Kempinski Hotel Yinchuan-Tourism news

JA Solar Ranked No. 1 Global Solar Module Manufacturer by Wood Mackenzie

BEIJING, Dec. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- JA Solar, a trusted global partner in green energy, is ranked No. 1 worldwide in the Wood Mackenzie Global Solar Module Manufacturer Ranking for the first half of 2025, achieving an overall score of 91.7, the highest among all evaluated companies. JA Solar Ranked No. 1 Global PV Module Manufacturer by Wood Mackenzie Released by Wood Mackenzie, a leading global energy research and consultancy firm, the ranking assesses 38 crystalline silicon PV module manufacturers from a customer‑centric perspective. The evaluated companies represent a majority of global PV manufacturing capacity and shipments, making the report a key benchmark for operational strength and bankability. The assessment covers ten core dimensions, including manufacturing experience, vertical integration, capacity utilization, technology maturity, R&D investment, financial strength, supply chain resilience, ESG and corporate social responsibility performance, and third‑party certification. JA Solar delivered strong performance across all criteria, reflecting its disciplined operations, mature technology platform, and proven reliability. The result reinforces the company's bankability and its ability to meet the expectations of developers, financial institutions, and partners worldwide. "This recognition from Wood Mackenzie reflects the trust placed in JA Solar by customers and partners globally," said Aiqing Yang, Executive President of JA Solar. "It validates our long‑term focus on manufacturing quality, technological maturity, and operational discipline, and strengthens our commitment to reliable delivery and responsible development." Earlier this year, Wood Mackenzie's ranking based on 2024 data placed JA Solar second worldwide, underscoring its consistent performance among leading manufacturers. The latest result marks a further step forward, highlighting progress in technological development, operational execution, and market responsiveness. As the global energy transition accelerates, industry participants are increasingly prioritizing manufacturers that combine scale, resilience, and sustainability. JA Solar is committed to advancing innovation, strengthening supply chain collaboration, and promoting green manufacturing practices, thus delivering high‑performance PV solutions that support long‑term value creation and global decarbonization. About JA Solar Founded in 2005, JA Solar is a global leader in PV power generation solutions, with a vertically integrated business spanning wafers, cells, modules, and energy storage. With 16 overseas subsidiaries, the company serves customers in 180 countries and regions. As of Q3 2025, JA Solar's cumulative cell and module shipments total nearly 317 GW, supported by more than 2,000 patents and a robust global network.

2025-12-29

ChinaAMC launches Depository Receipts of two Chinese flagship ETFs in Thai exchange

Thai investors now can trade in real-time during local market hours using baht without overseas accounts, while also benefiting from capital gains tax exemptions. BEIJING, Dec. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, China Asset Management Co. (ChinaAMC) partnered with Thai securities firm InnovestX Securities to list Depository Receipts (DRs) linked to the "ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF" and the "ChinaAMC STAR 50 ETF" on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), enabling Thai investors access to a basket of China's core assets and hard-core technologies. This marks the first time that ETFs listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) have entered an overseas market through a DR structure, and represents another milestone in deepening capital market cooperation between China and Thailand under the Belt and Road Initiative. The simultaneous listing of these two flagship ETFs in Thailand also fully reflects the local market's strong interest in allocating to high-quality Chinese assets and their confidence toward growth prospects of China's technology sector. In June, ChinaAMC collaborated with Thailand's leading asset manager BBL Asset Management to launch the Southeast Asian nation's first feeder fund channels to China's A500 ETF, marking the first overseas introduction of China's broad-based A500 index. This July also witnessed ChinaAMC's introduction of China Global Vision Fund to Thai investors, via partnership with Thailand's First Plus Asset Management. Notably, ChinaAMC has secured the first fully discretionary mandate among onshore Chinese managers to run a Thai-domiciled fund. The fund is dedicated to investing in leading Chinese firms expanding internationally, enabling Thai investors to capitalize on the structural trend of China companies going global. From the A500, China Global Vision Fund to the STAR 50 and CSI 300 indices, ChinaAMC has continued to expand overseas investors' "China asset allocation toolkit" through forward-looking planning and efficient execution. Easy Access to China's "core assets "+ "hard tech" A key highlight of this issuance is that it offers global investors a wrap-up of China's "hard tech" strength besides core assets. Unlike traditional broad-based or general growth indices, the STAR 50 Index brings together leading companies in China's strategic emerging industries such as semiconductors, high-end equipment, and biomedicine. The listing of the ChinaAMC STAR 50 ETF DR fills a gap in the Southeast Asian market for investing in China's "hard tech" sector. This not only allows Thai investors to directly benefit from China's technological transformation but also collectively demonstrates the international capital market's high recognition of China's latest achievements in core technology breakthroughs, semiconductor supply chain independence and technological self-reliance. At the same time, the ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF, widely regarded as a barometer of the Chinese economy, is also being listed in Thailand through the DR structure, providing international investors with a channel for one-click access to China's core high-quality assets. The simultaneous listing of these two products creates a strategy of "core assets + hard-core technology." ChinaAMC: Leading Chinese Asset Managers' "Go Global" drive As a pioneer in China asset management industry's "go global" drive, ChinaAMC has always been at the forefront of promoting the internationalization of Chinese assets, boasting exceptional index investment management capabilities and extensive cross-border business experience. This project leverages efficient connectivity mechanisms to build a highly innovative cross-border ecosystem. InnovestX Securities purchases the underlying ETFs in the Hong Kong market through the "Northbound ETF Connect" scheme and then issues DRs in Thailand. ChinaAMC provides the underlying high-quality asset management services, while InnovestX is responsible for local issuance and market-making. This model efficiently connects the markets of Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Thailand. Thai investors can trade in real-time during local market hours using Thai baht without overseas accounts, while also benefiting from policy incentives such as capital gains tax exemptions. This not only significantly enhances the convenience of cross-border investment but also facilitates a continuous inflow of overseas medium- to long-term capital into the SSE market, showcasing a new chapter in the high-level opening-up of China's capital markets. About ChinaAMC Founded in April 1998, China Asset Management Co., Ltd. (ChinaAMC) has grown to be one of the largest asset managers in China, with total AUM exceeding RMB3.2 trillion (US$449.5billion) as of Sept 30, 2025. It positioned itself as a full-service and versatile asset management platform that operates across asset classes, industries and regions. ChinaAMC has been China's largest equity ETF provider for 20 consecutive years (2005-2024). Source: ChinaAMC. AUM includes subsidiaries. Data as of Sept 30, 2025. Disclaimer Investment involves risk, including possible loss of principal. The information contained herein is for reference only and reflects prevailing market conditions and our judgment as of the release date, which are subject to change without further notice.

2025-12-29

China Matter's Feature: How Yantai Built Up China's Leading Wine Industry

YANTAI, China, Dec. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Along China's eastern coastline, the city of Yantai has developed into the country's most established center for wine industry, bringing together vineyards, large-scale manufacturing and a fast-growing wine tourism sector. Recently, American video creator Jack made a 48-hour visit to the region, offering new insights into how China's wine industry thrives in the city. &amp;amp;amp;nbsp;China Matter's Feature: How Yantai Built Up China's Leading Wine Industry Yantai is home to more than 60 vineyards and estate wineries, many of which have expanded beyond production to tourism and cultural experiences. At Longting Vineyard, a boutique estate by the sea, visitors are invited to experience a slow life for a while, tasting a glass of wine paired with traditional wellness activities. "We want people to experience not just our wines, but a lifestyle connected to the land and local culture," said Emma Wang, Director of Operations at Longting Vineyard. Natural conditions play a key role in shaping the region's wines. As a city by the sea, Yantai benefits from abundant sunshine, a mild maritime climate and mineral-rich soils. These factors allow grapes to ripen slowly and evenly, producing wines that are often described as fresh, balanced and elegant. According to Zheng Anyu, Tasting and Sales Manager at Longting, the region's Chardonnay reflects these traits particularly well, with clean acidity and subtle notes influenced by sea breezes. Besides boutique wineries, Yantai also represents the industrial backbone of Chinese winemaking. The city hosts more than 200 wine producers and accounts for roughly one-third of China's total wine output. At Changyu, China's first modern winery founded more than 130 years ago, automated production lines amaze visitors by its scale and efficiency that now represents the highest level of the industry. Quality remains the foundation of the fame. Over the past three years, wines from Yantai have won more than 700 international awards. Ruan Shili, Chief Winemaker of Changyu Cabernet, said consistency in grape sourcing and strict control of key production steps are essential. "When talking about wine-making, grapes decide its success for about 70 percent, and the other 30 percent depends on technique," he said. With an annual wine tourism flow of three to four million visitors and a wine-making history spanning more than a century, Yantai is continuously transforming from a wine production hub into a city of wine culture with greater global reputation. YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/ut_V_nY4DA8

2025-12-29

Zhang Damo, Honored with MACA Award, Gains International Authority Recognition for Artistic Achievements

GUANGZHOU, China, Dec. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, the 2025 Most Achieved Chinese Award (MACA) ceremony was held in Hong Kong, drawing global attention to Chinese elites who have made extraordinary contributions to human progress. At the event, Zhang Damo, a renowned artist and Co-President of the Future Living Art Institute at One Heung Kong, was honored with the MACA award, becoming the first painter to receive this globally prestigious honor since its establishment. This marks the highest-level cross-cultural endorsement of the personal accomplishments and international influence of a Chinese ink painting artist. Ivo Josipović, Former President of Croatia, Visits Zhang Damo Art Gallery The MACA award is known for its strict selection process and benchmarking significance, with the core tenet "Recording Cultures, Transmitting Values". Its past winners include legends such as Yuan Longping, I. M. Pei, and Yang Liwei, who have advanced national and global civilization. Zhang Damo's selection was no accident. He has pushed the boundaries of traditional Chinese painting with his "combined meticulous and freehand" technique, infusing his works with profound Eastern philosophy and the spirit of the times. Additionally, as a long-serving "cultural ambassador", he has spent decades spreading Chinese ink painting art across the globe and fostering cultural exchanges. In his acceptance speech, Zhang Damo emphasized that this honor belongs to all peers quietly inheriting and innovating Chinese culture. Yet the industry recognizes that it is, in essence, a concentrated recognition of his personal artistic system and cultural values. As Chief Artist of the United Nations Peace Boat, Zhang Damo has traveled across European and Asian countries since the 1990s. Through exhibitions and dialogues, he has allowed the Western world to directly experience the contemporary vitality and peaceful philosophy of Chinese culture through the misty allure of ink painting, making him an outstanding representative of the Belt and Road Initiative's culture-first approach. This award is seen as a major industry indicator, showing that the pinnacle of traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy, along with its contemporary development, is now recognized and highly regarded by the world's top comprehensive evaluation systems. With his outstanding artistic language and international dissemination practices, Zhang Damo has successfully built a bridge, elevating Chinese ink painting from a national art treasure to a cultural asset recognized by international authorities as part of the world's cultural heritage.

2025-12-29

CNN's Tomorrow Transformed explores global innovations powering a greener future

HONG KONG, Dec. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CNN's Tomorrow Transformed examines how society and businesses are changing through innovation and technology, and what this means for the future. The latest episode examines the diverse innovations driving a cleaner future – from making the aviation industry greener through sustainable jet fuel to advancing solar efficiency and developing revolutionary hydrogen power solutions. Tomorrow Transformed travels to Sydney, Australia, to explore the global energy revolution being led by the University of New South Wales (UNSW). Known as a "hotbed of innovation" in photovoltaics, the institution is home to Professor Martin Green, the "father of solar energy," whose PERC Cell design is used in over 90% of solar cells installed worldwide. At UNSW, Professor Ned Ekins-Daukes and PhD student Jamie Harrison are demonstrating how thermodynamics can be used to harvest energy as heat leaves the earth's surface for the cold sky. While solar now provides the cheapest energy in history, researchers are pushing further to eliminate manufacturing bottlenecks. Vince Allen, co-founder of the startup SunDrive, is pioneering a shift away from expensive and rare silver in solar cell production, replacing it with copper - a material that is 1000 times more abundant and 100 times cheaper. The journey continues to Cape Town, South Africa, where HYENA (Hydrogen Energy Applications) is reimagining how the world's most abundant element can provide reliable power to the African continent. CNN speaks with HYENA co-founder Jack Fletcher to explore how their "Power Pod" technology uses hydrogen to offer a quieter, more efficient, and significantly cleaner alternative to traditional diesel generators. By converting available fuels like LPG into electricity via a chemical process rather than combustion, the system drastically reduces emissions and eliminates the noise of a standard engine. Lastly, Tomorrow Transformed visits Hong Kong-based biofuels company, EcoCeres, in the southern region of Johor in Malaysia. A global leader in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), EcoCeres is helping to power a more environmentally friendly future for air travel through advanced, low carbon jet fuel made from renewable resources. In its state-of-the-art biorefinery, the company is re-engineering waste and residue oil, known as 'feedstock', from food factories, palm oil mills and restaurants across the region. The end product is an eco jet fuel that has the right freezing point and structure for flying at cruising altitude, ready to be pumped directly into waiting airplanes. At full capacity, the biorefinery will be able to produce 420,000 tonnes of fuel per year, with large quantities of SAF powering partner airlines including Cathay Pacific, Qantas and British Airways. Matti Lievonen, CEO of EcoCeres, though proud of the science behind transforming waste feedstock into a viable jet fuel alternative, states that the real innovation is in the system his company has in place. EcoCeres is actively expanding its presence across Southeast Asia to complement its existing refinery and strong feedstock network in China and is looking to replicate this model in other markets. In the very near future, the next flight you take may be powered by recycled cooking oil from a restaurant in Beijing, street food stalls in Malaysia or from a factory that produces your favourite brand of potato chips. Tomorrow Transformed trailers: https://bit.ly/3KWFFfF Tomorrow Transformed images: https://bit.ly/4jb0DE9 Airtimes for 30-minute special: Sunday, 28th December at 5am, 12pm and 8pm HKT About CNN International CNN's portfolio of news and information services is available in seven different languages across all major TV, digital and mobile platforms, reaching more than 379 million households around the globe. CNN International is the number one international TV news channel according to all major media surveys across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the Asia Pacific region, and Latin America and has a US presence that includes CNNgo. CNN Digital is a leading network for online news, mobile news and social media. CNN is at the forefront of digital innovation and continues to invest heavily in expanding its digital global footprint, with a suite of award-winning digital properties and a range of strategic content partnerships, commercialised through a strong data-driven understanding of audience behaviours. CNN has won multiple prestigious awards around the world for its journalism. Around 1,000 hours of long-form series, documentaries and specials are produced every year by CNNI's non-news programming division. CNN has 36 editorial offices and more than 1,100 affiliates worldwide through CNN Newsource. CNN International is a Warner Bros. Discovery company.

2025-12-29

CYFIRMA's 2025 Impact Recap Showcases DeCYFIR, Preemptive External Threat Landscape Management Platform, Delivering Measurable Global Defense Against Emerging Threats

SINGAPORE and TOKYO, Dec. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CYFIRMA, a global leader in preemptive and predictive cybersecurity, today released its 2025 impact recap for the DeCYFIR platform. The report highlights tangible, measurable results in empowering organizations worldwide to anticipate, disrupt, and neutralize emerging cyber threats before they materialize. Powered by its revolutionary 9-pillar AI architecture, DeCYFIR has transformed cybersecurity from reactive defense to proactive preemption. Throughout 2025, the platform delivered early warnings weeks or months in advance, prioritized critical vulnerabilities, reduced digital and supply-chain exposures, and enhanced team readiness through adaptive, threat-led training. The DeCYFIR delivers comprehensive external threat visibility, intelligence correlation, risk prioritization, and active deception capabilities. With a global presence, DeCYFIR secures enterprises across every major industry, deploying more than 900 enterprise licenses worldwide. DeCYFIR is trusted by nations and critical sectors alike. Over 20% of its clients are federal agencies and governments, with additional representation including 20% in technology, 12% in manufacturing, 8% in finance, and more. The company's early warning capabilities have delivered billions of dollars in value, successfully defending US$5.5 billion in client's tangible and intangible financial impact from potential threats. DeCYFIR proactive defense operates at unprecedented scale, stopping attacks before they materialize: 7,158 early warnings issued 27,582 top-level domains protected 1.8 million attack surfaces managed 2.1 million cyber risks neutralized CYFIRMA DeCYFIR 2025 Impact Recap: Proven Preemptive and Predictive Cybersecurity Results with Measurable Global Impact. Powered by advanced AI, DeCYFIR achieves superior detection speed, productivity gains, and deepfake defense. More than 14,600 users are empowered through the Ask DeCYFIR AI Agent, while 6,456 deepfakes have been identified and mitigated. DeCYFIR strengthens extended ecosystems by securing ironclad supply chains, managing and protecting 82,000 third-party entities. By transforming humans into active defenders, DeCYFIR has delivered 83 intelligence-led cyber education programs. The platform operates 16 industry-specific deception environments, using tailored decoys to trap attackers effectively. Staying ahead of every threat, DeCYFIR's predictive intelligence tracks more than 5,235 threat actors, monitors over 7,298 hacking campaigns and identified unique original 682,000 threat indicators. "DeCYFIR's 2025 advancements in preemptive external threat landscape management, predictive threat intelligence, elevation of human as cyber sensor, and deception technology demonstrate AI-driven cybersecurity delivers tangible protection and massive value," said Kumar Ritesh, Founder, CEO and Chairman of CYFIRMA. "We remain committed to outpacing adversaries and safeguarding our clients' most critical assets." For more information, visit www.cyfirma.com. About DeCYFIR CYFIRMA is a global leader in preemptive external threat landscape management, enabling organizations to predict and prevent cyberattacks through its AI-powered intelligence platform. By integrating nine pillars of external threat management including Attack Surface Discovery, Vulnerability Intelligence, Brand & Digital Risk Management, Third-Party Risk, Situational Awareness, Predictive Threat Intelligence, Threat Adaptive Awareness, and Sector-Tailored Deception Intelligence, CYFIRMA shifts cybersecurity from reactive to predictive. The platform delivers early warnings, personalized insights, and actionable intelligence from a hacker's perspective, helping reduce cyber risk and costs through threat prioritization, contextual decision-making, improved visibility, and stronger operational resilience. CYFIRMA serves Fortune 500 companies and national agencies and is headquartered in Singapore with offices across APAC, the US, and EMEA.

2025-12-29

LiuGong Launches E-Intelligence Brand, Redefining Green Construction Machinery Through Full-Lifecycle Value

LIUZHOU, China, Dec. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Last month, LiuGong (000528.SZ) officially unveiled its new E-Intelligence brand at the 2025 Global Dealer Conference and 11•26 Global Customer Day held in Liuzhou. The global launch marks a major milestone in LiuGong's green transformation and its next phase of sustainable development. &amp;amp;amp;nbsp;LiuGong Launches E-Intelligence Brand Centered on the brand manifesto "FORWARD GREEN, POWER THE EXTREMES," the launch underscores LiuGong's dual commitment: to continuously advance the construction machinery industry toward a more sustainable future, and to deliver reliable, powerful productivity for customers—even under the most extreme operating conditions—through electrification and intelligent technologies. This brand upgrade signals LiuGong's strategic transition from a traditional equipment manufacturer to a full-lifecycle provider of green productivity solutions. Technology Innovation: Multiple Paths Toward "Powering the Extremes" In its electrification journey, LiuGong does not pursue a single technological path. Instead, the company focuses on real-world applications, building a diversified and reliable portfolio of solutions. From pure electric to hybrid systems, from tethered power to fast battery swapping, LiuGong delivers highly customized designs to help customers achieve the optimal balance between productivity and total cost of ownership across different environments and operating conditions. Extreme Cold (-30°C): Remote pre-heating systems and low-temperature battery adaptation technologies significantly reduce cold-start time and enhance operational stability in sub-zero conditions. Extreme Heat (+50°C): Advanced thermal management systems, reinforced cooling solutions, and heat-resistant materials ensure stable performance of batteries and electronic controls during continuous heavy-load operations. Special Operating Conditions: To address challenges such as high-altitude environments and corrosive chemical settings, LiuGong applies enhanced cooling designs, anti-corrosion components, and IP67-rated battery protection to safeguard core productivity. Building the Future Ecosystem: From Equipment to Intelligent Operations For LiuGong, electrification is only the beginning. The company's long-term vision is to establish an intelligent ecosystem that integrates energy, equipment, data, and operations. Built on green energy infrastructure, intelligent operation platforms, and data-driven optimization, this ecosystem enables coordinated equipment operation, efficient energy utilization, and continuous operational improvement. Through services such as battery recycling and battery banking, LiuGong aims to create a sustainable closed-loop system covering the entire product lifecycle. "2026 Green Alliance Global Tour" Officially Launched During the launch event, LiuGong officially announced the start of the "2026 Green Alliance Global Tour." Partnering with 9 global dealers and customer partners, the initiative will channel selected green business achievements into ongoing global public welfare projects. The LiuGong Green Alliance has already delivered tangible impact in multiple regions, including clean drinking water projects in Africa and central kitchen construction in Indonesia, improving living and learning conditions for local communities and schools. The launch ceremony was jointly witnessed by Mr. Luo Guobing, President of LiuGong, representatives of global partners, and diplomatic envoys from multiple countries. Looking ahead, LiuGong will invite more partners to join the Green Alliance, bringing the vision of "Forward Green" to communities worldwide and jointly advancing a greener, more sustainable future. LiuGong Launches E-Intelligence Brand

2025-12-29

Agoda Releases Ranking of Japan's Most Popular Domestic Winter Travel Destinations

Regional Events in February Drive Travel Demand Following Tokyo and Osaka Seasonal events such as Fukuoka's "Path of Light," Sapporo's "Sapporo Snow Festival," and Okinawa's "Cherry Blossom Festival" contribute to rising interest in regional cities TOKYO, Dec. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda, operated by Agoda Company Pte. Ltd. (Headquartered in Singapore, CEO: Omri Morgenshtern), today announced the top five domestic destinations in Japan gaining booking momentum this winter (December 2025 – February 2026), based on search data from Japanese travelers. In the 2025 winter travel search trends, Tokyo and Osaka continued to lead the ranking, maintaining the top two positions from the previous year. At the same time, regional cities again demonstrated strong appeal, with Fukuoka, Sapporo, and Okinawa Main Island all placing in the top five. The data suggests that seasonal winter events have significantly contributed to increased search interest in these cities. Domestic Winter Travel Destination Ranking (Dec–Feb) Ranking 2024 2025 1 Tokyo Tokyo 2 Osaka Osaka 3 Fukuoka Fukuoka 4 Kyoto Sapporo 5 Okinawa Main Island Okinawa Main Island February Regional Events Fuel Search Growth A notable trend revealed in the search data is the strong influence of February seasonal events in boosting interest in regional destinations. Fukuoka: Miyajidake Shrine "Path of Light" (February) - A mystical sunset phenomenon visible only twice a year, the "Path of Light" has become popular on social media, contributing to increased February travel searches. Sapporo: Sapporo Snow Festival (Early February) - Japan's largest winter event, attracting visitors from Japan and abroad. With its ice sculptures, illuminated displays, and food festivals, Sapporo remains a leading city for winter travel demand. Okinawa Main Island: Cherry Blossom Festival (Early February) - Okinawa is the first place in Japan where cherry blossoms bloom each year. The island's warm climate combined with early-blooming sakura maintains its steady popularity as a winter getaway. Overall, the data clearly indicates that seasonal events concentrated in February are a major driver of domestic winter travel demand. Tadashi Ikai, Senior Country Director, Agoda International Japan, shared: "Agoda's latest search data shows that, in addition to major metropolitan areas such as Tokyo and Osaka, regional cities hosting rich seasonal events in February are also receiving a high volume of searches. Experiences unique to winter - such as Fukuoka's 'Path of Light,' Sapporo's 'Sapporo Snow Festival,' and Okinawa Main Island's 'Cherry Blossom Festival', are capturing travelers' interest and strongly driving demand for winter travel. At Agoda, we remain committed to helping travelers fully enjoy these diverse winter experiences. By continuing to offer a wide range of domestic options and a seamless booking experience, we aim to make every journey more fulfilling and memorable for our users." Travelers can seamlessly search and book more than 6 million accommodations, 130,000+ flight routes, and 300,000+ activities through Agoda's platform. Attractive accommodation deals can be easily found via the Agoda mobile app or official website (Agoda.com).

2025-12-29

A New Year's Passage Through Shaanxi, Where History and Daily Life Converge

XI'AN, China, Dec. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- This article is distributed by the Shaanxi Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism. As 2026 approaches and year-end reflection sets in, travelers seeking a New Year's destination made easier to reach under China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy will find an inviting proposition in Shaanxi. This is a place where the past feels tangible and flavors feel enduring, with traditions coming alive with unusual intimacy during the New Year season. For a journey centered on culture, start at Baoji's Famen Temple. History here is not preserved behind glass; it persists through living ritual, architecture, and a sense of quiet continuity. At midnight on New Year's Eve, the temple bell is rung 108 times, marking a centuries-old rite that symbolizes the release of the old year and the welcome of the new. Naturally, any trip to Shaanxi is also defined by its deeply rooted culinary heritage. In Tongchuan, flavors are straightforward, hearty and deeply satisfying. Yaozhou noodles, hand-crafted to a unique honeycomb texture, offer a pleasing chew, served either with a savory meat sauce or a clear, flavorful broth. Hand-sliced noodles, with their signature spicy and tingling profile, are smooth and resilient — the sort of dish that lingers in memory and invites return. Near Yaowang Mountain, Sun Simiao medicinal cuisine, prepared with local herbs, focuses on wholesome nourishment rather than complexity, delivering a plainspoken, restorative sense of sustenance. During the Lunar New Year period, the old streets of Yulin pulse with energy and sound. The air carries melodies of Northern Shaanxi folk songs, the spirited movements of yangko dances, and a rolling sequence of local Yulin ditties. These are not staged shows but unrehearsed celebrations spilling into the lanes and alleys, carrying the vigorous spirit of the Loess Plateau — lively, genuine and marked by an easy warmth. Then, there is Xi'an. This time, look beyond the city walls and the Terracotta Army. Enter Huaqing Palace and settle into the misty embrace of its historic hot springs. These same waters that once cradled the legendary Yang Guifei now offer warmth, collapsing imperial history into an intimate, bodily experience. Travelers can rush through crowded cities, or they can choose to slow down in Shaanxi — greeting dawn at an ancient temple, savoring midday street food, and listening to folk songs as evening falls. Here, history is no longer remote; it appears unannounced and stays with you in ways that feel personal rather than performative. With visa-free entry making the region easier to reach, the journey to Shaanxi begins now. Each city tells its own story, threading the joy and warmth of the New Year through the layered texture of its past.

2025-12-29

Global Runners Gather on Scenic Seaside Route at the 2025 Hainan (Sanya) Marathon

SANYA, China, Dec. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 7th Hainan (Sanya) Marathon got underway at 7:00 a.m. local time on December 28 from the South Gate of the Sanya Beauty Crown. The event drew athletes from 19 countries and regions worldwide, as well as participants from all 34 provinces and provincial-level regions across China, bringing the field to 14,000 runners. Nearly 68 percent of participants traveled from outside the Hainan Free Trade Port to compete. Running as Discovery: Where Tropical Landscapes Meet Local Character This year's race retained its signature course design, starting at the South Gate of the Sanya Beauty Crown, with the full marathon finishing at Sanya Bay Coastal Park and the half marathon at Tianya Haijiao Scenic Area. The route wove through Sanya's coastal urban core. Alongside the individual full and half marathon races, the event included team competitions and a "Running Hand-in-Hand to Tianya Haijiao" couples category. Total award funds exceeded 500,000 yuan, distributed across six categories for individual placements, course records, Hainan Free Trade Port-based athletes, couples, teams, and other notable performances. Extensive safety measures were in place, featuring 253 medical staff, 100 automated external defibrillator (AED) units, 26 ambulances, and three designated hospitals, forming a three-tier system of fixed medical posts, mobile patrols, and route coverage. More than 3,500 personnel managed security and race operations, supported by hydration stations and mobile facilities along the course. Building a Connected Sports Community Digital engagement was a central feature of this year's marathon. The organizer issued 30,000 limited-edition digital commemorative medals, each secured by blockchain technology, offering participants a permanent, verifiable record. Runners could claim their medals through Alipay's Jingtan and Ledongli services. An accompanying virtual race was also hosted on Alipay, DingTalk, and Amap, generating an average of 4 million daily impressions and attracting over 27,000 participants, linking physical competition with digital participation. Yang Yong, General Manager of Events and Commercialization at event partner Orange Lion Sports (formerly Alibaba Sports), said, "The marathon supports Hainan's growth as an international tourism and consumer destination. By connecting resources across the Alibaba ecosystem, we broadened the event's reach and brought together a global community of runners—both on the ground and online—through integrated digital experiences. Together, we celebrated running and reinforced Sanya's appeal as a sports and tourism destination."

2025-12-29