At the Annual Content Creation Exchange Meeting of "A Date With China 2026" in Hengqin, Guangdong province, on Oct 23, Omar Er-Rouch, director of MAP Asia/Oceania Office, shared his insights on China‑related audience interest and cross‑border journalism.

Omar Er-Rouch said that readers in Morocco and North Africa follow China very closely for its economic and industrial development, technological innovation and international role. Topics including desertification control and ecological restoration easily resonate with local audiences.

He highlighted two standout reports. One was "Tongliao, China's 'Green Great Wall' brings life back to land once claimed by desert." The other explored family bonds in "China: When the Mid‑Autumn moon brings families together." Beyond economic figures, human‑centered stories better demonstrate what real‑world change means, he noted. Firsthand on‑site reporting helps overseas audiences genuinely understand Chinese‑style modernization.

"International audiences may notice China for its global strength, yet they connect with China through its people, culture and shared societal challenges," he said. A journalist's job is neither to glorify every achievement nor fixate only on difficulties. Reporters should deliver fact‑based stories with full context to help audiences grasp China's full complexity. Journalism from China serves as a two‑way bridge linking China with Morocco and broader North Africa.

At the exchange meeting, the "A Date With China" International Youth Co-Creation Initiative was officially launched. This open platform is designed for Gen Z content creators worldwide and is a collaborative effort by China Daily Website in partnership with Tencent, Douyin, Xiaohongshu, and Bilibili. It aims to provide a dedicated space for young creators from China and abroad to produce and share their work.

At the Annual Content Creation Exchange Meeting of "A Date With China 2026", Asghar Muhammad, special correspondent of the Associated Press of Pakistan, stressed that firsthand field interviews, factual reporting and human‑centered storytelling are essential to break cross‑border stereotypes and help global audiences form independent views about China, in Hengqin, Guangdong province, on Oct 23.

Having covered China for a long time, Asghar said there is often a big gap between how some international media portray China and what one can discover when you visit the ground yourself.

"I found the realities on the ground to be very different from what those narratives had led me to expect," he noted. He stressed that journalists need to talk with local people, visit communities and base judgments on firsthand facts instead of pre‑existing prejudices.

When asked about the role of professional media in clearing cross‑border misunderstandings and presenting a true image of China, Asghar said media serves as more than a news outlet — it is an important bridge connecting people and different cultures.

He pointed out three important principles for journalists to fight stereotypes: report solid facts, provide necessary background context, and focus on human‑centered stories.

Reporters should show a well‑rounded view of China, covering not only its development progress but also real challenges and diverse voices within society, he said. It is also vital to explain each country's unique history and culture to global audiences, which helps reduce misinterpretation and encourage meaningful exchanges.

Most importantly, personal human stories can bring people closer across borders. Behind every major development are people with genuine life experiences and dreams. Such stories help global readers find common ground shared by all humanity.

"In my daily reporting, I really hope to present a China that is real, diverse, dynamic, and full of humanity — a China that is developing rapidly, preserving its cultural heritage, embracing new opportunities, and facing challenges just like any other society," Asghar said.

He aims to present the everyday life of Chinese people, rather than only headline‑grabbing news.

"Trust cannot be built by simple words. It comes from steady, credible and independent reporting," he said. "Our responsibility is not to tell people what to think about China, but to give them the facts, context, and perspectives they need to form their own understanding."

This exchange meeting served as a platform for content creators and journalists to discuss effective strategies for cross-border communication and sharing authentic Chinese stories with the world.

At the exchange meeting, the "A Date With China" International Youth Co-Creation Initiative was officially launched. This open platform is designed for Gen Z content creators worldwide and is a collaborative effort by China Daily Website in partnership with Tencent, Douyin, Xiaohongshu, and Bilibili. It aims to provide a dedicated space for young creators from China and abroad to create and share their work.

At the Annual Content Creation Exchange Meeting of "A Date With China 2026", Indian vlogger Ram Niranjan Sharma shared how his short videos uniquely capture the fusion of Chinese culture and commerce, on Oct 23, in Hengqin, Guangdong province. His content, which has gained international popularity, highlights business in China — such as the manufacturing clusters of Jiangmen, the urban and smart infrastructure of Shenzhen, the factory markets of Foshan, and the renowned lychees of Maoming, as well as Guzhen town, China's lighting capital.

Since moving to China in 2019, Niranjan has captivated global audiences by showcasing the diverse and vibrant life in Guangdong province.

During the event, Niranjan discussed the core focus of his content creation. "Living in Guangdong has been a life-changing experience," he said. "Initially, my videos primarily highlighted Chinese culture. However, after settling in Guangdong, I realized the importance of business in China. This realization prompted me to blend both cultural and business elements in my videos."

Addressing questions about overcoming stereotypes and connecting with international audiences, especially the youth, Niranjan shared his experiences. "In the beginning, I received many questions about safety and beauty in China," he said. "To address these, I started creating longer videos, providing a virtual experience of China from the comfort of viewers' homes," he explained.

"My goal is to present the real China," Niranjan said. "I don't claim China is the best or perfect, but I aim to show its true essence. I invite viewers to see China through my lens and form their own opinions."

Expressing his personal views, Niranjan described China as one of the most beautiful and safest countries, with Guangdong being his favorite region due to its rich culture, natural beauty, and dynamic business environment.

Niranjan invited his audience to explore China together, "Thank you for watching my videos and joining me on this journey. Let's explore the real China together!"

This exchange meeting served as a platform for content creators and journalists to discuss effective strategies for cross-border communication and sharing authentic Chinese stories with the world.

At the exchange meeting, the "A Date With China" International Youth Co-Creation Initiative was officially launched. This open platform is designed for Gen Z content creators worldwide and is a collaborative effort by China Daily Website in partnership with Tencent, Douyin, Xiaohongshu, and Bilibili. It aims to provide a dedicated space for young creators from China and abroad to create and share their work.

From Oct 19 to 23, the 2026 "A Date with China · Meet Guangdong" international media tour was successfully held. An international press corps composed of 26 journalists, experts, social media influencers, and Gen Z representatives from 16 countries toured Shenzhen, Zhongshan, Zhuhai, Hengqin, alongside Chinese media reporters and self-media creators.  Exploring sci-tech frontiers, ecological wetlands, and the ancient streets of overseas Chinese hometowns, they gained important insights into Guangdong's approach to opening-up, where tradition meets modernity.

Yakou village in Zhongshan, Guangdong province, South China, has become a social media sensation for its unique scenery, where the sea meets endless rice paddies. China Daily reporter Yan An met South African vlogger Lizzy during her visit to the village, where she enjoyed train-themed homestays and sweeping views of the rice fields. "This place is really special!" she said.

"I didn't believe in traditional Chinese medicine at first," Egyptian vlogger Ahmed Elseny told China Daily reporter Yan An. Now, he has become a regular at TCM clinics.

During a visit to the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Guangdong province, Elseny met a TCM practitioner born in the 2000s from Macao and experienced acupuncture and moxibustion firsthand. He also shared his thoughts on the growing popularity of TCM wellness practices overseas.

Shenzhen, one of China's innovation hubs, has become increasingly charming with its modern urban elements and high-tech products, while its mangrove-covered coastline is unique for bridging land and sea.

China Daily reporter Yan An recently visited the International Mangrove Center, one of China's efforts to protect the mangroves, and had a talk with a program officer, Tahiry Fanomezana Rakotomamonjy.

The foreign officer said that she was deeply impressed by the unique urban landscape of Shenzhen, where the bustling city skyline and lush mangrove forest coexist in a striking contrast.

Many people's first impression would be that Shenzhen, one of China's innovation hubs, resembles a cyberpunk-style city. But is that true?

Cyberpunk is all about "high tech, low life". In those stories, there are gleaming, towering skyscrapers, and beneath them, cyborgs live in dark, chaotic, poverty-stricken neighborhoods.

British vlogger Toby Symonds and China Daily reporter Yan An recently experienced the everyday life of residents in the city, and Toby's impression of Shenzhen has completely changed.

Toby said that the technology in Shenzhen is not as cold as portrayed in movies and games, but rather has a warmth to it, truly serving people's lives.

Watch the video to learn more.

Foreign guests learned about China's mangrove conservation efforts during a media tour in Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong province, on Tuesday.

Foreign journalists, experts, social media influencers and Gen Z representatives joined Chinese reporters for the 2026 "A Date with China · Meet Guangdong" international media tour, which kicked off in Shenzhen on Monday.

They visited the Futian Mangrove Ecological Park on Tuesday, where they learned about mangroves and observed ecological protection efforts.

According to experts, mangroves are a unique ecosystem bridging land and sea. Their extensive root systems effectively reduce sediment loads in nearshore waters, while their dense yet flexible branches and trunks dissipate wave energy.

Despite being home to only about 0.2 percent of the world's mangroves, China is demonstrating that restoration is not a choice between nature and humanity, but a synthesis of both. China has shown a willingness to share its experience internationally.

Home to China's largest mangrove area, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the national total, Guangdong was assigned the largest share of the 2020-25 national plan: creating 5,500 hectares of new mangroves and rehabilitating 2,500 hectares of degraded forests.

When British vlogger Toby Symonds stepped into Shenzhen Library North, he couldn't help exclaiming, "It looks like a scene out of Interstellar!" With futuristic, multi-level book stacks and robots that find and deliver books, this library is both sci-fi spectacular and seriously practical. Who knew a library could be this cool?

A group of foreigners participating in an international media tour enjoyed the scientific scenes in the AI Valley in Nanshan district of Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong province, on Monday.

The 2026 "A Date with China · Meet Guangdong" international media tour kicked off in Shenzhen on Monday, promoting an international, youth-focused and integrated media approach to Guangdong's development and charm.

Foreign journalists, experts, social media influencers and Gen Z representatives joined Chinese reporters for the tour.

Since moving to China, I experience life much in the way I assume a small child might. People around me talk; I don't know what they're saying. People ask me questions; I don't know the answer. Because my surroundings are still so new to me, every day has the potential to be an adventure.

Unlike a small child, however, I do have a job. This adventure began at the office, with a blinking orange light notifying me of a new message.

"Hi, Thomas, would you like to visit Xinjiang?" wrote someone several steps above me on the corporate ladder — who, if she is reading this, is a very lovely woman, I might add.

As has become my modus operandi, I said yes before I even knew what I was agreeing to. I have a big map of China hanging up in my apartment, I guess I should look at it more because where Xinjiang is located didn't immediately spring to mind. A quick internet search refreshed my memory and — after seeing Xinjiang's marvelous landscapes — hyped me up.

So I joined the "A Date with China — Meet Xinjiang" International Media Tour, where I, alongside a cadre of other media professionals and social media personalities, would discover the real Xinjiang through its capital city of Urumqi.

Shortly after the tour began, I was interviewed at a sharing session and asked what I hoped to take away from Xinjiang. My answer: a feeling.

When I travel, I want an emotional experience, because, outside of just my own personal pleasure, it makes these stories worth writing. Absent some kind of insight into the human condition, this story would be little more than a bland facsimile of the tour's itinerary, which I'm not interested in writing, nor would you be likely interested in reading.

Luckily for you (and me), dear reader, I got what I asked for.

The tour began with a trip to the Xinjiang Ancient Ecological Park, a popular cultural tourist attraction featuring a petrified wood forest, exhibits showcasing Silk Road artifacts, a collection of meteorites, ancient Populus euphratica trees — a resilient species of deciduous tree that thrives in inhospitable environments and is known to live for hundreds of years — and art inspired by the region's wild horses.

We also took in an equestrian show, which really needs a more fitting name for, because simply calling it an "equestrian show" doesn't quite match the excitement on display.

The show featured extremely skilled riders — including a fearless 6-year-old girl — performing a variety of stunts on horseback, mounted archery, and a lovely little stampede of ponies. In short, fun for the whole family.

Later in the week, on a particularly joyful day, a group of us visited Six & A Half Studio, an art studio that blends handicrafts with urban tourism. After a quick tour of the facility, we were led into one of the studios where we were each presented with a roughly 30 cm by 30 cm piece of cloth. It was time to make our own works of art.

After that, we were invited to create our own mini moss biomes. Presented with a spread of different kinds of moss, stones, and plant life, as well as sand and plates to build on, we got to choose our components with which we would construct our biomes.

At the last stop of the day, we hiked up Yamalike Mountain (ok, we were shuttled) and learned about how — through a 20-year ecological restoration project — the area was transformed from a dry, barren wasteland into a thriving eco-park. The restoration project has profoundly benefited the local community, from reducing the amount of dust and pollution in the air to helping regulate the city's heat island effect.

Besides all of that important stuff, Yamalike Mountain is an absolute killer spot to watch the sunset over the fair city of Urumqi, which is what we were there to do. At the top, the platform was crowded with locals enjoying the panoramic views and taking photos. Before the sun had fully set, the moon peeked up over the mountains to the east, painting the sky and hillsides cool, blush tones of purple and blue. Meanwhile, on the opposite side, the sky was on fire with intense shades of orange, yellow, and red, the mountains and hills below appearing pink, blue, and purple under the sun's fading light.

The last stop of the tour was just outside of Urumqi in Changji Hui autonomous prefecture — Tianshan Tianchi Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site. With its beautiful, blue-green waters reflecting the snow-capped mountains that it is nestled within, Tianchi Lake certainly earns its title. Though there were plenty of tourists about, the alpine scenery imparts a feeling of peace, while its crisp, clean air reinvigorates.

Like nearly everywhere we visited, there were dance performances. There were also boat and cable car rides available, but we forwent all of that in favor of a nice hike. The walk toward "Little Heavenly Lake East" offers stunning views of waterfalls, mountain ranges, and their associated greenery. While I took every opportunity to stop and take photos, trying in vain to capture the surrounding beauty, I also took time just stop, close my eyes, feel the sun on my face, and take in the sounds and smells of nature. A storm will come again, but not today.

It was a perfect way to cap an unforgettable journey in Xinjiang, one made all the more special by the people who so kindly and eagerly shared their way of life with me. And besides Xinjiang's gorgeous landscapes, that's one of the things that stuck with me the most: the people I met who so happily shared their culture, whether through the food, music, dance, or arts. It's very clear — even to a casual observer — that the people there feel a deep sense of pride in being from Xinjiang.

I went to Xinjiang in search of emotional experiences. What I got far exceeded my expectations. Whether feeling the excitement from the sights and sounds of the equestrian show, the life-affirming experience of doing arts and crafts then watching a beautiful sunset with new friends, or a sense of serenity while gazing out at the snow-capped mountains reflected in a heavenly lake, Xinjiang left a lasting impression on me.

Thomas Jay Hopkins is a foreign expert at China Daily Website.

At the Grand Bazaar, vendor calls, greetings, and laughter weave together. Travelers feel the culture in the hum. By Tianchi Lake, wind and water whisper through the towering spruces — and visitors fall quiet, too. In the villages, homestays glow and traditional handicrafts come alive. Locals work where they live, and their lives feel full.

Follow the sounds. Hear Xinjiang.

Away from downtown Urumqi, guests from Italy and Russia take their first-ever wire-stunt experience in local countryside. Lifted into the air amid rural landscapes, they cheer with excitement and explore Xinjiang's vibrant rural cultural tourism.

A first-hand tech tour in Urumqi—brain-wave controlled devices, drone simulators, robotic dogs, and heavy-duty machinery. Stepping past common stereotypes, and discovering Xinjiang's modern tech strength beyond its famous landscapes. 

A Serbian content creator, dressed in exquisite local attire, learns Xinjiang folk dance from the locals and breathes this culture. Cultural charm like this doesn't quite come through on a screen. You have to be there, in person, to truly feel it.

"Better three days without meat than one without naan."

Golden naan is a cultural staple in Xinjiang. Now the traditional flatbread is getting creative. Follow us at the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar to explore new naan recipes.

The 2026 "A Date with China: Meet Xinjiang" international media tour officially commenced on Tuesday in Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. The event aimed to build bridges for cross-cultural storytelling, bringing together an international delegation of journalists, experts, social media influencers, and Gen Zers.

This year's delegation comprises 16 foreign participants from 13 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Russia, Algeria, Serbia, Ukraine, India, Brazil, Indonesia, Vietnam and Pakistan. They are joined by Chinese reporters from major media outlets such as China Daily Website, China National Radio Online, Global Times, China News Service, and Xinjiang media, forming a diverse international media corps.

To mark the beginning of the event, a flag-handover ritual was performed.

This is his first time in Xinjiang, and he had heard it's a unique place with a long and rich history, said Thomas Jay Hopkins, an American expert with China Daily Website, at the ceremony. He added that he was eager to learn how people here had created their distinctive culture through diverse exchanges.

His sentiment was echoed by many in the international delegation, who expressed keen interest in experiencing Xinjiang's development and cultural dynamism firsthand.

Over the next seven days, the tour group will travel through Urumqi and Changji Hui autonomous prefecture, among other areas, focusing on key sectors such as technological innovation, Silk Road culture and tourism integration, rural revitalization, and intangible cultural heritage. Their journey is designed to uncover compelling narratives and present an authentic and panoramic view of Xinjiang's development and charm.

Now in its sixth year, the "A Date with China" series has hosted hundreds of international guests from over 40 countries and regions, visiting more than 500 locations across the country. Through a multilingual and integrated media approach, the initiative continues to bridge distances — capturing and sharing the contemporary beauty and dynamic spirit of China with the world.

Galloping with vigor and vitality, the horse is Xinjiang’s living symbol of spirit and strength. Members of the 2026 "A Date with China · Meet Xinjiang" international media tour came not only to see the horses, but also to understand what they carry: resilience, aspiration, and a spirit that never fades.

Watch the video and ride into a blessing from Xinjiang.

Algerian content creator Xiaotian came to Urumqi for the history. What she didn't expect was a horse that bowed back at her, a "Li Bai" who challenged her to a poetry duel, and a forest that has stood tall for over 100 million years. But the highlight? A young horse rider with a grin that stole the whole show. 

The 2026 "A Date with China: Meet Xinjiang" international media tour is set to kick off on August 25 in Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. As the sixth iteration of the "A Date with China" series, this event upholds an international, youth-focused and integrated media approach to present an authentic and panoramic view of Xinjiang's development and charm.

Foreign journalists, experts, social media influencers and Gen Z representatives from countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Russia, Algeria, Serbia, Ukraine, India, Brazil, Indonesia, Vietnam and Pakistan will join Chinese reporters to form an international media delegation.

This journey is designed to uncover compelling narratives across several key sectors: technological innovation, integrated culture-tourism development, local intangible cultural heritage crafts, specialty industries, rural revitalization, and green ecology.

Now in its sixth edition, "A Date with China" has hosted hundreds of international guests from over 40 countries, facilitating visits to more than 500 locations. As the 2026 tour gets underway, participants are set to bridge distances once again — capturing and sharing the contemporary beauty and dynamic spirit of Xinjiang with the world.

Farmers tending fields in Tongzhai Town, Anhui province, in 1985 made a discovery that proved to be a major piece of the puzzle, helping researchers understand China's ancient origins. Atop a hill, they found an ancient cemetery and the remnants of a Neolithic settlement.

Located in Hanshan county, Ma'anshan city, the Lingjiatan Archaeological Park is estimated to be between 5,800 and 5,300 years old. According to research conducted as part of the project to trace the origins of Chinese civilization, Lingjiatan holds a pivotal place in the early development of China, providing tangible evidence of over 5,000 years of Chinese history.

The artifacts unearthed from the site by archaeologists over the years have provided valuable insights into China's prehistoric jade culture. Lingjiatan, alongside Hongshan and Liangzhu, forms one of prehistoric China's three major jade cultural centers.

Since its discovery, 17 archaeological excavations have taken place at the site, which covers 2.2 million square meters. Over 4,000 artifacts have been unearthed, including more than 1,200 jade and stone artifacts.

Inside the roughly 4,000 sq m subterranean Lingjiatan Site Museum, which opened in 2025, visitors can see many of these priceless artifacts on display and learn about them through multimedia and interactive displays. These national treasures demonstrate the craftsmanship and social status of those they were buried alongside.

One of the major discoveries on display is a long double tiger-headed pendant, likely worn by someone of elevated social status. The piece is discolored as the two halves were discovered 30 years apart, one tiger waiting in the soil to be reunited with the other after decades of modern excavation. Another, the double-ringed jade bi disc, inspired the designs of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics medals.

The extensive collection excavated from Lingjiatan also includes jade priest figures and an artifact that is referred to as the "first jade dragon" — a piece that demonstrates that the significance of dragons in Chinese culture extends back not centuries but millennia.

There are practical pieces too — axes and spoons — though their purpose was likely ceremonial and symbolic rather than domestic.

Deeper inside, there is a recreation of the ancient cemetery that demonstrates how jade was used symbolically to ensure the deceased had the tools perceived as necessary in death. There's even an interactive exhibit where visitors can touch pottery pieces dating back about 5,000 years, connecting them to the ancient people that once lived at the Lingjiatan site.

Visitors not only get the opportunity to see these jade artifacts and touch 5,000-year-old pottery shards but can also pay their respects at the final resting place of the very people they belonged to.

The actual cemetery is a short walk or minibus ride away for those looking to see where the artifacts were discovered. There, the veil between past and present is thin. The tombs, opened and visible to the public, display the hierarchical structure of this ancient society.

The graves, labeled in order of their discovery, demonstrate the social structure that existed here over 5,000 years ago, signaled by the placement of these priceless jade items.

The jade items in the graves are replicas; the real ones are kept out of the elements, protected for future generations and ongoing research.

The Neolithic site is considered one of the top 100 archaeological discoveries in China over the past century and was named in the top 10 in 1998. In December 2023, the State Administration of Cultural Heritage listed it as being representative of the first stage of ancient state civilization.

The author is an anthropologist and an Australian editor of China Daily.

king@chinadaily.com.cn

American influencer Dante Muñoz remarked that the Yangtze River Delta Equestrian Center in Guangde, China, is more than just a sports facility; it's an open-air classroom where children learn about science and nature not from textbooks, but by experiencing it firsthand under the sun.

During a recent visit to an ecological wellness space in the Yangtze River Delta, Karell King, foreign editor at China Daily, was amazed by the region's stunning landscapes.

He noted that the Yangtze Delta offers a compelling example of balanced ecology, innovation, and harmonious human-nature relations, a testament to green development.

Check out the video!

To understand how a steel city reinvents itself, don't look at its factories — look at how it restored the land that once fueled its growth.

For a century, from 1917 to 2017, the Washan Iron Mine produced 210 million tons of high-grade iron ore. Known as the "breadbasket of Masteel", it powered half of East China's industry.

Today, this former mine has been transformed into a scenic park, a place where visitors can admire its beauty, unaware of the century of mining beneath their feet.

From extraction to restoration — this is what green transformation looks like.

For 24 years, the Yangtze River was more than a waterway for Chen Lanxiang; it was her home, her workplace, and the center of her life.

Married in 1995, Chen, known locally as San Jie, or "third sister", spent more than two decades living aboard a modest fishing boat moored at Xuejiawa on the eastern bank of the Yangtze in Ma'anshan, Central China's Anhui province.

"We lived a hard life on the boat, enduring scorching summers and freezing winters," Chen recalled.

Her days often began long before dawn. Rising at 1 or 2 am, she and her husband cast their nets in the darkness, then hurried to deliver the night's catch to market vendors by 5 am. Every day depended on the weather, the river, and a little luck.

Life became even harder as the Yangtze's ecology deteriorated.

At the time, Xuejiawa's shoreline was crowded with more than 200 fishing boats, illegal docks, shantytowns, polluting factories, and piles of solid waste. More than 50 fishing families squeezed out a living there as the once-clear waters became increasingly polluted.

"The fish kept getting smaller and fewer," Chen said. "Sometimes there were hardly any left to catch."

Years of overfishing, coupled with pollution and intensive shoreline development, had taken a heavy toll on the Yangtze's ecosystem. Once home to abundant aquatic life, the river saw fish resources decline sharply.

To reverse the ecological decline, China launched a landmark ten-year fishing ban across key waters of the Yangtze River Basin. Fully implemented in 2021, the ban aimed to allow fish populations to recover, restore biodiversity and safeguard the long-term ecological health of China's longest river. The initiative also included resettlement and employment support programs to help fishermen transition to new careers.

For Chen, the transition began even earlier.

In May 2019, Anhui province launched a fisherman resettlement initiative as part of its efforts to protect the Yangtze. Xuejiawa became one of the first places to begin the transformation.

Leaving the river, however, was one of the hardest decisions she had ever faced.

"I really couldn't bear to leave," she said. "We had no other skills and didn't know how we would survive on land."

Her husband initially refused to sign the resettlement agreement. It was only after repeated visits from local officials — who explained the policies, promised employment support, arranged for their children to attend nearby schools, and secured retirement pensions — that the family finally decided to take the leap.

"Today, each retired fisherman receives a monthly pension of 530 to 590 yuan (about $75 to $85), providing a basic safety net as they begin life ashore," she said.

The decision to leave her fishing boat behind opened the door to an entirely new life.

With government support, her family moved into a new apartment, replacing their cramped boat cabin with a real home complete with separate rooms, a kitchen, and a bathroom.

"My life has changed dramatically since settling ashore," she said with a smile. "I now work regular hours from 8 am to 5 pm. After dinner, I can go downstairs for a walk or dance in the square. We no longer worry about storms or strong winds."

Leaving fishing also led Chen to discover a new calling.

Supported by rent-free business premises for five years and a fully renovated office, she established the San Guniang (Third Sister) Labor Service Company.

Now serving as its general manager, Chen oversees teams responsible for market cleaning, road sanitation, and landscaping maintenance. Over the past five years, the company has helped many former fishermen build stable new livelihoods while distributing a total of 900,000 yuan ($133,000) in dividends to its members.

"At first, I felt lost," she said. "But, by working together, our lives have steadily improved. I even bought my own apartment and built a real home. Now I feel hopeful about the future."

The river itself has undergone an equally remarkable transformation.

Today, water quality in the Ma'anshan section of the Yangtze has consistently reached Class II standards. Fish populations have rebounded. The polluted banks of Xuejiawa, once lined with illegal docks and factories, have been transformed into a scenic ecological park that attracts visitors from across the region.

Where Chen once tied up her fishing boat, tourists now stop to admire sweeping river views.

Today, Chen protects the river that once sustained her.

As president of the Yushan Branch of the Ma'anshan Civilian Enterprise River Chief Federation, she patrols the Jiuhua Village embankment with fellow former fishermen, helping safeguard the Yangtze River and promote the fishing ban.

"We fishermen have depended on this river for generations," she said. "Even though we no longer fish, our emotional bond with it has never changed. It is our responsibility to protect our mother river. We also encourage people to respect the fishing ban and discourage illegal fishing."

Looking ahead, Chen hopes the next generation will cherish the river's recovery while making use of its restored abundance responsibly.

"The fish are multiplying rapidly now," she said. "When the 10-year fishing ban eventually ends, I hope our children will be able to fish again under scientific management and government guidance. I think that would be the best future for both the river and the people who depend on it."

China's drone technology isn't just impressive, it's already making a difference far beyond its borders.

From seeding and firefighting to protecting the Amazon rainforest, drones are being used across agriculture, emergency response, and environmental conservation around the globe. Check out the video to find out more!

Drone coffee delivery isn't sci-fi anymore — it's a reality in China. The tech itself isn't the hard part; the real magic is safely navigating hundreds of drones through crowded cities and around power lines simultaneously. This requires years of research, regulation, AI, and big data—areas where China excels. Check out the video to find more. 

Where should foreign friends in China meet for a deep, leisurely tour? Lin Zirui, a Russian student from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, says Anhui is a perfect place to slowly enjoy the beautiful scenery and also immerse yourself in the ancient local culture. Anhui awaits your rendezvous in China. Click this video to hear more.

Niu Xinyi contributed to the story.

In Jingxian county, Anhui province — the birthplace of xuan paper — the China Xuan Paper Museum offers an immersive journey into one of China's oldest artistic traditions. Renowned for its smooth texture, remarkable durability, and ability to preserve artworks for centuries, xuan paper has long been the preferred medium for Chinese painting and calligraphy.

Inspired by layered sheets of xuan paper, the museum's distinctive architecture incorporates local architectural elements and blends beautifully with the surrounding paper-drying yards. Inside, discover the centuries-old papermaking process, admire rare historic paper, priceless collections, and masterpieces of Chinese painting and calligraphy, and gain a deeper appreciation of the craftsmanship that has shaped Chinese art for over a thousand years.

www.chinabound.cn
Travel with ease in China, and with meaning.

Wrapped in drifting mist and surrounded by lush emerald mountains, Guniujiang Scenic Area in Chizhou, Anhui province is home to an ancient village of white-washed walls and dark-tiled roofs. This national nature reserve, once known as "Western Huangshan Mountain", takes its name from a cluster of peaks said to resemble an ox stretching toward the sky. Nestled deep within the mountains, Yan Family Ancient Village preserves the distinctive architecture and cultural heritage of southern Anhui through its ancestral halls, historic residences, and century-old relics.

www.chinabound.cn
Travel with ease in China, and with meaning.

Sanhe Ancient Town in Hefei, Anhui, is a classic Jianghuai (including parts of Henan, Shandong, Anhui, Jiangsu and Hubei provinces) water town shaped by the convergence of three rivers. White-walled homes line the canals, ancient stone bridges arch over the water, and black-awning boats drift past Wangyue Pavilion.

www.chinabound.cn
Travel with ease in China, and with meaning.

For centuries, ink has occupied a unique place in Chinese literary culture, revered as one of the "four treasures of the study" alongside the brush, paper and inkstone. But behind the elegant black strokes of classical calligraphy lies a demanding craft shaped by smoke, pine soot and generations of family labor in Anhui province — once the historic center of China's tribute ink industry.

That world returns to the screen in The Heir, a new costume drama that premiered on Sunday on China Central Television's CCTV-8 and the streaming platform iQiyi, weaving together family rivalries, political intrigue and the artistry of traditional ink-making.

Set during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the series opens with a scandal involving tribute ink supplied to the imperial court, an incident that upends Huizhou's once-thriving ink trade. The prestigious Li family, long respected for its craftsmanship, falls from grace, while the rival Luo family rises to prominence before becoming ensnared in political turmoil of its own.

At the center of the story is Li Zhen, the youngest daughter of the eighth lineage of the Li family, portrayed by actress Yang Zi. Forced to make a living after her family's decline, she enters the male-dominated ink trade and gradually emerges as an unlikely force within the industry. Her path crosses with Luo Wenqian, the ambitious second son of the Luo family, whose attempts to restore his family's fortunes reshape the ink business landscape.

While the drama follows the conventions of historical family sagas, it also displays Anhui's regional cultures, showcasing Huizhou Opera, Anhui cuisine, ornate wood and stone carvings, and the white-walled, black-tiled architecture that defines traditional Huizhou villages.

Told largely through a woman's perspective, The Heir reframes a world historically dominated by men, portraying Li Zhen not simply as a survivor of family collapse, but as a determined woman seeking independence through craftsmanship — a theme producers hope will resonate with contemporary audiences.

With its gross domestic product rising by 5.8 percent year-on-year in the first quarter, the eastern province of Anhui has made a strong start to the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period, according to the province's top official.

Wang Qingxian, governor of Anhui, said the deep integration of scientific and technological innovation with industrial innovation will continue to serve as the core engine driving the province's high-quality development.

He made the remarks during a news conference in Hefei, the provincial capital, on Friday.

During an inspection tour of the province in 2024, President Xi Jinping, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, urged Anhui to establish itself as an important hub of sci-tech innovation, a center for emerging industries, a new frontier for reform and opening-up, and a comprehensive green transformation zone for socioeconomic development.

Concrete examples highlight the province's successful integration of technology and industry.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) period, Anhui's GDP reached 5.3 trillion yuan ($776 billion), while its industrial revenue ranked fifth nationwide at 5.9 trillion yuan.

Enterprises have served as the main drivers of innovation, with more than 80 percent of research and development investment coming from high-tech companies, which have expanded faster than expected.

The previous five-year plan set a target of increasing the number of national-level high-tech enterprises in the province to more than 13,000 by the end of 2025. The actual figure exceeded 24,000 by then.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, Anhui identified 10 sectors as strategic emerging industries, which accounted for 45.4 percent of industrial output by the end of 2025, laying a solid foundation for the integration of technology and industry, Wang said.

To further transform innovation advantages into industrial strength, the provincial government said it will upgrade its strategic emerging industries.

Four industries will retain their names: next-generation information technology, artificial intelligence, high-end equipment manufacturing, and new materials. Another four industries have been renamed intelligent connected new energy vehicles, new energy and green low-carbon, smart home, and biomedicine and high-end medical equipment.

The digital creativity and green food industries have been replaced by the robotics industry and the low-altitude economy and aerospace industry.

Meanwhile, the province will cultivate 10 future industries, including quantum technology and embodied intelligence, upgrade eight traditional industries through technological transformation, and develop eight modern service sectors.

According to Wang, strategic emerging industries are those with a solid foundation, while future industries are those in which the province enjoys a first-mover advantage.

Quantum computers such as Jiuzhang, Zuchongzhi and Wukong, which have frequently made headlines, were developed by teams in Hefei.

Public information shows that the province is now home to dozens of quantum technology companies.

Anhui will provide more funding, talent and policy support to enterprises and encourage leading companies to establish innovation consortiums, allowing enterprises to help determine research directions and make key decisions, according to the news conference on Friday.

zhulixin@chinadaily.com.cn

In Hefei, capital city of East China's Anhui province, robots are going to "college" — not for math or physics, but for real-world training.

At this unique pre-training venue for embodied artificial intelligence robots in Hefei, human "teachers" guide nearly 100 robots through replicas of factories, supermarkets and family homes to learn tasks such as sorting, grasping and tidying, fed by massive amounts of action data.

Check how global content creators reacted — their amazement says it all.