分类： society

The United Arab Emirates has officially declared a holiday for both public and private schools in celebration of the 54th Eid Al Etihad. Students will enjoy a break on December 1 and 2, corresponding to Monday and Tuesday, with official working hours resuming on Wednesday, December 3, as confirmed by the Ministry of Education. This announcement grants most students a four-day holiday when combined with their regular weekend of Saturday and Sunday. In Sharjah, students will benefit from an extended five-day break, as the emirate observes Friday, Saturday, and Sunday as its weekend. Earlier in the day, the UAE government also announced a four-day paid holiday for private sector employees to commemorate National Day, now referred to as Eid Al Etihad. December 1 and 2 have been designated as paid holidays for private sector workers, allowing residents to enjoy a long weekend. A Cabinet resolution effective from January 1, 2025, permits the transfer of certain public holidays to the start or end of the week if they fall on a weekday. However, this resolution does not apply to Eid holidays unless specifically activated by a Cabinet decision. The unified holiday policy ensures that both public and private sector employees receive an equal number of breaks throughout the year.

The Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, will implement a Monday closure policy starting December 1. Located in Lhasa, the capital of China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, the palace is renowned as the highest such structure globally. According to an announcement on its official website, the closure aims to facilitate essential maintenance, cultural relics inspections, exhibition updates, environmental disinfection, and public facility upkeep. The Potala Palace Management Office emphasized that these measures are crucial for preserving the site’s historical and cultural integrity. The decision, reported by Xinhua News Agency, underscores the commitment to safeguarding this ancient treasure for future generations. The palace, a symbol of Tibetan culture and history, attracts millions of visitors annually, making its preservation a top priority.

In the industrial heart of Taicang, Jiangsu province, the Inclusion Factory is redefining the narrative around employment for individuals with intellectual and mental disabilities. This pioneering initiative, established in 2014, has become a beacon of inclusive employment in China, offering opportunities for those with conditions such as Down syndrome and autism to not only earn a wage but also build confidence, master skills, and integrate into a supportive community. At the core of this transformative endeavor is Zhang Xingjuan, a manager whose role extends far beyond traditional job descriptions. She serves as a mentor, a maternal figure, and a witness to the remarkable personal growth of her employees. The factory, which began as a modest project employing 12 individuals for automotive parts assembly, has grown into a comprehensive program that directly employs over 40 people and has assisted more than 30 in securing jobs in mainstream companies through its consultancy services. Zhang, who joined the factory in 2019, has found herself in an unexpected yet deeply fulfilling role. Unlike typical employees, her trainees often require extensive, one-on-one coaching, sometimes spanning up to 100 sessions of 100 minutes each to master a single task. However, the breakthroughs achieved through this patient guidance are profoundly rewarding. Zhang recalls the journey of Wang Xingchen, an employee who initially struggled with focus but has since become adept at complex wiring tasks and takes pride in his work. The impact of the Inclusion Factory is not one-sided; Zhang herself has undergone significant personal growth, finding a profound sense of calm and stability that she attributes to her work with the employees. The factory’s model, inspired by the German nonprofit Lebenshilfe, has been successfully localized in China, creating a vital link between parents seeking accessible workplaces for their adult children and manufacturers looking to fulfill their social responsibilities. The Inclusion Factory stands as a testament to the power of inclusive employment in fostering confidence, community, and personal growth.

The third Yellow River Estuary International Birdwatching Season in Dongying, Shandong Province, has become a beacon of ecological and cultural significance. Shahbaz Khan, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, emphasized the profound connection between humanity and nature showcased in this event. Speaking to China Daily on November 15, Khan lauded the Yellow River Delta as a critical sanctuary for migratory birds and a blueprint for sustainable habitat conservation. He also commended the festival’s cultural richness and its role in fostering ecological awareness among younger generations, describing it as a milestone in environmental stewardship. The event not only highlights the region’s natural beauty but also underscores the importance of preserving biodiversity for future generations. Dongying’s birdwatching season is more than an annual spectacle; it is a testament to the harmonious coexistence of people and nature, leaving a lasting legacy in the skies.

Shiban Street, a historic stone-slab lane nestled in Duyun, Guizhou province, has become a captivating destination for visitors. This ancient pathway, dating back to the early Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), winds through rows of stilted wooden houses, offering a glimpse into China’s rich cultural heritage. The street’s undulating path follows the natural terrain, flanked by vibrant painted doors and windows. Local shops showcase traditional crafts, including Bouyei homespun cloth, Miao silverwork, and Shui embroidery, adding to the area’s allure. Historically, this mountain road served as the southern gateway to the city and was a vital part of an ancient route connecting Guizhou and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region during the Ming and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties. Today, Shiban Street stands as a testament to the region’s enduring legacy, attracting tourists eager to explore its timeless charm.

In a bid to reverse the declining trend of marriages, the eastern Chinese city of Ningbo has launched a new initiative offering cash vouchers to newlyweds. Couples who register their marriage between October 28 and December 31, 2025, will receive eight marriage consumption vouchers, totaling 1,000 yuan ($141). These vouchers can be used for wedding-related expenses such as photography, ceremonies, hotel stays, and retail purchases. The initiative, announced by Ningbo’s civil affairs department on its official WeChat account, is part of broader efforts by Chinese authorities to encourage young people to marry and start families. Similar programs have been introduced in other eastern cities like Hangzhou and Pinghu, with vouchers available until the end of the year. China’s marriage rates have plummeted, with only 6.1 million couples registering for marriage last year, a significant drop from 7.68 million the previous year. The decline is attributed to the high costs of childcare and education, as well as shifting societal attitudes. To address the issue, the government has implemented various measures, including promoting ‘love education’ in universities and urging local governments to allocate resources to support marriage and childbearing. With China’s population aging rapidly, boosting marriage and birth rates has become a critical priority for policymakers.

The 99 Dragon Pools, nestled within the Laojun Mountain National Park in Lijiang, Yunnan province, have unveiled their most breathtaking autumn spectacle. As the season transitions, the high-altitude basins are adorned with drifting clouds and mist, resembling a delicate white scarf draped over the landscape. The pools, often referred to as the heart of Laojun Mountain, shimmer like vivid blue-green gems embedded within the ancient forests. The surrounding foliage, now ablaze with autumnal hues, casts a mesmerizing reflection on the crystal-clear waters, creating a scene of unparalleled natural beauty. This annual transformation attracts nature enthusiasts and photographers alike, eager to capture the serene and poetic ambiance of this unique location.

China Snow Town, a premier ice-and-snow tourism destination in Heilongjiang Province, officially opened its doors to visitors on November 17, 2025. Located in Mudanjiang City, the scenic area has curated over 30 cultural and tourism activities, blending traditional folk customs, modern performances, and cutting-edge light shows to create an immersive winter experience. The region, known for its extended snow season, witnessed its first snowfall on October 17 this year, six days earlier than in 2024. With snow depths reaching up to 2 meters during peak season, the area attracts global tourists, drawing a record 1.45 million visitors last winter. Heilongjiang’s ice-and-snow economy has become a significant contributor, achieving a market value of 266.17 billion yuan ($37.6 billion) in 2024, with tourism alone accounting for 182.33 billion yuan. China’s ambitious plan to develop its ice-and-snow economy aims for a total market value of 1.2 trillion yuan by 2027 and 1.5 trillion yuan by 2030, positioning it as a key driver of economic growth.