标签： Asia

The city of Dali in China’s Yunnan province has become the focal point of cultural preservation and innovation as it launched a week-long promotion event for intangible cultural heritage brands on November 23, 2025. The event, which officially commenced on Sunday, features over 120 heritage brands, showcasing the rich tapestry of traditional craftsmanship and cultural practices unique to the region. Among the highlights was a live demonstration by a skilled artisan crafting a Dulong blanket, a testament to the intricate techniques passed down through generations. This initiative aims to elevate the visibility of these cultural treasures, fostering both local and international appreciation. The promotion week not only celebrates the artistic legacy of Yunnan but also seeks to integrate these heritage brands into modern markets, ensuring their sustainability for future generations. The event has drawn significant attention, with participants and visitors alike marveling at the diversity and depth of the cultural heritage on display.

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.

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.

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.