标签： Asia

The Xizang Autonomous Region has witnessed a remarkable transformation in public scientific literacy over the past six decades, evolving from a largely uninformed population to a society where science drives social stability and high-quality development. This progress was highlighted by Zhang Hongwei, vice-chairman of the regional association for science and technology, during a recent press conference. He emphasized that the region’s efforts to promote science began shortly after Xizang’s peaceful liberation, with the establishment of basic science boards in towns. Today, the proportion of scientifically literate residents has surged from a mere 0.1% in 2010 to 7.6% in 2023, marking a 75-fold increase. This growth is particularly pronounced among young adults aged 18 to 39, as well as farmers and herders. Xizang now boasts a regional natural science museum, 14 mobile science museum exhibits, and over 300 school-based science museums, ensuring county-level coverage. Additionally, 86 science caravans traverse the region, supported by bilingual science materials and multimedia programs. The region has also extended science outreach to monks, nuns, and grassroots officials, achieving full social group coverage. Digital platforms have further bridged geographical barriers, enabling remote communities to explore advanced fields like astronomy and artificial intelligence. Science education in schools has become a cornerstone of curiosity and discovery, with students like Tsering Yudron expressing newfound fascination with scientific principles. This comprehensive approach underscores Xizang’s commitment to fostering a scientifically literate society.

In a remarkable journey spanning over four decades, Professor Zhao Liming of Tsinghua University has dedicated her life to the preservation and study of Nvshu, the world’s only script exclusively created and used by women. Now 78 and retired, Zhao remains as passionate as ever about this unique writing system, which originated in Jiangyong county, Hunan province, during a time when formal education was largely inaccessible to women. Nvshu, characterized by its delicate, slanted strokes of dots and arcs, served as a private medium for women to express their emotions, document their lives, and support one another in a patriarchal society. Zhao first encountered Nvshu in the 1980s while teaching at Tsinghua’s Department of Chinese Language and Literature. Her fascination with the script led her to conduct extensive field research in Jiangyong, often traveling on hard-seat trains and trekking through remote mountainous areas to gather information before the script vanished entirely. Zhao’s work revealed that Nvshu was not related to ethnic scripts like Miao or Yao but was a local variant derived from Mandarin, confined to a small geographical area she termed a ‘script island.’ The urgency of her mission was underscored by the passing of Yi Nianhua, an elder Nvshu inheritor, before Zhao could deliver asthma medication to her. This loss deepened Zhao’s resolve to preserve the script, which was traditionally buried or cremated with its practitioners, leaving little behind for future generations. With support from Tsinghua University and fellow researchers, Zhao published a comprehensive book on Nvshu in 1992 and later developed a digital Nvshu character set, successfully lobbying for its inclusion in the International Unicode Standard in 2015. According to Zhao, Nvshu represents a unique form of ‘Eastern feminism,’ offering women a private outlet for self-expression and emotional support without directly confronting the patriarchal system. Though the era of natural Nvshu transmission ended with the death of its last traditional inheritor in 2004, Zhao believes the script’s legacy endures as a symbol of female resilience and cultural identity. Today, Nvshu has gained global attention and inspired new generations, evolving from a hidden women’s script into a celebrated cultural artifact. ‘Nvshu was like a meteor — it shone brightly and fulfilled its mission,’ Zhao said. ‘Now, women have access to education and can travel freely. Nvshu’s initial purpose may be complete, but its spirit lives on.’ Even in retirement, Zhao continues to study and promote Nvshu, driven by a belief in its beauty and historical significance.

A groundbreaking exhibition honoring war heroes has opened at the Memorial Hall of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China in Shanghai. Marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, the exhibition features 362 artifacts unearthed from three provinces—Shanxi, Hebei, and Anhui. These relics, combined with advanced technological archaeology, vividly narrate the life trajectories of war heroes, shedding light on their sacrifices and the enduring spirit of resistance. The exhibition employs holographic imaging, 3D printing, and DNA analysis to bring these stories to life, offering visitors a tangible connection to history. Among the highlights is the story of martyr Cui Haizhi, whose remains were identified after decades of anonymity, reuniting him with his family. The exhibition also showcases artifacts from battles in Suning and Quanjiao, including a poignant round mirror clutched by a fallen soldier. Running until December, the exhibition serves as a powerful tribute to the undying spirit of those who fought for freedom and justice.

Young people from Taiwan gathered in Beijing to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s restoration to China, emphasizing the importance of understanding history and fostering a strong sense of national identity. The event, held at the Taiwan Guild Hall, was organized by the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots, China Daily’s national news channel, the Beijing Taiwan Compatriots Association, and the association for relatives of patriots who resisted Japanese occupation. Four youth representatives shared personal stories and reflections on Taiwan’s historical ties to the mainland. Lo Chih-ying, 23, from Changhua county, traced her family roots back to Fujian province, highlighting the enduring connection between Taiwan and the mainland. Lu Ying-chu, 21, from Taipei, recounted the Treaty of Shimonoseki in 1895, which ceded Taiwan to Japan, and her great-grandfather’s resilience during the occupation. Lin Ching-mao, 26, from Changhua, honored the resistance against Japanese rule, while Lin Kuan-ting, from Taipei, stressed the belief that a strong motherland will resolve the Taiwan question. The event also featured the documentary ‘Stories across the Strait,’ which deepened participants’ understanding of Taiwan’s history. Li Zhenguang, dean of the Institute of Taiwan Studies at Beijing Union University, underscored the significance of remembering this history for the future of the Chinese nation.