分类： society

China has officially commenced the construction of a groundbreaking water diversion project aimed at addressing the acute water shortages in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province. The project, launched on Friday, will channel water from the Dadu River into the ancient Dujiangyan irrigation system, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been pivotal in the region’s agricultural prosperity for over 2,000 years. The initiative will leverage a natural elevation drop to transport water through an extensive network of over 260 kilometers of tunnels and pipelines to the Chengdu Plain, supplementing the existing water supply from the Minjiang River. Scheduled for completion in eight years, the project is expected to transfer 1.39 billion cubic meters of water annually by 2040, increasing to 1.52 billion cubic meters by 2050. This ambitious endeavor will benefit 34.13 million people across 43 county-level areas in eight cities, while also supporting vast tracts of farmland. The project, which has been in the planning stages since the 1950s, represents a critical component of China’s national water network, integrating urban and rural water supply, irrigation, ecological water replenishment, and emergency water sourcing. As rapid socio-economic development in western China continues to strain water resources, this project marks a significant step in ensuring sustainable water management for the region’s future growth.

Manfred Goldberg, a distinguished Holocaust survivor and advocate for Holocaust education, has died at the age of 95. Born in Germany in 1930, Goldberg endured the horrors of Nazi concentration camps during World War II before settling in the UK in 1946. Earlier this year, he was honored with the Member of the British Empire (MBE) medal by King Charles for his lifelong dedication to educating others about the Holocaust. Goldberg began sharing his harrowing experiences publicly only in his 70s, becoming a prominent figure in the Jewish community and a frequent speaker at schools and memorial events. He also participated in innovative educational projects like Testimony 360, which uses virtual reality and AI to preserve survivors’ stories. In January 2024, Goldberg expressed his heartbreak over Israel’s war on Gaza, particularly after a British soldier fighting for Israel used a Holocaust survivor’s prayer shawl in a controversial social media post. Goldberg, who had a close friendship with fellow survivor Zigi Shipper, believed Shipper would have been equally devastated by the conflict. Dr. Agnes Kory, another Holocaust survivor, lamented Goldberg’s passing, emphasizing the growing challenge of preserving the memory of the Holocaust as survivors pass away. Goldberg’s life was marked by resilience and a commitment to peace, as he and Shipper often urged others to reject hatred. His legacy continues to inspire future generations.

Tianjin’s Changlu Hangu Salt Field commemorated its 1,100th anniversary on Thursday, showcasing its remarkable journey from an ancient salt production site to a beacon of green and high-quality development. Established in 925, the Hangu Salt Field has long been a cornerstone of salt production along China’s Bohai coast, with an annual output of approximately one million tons. Over the centuries, the field has transitioned from traditional methods like ‘boiling seawater for salt’ to advanced, intelligent production systems that seamlessly blend industrial efficiency with cultural tourism. Yan Haibin, head of the publicity department at the Hangu Salt Field, emphasized the dual significance of the site: ‘We are not only preserving a millennium-old salt field but also safeguarding a cultural heritage that has been passed down through generations.’ The anniversary celebration highlights the field’s enduring legacy and its role as a model for sustainable development in the modern era.

Oslo, the capital of Norway, stands as a quintessential Scandinavian destination, offering a harmonious blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and sustainable living. Renowned for its majestic fjords, cutting-edge museums, and eco-friendly initiatives, Oslo is a city that caters to every traveler’s desires. Whether you’re drawn to its Viking heritage, avant-garde architecture, or vibrant nightlife, Oslo promises an unforgettable experience. Here’s a comprehensive guide to exploring this Nordic gem.\n\n**Nature’s Splendor**\nFor nature enthusiasts, the Oslofjord is a must-visit. A scenic cruise along its shoreline offers breathtaking views of iconic landmarks, including the Oslo Opera House and picturesque lighthouses. The city’s commitment to green living is evident in its numerous parks, with Vigelandsparken being a standout. This sprawling garden features over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland, each representing different stages of human life, alongside stunning water bodies and landscapes.\n\n**Cultural and Historical Highlights**\nOslo’s rich history is showcased at the Akershus Fortress, a medieval castle turned museum, and the Royal Palace, a neoclassical marvel. The city’s main thoroughfare, Karl Johans gate, is lined with boutiques, cafes, and historic buildings, offering a vibrant mix of old and new. For winter sports enthusiasts, the Holmenkollen Ski Museum and Tower provides a deep dive into Norwegian skiing culture, complete with a state-of-the-art ski jump and panoramic views of the city.\n\n**Museum Haven**\nArt and history buffs will find Oslo a treasure trove. The National Museum houses over 400,000 works, while the Munch Museum celebrates the legacy of Edvard Munch. Maritime enthusiasts can explore the Kon Tiki and Fram museums, which chronicle Norway’s adventurous seafaring history. The Norsk Folkemuseum offers a glimpse into Norway’s cultural past, with buildings dating back to the 1500s.\n\n**Culinary and Wellness Delights**\nOslo’s gastronomic scene is a delight, featuring local specialties like reindeer, lutefisk, and Brunost. The city’s sauna culture, often followed by a dip in an icy fjord, provides a unique wellness experience that rejuvenates both body and mind.\n\nOslo’s seamless blend of tradition and modernity, coupled with its commitment to sustainability, makes it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique Nordic experience.

The United Kingdom has long been celebrated for its exceptional educational standards, particularly in the realm of boarding schools. With over 70,000 students currently enrolled in such institutions, the demand for places remains robust. These schools are renowned for their outstanding academic programs, state-of-the-art facilities for music, sports, and the arts, and the unique opportunities they provide for young people aged 8 to 18. The boarding school experience is not just about academics; it’s about fostering independence, confidence, and resilience. Parents often observe significant growth in their children after just one term, attributing this transformation to the supportive and structured environment of boarding life. A key factor in this development is the interaction with peers and the guidance of highly trained, caring staff. Academic performance is another major draw for parents. Research indicates that boarders often outperform their day-school counterparts, thanks to the additional support and encouragement they receive during evenings and weekends. However, the benefits extend beyond grades. Boarding schools emphasize the development of character and essential life skills such as communication, teamwork, and resilience, which are crucial for building a fulfilling life. For those considering a UK boarding education for their child, the UK Boarding School Exhibition in Dubai offers an excellent starting point. Scheduled for November 15 at the Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, the event will feature representatives from 20 UK boarding schools, including girls’ schools, boys’ schools, state boarding schools, and independent colleges. These institutions offer a range of academic programs, including IGCSEs, A Levels, BTEC, and IB Diplomas, catering to diverse learning styles and strengths. To register and learn more, visit www.andersoneducation.co.uk or contact enquiries@andersoneducation.co.uk.

Ailifeiya Baikeli, an English teacher and the founder of a language center, is on a mission to amplify the voices of Xinjiang through the power of language. Her primary goal is to equip her students with the skills to narrate the rich stories of Xinjiang in fluent English, thereby bridging cultural gaps and fostering global understanding. Ailifeiya’s dedication to her hometown’s younger generation is evident in her innovative teaching methods, which aim to empower students to become cultural ambassadors. By focusing on English education, she not only enhances their linguistic abilities but also instills a sense of pride in their heritage. Her efforts are part of a broader initiative to showcase Xinjiang’s unique culture and history to the world, ensuring that its narratives are accurately and compellingly conveyed.