分类： society

The Shanghai History Museum has transformed into an olfactory wonderland with the inauguration of an extraordinary agarwood exhibition, opening its doors to the public on January 24, 2026. This immersive cultural presentation represents a significant collaboration between the Shanghai History Museum and Hainan Museum, showcasing one of the world’s most precious natural commodities through February 22, 2026.

The exhibition presents a comprehensive exploration of agarwood’s cultural significance, historical applications, and artistic representations. Visitors are treated to an array of rare artifacts, including intricately carved artworks, traditional medicinal preparations, and historical documentation that traces the aromatic resin’s journey through Chinese civilization. The curation emphasizes both the scientific properties and cultural heritage surrounding this prized material, known as ‘liquid gold’ in traditional Chinese circles for its exceptional value and versatile uses.

Museum directors from both institutions highlighted the exhibition’s role in promoting interprovincial cultural exchange, particularly between coastal Shanghai and tropical Hainan, where agarwood cultivation has flourished for centuries. The collaboration marks a milestone in cultural preservation efforts, bringing together expertise from both regions to present a holistic narrative of this unique natural treasure.

The sensory experience extends beyond visual displays, with specially designed zones allowing visitors to engage with agarwood’s distinctive fragrance through controlled olfactory demonstrations. Educational workshops accompanying the exhibition provide deeper insights into authentication techniques, conservation challenges, and the sustainable future of agarwood production in contemporary society.

What originated as an impromptu family photography session has evolved into a distinctive cultural phenomenon in Sharjah, thanks to the creative vision of 35-year-old Emirati photographer Muhammad Al Mazmi. The Al Jada roundabout, once merely a traffic intersection, has transformed into an unofficial gathering point for automotive enthusiasts seeking distinctive photographic portraits of their vehicles against the urban landscape.

Al Mazmi’s journey into photography began during childhood, sparked by his fascination with preserving memories through imagery. His father introduced him to camera operation at age seven, planting the seeds of what would become a lifelong passion. In 2008, he acquired his first professional camera and subsequently developed a diverse portfolio encompassing portraits, nature, street photography, and cultural events.

The automotive photography movement emerged unexpectedly approximately one year ago when Al Mazmi visited the roundabout to photograph his brothers’ cars. The spontaneous interest from other motorists prompted him to share his work on TikTok, generating immediate and substantial public response. Followers began identifying him as ‘the photographer of Al Jada,’ establishing his reputation within the community.

Despite the public nature of his photography sessions, Al Mazmi maintains rigorous ethical standards regarding privacy protection. He explicitly avoids random photography, instead coordinating with subjects through social media platforms or accepting direct requests. This approach enables him to capture not only the aesthetic qualities of vehicles but also the personal narratives and human connections within automotive culture.

One particularly memorable photograph depicts two individuals exchanging a traditional Emirati nose touch inside their vehicle, illustrating Al Mazmi’s ability to document cultural moments alongside automotive subjects. His scheduling now operates through community requests via Snapchat, where enthusiasts track his appearance dates.

Looking forward, Al Mazmi intends to continue his roundabout photography sessions, viewing them as a natural extension of his fundamental photographic philosophy: documenting emotions and memories for future reflection. The phenomenon demonstrates how organic community initiatives can redefine public spaces and create unexpected cultural gatherings.

Chinese authorities have unveiled groundbreaking draft regulations establishing clear definitions and classification systems for premade dishes, marking a significant step toward consumer protection in the catering industry. The move comes amid growing public scrutiny over restaurant chains marketing industrially processed foods as freshly prepared meals at premium prices.

The National Food Safety Standards for Premade Dishes and Terminology and Classification for Premade Dishes represent China’s first comprehensive regulatory framework for the rapidly expanding prepared food sector. Jointly developed by the State Council’s food safety office, National Health Commission, and State Administration for Market Regulation, the standards aim to eliminate ambiguous labeling practices that have misled consumers.

According to the draft provisions, premade dishes are formally defined as prepackaged food items manufactured from agricultural ingredients—with or without seasonings but excluding preservatives—that undergo industrial preprocessing techniques including marinating, frying, or boiling. These products may incorporate seasoning packets, require final cooking before consumption, and must adhere to specific storage and transportation requirements as labeled.

The regulatory initiative gained urgency following a September 2025 controversy involving restaurant chain Xibei, traditionally promoted as using natural ingredients. Influencer Luo Yonghao exposed the company’s substantial reliance on premade dishes while charging premium prices for supposedly fresh-cooked meals, sparking nationwide debates about culinary transparency.

Notably, the regulations clarify that dishes prepared in-house through central kitchen models and distributed exclusively to owned outlets do not qualify as premade dishes, provided they comply with existing catering safety laws. This distinction acknowledges the operational realities of chain restaurants while maintaining safety standards.

Complementing the standards, authorities have drafted a circular encouraging voluntary disclosure of food preparation methods, empowering consumers to make informed dining choices. The drafts will soon enter public consultation phases, reflecting China’s commitment to balancing industry development with consumer rights protection.

Beijing West Railway Station commemorated its 30th anniversary on Wednesday, standing as a testament to China’s remarkable infrastructure development and railway modernization. Since its inauguration in 1996, this monumental transportation hub has facilitated an extraordinary 1.96 billion passenger journeys, establishing itself as one of the nation’s most critical rail terminals.

The station’s three-decade operation mirrors China’s rapid economic growth and urban transformation, serving as both a functional transport facility and a symbolic landmark of national progress. Throughout its operational history, Beijing West has consistently adapted to evolving travel demands, incorporating technological advancements and expanding services to accommodate increasing passenger volumes.

As a pivotal junction in China’s extensive railway network, the station has witnessed the country’s transition from conventional rail systems to high-speed bullet trains, reflecting broader technological achievements in transportation infrastructure. The facility has played an essential role in connecting China’s capital with numerous domestic destinations while maintaining operational efficiency during peak travel periods, particularly during annual migration events like the Spring Festival travel rush.

The station’s architectural significance and operational scale have made it an iconic representation of China’s modernization ambitions, blending functional design with cultural elements that showcase national heritage. Its continuous operation and upgrades demonstrate China’s commitment to developing world-class transportation systems that serve both economic needs and public convenience.

Looking forward, Beijing West Railway Station remains positioned to maintain its critical role in China’s transportation ecosystem, with planned improvements aimed at enhancing passenger experience and integrating with emerging transportation technologies.