Editor's Note:

In an era marked by unprecedented global transformations, the world stands at a critical crossroads, grappling with deepening deficits in peace, development, security, and governance. As humanity faces unparalleled challenges during this tumultuous period, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, has put forth a solemn call to action through the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI), and the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI).

The three pivotal initiatives address the pressing issues of our time, offering viable pathways and robust support for the building of a global community of shared future. Rooted in the rich historical experiences of the CPC's century-long struggle and infused with the wisdom of China's traditional culture, these initiatives are expected to unite the world in the pursuit of common progress and stability.

To offer a deep understanding of the GDI, the GSI, and the GCI, and elaborate on their significance on a global scale, the Global Times is launching series of articles featuring engaging stories and in-depth interviews to provide our readers with a comprehensive insight into the three initiatives.
From 'Convention of Peking' to 'Beijing Declaration'

In April 2022, President Xi proposed the GSI to promote universal security while delivering a keynote speech via video link at the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2022. The initiative is a global public good offered by China, as well as a vivid illustration of the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind in the security field.

On July 23, 2024, 14 Palestinian factions gathered in Beijing and signed the Beijing Declaration on Ending Division and Strengthening Palestinian National Unity after participating in reconciliation talks mediated by China, a lively demonstration of the GSI's function in practice, which many international observers hailed China for having "made something impossible possible," and regarded it as a milestone in the Middle East reconciliation process.

"Palestinian unity is key to the realization of Palestinian statehood and China is committed to facilitating it," read an article on news outlet Al Jazeera.

"The Palestinian question is at the core of the Middle East issue. Over the past years, China has put forward proposals and taken action to address the Palestinian question with Chinese wisdom and solutions," stated the article.

China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular media briefing on July 24, that "China firmly supports the Palestinian people in restoring their legitimate national rights, and supports the people of Middle East countries in holding their future in their own hands. China will continue to advance the GSI and make more contribution to peace and stability in the Middle East."

On the day that the "Beijing Declaration" was signed, many Chinese people hailed the important step in peace in the Middle East and shared the sentiment "Because we have been caught in the rain, we want to hold an umbrella for others" on social media platforms.

They recalled the history that 164 years ago, the Qing government was forced to sign the humiliating "Convention of Peking" in 1860, which included ceding territories and paying indemnities. That dark era saw China reduced to a semi-feudal and semi-colonial society, when bullying by foreign powers and frequent wars tore the country apart and plunged the Chinese people into an abyss of great suffering. After a strenuous fight, the CPC has closely united and led the Chinese people of all ethnic groups to work hard for a century to put an end to China's national humiliation, guiding the country to progress and prosperity.

The past suffering is not merely a reminder of a dark history; it has also made the Chinese people more sympathetic to the suffering of others and has deepened their understanding of the value of peace.

Turkish Ambassador to China İsmail Hakkı Musa hailed the significance of the GSI in an exclusive interview with the Global Times. "The GSI has its own rations. It focuses on sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity, and [the] peaceful settlement of the disputes. You may have noticed that too many people - too many analysts - defended the idea that, for example, the role assumed by China between the approach of Saudi Arabia and Iran was a kind of application or practice of this initiative," Musa said.

"We all know that this approach is a good thing. Lesser tension in that region is an important contribution to the world peace," he stressed.

In practice, China is not only playing an unselfish, active role in the brokering of peace in the Middle East while some other countries ignore human lives for selfish interests, but has also become an important force in maintaining world peace.

Since the restoration of its legitimate seat in the United Nations, China has faithfully fulfilled its international legal obligations as a permanent member of the UN Security Council.

Currently, China is the second-largest contributor to the UN's regular budget, the second-largest contributor to UN peacekeeping operations, and the largest troop-contributing nation among the permanent members of the Security Council. China actively participates in negotiations and the formulation of rules on global security issues in various fields, including international arms control and preventing nuclear proliferation.

It also collaborates with various parties in non-traditional security areas such as counter-terrorism, biosecurity, and food security. In the face of ongoing hotspot issues, China is committed to playing the role of a responsible major power.

Right to development

In the heart of Africa, where the sun shines brightly and the needs of the people are as vast as the savannah, a new story of development is unfolding. It's a tale of "small but beautiful" projects born from China-Africa cooperation, ranging from crop cultivation and maize growth and combating the region's hunger issue, to clean energy projects that provide affordable new energy, and to the Luban Workshop, which offers training to many in Africa.

The implementation of these "small and beautiful" projects echoes the GDI's call for sustainable and people-centric growth.

Three years ago, Xi proposed the GDI at the general debate of the 76th session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, calling for the building of a consensus in pursuing development, promoting shared growth, and helping accelerate the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

China achieved the goal of eradicating absolute poverty 10 years ahead of the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, making significant contributions to global poverty alleviation efforts. Internationally, China is fully committed to development, actively sharing its development opportunities and experiences with other countries, especially with those in the Global South.

Since the initiative was proposed, the content has been consistently substantialized, with its implementation mechanisms becoming more refined over time. This has led to the gradual establishment of practical cooperation within its framework, providing China's approach to addressing the development gap in Global South countries.

At the just concluded 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the China-Africa Joint Statement on Deepening Cooperation within the Framework of the Global Development Initiative was released.

"Since the launch of the GDI, China and Africa have joined forces and mutually supported each other in exploring paths toward modernization, further implementing the China-Africa Cooperation Vision 2035, advancing the nine programs to a high standard, as well as completing 175 'small and beautiful' livelihood cooperation projects," read the statement.

More than 30 African members of the FOCAC have joined the Group of Friends of the GDI and the Global Development Promotion Center Network to put in place an efficient working mechanism and platform for alignment in development policies, coordination of development resources, and facilitation of joint actions.

Shakeel Ahmad Ramay, CEO of the Asian Institute of Eco-civilization Research and Development in Pakistan, told the Global Times that he believes that the GDI, which advocates that development "holds the master key" to solving problems and ensuring sustainable peace, is what the world is desperately seeking now. He noted that apart from Africa, other Global South countries are benefiting from the GDI and China's development dividends.

"Without sharing the dividends of development, we cannot preach ethics, and the dream of peace will remain a dream. Without cooperation, concrete programs, and the allocation of financial resources, we cannot achieve these goals. China is cognizant of this reality and has launched numerous programs and provided financial support such as $4 billion to the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund," he said.

Musa noted to the Global Times that "China initiated the concept of the 'right to development.' The GDI also offers action-based policies and result-based projects."

According to China's Foreign Ministry, over the last three years, the GDI has made remarkable achievements. Over 100 countries and some international organizations have given support to or taken part in the initiative. More than 80 countries have joined the Group of Friends of the GDI. China has set up a Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, which has financed over 150 programs. The Global Development Promotion Center Network is bringing more members on board.

"The GDI was put forward by China, but its opportunities and benefits are shared by the world. On the path toward development and prosperity, no country or individual should be left behind. This is the vision of the GDI, as well as the goal advocated by the UN," Mao Ning said at a regular media briefing on September 20, 2024.
Respect for diverse civilizations

In March 2023, Xi proposed the GCI for the first time at the CPC in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-Level Meeting, advocating for the respect of the diversity of world civilizations, the promotion of common values for all humanity, the emphasis on the inheritance and innovation of civilizations, and the strengthening of international cultural exchange and cooperation.

The initiative is another major public product offered to the world by China after the GDI and the GSI. It sends a sincere call to the world to deepen the dialogue of civilization exchanges and promote the progress of human civilization through inclusiveness and mutual learning, contributing Chinese wisdom and solutions to promote a higher level of international cooperation, experts said.

Shahbaz Khan, director of the UNESCO Regional Office, told the Global Times that the GCI aligns with UNESCO's mission to foster respect for cultures worldwide, particularly those that possess outstanding universal value.

China now boasts 59 World Heritage sites, including the Beijing Central Axis, a "remarkable example" of urban heritage that showcases advancements from the Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368) to the present day, Khan said.

In recent years, China has enhanced communication and coordination with UNESCO, working with all parties to promote the implementation of the United Nations' Global Agenda for Dialogue among Civilizations, strengthening dialogue and exchange among civilizations, and increasing the sharing of values, concepts, and experiences behind the policies of various countries, jointly exploring solutions to global challenges and issues.

Ramay noted that the GCI, together with GDI and GSI, "negates the idea of superiority and present the vision of equality and equity built on respect for diversity and cultures. The vision categorically highlighted the need for a fair and just system where everyone (country or human) can pursue the dream of development and peace."

"These initiatives promote the idea of resolving conflicts or disputes through dialogue and development to strengthen peaceful and cooperative co-existence. Thus, the world welcomed the initiative, especially the Global South," he said.

A joint investigation group in Hefei, capital of East China's Anhui Province, announced in a statement on Thursday that it will confiscate illegal gains and impose a fine totaling 68.9491 million yuan ($9.83 million) on Three Sheep Group, a company based in the city that was founded by online influencer Zhang Qingyang. The company has recently been hit by criticism of false publicity.

The company apologized for misleading consumers, and vowed to comprehensively conduct internal rectification and protect consumers' legal rights.

Short video platform Douyin said on Thursday that the platform has suspended the livestreaming function of Three Sheep Group's account since September 21, and will further urge the company to commence self-rectification and properly resolve the after-sales compensation issues for consumers.

According to the statement, the Three Sheep Group marketed mooncakes from the Meisun Fine Cake brand as a "Hong Kong-based product" with "over 20 years of history." But in fact, the mooncakes are produced in Guangdong Province and are not sold in Hong Kong.

Three Sheep Group also marketed an "Australian grain-fed beef roll" product as original meat despite not obtaining the original meat inspection report, and the product actually involves a mixture of meat.

The two cases were defined as false commercial publicity by the investigation group, and another case regarding discrepancies between some shipped products and advertised items is under further investigation.

Aside from the penalties, the investigation group required Three Sheep Group to commence rectification within a defined time limit and take legal responsibility. The department of discipline inspection and supervision will initiate investigations into individuals who neglect their duties according to relevant laws and regulations, said the statement.

On September 17, Hefei's market supervision administration launched an investigation into Three Sheep Group for allegedly "misleading consumers" during its livestream sales on social media platform Douyin.

Analysts said the incident serves as a warning for the livestreaming industry, and will help to promote stricter regulations and reforms.

Finland will return a pair of giant pandas to China ahead of schedule due to cost issues, the Global Times learned from Ähtäri Zoo on Wednesday, noting that the two pandas are in good condition and a farewell party is being planned for them. 

General curator of Ähtäri Zoo, Marko Haapakoski, told the Global Times in an email on Wednesday that the zoo has been facing many challenges since 2020, and most of them were impossible to predict. The situation at hand is a sum of many factors such as the decrease in yearly visitors due to the pandemic, following inflation and a considerable rise in interest rates in Finland.

Despite Chinese partners’ unprecedented help and support, and Ähtäri Zoo’s many efforts, the zoo found itself in a situation where a difficult decision of returning the pandas needed to be made, Haapakoski said.

He explained, "The decision was made after friendly negotiations between partners in China and Finland. All parties agreed together that the best solution for everyone involved is to return the pandas to China."

Regarding the upcoming plans for the pandas, Haapakoski said the pandas will remain visible to the public until October 20. After that, the panda house will be closed to the public, and the pandas will spend their final month in Ähtäri in quarantine.

He also said they "are planning a farewell party for the pandas and hope that many visitors will come to wish them a good journey back to China."

The pandas, named Lumi and Pyry, arrived in Finland in January 2018 on a 15-year loan under a research program. Haapakosk said the pandas are doing really good. The female panda, Lumi (Jin Baobao), is returning to normal after a pseudopregnancy, and bamboo has started to appeal to her again. Pyry (Huo Bao) has been doing well all the time.

According to Reuters on Wednesday, a spokesperson for Finland's foreign ministry said that the return of the pandas was a business decision made by the zoo, which did not involve Finland's government and should not impact relations between the two countries.

Despite efforts by China to aid the zoo, the two countries jointly concluded after friendly consultations to return the pandas, the Chinese embassy in Helsinki said in a statement to Reuters.

Chinese top diplomat Wang Yi met with Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa on Monday in New York at the latter's invitation. Wang said China's opposition to Japan's discharge of nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station into the ocean is entirely justified, and that China will conduct an investigation and handle the individual case of the attack of a Japanese student in Shenzhen in accordance with the law, and the Japanese side should view this matter calmly and rationally, avoiding politicization and escalation.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, stated that comprehensively advancing the strategic mutually beneficial relationship between China and Japan is a shared responsibility of both sides. He hopes that Japan will work with China to grasp the correct direction of bilateral relations, implement the consensus reached by the leaders of both countries, and promote the healthy and stable development of China-Japan relations, according to a release published by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday.

Kamikawa said that Japan values its relationship with China. In the face of rising risks and challenges in the international situation, Japan and China should maintain communication and dialogue at all levels and in all fields, including negotiating solutions to the nuclear wastewater issue, and jointly safeguarding regional peace and development.

The important foundation of the bilateral relationship lies in the exchanges between the peoples of the two countries. The Japanese foreign minister said it is hoped that China will properly handle the case of the Shenzhen schoolboy and ensure the safety of Japanese nationals in China.

Wang stressed that China's opposition to Japan's discharge of nuclear-contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station into the ocean is entirely justified. Since Japan has agreed to accept long-term international monitoring arrangements and independent sampling and monitoring by relevant countries, including China, it should follow through on its commitments and avoid unnecessary complications.

China will investigate and handle the individual case of the Japanese schoolboy attack in Shenzhen in accordance with the law, and will continue to ensure the safety of all foreign citizens in China. Japan should view this matter calmly and rationally, avoiding politicization and escalation, said Wang.

An ongoing exhibition about Han Dynasty (206BC-AD220) stone reliefs at the Art Museum of West Taihu Lake in Changzhou, East China's Jiangsu Province, has been a major draw during the Mid-Autumn Festival holidays.      

The stone reliefs are unique artistic works from the Western and Eastern Han periods and were created to decorate tomb chambers, ancestral halls, mausoleum gates, stone coffins and cliff grottoes. 

This exhibition brings together nearly 200 precious collections from about 20 cultural institutions and university research units across China. It collects the latest research achievements in Han Dynasty stone reliefs, featuring new archaeological discoveries from various regions, archaeological sketches, outstanding publications and literature. 

The 2024 12th China Beijing International Magic Carnival and World College Magic Exchange Convention kicked off in Beijing's Changping district on Friday. The event features promotional activities, hiking tours, and performances by magicians from China, Germany, the US, and Argentina, offering a top-tier magical showcase.

“As a key platform of Beijing's role as a national cultural center and an international exchange hub, Changping aims to use magic culture as a medium to create a ‘golden business card’ for international cultural exchange,” said Zhi Xianwei, mayor of Changping district.

Zhi briefed Changping’s rich history and deep cultural heritage. He extended a warm invitation to artists and university students from around the world to visit Changping, encouraging magic as a medium for deeper cultural exchanges and collaboration.

During the event, a series of magic performances and cultural activities were presented, with magicians from various countries presenting their talents to an audience of university students.

At the close-up magic show, American magician Bill Bentz performed a magic trick using three ancient Chinese coins he collected during his first visit to Xiamen, Fujian Province. As the coins moved between his hands, the audience, particularly the students, watched in awe.

“When I first saw these three Chinese coins, I knew I wanted to use them in a performance in America. I’m proud to celebrate China’s traditional culture,” Bill said.

In recent years, the blending of disciplines has become more prevalent in cultural tourism. With its flexibility and adaptability, magic has seamlessly integrated into various cultural and tourism contexts into various cultural and tourism contexts.

Tang Yanhai, secretary of the Chinese Acrobats Association, noted that the magic carnival not only adheres to international standards by hosting high-level exchange activities but also explores new paths for industry integration, combining the magic experience with cultural and tourism consumption, and creating new cultural tourism experiences.

Jin Chutong, a Beijing-based folk magician and magic instructor, told the Global Times that Chinese folk magic is an important part of the country’s cultural heritage.

“Over the years, I’ve seen magic expand beyond theater into tourist attractions and cultural activities, offering audiences more opportunities for close-up experiences. This integration has created more performance opportunities and brought magic into everyday life,” Jin noted.

“Magic requires both innovation and preservation. I hope more young people will join the field and revitalize Chinese folk magic in the modern era,” he added.

Gao Gao the giant panda is 32 years old, equivalent to 112 years old in human age. Although he is in the sunset years of his life with some unavoidable age-related health issues such as abraded teeth, Gao Gao still lives in the Dujiangyan panda park of the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP) and has been nicknamed "Grandpa Gao."

Chen Rui, one of the breeders at the CCRCGP who is in charge of taking care of Gao Gao, told the Global Times that he still remembers when he first met the giant panda at the airport after returning to China from the US.

"The lovely 'grandpa' was a fussy eater at the time," Chen recalled, adding that it took a lot of efforts to transform Gao Gao's "addiction" to cookies, persuading him to accept a more balanced diet.

Such stories of giant pandas like "Grandpa Gao" and their breeders happening every day at the breeding base have been presented in a TV show called Panda's Family, recently released on Hunan TV and Mango TV, capturing how Chinese breeders guard giant pandas from cradle to grave and help them return to the wild, giving the public a new perspective on the interactions between humans and animals.

Netizens commented that they saw the cross-species affection between breeders such as Chen and Li Rong and the pandas in their care. These breeders, who are the closest humans to giant pandas, dedicate most of their time and energy to the work and become family to the giant pandas.

The team of panda breeders is growing larger. In the TV show, six younger interns gain experience as breeders and also build firm bonds with the pandas they are caring for. Ma Xiaoyu, one of the interns, told the Global Times that she is eager to take the mantle of caring for giant pandas after officially joining the team.

The program has since come to an end, but the story of the ­harmonious relationship between humans and giant pandas, as it extends into the natural world, lives on.
Love and trust

Mornings at the breeding base are typically busy for Ma. She and other interns need to clean the colony houses for more than one hour and then prepare the giant pandas' breakfast on time, a basin of milk formula specifically formulated for panda cubs and fresh bamboo for the adult pandas.

They then monitor and record the situation of pandas every half hour to spot and rapidly respond to any abnormalities in the pandas' behavior. The collected data is then given to veterinarians and biological experts regularly to help safeguard the endangered animals' health.

"The feeding capability of panda cubs is not like that of the adults, so we need to care for the cubs skillfully and patiently," Li told the Global Times. She has been responsible for taking care of panda moms and their cubs.

The delicate nature of panda cubs also challenges Li's ability to observe and react. She said that they must take painstaking measures to prevent the cubs from contracting diseases as mild as influenza. "Accurately telling if panda cubs are ill usually relies on plenty of experience," Li noted.

Now Li has developed the "eye," instantly taking note of tiny dangerous factors as minute as a wooden thorn in a panda cub's toy.

Chen, who works in panda-related healthcare for aged pandas, has also expressed concern over the fragile state of giant pandas' health. He said that illness among old pandas is usually cumulative and he has to closely monitor surrounding pandas' excrement and movement to confirm if they are healthy.

Chen and Li both mentioned that their attitude to the work has transformed from just a responsibility to an indispensable part of life after becoming closely involved with pandas. Additionally, the pandas also display deep affection and trust in the breeders.

Destination in nature

"Tao Tao, as you walk into nature today, I wonder if we will have the chance to meet again in this lifetime. I hope you grow healthier and stronger in the wild and build your own family," Mou Shijie, the CCRCGP's breeder responsible for captive pandas' rewilding training and release, said to himself when staring at the first panda he trained and released running in the woods.

Chinese giant panda breeders not only care for captive pandas, but also try hard to help the endangered species return to the wild and maintain a wild population. Mou is a veteran member of the rewilding team.

Mou said that rewilding training work consists of two stages. The first is to build trust with panda moms and ensure that the nutritional needs of the cubs are met. When the cubs are about 1 year old, the mom and cubs are transferred to a broader area ready for training.

"The panda mother leads her cubs in the training area, where they can freely eat bamboo, find water sources, locate shelter, and learn crucial survival skills like avoiding predators. These are lessons only a panda mother can teach; we humans can't instill that wild instinct in them," Mou noted.

So far, the CCRCGP has successfully trained and released nine giant pandas back into the wild, which should ultimately be their true home.

The highly anticipated documentary The Sinking of The Lisbon Maru will be released publicly across China on Friday. The film tells a story interwoven with the cruelty of war, the brutality of the Japanese fascists, as well as the courage and humanitarian care of the ordinary Chinese people.

The truth about the sunken Lisbon Maru needs to be known by the whole world, said renowned Chinese filmmaker Fang Li, who directed and produced the documentary.

“I hope that every audience can further learn about the brutality of war through it, and cherish the peace we have today,” Fang told the Global Times on Thursday.

The documentary features the 1942 sinking of the “Lisbon Maru,” an armed Japanese cargo ship that participated in World War II. In October that year, Lisbon Maru transported more than 1,800 British prisoners of war (POWs) from Hong Kong toward Japan, without bearing a sign indicating it was carrying POWs – a violation of the Geneva Convention.

After being struck by the torpedo of a US submarine, Japanese soldiers cruelly battened the POWs down below deck, left them to drown, and even shot at them, leading to the deaths of 828 prisoners.

When the ship went down off the coast of Zhoushan Islands in East China’s Zhejiang Province, 384 POWs were fortunately rescued by local Chinese fishermen, who pulled them from the water risking their own life.

For decades, the Japanese authorities refused to acknowledge their atrocities committed in the Lisbon Maru incident. By chance, Fang, who is also an expert in geophysical exploration and marine technology, heard the story from some fishermen in Zhoushan in 2014, and later thought about making a documentary about it.

“I made the film to reveal the truth, for the young men who died in the Zhoushan Islands waters, and for the Chinese fishermen who helped rescue them,” Fang told the Global Times.

The film is not only for Chinese moviegoers, but audience from all over the world, particularly young people, he added. “I hope the film enables today’s youth to cherish their families, the people around them, and appreciate everything they own.”

Ahead of its nationwide release, The Sinking of The Lisbon Maru has already received many positive reviews in its preview screenings.

During the 26th Shanghai International Film Festival in June, several families of the POWs attended the documentary’s premiere. Denise Wynne, daughter of one of the survivors Dennis Morley, said that the heroism of the Chinese fishermen showed in the filmed impressed her a lot.

“My dad always said that the Chinese fishermen were heroes, and without them, I wouldn’t be here,” Wynne told the Global Times after the premiere.

Rock climbing has become a go-to stress reliever for many young people, and its inclusion in the 2024 Paris Olympics has further fueled its appeal. 

Chinese athlete Wu Peng's silver medal in the men's speed climbing event in Paris has sparked widespread interest, with his climbing videos attracting significant attention online. Many netizens expressed a newfound desire to try the sport themselves.

Puzzle-solving

Data from QianGua.com indicate that interactions related to rock climbing on Xiaohongshu, a Chinese lifestyle-sharing platform, reached 2.18 million posts in July 2024, and surged to 2.24 million from August 5 to August 11. 

Climbing gyms across China have seen an uptick in bookings, especially on weekends and after-work hours on weekdays. Hao, manager of Upper Climbing Gym in Shenzhen, told the Global Times that there's a significant increase in visitors, while Chen, manager of Benchmark Climbing Gym in Shanghai, reported a rise in young climbers.

In response to the growing number of people trying rock climbing, more climbing gyms are being established. The "2023 China Rock Climbing Industry Analysis Report" released by Chinese Mountaineering Association (CMA) shows that the number of gyms reached 636 in 2023, surpassing the US for the first time. Hao noted that despite the heavy investment required, gyms like Upper Climbing Gym are planning expansions to meet the demand.

Unlike other sports, rock climbing's puzzle-solving element captivates many climbers. For instance, in bouldering, a discipline of indoor climbing, the same route can be completed using different movements, at varying speeds and levels of energy expenditure. Finding the most efficient way to reach the top is like solving an optimization problem, providing a strong sense of accomplishment.

Leo, an avid rock climbing enthusiast, told the Global Times that this sense of accomplishment is what draws him to the sport. "I'm not someone who enjoys repetitive exercises. In climbing, the change of placement, angle, or shape of a few holds can dramatically alter the route's strategy. Figuring out how to tackle these new challenges is part of what I enjoy."

Jessica, a long-time rock climbing enthusiast who currently works in Hong Kong, told the Global Times that every climber needs to learn how to deal with their own bodies, with the first step being learning how to "fall safely." "For beginners, false falls are common, so finding the right coach or community is important," she said.

Here lies the philosophy of rock climbing - it taps into a person's instincts. Rocky, an intermediate climbing instructor from Shanghai University of Sport, explained: "It's like rediscovering childhood memories, finding a pure 'flow' while climbing." 

Climbing provides an exciting alternative to traditional gym workouts. It combines physical strength, flexibility, problem-solving ability, and mental focus, making it a holistic exercise.

Continued growth

Since making its Olympic debut at the 2020 Tokyo Games, sport climbing soon raised its profile globally and in China. The sport's inclusion in the Olympics has inspired many young Chinese to explore it as a competitive and recreational activity.

Rocky told the Global Times that sport climbing meets the emotional needs of urban professionals.

The popularity of sport climbing can be attributed to the influence of the Olympic Games, and the promotion on social media platforms such as Xiaohongshu. After a day of stressful work, office workers can find relief and excitement in climbing. The sport itself is very attractive and embodies a sense of freedom. The increasing number of climbing gyms and improved services have made it more accessible too, he said. 

In addition, the "people-friendly" atmosphere at climbing gyms contributes to a positive experience. Climbers typically focus on their own routes, and when they hit a difficult point, others in the rest area will encourage them by saying something on the lines like "Just reach out and you've got it."

Nisa, a freshman in rock climbing, told the Global Times that she's not particularly extroverted and doesn't actively seek climbing partners. 

"If I meet someone, great. If not, it's no big deal," she said, noting that the sport's somewhat introverted nature hasn't hindered the formation of a supportive community. 

"Climbing can be a solo activity or a shared one," Chen, the manager in Shanghai, said, adding that the sport accommodates different social preferences.

Climbing also helps some people meet people who share similar interests. Climbers develop a shared understanding with their own "codes" and "lingo." 

Jiang Yiyi, vice dean of the School of Leisure Sports and Tourism at Beijing Sport University, told the Global Times on Wednesday that as a trendy and youthful sport, rock climbing's popularity is expected to continue growing, and its industry chain is expanding rapidly despite certain challenges. 

One of the main hurdles is the technical skills required and the associated risks, which create a barrier to entry for newcomers. 

To address this, there is an ongoing effort to develop professional talent in the field, aiming to increase the number of skilled trainers in climbing institutions. This would not only promote the sport but also ensure its safe and sustainable growth, she noted. 

In the face of intense competition within the industry, Zhang Shanshan, founder of Beijing Aosen Beiding Sports Management Company, told the Xinhua News Agency that to succeed in this market, industry insiders must first be clearly positioned and focus on enhancing professionalism and service for the customer base. 

"The gym needs a diverse range of climbing routes. Professionals are in demand to continuously update the climbing routes in the facility so that each visit feels fresh and innovative," Zhang said.

Study tours have gained popularity in China in recent years as Chinese parents invest more in the well-rounded education of their children. But the industry encountered controversies this year due to reports of overly high cost and disappointing arrangements. Given expanding market and following chaos, more parents and experts are calling for rational choices to avoid being caught up by comparing mentality.

When visiting Tsinghua University on August 1, the Global Times reporter found that dozens of elementary school students dressed in graduation gowns were lining up at the front gate of the university, one of China's most internationally famous universities, to take pictures.

Inside the Tsinghua campus, teenage students were everywhere taking pictures, walking or bicycling among the buildings.

The scene echoed media reports and data from travel platforms, demonstrating that study tour, or educational tour, has become a main part of this summer's tourism market in China.

According to a report from Ctrip, a major Chinese online travel booking platform, orders of parent-child educational products for summer holidays via the platform increased by 70 percent year-on-year. Data from another travel platform Fliggy also showed that, after the summer holiday of Chinese schools kicked off in early July, the search popularity for "educational travel" on the platform has increased by over 60 percent compared to last year.

Historical and cultural cities are the first choice for parent-child educational trips in the summer, with Beijing and Xi'an topping the popularity list. Landmark scenic spots that have appeared in the textbooks of Chinese elementary and middle schools are favored by these groups, according to data from Tongcheng Travel.

Museums, nature and rural areas are also among the most popular destinations, people.cn reported citing Tongcheng Travel.

A notable trend in this year's educational tour market is the tour to some famous Chinese hi-tech companies like new-energy vehicle (NEV) maker NIO and artificial intelligence company iFlytek. Such tours could provide students an opportunity to get a direct and deep sight into companies and the process of scientific research and development, which will not only help popularize science, but inspire these students in career choice, according to experts.

Some parents send their children to educational tours as they need some people to take care of their children while ensuring their safety. "My son can travel with many peers of his age, and at the same time, he can learn something," a mother in Qingdao, East China's Shandong Province, told the Global Times.

Others choose education tours as they want their children to get a deeper understanding of their interests. A mother in Shenzhen calling herself Xi Xi told the Global Times that she once sent her son to a dragon boat educational tour and her son learned a lot about the history and culture of dragon boats. "This made me feel that educational tours are really helpful for my children," Xi Xi said.

According Xi Xi, she and her husband used to take their son on their own to go travel, driving to Xizang, walking through deserts and rain forests, in order to widen their son's horizon. But when it comes to knowledge, especially cultural and historical knowledge, she and her husband felt helpless as they did not how to teach their son. This is when they turned to educational tours.

This summer, Xi Xi sent her 8-year-old son to an educational tour to Beijing. According to her, there were professional guides in the tour to explain cultural and historical knowledge during the tour. "They also invite a professor from Peking University to deliver a speech at the opening ceremony of the tour."

The six-day-five-night tour in Beijing cost Xi Xi about 7,000 yuan ($981.8), excluding transportation cost. This package includes a visit to the Universal Beijing Resort. The package excludes the Universal Beijing Resort is 2,000 yuan cheaper.

The price of a standard day ticket to the Universal Beijing Resort is less than 500 yuan. The Global Times found on Tongcheng Travel that a normal six-day-five-night group tour, including visit to the National Museum, the Forbidden City and the Universal Resort, is priced 4,015 yuan.

For Xi Xi, the extra money for her son's educational tour is worth as it did play an educational role. "It is an independent tour. My son also learned how to take care of himself like washing clothes this time. So, overall, it met my expectations," Xi Xi said.

Some parents got disappointed when they found the tour was not as educational as they expected. According to media reports, some educational tours would only take students to the outside of Tsinghua University to take pictures as they, in fact, did not have official cooperation with the university and were not able to take so many students into the campus all at once. Tsinghua requires real-name reservation for entry and only opens 12,000 reservation vacancies per day for the public from July 15 to August 11.

The Global Times learned from some Tsinghua students that some education tour organizers have tried to find Tsinghua students to help them take tour attendants into the campus. Tsinghua students would get punished once being found doing so.

The quality of some so-called professional teachers in educational tours organized by tour agencies are also questionable as media revealed that the certificate for a professional educational tour guide can be bought at about 1,000 yuan.

Chaos arose along with the rapid expansion of the market.

According to media reports, there were more than 29,000 existing educational tour-related enterprises in China in 2023, with 49.4 percent of them established within the past 1 to 5 years. a Report of market consultancy iiMedia Research said that educational tour market has reached 146.9 billion yuan in 2023, and is expected to reach 242.2 billion yuan by 2026.

More and more Chinese schools and other educational bases like museums are also organizing educational campuses as, in December 2016, Chinese authorities issued guidelines to encourage educational tour activities in the county as a bid to promote well-rounded education of Chinese students.

Educational travel itself is a new way of learning, an important component of quality education, and complementary to school learning. It can help students to develop potential in various aspects, Chu Zhaohui, a research fellow at the National Institute of Education Sciences, told the Global Times.

Chu suggests parents choose educational tour based on children's interests rather thanfollowing other parents, avoiding getting trapped by unnecessary anxiety caused by comparing mentality.

"Parents need to choose educational trips that suit children's interests and hobbies, as well as the growth goals you want your children to achieve. After making a choice, parents and children also need to prepare for safety, travel knowledge, and so on. For parents, don't just follow the trend, but consult your children's opinions at first," Chu noted.

Experts also stressed that educational tours should focus on providing high-quality and enriching experiences for participants. This can be achieved through collaboration with reputable institutions and the implementation of strict regulations to ensure the safety and educational value of these tours.

By emphasizing the importance of education and cultural exchange, these tours can have a lasting impact on individuals and contribute to the overall development of society in a long run, they said.