分类： society

As the sun sets over the desert dunes of Ordos in Inner Mongolia, casting the sky in hues of amber and orange, South Korean tourists eagerly capture the moment on their phones. This breathtaking desert sunset, often highlighted on social media, has become a must-see attraction for many. ‘I saw a video of the desert’s starry sky and knew I had to come,’ shared Son Hye-ryeong, a visitor from Seoul. ‘It feels like being in a movie.’ Son is among the increasing number of South Korean tourists flocking to Ordos in recent months. According to Hou Le, head of the Ordos Culture and Tourism Bureau’s resource development division, the city has experienced a ‘dramatic surge’ in tourism. Last year, Ordos welcomed 35,000 inbound tourists, marking a 327 percent increase from the previous year, with over 10,000 visitors arriving from South Korea on 108 charter flights. This momentum has continued into this year, with 11,737 South Korean tourists arriving by early October on 83 charter flights, boasting a remarkable 98 percent seat occupancy rate. Tourists are not only drawn to Ordos for its stunning landscapes but also for its immersive cultural experiences. ‘They are not just here for the scenery. They are here to have an experience,’ said Li Yanhong, head of the Ordos grassland tourist area at Inner Mongolia Mengzhilyu Holiday Travel Co. The grassland area features 158 Mongolian yurts, catering to visitors’ interest in traditional accommodations. Another highlight is the large-scale equestrian show ‘Hero,’ which blends horsemanship with storytelling, offering highly shareable moments for social media. The desert itself also attracts tourists with activities like camel riding, sandboarding, and stargazing. ‘Many South Korean tourists love to walk barefoot on the sand. They find the texture soothing,’ said Quan Tianshi, head of Ordos Lianxing International Travel Agency. ‘But the most memorable moments are often the silent ones — watching the sunset or lying on the dunes under a full sky of stars. It’s an escape they can’t find in the city.’ A viral video from a South Korean travel blogger last year led to a several-fold increase in bookings, showcasing the powerful influence of social media. Recognizing this demand, Ordos has expanded its air corridor, launching direct flights from Seoul, Cheongju, Gwangju, Jeju, and recently, Incheon, Daegu, and Busan. Key scenic spots like the Ordos grassland and Xiangshawan scenic area now feature Korean-language signs and guides, and over 2,500 hotels accept passport check-ins, with improvements underway for foreign card payments and currency exchange. These thoughtful touches have not gone unnoticed. ‘We had Korean-speaking guides throughout our four-day trip, and there were signs in Korean. It felt very thoughtful,’ said South Korean tourist Park Sang-woo. The combination of natural beauty, cultural depth, and visitor-friendly services is reshaping Ordos’ tourism. As evening falls on the grasslands, tourists gather around bonfires, joining locals in song and dance — a shared moment connecting different cultures under the same vast sky.

Viswashkumar Ramesh, the lone survivor of the Air India flight AI171 crash that claimed 241 lives, has opened up about his harrowing experience and the profound impact it has had on his life. The 39-year-old, who miraculously walked away from the wreckage in Ahmedabad, India, described the ordeal as both a blessing and a curse. While he considers himself the “luckiest man” alive, he is grappling with the devastating loss of his younger brother, Ajay, who perished in the crash. Ramesh, now back in Leicester, UK, is battling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and has struggled to reconnect with his wife and young son. The crash, which occurred shortly after takeoff in June, left 169 Indian nationals and 52 Britons dead, along with 19 others on the ground. A preliminary investigation revealed that fuel supply to the engines was cut off seconds after takeoff. Ramesh, who suffered physical injuries including leg, shoulder, knee, and back pain, has been unable to work or drive since the tragedy. His family’s fishing business in Diu, India, has collapsed, adding to their financial and emotional burdens. Air India has offered an interim compensation of £21,500, but Ramesh’s advisers argue it is insufficient. They have repeatedly requested a meeting with airline executives to address his needs, but their appeals have been ignored. Ramesh’s story highlights the long road to recovery for survivors of such tragedies and the urgent need for comprehensive support systems.

Bali authorities have halted the construction of a 182-meter cliffside glass elevator on Kelingking Beach, one of the Indonesian province’s most iconic locations, following widespread criticism over environmental concerns and the destruction of natural beauty. The project, initiated by Chinese developer China Kaishi Group, aimed to provide easier access to the beach for tourists. However, images of the initial construction cutting through the famous ‘T-Rex cliff’ sparked outrage on social media, with locals and visitors alike condemning the project for accelerating erosion and marring the area’s pristine landscape. Authorities also revealed that the project lacked the necessary permits. Local resident Made Sediana expressed disappointment, stating that tourists visit Nusa Penida for its natural beauty, not man-made structures. Critics, including Bali senator Niluh Djelantik, emphasized the environmental risks and urged preserving Bali’s natural charm. The suspension’s duration remains uncertain. Meanwhile, some have suggested improving existing stairways instead of pursuing costly ‘vanity projects.’ The $12 million lift project has also raised concerns about increased swimming accidents, as Kelingking Beach, despite its breathtaking views, is notorious for dangerous waves and a narrow coastline. This incident highlights the growing tension between development and environmental preservation in Bali, where Chinese investments, such as a $3 billion airport project, are on the rise.

A tragic road accident in southern India has left at least 20 people dead and around two dozen injured. The incident occurred early Monday when a truck loaded with concrete stone chips collided head-on with a state-run passenger bus near Chevella, a town in Telangana state. The bus, carrying approximately 70 passengers, was en route to Hyderabad when the collision took place. The impact severely mangled the front of the bus, trapping several passengers inside. Heaps of stone chips from the truck were scattered inside the bus, burying at least one passenger alive. Rescue teams faced significant challenges in cutting through the wreckage to retrieve the bodies. Among the deceased were the drivers of both vehicles and three college-going siblings from Tandur town. The grieving father of the siblings, Yellaiah Goud, expressed his anguish, saying, ‘What will I do without my daughters?’ The bus conductor, Radha, who sustained head injuries, described the collision as producing an ‘ear-shattering noise.’ Meanwhile, in a separate incident in Rajasthan, a drunk driver lost control of his speeding truck, hitting multiple vehicles in Jaipur and killing at least 13 people. This accident followed another deadly crash in Rajasthan just a day earlier, where a minibus collided with a parked truck, killing 15 people. These incidents highlight the ongoing road safety challenges in India, where haphazardly parked vehicles and poor highway conditions often lead to fatal accidents.

Dubai resident Osman Akbar has turned heads with his unique cycling prowess, mastering the art of riding on a single wheel. The British national, who recently showcased his skills during the Dubai Ride event, cycles over 70 kilometers weekly, performing wheelies with precision and flair. For Osman, this skill is more than just a hobby—it’s a nostalgic journey back to his childhood. ‘I used to do wheelies as a kid, but I forgot how over time. In January 2024, I decided to relearn it,’ he shared with Khaleej Times. Months of practice in his Arabian Ranches community earned him the nickname ‘the wheelie guy,’ as he honed his technique in preparation for the Dubai Ride. The event, which attracted over 40,000 participants, offered cyclists the chance to ride past Dubai’s iconic landmarks, including the Museum of the Future, where Osman fulfilled a dream by performing a wheelie. The festivities also included bike customization stations and live DJ performances, making it a memorable experience for all. Osman, who only discovered the event in 2024, marked his calendar for 2025 and seized the opportunity to showcase his passion. ‘It felt amazing to wheelie in front of such an iconic location,’ he said, reflecting on his achievement.