The Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring Scenic Area in Dunhuang city, located in Northwest China’s Gansu province, has recently become a breathtaking winter wonderland. On November 23, 2025, tourists flocked to the iconic site, which was adorned with a pristine blanket of snow, transforming the landscape into a picturesque scene. The snow-covered dunes of Mingsha Mountain and the serene waters of Crescent Spring created a unique and mesmerizing view, drawing visitors from near and far. Known for its natural beauty and cultural significance, the area continues to be a major attraction, especially during the winter months when the snow adds an extra layer of charm. The local tourism industry has seen a boost as more people are inspired to experience the tranquil and awe-inspiring scenery. The event highlights the enduring appeal of Dunhuang’s natural landmarks and their ability to captivate visitors year-round.
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Scenery of scenic spot near Wuxia Gorge in Wushan, China’s Chongqing
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Restoration of over 32,500 houses completed after an earthquake in Shigatse
In a remarkable recovery effort, the city of Shigatse in Southwest China’s Xizang autonomous region has successfully restored over 32,500 houses devastated by a 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Dingri county in early January. The earthquake, which caused widespread destruction, left thousands of homes in ruins. However, within ten months, the local authorities have managed to rebuild and reinforce homes across 486 villages in seven counties. The reconstruction included the complete rebuilding of more than 22,000 houses and the reinforcement of an additional 10,500 homes. The first batch of residents affected by the quake were able to move into their new homes as early as August. The swift response included the immediate rollout of a post-disaster reconstruction plan, which involved field surveys, housing design, and debris clearance, all initiated within three days of the disaster. This extensive restoration project highlights the resilience and efficiency of the local government and community in the face of natural calamities.
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Dharmendra, iconic Bollywood actor and Indian cinema’s ‘He-Man,’ dies at 89
Dharmendra, the iconic figure of Indian cinema whose versatile performances defined Bollywood in the 1970s and 1980s, passed away on Monday at the age of 89. The actor, who was just weeks away from his 90th birthday, had been frequently hospitalized in Mumbai in recent weeks. A senior police official, speaking anonymously, confirmed his death. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, describing Dharmendra’s passing as the end of an era in Indian cinema. Modi praised the actor’s ability to bring charm and depth to his roles, resonating with countless audiences. Known as Bollywood’s ‘He-Man,’ Dharmendra masterfully blended action heroism with romantic tenderness, earning him a place among India’s most celebrated actors. His portrayal of larger-than-life, patriotic characters, alongside his charming romantic performances, endeared him to the masses. Dharmendra’s role in the 1975 classic ‘Sholay,’ often regarded as one of India’s greatest films, cemented his superstar status. His on-screen partnership with Amitabh Bachchan became legendary, as did his collaborations with actress Hema Malini, whom he later married. Despite the scandal surrounding his second marriage, Dharmendra’s career flourished, spanning over six decades and 300 films. In his later years, he transitioned to character-driven roles, often portraying paternal figures. He was last seen in the 2025 war biopic ‘Ikkis.’ Born in Punjab in 1935, Dharmendra moved to Mumbai in the late 1950s and made his Bollywood debut in 1960. His contributions to Indian cinema were recognized with the Padma Bhushan in 2012. He is survived by his wives, children, and grandchildren.
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China’s mountainous Guizhou set to launch regular low-altitude drone logistics route
The southwestern Chinese province of Guizhou is poised to launch its first regular low-altitude drone logistics route this year, marking a significant advancement in regional transportation. This initiative follows a successful trial flight of a domestically developed electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, which transported emergency medicines and agricultural products across 118 kilometers in just 40 minutes. The journey, which typically takes over two hours by traditional ground transport through Guizhou’s challenging karst landscape, demonstrates the potential of drone technology to revolutionize logistics in mountainous areas. The V2000CG CarryAll, developed by Shanghai-based AutoFlight, is the only eVTOL globally with a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 1 tonne to have obtained all three required Chinese aviation certificates. With a payload capacity of up to 400 kg and a maximum cruising speed of 200 km per hour, this aircraft is set to enhance Guizhou’s low-altitude economy, support rural revitalization, and modernize logistics. The province plans to expand the route’s applications to include passenger tourism and commuter transport in the future. China’s low-altitude economy is experiencing rapid growth, with its market value projected to soar from 500 billion yuan in 2023 to 3.5 trillion yuan by 2035.
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Cameroon opposition leader flees to Gambia after contested election
In a significant development in West African politics, Gambia has announced it is temporarily hosting Cameroonian opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary following the contentious re-election of Cameroon’s long-serving President Paul Biya. The Gambian Ministry of Information released a statement on Sunday, November 7, confirming Tchiroma’s arrival and emphasizing that the decision was made on humanitarian grounds to ensure his safety. The statement also highlighted Gambia’s collaboration with regional partners, including Nigeria, to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the escalating tensions in Cameroon. Tchiroma’s spokesperson, Alice Nkom, corroborated his presence in Gambia, while Cameroon’s government has threatened legal action against him for allegedly inciting insurrection. The October 12 election, which granted Biya an eighth term, has been marred by widespread protests and disputed death tolls, with opposition and human rights groups claiming over 55 fatalities compared to the government’s figure of 16. Biya, 92, has been in power since 1982 and remains a polarizing figure, often absent from public life and delegating governance to close associates. The situation underscores the deepening political crisis in Cameroon and the broader challenges of democratic governance in the region.
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US, Ukrainian, European officials discuss draft plan
In a high-stakes diplomatic effort to resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, officials from the United States, Ukraine, and Europe convened in Geneva on November 23, 2025, to deliberate on a draft peace plan proposed by Washington. The discussions, led by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ukraine’s Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak, aimed to address concerns raised by Kyiv and its allies over perceived concessions to Moscow. The 28-point plan, unveiled by US President Donald Trump, calls for Ukraine to relinquish territory, accept military restrictions, and abandon its NATO aspirations. However, European allies expressed frustration over their exclusion from the drafting process. A US official emphasized that the Geneva talks were intended to finalize details beneficial to Ukraine, with no agreement to be reached until Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meet directly. Trump hinted that the current proposal is not his final offer, leaving room for further negotiation. The Geneva meeting included participation from national security advisers of the E3 alliance (France, Germany, and the UK), the European Union, and Italy, underscoring the international significance of the discussions. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also planned to engage with Zelensky regarding the plan. While Western leaders acknowledged the proposal as a starting point, they stressed the need for additional refinements to secure a favorable outcome for Ukraine before the looming Thursday deadline.
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Taiwan travelers keen to explore mainland in greater depth, regrets restrictions by DPP authorities
Taiwanese travelers are increasingly drawn to explore the Chinese mainland, driven by the allure of social media and the mainland’s extensive railway network. This growing interest was evident at the 2025 Tainan Travel Expo, currently underway in southern Taiwan. The event features a booth by the Kaohsiung office of the Association for Tourism Exchange Across the Taiwan Straits and Fujian province’s cultural and tourism department, showcasing Fujian’s top attractions and travel routes.
Carol Liu, a local resident planning a trip to Fujian next year, shared her positive experiences from three mainland trips over the past year. She highlighted the affordability and quality of food and accommodations, which have changed her friends’ initial hesitations. Liu also expressed hope for more direct flights to facilitate easier access to various destinations.
Nino Wang from Kaohsiung recounted her month-long solo journey across more than a dozen mainland destinations, including the lesser-known border city of Ruili in Yunnan. She praised the kindness of locals and the ease of travel, expressing a desire to visit Quanzhou in Fujian soon.
Wang Hsien-wen, vice director of the Tainan Association of Travel Agents, noted the mainland’s high-speed railway system’s role in making travel more accessible. He observed a shift among young travelers from traditional nature-focused trips to city-based explorations, inspired by social media platforms like RedNote and Douyin. Chongqing, with its unique metro train passing through an apartment building and the iconic Hongya Cave, has become a new favorite.
Despite this enthusiasm, practical obstacles remain. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities in Taiwan have yet to lift the ban on organized group tours to the mainland or remove the travel alert for Taiwan residents. Direct cross-Strait flights and routes are also not fully restored. Wang Hsien-wen hopes for the restoration and expansion of direct flights, which would save travelers time and allow for more extensive exploration.
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China’s poverty fight inspires Global South
China’s remarkable achievements in poverty reduction have become a source of inspiration and a practical guide for nations in the Global South striving for modernization. This was the central theme of the Global South Modernization Forum held in Beijing on November 24, 2025. The event, titled ‘China’s Fight Against Extreme Poverty and the Global South’s Poverty Reduction Initiatives,’ brought together Chinese and international officials, scholars, and representatives from various organizations to discuss China’s strategies and their applicability to other developing countries. Maierdan Mugaiti, Vice-Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, highlighted the people-centered, science-based, and context-specific nature of China’s poverty reduction policies, which have been instrumental in lifting over 800 million people out of poverty over the past four decades. Siddharth Chatterjee, United Nations Resident Coordinator in China, praised China’s efforts, noting that the country’s success accounts for more than 70% of global poverty reduction. The forum also showcased specific initiatives, such as the Juncao technology, which has been introduced in 109 countries and has benefited over 35,000 households in Rwanda alone. The event underscored China’s commitment to global development through the Global Development Initiative, which has mobilized over $23 billion in development funds and supported more than 1,800 projects in the Global South.
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Top political advisor urges gathering strength to boost Chinese modernization
In a recent visit to Shenzhen and Huizhou, China’s top political advisor Wang Huning emphasized the importance of uniting public support, consensus, wisdom, and strength to achieve significant progress in the nation’s goal of socialist modernization. Wang, who serves as a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), made these remarks during a fact-finding and research tour from November 21 to 23, 2025. During his visit, Wang highlighted the need to replicate successful experiences from the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone to further develop the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. He also visited a memorial museum dedicated to a CPC-led guerrilla force from World War II, urging the promotion of the spirit of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression to inspire the public to uphold revolutionary traditions and follow the Party’s guidance. Additionally, Wang called for the implementation of policies to support the private sector, enhance cross-Strait economic and cultural exchanges, develop rural industries with local characteristics, and strengthen the law-based governance of religious affairs. He stressed that the CPPCC should prioritize the study and implementation of the guiding principles from the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, contributing high-quality deliberations and suggestions to serve the central tasks of the Party and the country.
