospitality.

This welcoming atmosphere is further enhanced by initiatives such as the strategic recruitment of multilingual tour guides in Xi'an, Northwest China's Shaanxi Province, where the demand for foreign language services has been met with a robust response. By hiring guides fluent in languages like Russian and English while providing comprehensive services that allow foreign credit cards to be used in e-pay systems in China, Xi'an ensures that foreign visitors can fully engage with the region's breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage without language barriers.

The efforts also extend to ensuring that foreign visitors have access to modern amenities and services. The recent policy released by the Ministry of Commerce and six other departments focuses on improving accommodation services for foreign nationals. This includes removing unnecessary barriers for lodging operators and providing specialized training for receptionists, ensuring that all visitors, whether in China for tourism, work, or other purposes, receive top-notch service.

By combining facilities, multilingual services, and a culture of warmth and inclusion, the "China Travel" trend is inviting tourists from all over the world with more accessibility than ever before. This initiative is not just about welcoming tourists; it's about showcasing the best of what China has to offer - its beauty, its culture, and its people.

The Ministry of Education (MOE) on Tuesday announced the release of revised textbooks, including Chinese language and history books featuring new archaeological findings and studies into the origin of Chinese civilization, which will be implemented in primary and junior high schools across the country starting from the autumn semester. These new editions are set to cover all grades within three years, marking a significant step in the integration of cultural education into the curriculum.

One of the key changes in these textbooks is the emphasis on culture, enriching the content of fine traditional Chinese culture. For instance, the literature textbooks now include selections from The Classic of Poetry, the oldest existing collection of Chinese poetry; poems from the Tang, Song and Yuan dynasties (618-1368) and excerpts from novels from the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), with a total of 353 pieces representing the essence of Chinese culture.

Students can learn the Chinese civilization by reading about archaeological findings such as the Liangzhu Ancient City, the Taosi site, and Niuheliang site in history textbooks, according to the MOE.

The profound value concepts, philosophical thought, moral discussions, and practical methods embedded in traditional Chinese culture provide an inexhaustible resource for cultural education. 

In today's digital world, where young people are easily influenced by vulgar online information, these historically tested cultural texts can help them establish correct values and perspectives, thus enhancing their humanistic literacy.

The textbooks also highlight China's technological advancements and stories of role models including astronauts, heroes who guarded China's borders, scientists, educators, and frontline workers. This is conducive to cultivating students' spirit of scientific exploration and inspiring them to pursue careers in science and technology.

The revision of textbooks by the Ministry of Education is a strategic move to enhance cultural education, which is essential for nurturing well-rounded individuals who appreciate and can carry forward the rich tapestry of Chinese culture. 

By exposing students to the depth and breadth of traditional Chinese culture, we are not only preserving heritage but also equipping the next generation with the values and wisdom necessary to navigate the complexities of the world.

The concept of cultural education is not new. Many schools have organized activities to bring outstanding traditional culture into campuses, such as the introduction of intangible cultural heritage (ICH). In South China's Guangdong Province, for example, activities related to Cantonese opera, paper-cutting, and Lingnan guqin, which are national and provincial-level ICH, have been organized in local primary and high schools.

The MOE has issued documents encouraging the use of extracurricular venues and public cultural facilities to organize activities with ICH representatives, guiding young people to understand and inherit the charm of ICH. 

In higher education, universities will be given support to independently establish ICH-related undergraduate majors, strengthening the construction of ICH-related specialties and courses to improve talent cultivation capabilities. 

Traditional Chinese culture, as the crystallization and essence of Chinese civilization, carries the national memory and spirit of the Chinese nation. Strengthening the education of traditional Chinese culture is beneficial for guiding young people to learn about the long history of Chinese civilization.

These measures for cultural education will help increase the dissemination and popularization of excellent traditional culture and promote the deep integration of the protection and inheritance of excellent traditional culture with the modern education system. By integrating excellent traditional culture into campuses, the content of cultural education can be creatively enriched, and the practical path of cultural education can be expanded.

On August 21, the "integrated photovoltaic, energy storage and charging" intelligent charging station built by State Grid Nanjing Power Supply Company in Sifang Xincun was successfully put into operation, effectively solving the charging problem of this old community.

Sifang Xincun community was completed in 1998. There are about 2,600 households in total. The parking spaces are tight and the power capacity is limited. In response to this situation, State Grid Nanjing Power Supply Company and Guanghua Road Sub-district jointly constructed Jiangsu Province's first intelligent charging station with integrated photovoltaic, energy storage and charging in the old community.
"'Integrated photovoltaic, energy storage and charging' refers to a green charging mode in which photovoltaic power generation, energy storage, and vehicle charging are integrated and coordinated with each other," said Zhang Xinzhan, general manager of State Grid Nanjing Electric Vehicle Service Co, Ltd, noting that the charging station has a photovoltaic canopy with an installed power of 30 kilowatts. It can provide about 30,000 kilowatt-hours of green electricity throughout the year. It is also equipped with two sets of 240 kilowatts - 200 kilowatts/261 kilowatt-hours of sponge energy storage and charging cabinets. The total charging power is 480 kilowatts, which can simultaneously provide fast charging for eight new energy vehicles.
During the day, the electric energy generated by the photovoltaic canopy will be given priority to supply vehicle charging. The remaining electric energy will be stored in the energy storage system and sent to the charging piles during the peak charging period to assist in supporting the power load. "Through advanced sponge power technology, the system will give priority to using the charging piles and energy storage system to consume the electric energy generated by photovoltaic. The photovoltaic consumption rate can reach 100 percent, which is equivalent to saving about 3.12 tons of standard coal per year," Zhang Xinzhan said, adding that under the demand-side response mode, the charging station can meet the peak shaving of 200 kilowatts for 2 hours. Under the auxiliary service mode, it can meet the valley filling of 100 kilowatts for 4 hours, realizing friendly interaction with the power grid.

In addition, to meet the residents' need for a more convenient and comfortable charging service experience, State Grid Nanjing Power Supply Company has also built an "Energy Cube" intelligent green energy post house next to the charging station, which is convenient for new energy vehicle owners to take a break during charging and also provides a haven for new business forms and new employment groups.

Xi to attend opening ceremony of 2024 Summit of Forum on China-Africa Cooperation

Despite going undrafted in the NBA Draft after meticulously preparing for months, the determination of 21-year-old Chinese player Cui Yongxi to compete in the NBA exemplifies his commitment to reaching the pinnacle of basketball.

Cui's journey began long before draft night. Leading up to the selection process, he had the opportunity to work out with six NBA teams: the Brooklyn Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, Utah Jazz, Indiana Pacers, Portland Trail Blazers and New York Knicks. These experiences not only broadened his horizons but also provided him with a firsthand understanding of the intensity and competitiveness that define the NBA.

"Now I know the level my peers are at," Cui said, reflecting on the rigorous training sessions and the high caliber of talent he encountered. His insights reveal a young athlete who is both introspective and determined to elevate his game to meet these standards.

Cui's perseverance has been rewarded with an Exhibit 10 contract from the Trail Blazers. This contract, while not guaranteeing a spot on the regular season roster, offers him a platform to showcase his skills during the NBA Summer League. The Summer League, scheduled from July 13 to 23 in Las Vegas, will feature 30 teams playing a total of 76 games. For Cui, every minute on the court is an opportunity to prove himself.

Historically, Chinese players in the NBA Summer League, like Zhang Zhenlin and Zeng Fanbo in 2022, have struggled to secure significant play time. Cui might face a similar challenge. If Cui wants to earn more minutes, he must deliver exceptional performances consistently. The NBA is unforgiving, and success hinges on a player's ability to quickly adapt, perform and fulfill a team's needs.

Cui's stats in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) reflect his potential. Standing at 2.01 meters with a 2.06-meter wingspan and weighing 93 kilograms, he averaged 15.7 points, 6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.7 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game last season. His shooting accuracy, with a field goal percentage of 45.5 percent and a three-point percentage of 36.4 percent, highlights his scoring capability.

However, transitioning to the NBA requires more than impressive statistics. It demands understanding the team's requirements and carving out a niche within the squad. Many players mistakenly focus solely on showcasing their strengths without aligning to the team's strategy. For Cui, recognizing and executing the team's needs will be crucial. This adaptability can earn him the respect and trust of his coaches and teammates, paving the way for more opportunities to shine.

Cui is among the brightest talents among China's new generation of basketball players. His participation in the 2023 FIBA World Cup and subsequent strong performance in the CBA demonstrate his readiness for the next challenge. As he steps into the NBA Summer League, he carries not just his aspirations but also the hopes of many Chinese basketball fans eager for a new icon in the NBA, during a time when the national team is in an embarrassing situation of not having any major international competition in two years.

The road ahead is undoubtedly tough, but Cui's determination and willingness to step out of his comfort zone are commendable. During a time when the Chinese national team faces significant challenges and the gap between Chinese basketball and the world's elite continues to widen, Cui's possibility of competing overseas is crucial. His perseverance and pursuit of excellence serves as an inspiration for future generations of Chinese basketballers.

The Chinese swimming team's recent performances at the Paris Olympics have raised concerns about the impact of excessive doping tests on their preparation and performance.

Butterfly specialist Zhang Yufei's third-place finish in the women's 100 meters butterfly and breaststroke world champion Qin Haiyang's unexpected seventh-place result in the men's 100 meters breaststroke were the most discussed results on Chinese social media. It is imperative to scrutinize the conditions under which they have been competing, particularly the frequency and timing of these tests, netizens said.

Olympic diving champion Gao Min has raised questions, claiming that the Chinese swimming team is subject to up to seven doping tests a day. She argues that these procedures, while ensuring fair play, might inadvertently hinder the performance of Chinese swimmers.

A glimpse into the daily routine of these athletes, unveiled by a Chinese volunteer on social media, shed a light on the taxing nature of their schedule.

At the Athletes Village in Paris, Chinese swimmers Zhang and Yang Junxuan wait at the Doping Control Center (DCC) as early as 5:30 am, while DCC agents and volunteers often have to go to the rooms of other athletes who are reluctant to take tests that early. The Chinese athletes, however, never opt for the easier route of delaying the tests, demonstrating their commitment to full compliance.

Despite securing the bronze medal and breaking the Asian record in the women's 4x100m freestyle relay, Zhang emphasized the importance of transparency and cooperation with anti-doping agencies, despite the inconvenience and emotional strain of early morning tests.

Facing international media, fellow Chinese swimmer Fei Liwei also confidently reiterated the team's dedication to clean competition and rigorous training after setting a new personal best in the men's 400 meters freestyle.

As the narrative unfolds, it becomes evident that the Chinese athletes are caught in a dual struggle - striving for excellence while navigating an environment of intense scrutiny. The call for fairness in doping tests is not about seeking leniency but about ensuring that the spirit of competition remains just and equal for all.

While multiple factors influence athletes' performances, minimizing out-of-competition impacts is crucial. Ensuring fair and equal conditions will not only support the athletes but also enhance the overall excitement and integrity of the competition, thrilling fans worldwide.

China's Li crowned in weightlifting men's 61kg at Paris 2024

As the Paris Olympics came to an end, the Chinese sports delegation has set a new record for its best-ever performance in an overseas Olympics, securing 40 gold, 27 silver, and 24 bronze medals. Since China's return to the Olympic Games in 1984, the nation has garnered a total of 303 gold medals, with 322 athletes achieving Olympic champion status. Here is China's Olympic gold medal map.

Recent data reveal that these Olympic champions hail from 26 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities across China. Leading the way is Northeast China's Liaoning Province with 38 Olympic champions, followed by East China's Jiangsu, Central China's Hubei, East China's Shandong and Zhejiang, and South China's Guangdong each boasting over 20 champions, according to a report by the National Business Daily.

Liaoning: hometown of Olympic champions

Since shooter Li Yuwei claimed Liaoning's first Olympic gold in 1984, the province has produced 38 Olympic champions, more than any other region in China. In the Paris Games, Ma Long, a table tennis player from Anshan, Liaoning, secured his sixth Olympic gold, making history as China's first six-time Olympic champion. Ma's achievement adds to Liaoning's reputation for producing table tennis champions, including former stars like Wang Nan, Ma Lin, Guo Yue, Li Xiaoxia and Liu Shiwen.

Anshan, in particular, has been recognized as a "City of Olympic Champions" by the Chinese Olympic Committee, having contributed 16 Olympic gold medals. 

Beyond table tennis, Liaoning has also produced nine volleyball champions, four top athletes in judo, three gold medalists in badminton and another three top performers in weightlifting.

Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai: dominating the pool

The Paris Olympics saw Pan Zhanle from Wenzhou, Zhejiang, set a new world record in the men's 100-meter freestyle, adding another gold to China's tally. He also contributed to the team's victory in the men's 4x100-meter medley relay, reinforcing the dominance of the Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai region.

Since swimmer Qian Hong from Hebei won China's first Olympic gold in the women's 100-meter butterfly in 1992, the country has produced 18 Olympic swimming champions. Eleven of these athletes are from Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai - with Zhejiang contributing six, Shanghai three, and Jiangsu two - accounting for about one-fifth of the region's total Olympic champions.

Diving: a legacy of champions from Guangdong and Hubei

China has secured gold in diving at every Olympic Games since Seoul 1988. Guangdong and Hubei have played important roles, contributing over half of China's diving champions. 

Guangdong, with 10 champions, is considered the pioneer of Chinese diving. The province has produced stars like Quan Hongchan, the youngest three-time Olympic gold medalist, who hails from the city of Zhanjiang.

Since the 1950s and 1960s, nearly all national diving champions in China have been from Guangdong. The first national diving training team was also primarily composed of Guangdong athletes. Currently, Guangdong has 13 diving talent training bases located in cities including Guangzhou, Zhanjiang, Dongguan, Zhongshan and Shantou.

Hubei, home to eight diving champions, made its mark with Zhou Jihong's gold in the women's 10-meter platform at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, the first for China in diving. Hubei has since developed a robust training system that has produced champions like Chang Yani and Wang Zongyuan.

China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) warned the public on Friday to be vigilant against overseas espionage intelligence agencies using professional networking apps for recruitment and espionage activities, which pose a threat to national security.

Compared to traditional social networking apps, professional ones allow the creation of user profiles. When registering for these apps, users usually use their real information, including name, contact information, and work experience.

Additionally, these apps establish communities based on user information to help users expand their professional network, such as colleagues, classmates, and industry peers. Overseas espionage intelligence agencies target professional networking apps because the apps make it easy to identify specific industry professionals and infiltrate such communities to gather information, with the goal of recruiting talents in key sectors, said the MSS.

Overseas intelligence agencies use professionals in specific industries as cover to approach individuals in key industries such as in the science and energy sectors, to gain access to even classified information under the excuse of "discussing industry policies," "scientific research," or "consulting on projects," the MSS said.

The spies create a professional image on networking apps to attract the target, build a relationship through industry discussions, emotional manipulation, and benefits, and eventually solicit sensitive information for espionage activities, according to the MSS.

The MSS reminded the public that when using professional networking apps, individuals should remain vigilant against recruitment tactics, protect personal privacy and sensitive industry data, and avoid disclosing sensitive information.

China's Counter-espionage Law stipulates that state organs, people's organizations, enterprises, public institutions, and other social organizations bear entity responsibility for that unit's efforts on counter-espionage security precautions. They should implement anti-espionage security measures, educate their personnel on safeguarding national security, and mobilize and organize their personnel to prevent and stop espionage activities.

In recent days, admission letters from Beijing University of Chemical Technology (BUCT) have been making waves online for being made from special high-tech materials and having unique features - they are fireproof, anti-scald, and the envelop can even be used to cut vegetables. 

On social media platforms, several students showed their admission letters of BUCT by cutting watermelons, meat, and other items, testing the durability of the letters and sharing videos online, which has caught the attention of netizens. Many have exclaimed, "This academic qualification is 'tough'!"

The admission letters are made of carbon fiber composite material, with a thickness of only 0.2 millimeters. They are said to have the characteristics of being "as thin as a hair, as light as a feather, as strong as steel, and as precious as gold." Carbon fiber is known as the industrial "black gold" and is widely used in aerospace, military, and maritime fields due to its high heat and corrosion resistance.

According to Chinese media outlet Guangming Daily, the admission letter represents the successful transformation of domestic carbon fiber composite materials from "high-end" products to "popular" products, which is a vivid practice of the school's research achievements transformation.

This year, admission letters are no longer just proof of enrollment. They are gradually becoming a unique window to showcase university culture and innovation spirit. 

Many other universities have all showcased their creativity in the design of admission letters, attracting public attention like never before.

The design of the admission letter from Beijing Film Academy is inspired by film slates. When opened, it feels like the beginning of a movie, filled with artistic and dreamy vibes. 

The admission letter from Zhejiang A&F University is made from bamboo, using the school's independently developed bamboo slicing technology. The thin bamboo fibers form a vivid "forest," full of ecological and technological appeal.

These creatively designed admission letters cleverly incorporate traditional Chinese elements, exuding a sense of Chinese romance and fully showcasing Chinese aesthetics.

Many students eagerly shared their special admission letters to the public. Various styles and creative admission letters are being shared on platforms like Weibo and Douyin, creating new trending topics.

Graduates, on the other hand, envy current students while humorously expressing their longing for their own letters.