The First Competition of the Asian Games held in Ningbo, Zhejiang
Xinhua Silk Road: Suzhou, Revitalize the ancient city with industrial upgrade
Tuya Smart Presented Energy-saving Solutions at the TUYA Developer Summit in Singapore to Help Customers Achieve Sustainable Future
Yum China to Report Third Quarter 2023 Financial Results
The Way Is Infinite: Centennial Retrospective Exhibition of Zao Wou-Ki Opened at China Academy of Art in Hangzhou, China
Latest Sports & Fitness Innovation: Holistic Training Syllabus by MAVERICKS Life Co.
2023 China Mermaid Open Championship Atlantis Station and International Mermaid Performance Contest End Successfully
The 2023 Head of Shanghai River Regatta Held along the Suzhou Creek
Nishan Forum on World Civilizations to kick off in Qufu
Autumn 2023 in Kansai: Hankyu Hanshin Group Unveils Two Signature Tours for Independent Travelers
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The Appointment of Area General Manager of Niccolo Changsha and MAQO Changsha
CHANGSHA, China, Sept. 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Wharf Hotels Group of Hong Kong are pleased to announce the Appointment of Mr. Henrik Iversen to the position of Area General Manager, Niccolo & MAQO Changsha. Henrik's career led him through many highly regarded kitchens, including Conran restaurants, The Ritz Hotel London, Cliveden House Hotel UK, Juan Carlos 1, and several prestigious Hyatt hotels, among others. He spent 12 years working for Hyatt Hotels, 7 years for Rosewood Hotel Group, and 5 years for Conran Restaurants working across multiple locations including Spain, Australia, Vietnam, Malaysia and China before accepting his present role. He joins us from Grand Millennium Beijing Hotel, where he served as General Manager. With his ten years of operational experience in China, along with his thorough understanding of the culture, the market and employee expectations, he has been able to motivate his colleagues to uphold the high standards expected of a luxury hotel in the heart of the city. He will undoubtedly have a significant and positive impact on Niccolo & MAQO Changsha and enhance the hotels' reputation as the city's leading hotels in their respective sectors. Henrik is a Master Instructor for Schwinn indoor cycling, level two Rugby coach and level 2 certified Ski instructor, and he is also a rugby referee in his free time. Expect him to have a clear sense of right and wrong! His other passion is food — cooking, exploring and testing new food trends across the globe. About Niccolo Changsha New Encounters. Timeless Pleasures. Niccolo Changsha is located in Hunan capital's premier address in Furong District entertainment and business hub. Opened in October 2018, the hotel offers 241 contemporary urban chic rooms and spectacular suites between the 86th and 92nd floors of Changsha IFS Tower One. Situated in the most vibrant part of the city, the hotel's facilities include contemporary function and meeting spaces offering scenic views of the city and Xiang River, elaborate conference and social event venues including The Conservatory, the luxurious Niccolo Ballroom, a sophisticated Tea Lounge, Bar 93, Niccolo Kitchen, The Spa at Niccolo and the Fitness Centre. Reservations may be made at niccolohotels.com. About MAQO More is not better, only better is better. MAQO is a fresh take on a premium lifestyle hotel brand for modern-day global citizens who are attracted to the mindset, and the sense of belonging that MAQO provides. Believing that only better is better, professionals expertly edit art and culture programmes, food and drink offerings, music playlists and wellness concepts to provoke and inspire guests with every stay. MAQO is part of Wharf Hotels' portfolio and a member of the Global Hotel Alliance, the world's largest alliance of independent hotel brands. For more information, please visit Maqohotels.com. About DISCOVERY Loyalty A memorable trip demands more than a comfortable stay. DISCOVERY, an award-winning global loyalty program, provides 11 million members recognition and perks across over 570 hotels, resorts and palaces in 85 countries. Elite members have the opportunity to immerse themselves in local culture through Local Experiences and distinctive activities that capture an authentic taste of each destination. For more information, visit discoveryloyalty.com
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Introducing the New Era of Underwater Exploration: Redefining Underwater Thrusters
SHENZHEN, China, Sept. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- HighGreat is thrilled to announce the launch of their groundbreaking SEAKOOL underwater thruster brand. This exciting lineup includes the SEAKOOL D2 Wearable Underwater Thruster and the SEAKOOL P1 Paddleboard Thruster, revolutionizing the world of underwater exploration and enhancing diving salvage efficiency like never before. Since its release, SEAKOOL has garnered high praise from the largest diving platform community, DIVEIN, and renowned ocean exploration blogger, Shangerdanger. Both have lauded SEAKOOL for its hands-free operation, powerful performance, and extended battery life, significantly improving diving salvage efficiency. The SEAKOOL D2 Wearable Underwater Thruster sets you free during your underwater adventures, allowing you to move effortlessly like a fish. With superior power and extended battery life, it outperforms other products in the market. Whether you're a diving enthusiast, underwater photographer, or diving salvage professional, SEAKOOL meets all your needs. You can easily adjust the speed across three gears according to your requirements. The economic gear ensures up to 75 minutes of usage, providing a maximum thrust of 13 kilograms and a top speed of 2 meters per second. Designed with ergonomics in mind, the SEAKOOL D2 offers a comfortable fit for a wide range of users, ensuring an enjoyable experience. The SEAKOOL P1 Paddleboard Thruster is another remarkable product from HighGreat, offering exceptional adaptability and powerful performance. Compatible with 95% of paddleboards on the market, the P1 Thruster can be effortlessly installed regardless of the brand. Additionally, the P1 Thruster comes with a wearable Bluetooth watch controller, allowing easy control of the thruster's speed. With a battery life of up to 200 minutes and a maximum speed of 8.5 km/h, transform your paddleboard into a high-speed watercraft with the powerful P1 electric propulsion device from SEAKOOL. The launch of SEAKOOL Underwater Thruster showcases HighGreat's dedication to continuous innovation and technological development. HighGreat has always been at the forefront of promoting advancements in science and technology, bringing innovation and transformative changes to the diving salvage and other industries. SEAKOOL Underwater Thruster represents more than just a product; it embodies our passion and commitment to underwater exploration, entertainment, and diving salvage. We firmly believe that SEAKOOL Underwater Thruster will become a leading product in the field of underwater exploration and diving salvage. Our products will be your most reliable partners. Let's dive into the depths together and uncover the hidden secrets! If you're intrigued by our new underwater thruster products, we invite you to visit our official website for more product information and the latest news. You can also purchase the SEAKOOL Underwater Thruster from Indiegogo. We eagerly look forward to exploring the fantastic underwater world with you. https://en.hg-fly.com/consumer/2512.html https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/seakool-redefine-underwater-thruster/reft/2825345/hg
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Hangzhou's Linguistic Diversity and Warm Welcome for the 19th Asian Games
BEIJING, Sept. 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- This is a report from China Daily. In this episode of "The 19th Asian Games Surprise", a Gen Z youth from Somalia gives us a glimpse into the linguistic diversity and welcoming spirit of Hangzhou, as the 19th Asian Games are about to kick off. The episode captures the various aspects of the city's hospitality and preparations for the Games. Hangzhou is a melting pot of languages during the Asian Games. Greeted by youth from around the world in English, Russian, Korean, Malay, Arabic, and Indonesian, it reflects the city's global appeal and efforts to welcome international visitors. This episode highlights the "XiaoQingHe" volunteers, named after a tradition that originated during the 2016 G20 Hangzhou Summit. These volunteers serve as linguistic ambassadors, helping with language services and promoting friendly interactions with guests. Their name is inspired by a famous poem by Yang Wanli and phonetically resembles the word "friendly" in Chinese, emphasizing their commitment to hospitality. The volunteers undergo extensive training, including a code of conduct, professional language skills, and Games-related terminology. They also participate in various events, like the Bilingual Student Reporters Event, where they showcase their energy and openness. Furthermore, we are introduced to the mascots of the 19th Asian Games: Congcong, Lianlian, and Chenchen. Local students express their favorite mascots, with Chenchen being the most popular due to its name's connection to unity and peace, symbolized by the Grand Canal from Beijing to Hangzhou. In conclusion, this episode of "The 19th Asian Games Surprise" emphasizes Hangzhou's readiness to host the 19th Asian Games and its commitment to using language as a bridge to convey China's voice to the world. The "XiaoQingHe" volunteers and the city's residents are eager to welcome guests, showcasing Hangzhou's cultural richness and hospitality.
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Quark Expeditions Launches New Arctic 2025 Season: "Rethink Your Bucket List"
SEATTLE, Sept. 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Quark Expeditions, the global leader in polar adventures, invites travelers to boldly rethink their bucket list in Arctic 2025 and choose destinations that take them beyond the standard and overly popular travel experiences. Quark Expeditions is offering an early booking bonus of $1,000 to any guest who decides to step away from the Top 10 lists in favor of truly unique polar experiences in the remote Arctic. Photo Credit: Michelle Sole "Now that global travel is back in a big way, industry watchers have observed that many travelers are heading to the same destinations—in large numbers—and taking the very same selfies," says Wendy Batchelor, Vice President of Marketing for Quark Expeditions. "For our Arctic 2025 season, we invite travelers to go bold and take the less-traveled route away from the metropolises of Rome and New York and instead explore remote Arctic destinations like Svalbard, Greenland or the Canadian High Arctic. We want to inspire people to rethink their bucket list dreams, get off the beaten track and return home with travel stories no other destination can provide." Quark Expeditions' Arctic 2025 season includes 12 itineraries—four of which are new: West Greenland Ice Odyssey: Glaciers and Icebergs Ultimate Arctic Voyage: From Svalbard to Jan Mayen to Iceland Wild Fjords of South Greenland: Land of the Vikings Adventures in Northeast Greenland: Glaciers, Fjords and the Northern Lights Quark Expeditions has curated its Arctic 2025 portfolio so guests can choose from varying trip lengths and off-ship experiences—many supported by Ultramarine's two twin-engine helicopters. "Another element that was extremely important to us when we created this season line-up was to allow travelers to fulfill very unique polar dreams," says Batchelor. "If you want to explore the legendary Northwest Passage, we've got you covered. If you dream of flying in a helicopter and then landing on the Greenland Ice Sheet, we can make that happen." Quark Expeditions' Arctic season runs May to October. View all itineraries in our Arctic 2025 season. About Quark Expeditions: The global leader in polar adventures for more than 30 years. The most passionate and seasoned team in the industry, taking explorers to the ends of the earth. Going where few ever dream, and walking where few ever will. Delivering extraordinary experiences and enriching lives through travel, Quark Expeditions is a Travelopia specialist company. Photo - https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2212534/QuarkExpeditions_Arctic2025_Season_Launch_Credit_Michelle_Sole.jpg?p=medium600 Logo - https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/465074/Quark_Expeditions_Logo.jpg?p=medium600
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Collinson and Visa Partner to Provide Airport Lounge Access in the Case of Flight Delays for Cardholders Across Asia Pacific
Enhanced partnership allows eligible Visa cardholders across Asia Pacific access to SmartDelay, Collinson's airport lounge solution in the case of flight delays or cancellations, with immediate effect SINGAPORE, Sept. 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Collinson, owner and operator of Priority Pass and SmartDelay, today announced its partnership with Visa, a world leader in digital payments. The partnership will enable Priority Pass, the leading global airport experiences programme to offer eligible Visa cardholders in Asia Pacific instant access to premium airport lounges in the event of flight delays or cancellations, through SmartDelay. With the latest flight delay statistics indicating that almost 1 in 5 flights within Asia Pacific are delayed by at least 15 minutes, and with 33 million travellers across the region impacted by flight delays of over 1 hour, there is an increasing need to address travellers' growing stress and anxiety when they embark on their journeys[1]. Collinson's SmartDelay provides customers with instant benefits without the need to complete a claim form. As soon as the traveller is advised of the delay or cancellation, they can instantly redeem lounge access, including complimentary food and beverages at their time of need. Insights from Collinson's recent Asia Pacific customer engagement and loyalty research report - The New Rules of Engagement: Customer Expectations Revealed – found that travellers regard lounge access as the number one most desirable travel benefit at the airport. By equipping travellers with SmartDelay, it automatically addresses a pressing pain-point and improves cardholder service by immediately easing the pain of flight delays or cancellations. Todd Handcock, Global Chief Commercial Officer and Asia Pacific President at Collinson said, "With travel across Asia finally open there's no better time than now to ensure that your customers are fully covered when they choose to travel. We know that flight delays and cancellations are extremely stressful, and through SmartDelay we aim to provide an easy solution to alleviate some of the stress and give travellers a place to relax and enjoy the benefits of the airport lounge." Conor Lynch, Head of Consumer Solutions, Asia Pacific, Visa, said, "Flight delays and cancellations are often an inevitable and frustrating aspect of travel for many consumers. This is why we are delighted to partner with Collinson – our collaboration will offer eligible Visa cardholders with the assurance that they will be well taken care of if they face flight delays or cancellations before the start of any trip." Beyond lounges, Collinson is also growing its travel experiences offering, which includes restaurants, spas, sleep pods, gaming and wellness options. To learn more about how SmartDelay can help you add more value to both your customers and your business, please contact the Collinson Team. [1] Data is sourced from Cirium and the data set reflects data from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023. About Priority Pass Priority Pass is the world's original and market-leading airport experiences programme. We provide travellers with access to over 1,400 airport lounges and travel experiences in over 650 airports in 148 countries. Members can access an ever-growing range of premium experiences – from spas to sleeping pods to dining – that help elevate every journey into something special. By building partnerships with other leading brands, we help to bring a better travel experience to the world. Priority Pass is operated by Collinson, the global, privately-owned company dedicated to helping the world to travel with ease and confidence. About Collinson Collinson is the global, privately-owned company dedicated to helping the world to travel with ease and confidence. We work with the world's leading payment networks, over 1,400 banks, 90 airlines and 20 hotel groups worldwide. We deliver market-leading airport experiences, loyalty and customer engagement, and insurance solutions for over 400 million end consumers. Collinson is the operator of Priority Pass, the world's original and leading airport experiences programme. Travellers can access a network of over 1,400 lounges and travel experiences, including dining, retail, sleep and spa, in over 650 airports in 148 countries, helping to elevate the journey into something special.
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International Tai Chi contest held in central China's Jiaozuo City
JIAOZUO, China, Sept. 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The 11th China Jiaozuo International Taijiquan Competition and 2023 Yuntai Mountain Tourism Festival kicked off on Sept. 16 in Jiaozuo City of central China's Henan Province. The 11th China Jiaozuo International Taijiquan Competition and 2023 Yuntai Mountain Tourism Festival The event seeks to promote the city, Yuntai Mountain's tourism resources and Tai Chi culture, and integrates sports events, cultural tourism, economic and trade activities such as Tai Chi contests, travel tours, investment deal-making and forums. Jiaozuo is the hometown of Tai Chi and is named the "Holy Land of Tai Chi" by the Chinese Martial Arts Association. On December 17, 2020, Tai Chi was admitted to the UNESCO's representative list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity. As the top fitness sport on earth, Tai Chi is popular all over the world. It has been spread to more than 150 countries and regions around the world, with more than 600 million practitioners. In addition, Tai Chi is also a signature Chinese symbol with unique charm of excellent traditional Chinese culture. Yuntai Mountain, located in Jiaozuo, is famous at home and abroad for its unique canyon landscape. It is one of the first global geoparks and a national 5A-level tourist attraction. The Tai Chi competition and tourism festival has been successfully held for ten sessions since 1992, and has been rated as an excellent project in sports-related tourism by the General Administration of Sport and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The event has further showcased the charm of Jiaozuo and Henan, and left a lasting legacy in the international martial arts arena and China's tourism sector. Image Attachments Links:Link: https://iop.asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=442304Caption: The 11th China Jiaozuo International Taijiquan Competition and 2023 Yuntai Mountain Tourism Festival
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PASSALACQUA NAMED NO.1 IN THE INAUGURAL RANKING OF THE WORLD'S 50 BEST HOTELS 2023
Passalacqua (No.1) in Italy, awarded The World's Best Hotel 2023 The inaugural list celebrates hotels from 35 destinations across six continents worldwide The Lost Explorer Best Beach Hotel Award goes to Soneva Fushi (No.7), Maldives Sonu Shivdasani OBE, co-founder and CEO of Soneva, and founder and former CEO of Six Senses, receives the SevenRooms Icon Award Capella Bangkok (No.11) wins the Nikka Best New Hotel Award Singita Lodges (No.15) in South Africa wins the Flor de Caña Eco Hotel Award, audited by The Sustainable Restaurant Association Carlo Alberto Best Boutique Hotel is awarded to The Newt (No.37) in Somerset LONDON, Sept. 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The list of The World's 50 Best Hotels has been announced at a captivating awards ceremony at London's Guildhall. This is 50 Best's first foray into the travel space, and its first new global ranking since the launch of The World's 50 Best Bars in 2009. Passalacqua in Lake Como, Italy, is named The World’s Best Hotel in the inaugural ranking of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2023. Image credit: Ruben Ortiz The unveiling highlights outstanding hotel experiences across the world that will shape the aspirations of consumers, travellers and hoteliers. See the full list of The World's 50 Best Hotels 2023 here. Passalacqua, the luxury boutique hotel in Lake Como, takes the top spot. Located in an 18th century villa with spectacular terraced gardens running down to the water, the De Santis family has created an exquisite 24-room property with the feel of a private home. No.2 is Rosewood Hong Kong, in the city's Victoria Dockside arts and design district with views over the harbour. London boasts four hotels on the list: Claridge's (No.16), The Connaught (No.22), NoMad London (No.46) and The Savoy (No.47), while two other UK properties were also winners: Gleneagles in Scotland (No.32), recipient of the Art of Hospitality Award and The Newt in Somerset (No.37), recipient of the Carlo Alberto Best Boutique Hotel Award. Four properties in Asia sit at the top end of the list: Rosewood Hong Kong (No.2), Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River (No.3), The Upper House in Hong Kong (No.4) and Aman Tokyo (No.5). Highest on the list within 20 metres of a beach, Soneva Fushi (No.7) is named the Lost Explorer Best Beach Hotel. Singita Lodges, Kruger National Park, is one of three hotels on the African continent to make the ranking, alongside La Mamounia (No.6) and Royal Mansour (No.23), both in Marrakech. Media Contact: 50besthotels@the-mcollective.com Website: https://www.theworlds50best.com/hotels/ Media Centre access: https://mediacentre.theworlds50best.com/ PDF - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2213412/WORLDS_50_BEST_HOTELS_2023.pdf
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Themed Side-Event "Digital Empowerment of Cultural Heritage" Successfully Held in Riyadh, Capital of Saudi Arabia
BEIJING, Sept. 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- At the Extended 45th session of the World Heritage Committee in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), the National Cultural Heritage Administration of China, the People's Government of Beijing Municipality co-hosted a thematic side-event on "Digital Empowerment of Cultural Heritage". Lazare Elondou Assomo, Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Li Qun, Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism of the People's Republic of China and Administrator of the National Cultural Heritage Administration of China, and Tan Xuxiang, Vice Mayor of Beijing, attended the event and delivered speeches. On-site of the side-event China's innovative practice in "Digital Empowerment of Cultural Heritage" was highly recognized by the participants and international organizations. "From virtual tours to heritage lists and 3D models of archaeological sites, heritage digitization is thriving." commented Lazare Elondou Assomo, Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. "China's heritage managers share their good practices through regular reports, such as 3D digital scanning virtual restoration, real-time monitoring of visitor volumes, etc., which are crucial for heritage conservation and management." He believes that China has considerable experience and expertise in the field of heritage protection and could share a number of good practices in the use of digital technology to protect heritage with other countries. Led by the establishment of a large national database of cultural relics resources, China has carried out a lot of work in the digital protection of cultural relics, the digitalization of business management, the digitalization of public services, and the digitalization of exhibitions. A series of digital practices such as the Digital Forbidden City, Digital Dunhuang, Digital Great Wall, and Digital Beijing Central Axis provide useful references for countries to use digital technology to enhance the level of protection and management of world cultural heritage. As one of the organizers of this event, Beijing, the capital of China, has a city-building history of more than 3,000 years and a capital-building history of more than 800 years. While fully implementing the overall protection of the old city, many attempts have been made in digitally empowering cultural heritage. Through the "Digital Time-teller at night" project, Beijing encourages the public to take photos to participate in cultural heritage monitoring; It has presented the "Tanyuan Platform", through the cooperation with Tencent and successively launched the Beijing Central Axis, the Capital Museum, the Sanxingdui Museum, and inscriptions on bones or tortoise shells of the Shang Dynasty, and has accumulated more than 50 cultural heritage units and more than 1,000 cultural heritage digital resources. The Beijing Cultural Heritage Photography Exhibition and the International Youth Painting Exhibition and the Digital Beijing Cultural Experience Activities were held simultaneously at the side-event, attracting guests from all over the world to visit and interact with each other. Tan Xuxiang, Beijing's deputy Mayor, exchanged ideas during the side event with the director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre.
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Yellow River Tour for International Media in China's Zhengzhou Promotes Cross-Cultural Exchanges
ZHENGZHOU, China, Sept. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- To celebrate the profound culture of the Yellow River, promote international cultural exchanges, and expand the influence of Chinese civilization, the 2023 China (Zhengzhou) Yellow River Cultural Month officially kicked off on September 14 in central China's Zhengzhou city, with the "Henan, Cradle of China" Yellow River tour for international and local media launched at the Zhengzhou Site Museum of the Shang Capital. International media journalists are visiting Shaolin Temple on September 15th Media from the U.S., Italy, New Zealand, Russia, Argentina, Hungary, Spain, Azerbaijan, and more are joining leading Chinese media on a journey of discovery to understand Zhengzhou, Henan, and China through the lens of history. Following the launching ceremony, the media group took a tour of "The Might Capital of Bo: A Paragon of Royal Capitals and Roaring Currents - Exhibition of Stone Inscriptions and Rubbings in the Lu Xun Museum's Collection" at the museum. "Zhengzhou is a landmark city of the Yellow River culture. In recent years, Zhengzhou is dedicated to building the brand of "Henan, Cradle of China" by hosting various activities in the Yellow River Culture Month for three years, which helps promote the cultural icon of Zhengzhou, 'the Center of Heaven and Earth, the Source of Chinese Civilization, and the City of Kungfu', in an all-around way," said Lv Tinglin, deputy secretary of the CPC Zhengzhou Committee. The Yellow River, also known as China's "Mother River," is the second largest river in China and one of the longest river systems in the world. The three-day "Henan, Cradle of China" media tour includes visiting Zhengzhou Shang Dynasty National Archaeological Site Park, Zhengzhou Yellow River Cultural Park, the Imperial Mausoleum of the Northern Song Dynasty, Grotto Temple, Du Fu's Hometown Cultural Park, the Yellow River Museum, Shaolin Temple, and more for a comprehensive experience of learning about the Yellow River civilization, Chinese history, and Chinese culture from ancient times to the present. Henan Province is the birthplace of Chinese civilization; its development and growth are strongly linked to and evolved with the Yellow River culture. Zhengzhou, the capital city of Henan Province with a long history and rich culture, is developing rapidly with vigor and full strength, boasting tremendous potential and opportunities.
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Slovenian culinary triumph: Hiša Franko attains three Michelin stars, Milka garners two, and 7 more restaurants shine with one star each
LJUBLJANA, Slovenia, Sept. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Slovenian gastronomy has once again achieved great success. Today, the globally acclaimed culinary guide Michelin unveiled its evaluations and selections for Slovenia in 2023. Hiša Franko has been honoured with three stars for the first time. Additionally, Milka was awarded two stars and seven restaurants have retained one-star rating: Dam Restaurant, Gostilna pri Lojzetu, Gostišče Grič, Hiša Denk, COB, Strelec Restaurant, Hiša Linhart. Slovenia has also solidified its position among the world's premier Michelin destinations in terms of the number of green stars per inhabitant. 7 restaurants have received the coveted star for sustainable gastronomy. In total, 59 restaurants and chefs have been featured in the 2023 Michelin Guide Slovenia. Slovenian culinary triumph: Hiša Franko attains three Michelin stars, Milka garners two, and 7 more restaurants shine with one star each For the first time ever,Slovenia boasts a restaurant and a chef with three Michelin stars. This prestigious accolade was earned by Hiša Franko with chef Ana Roš. Michelin awards three stars to establishments offering exceptional cuisine, making them worthy of a special trip. By receiving three Michelin stars today, Hiša Franko becomes the 140th restaurant worldwide to be awarded their highest accolade, and the first restaurant worth a special journey in Slovenia. Two Michelin stars signifying excellent cuisine worth a detour were awarded to Milka restaurant. Additionally, Michelin guide has awarded one star to 7 Slovenian restaurants for their high-quality cuisine, which is definitely worth a stop. All of the restaurants from last year have successfully retained their stars: Dam Restaurant, Gostilna pri Lojzetu, Gostišče Grič, Hiša Denk, COB, Strelec Restaurant and Hiša Linhart. In the 2023 guide, 7 restaurants proudly showcase a Michelin green star, including one new, which is Špacapanova hiša. Indicating their commitment to sustainability, the green star is exclusively awarded to restaurants that also fall into one of the other categories of the Michelin guide. Slovenia boasts the highest number of green stars per inhabitant among all Michelin destinations in the world. Furthermore, the Bib Gourmand label, reserved for restaurants offering high-quality authentic experiences at affordable prices, has been awarded to 7 restaurants, which have successfully retained the label since last year: There are 43 Slovenian restaurants featured in the list of recommended restaurants in the 2023 Michelin Guide Slovenia. 5 new restaurants have joined this esteemed category. More information
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Caelux Partners with University of New South Wales on Solar Cells Project to Improve Readiness of Solar PV Technologies
Collaborative Effort Seeks to Enhance Efficiency, Reliability, and Commercial Viability of Solar PV Technologies PASADENA, Calif., Sept. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Caelux, a pioneer in utilizing perovskites to make solar energy more powerful and cost-effective, today announced its partnership with the University of New South Wales (UNSW, Sydney, Australia) ACDC Research Group on the ARENA-funded project, 'High-Throughput Inspection Methods for High-Efficiency Multijunction Solar Cells.' This solar cells project will improve the commercial readiness of solar PV technologies and enable the next generation of solar innovation. The Artificial Intelligence, Characterisation, Defects, and Contacts (ACDC) Research Group at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) is a leader in photovoltaic luminescence imaging and applied machine learning (ML). This project aims to develop novel, contactless methods to characterize perovskite solar cells during process development and inline manufacturing, which will improve production yields and device performance, while taking into consideration the differences between silicon and perovskites. This collaboration will also undertake commercialization activities including: testing the techniques on pilot production lines and techno-economic analysis of the potential market for the developed inspection tools. "We are delighted to partner with the ACDC Research Group on this revolutionary solar cell project," said Scott Graybeal, CEO of Caelux. "Together, we are looking forward to accelerating the commercial development and long-term reliability of perovskite solar cells. We are excited to team up with leaders in the PV and luminescence imaging space to bring our ideas to life." This partnership with the ACDC team at UNSW will greatly enhance the rapid development of perovskite solar cells and, through machine learning techniques, the long-term reliability of this class of solar cells to rapidly approach silicon, the ubiquitous technology. "We are thrilled to collaborate with Caelux on this pivotal project. Caelux and its visionary leadership team have conceived an innovative product poised to redefine the photovoltaic (PV) industry," said Professor Ziv Hameiri, Principal Investigator at University of New South Wales. "We are honored to join forces with them to refine this groundbreaking product and accelerate the commercialization of perovskite solar cells, with a focus on pioneering characterisation and machine learning techniques to improve their long-term durability and reliability." The appropriate interpretation of luminescence images requires consideration of the excitation conditions, measurement calibration, and complex photo-physics including photon reabsorption and recycling, waveguide effects, ion migration, varying phases, and phase segregation. The development of new perovskite characterisation techniques is crucial for the translation from R&D labs to large-scale manufacturing. To learn more about the project, visit arena.gov.au. To learn more about Caelux, visit www.caelux.com. About CaeluxCaelux's proprietary technologies improve the performance of any new crystalline silicon module, making solar energy more powerful and cost-effective. Headquartered in Pasadena, California, Caelux is at the forefront of the emerging science of perovskites, a special class of nanomaterials. Its flagship product, Caelux™ One, is an innovative product that integrates seamlessly into existing PV module manufacturing processes, boosting performance, reducing installed costs, and accelerating the proliferation of solar. For more information, visit www.caelux.com or connect on LinkedIn or Twitter. About University of New South Wales and The ACDC Research GroupUNSW is a globally recognized research institute located in Sydney, Australia. UNSW is committed to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and innovation across a wide spectrum of disciplines, including science, engineering, and sustainability. The ACDC Research Group at UNSW specializes in the development of innovative measurements for solar cells and modules, and is a pioneer in utilizing machine learning algorithms for PV applications. Press Inquiries:Kristen AikeyJMG Public Relations212-206-1645kristen@jmgpr.com
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Mermaids Return to the South China Sea as the 2023 China Mermaid Open Championship Atlantis Station and International Mermaid Performance Contest Get
HONG KONG, Sept. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2023 China Mermaid Open Championship Atlantis Station and International Mermaid Contest officially got underway at Atlantis Sanya today. The tournament is organized by the Water Sports Administrative Center of the General Administration of Sports of China, the Chinese Water Skiing, Diving and Motorboat Sports Federation, the Hainan Provincial Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports, the People's Government of Sanya City, and Fosun Tourism Group, hosted by the Sanya Tourism Development Bureau and Atlantis Sanya and supported by the Sanya Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports. The championship is to be held by the Water Sports Administrative Center of the General Administration of Sports of China following its earlier successful hosting of six China Mermaid Open championships. These previous tournaments brought together professional judges and athletes from across China and captured the hearts of the public with their distractive visual displays. Now in its third year of hosting the China Mermaid Open Championship, Atlantis Sanya has witnessed the growth of Mermaid Sports. This year, more than 60 professional mermaid divers from many countries and regions — including China, the United States, Germany, etc.— have arrived in Sanya for the championship, marking the first attempt to hold a professional mermaid championship globally. The hosting of the tournament at Atlantis Sanya will also help to support Atlantis Sanya's international image, not only by bolstering its offerings as a premium integrated entertainment resort destination but also by its role in promoting the global development of professional mermaid diving. On the morning of September 19, Yang Xinli, Deputy Director of the Hainan Provincial Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports announced the official commencement of the 2023 China Mermaid Open Championship Atlantis Station and International Mermaid Contest. The Atlantis Sanya station of the championship will take place in the resort's Ambassador Lagoon. Fitted with a transparent acrylic viewing curtain wall measuring 16.5 meters long and 8.3 meters high, the Ambassador Lagoon has a capacity of 13,500 tons of seawater and meets the standards set by the National Mermaid Championship Manual. Competing athletes will consist of winners from previous China Mermaid Open championships who will compete across a series of preliminary and elimination rounds. As per the National Mermaid Championship Manual, both preliminary and elimination rounds will consist of two pre-specified dives and skills that must be displayed in succession. Among the skills to be tested are the duck dive, freestyle swimming, backstroke, back dive, side stroke swimming, and 360-degree spins. During the third dive and the finals, contestants are free to perform their own routines. "As a consecutive session host of professional mermaid diving championships, Atlantis Sanya is honored to be hosting the 2023 China Mermaid Open Championship and extremely grateful for the trust and support shown to us by the Water Sports Administrative Center of General Administration of Sports of China. Mermaid diving is a fascinating sport filled with mystery: not only is it a professional-level sporting championship, it is also a visual spectacle that expertly integrates natural beauty with performance art, making it the perfect match for Atlantis Sanya. In the future, we will continue to utilize its own destination scenario advantages to promote the integration of culture and physical, and to assist in the high-quality development of China's culture and tourism industry." said Cao Minglong, President of Fosun Tourism Group. Liu Qing, Minister of Department III of the Water Sports Administrative Center of General Administration of Sports of China said: "From the first China Mermaid Open Championship in 2021, to two championships in 2022, and five championships set to take place this year, the China Mermaid Open has become an increasingly established championship in the world of professional mermaid and aquatic sports. Not only has it become a recognized event in China, but it has also further influenced and supported the development of professional mermaid projects worldwide." Prior to the 2023 China Mermaid Open, Atlantis Sanya previously hosted the first China Mermaid Performance Championship in 2021 and the Sanya Round of the 2022 China Mermaid Open. In April 2021, Atlantis Sanya was also the setting of a successful Guinness World Record attempt for the largest underwater mermaid show, during which 110 mermaid performers simultaneously took part in a large-scale mermaid performance at the Ambassador Lagoon. Over the past three years, Atlantis Sanya has formed a close association with mermaid diving and the Ambassador Lagoon has become a popular professional venue for diving fans. Through the Atlantis Sanya Dive Club, the resort has also introduced a series of diving experiences suitable for guests of all ages. These include one-stop diving experiences and professional training offered across ten different diving courses, including scuba diving, free diving, and mermaid diving. Further to the Ambassador Lagoon, the resort features additional diving locations and instruction pools such as Dolphin Cay and the Shark Pool that offer divers of different levels the chance to experience different diving environments. Through the continued development of its products and services and its collaboration with external partners, Atlantis Sanya has made significant contributions to the water sports and tourism industry. With visa-free travel to Hainan now available for 59 different nationalities, Atlantis Sanya is well-positioned to benefit from the increase in international travel to the island. Going forward, Atlantis Sanya will continue to lead the development of the market and build its international image as a premium integrated entertainment resort destination.
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International tourism festival opens in central China's Yangtze River city
YICHANG, China, Sept. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The 14th China Yangtze River Three Gorges International Tourism Festival opened in Yichang City, the gateway to the Three Gorge Dam site, in central China's Hubei Province on the evening of Sept. 16. After the opening ceremony, a large-scale dance performance featuring poetry and painting elements about the Yangtze River was staged, which showcases the river's natural beauty and vast expanse and the city's time-honored cultural legacies and achievements in the protection and development of the Yangtze River, according to the Three Gorges Integrated Media Center of Yichang City. The tourism festival will last from Sept. 16 to Sept. 27 to promote the green development of the Yangtze River and the iconic views of the Three Gorges. A total of 18 activities will be held during the 12-day long festival, including the opening ceremony, dance performance, the Yangtze River Three Gorges regional tourism cooperation rotating chairman meeting, piano performance, citrus harvesting and open water swimming contests. The festival is a large-scale tourism festival co-sponsored by the local governments of Hubei and Chongqing, two provincial-level regions along the Yangtze River. Since 2010, it has been held in the two places in an annual rotation manner and become a well-known cultural tourism event in China. The opening ceremony featured the attendance of representatives from the relevant departments and districts of Chongqing and Hubei, regions with pair-up support to the Three Gorges area, important enterprises, well-known artists, travel agents, academic tour organizers, among others. Accelerating the regional development of the Yangtze River Three Gorges is of special significance for the comprehensive implementation of the development strategy of the Yangtze River Economic Belt and the promotion of regional coordinated development. Over the past decade, Hubei and Chongqing have deepened cooperation by co-hosting the festival, branding the Three Gorges, and building the Yangtze River national cultural park. The cooperation between the two sides has played a positive role in promoting the conservation and ecological development of the Yangtze River, driving the Three Gorges region's economic and social development, and improving locals' well-being. Image Attachments Links:Link: https://iop.asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=442289Caption: The 14th China Yangtze River Three Gorges International Tourism Festival opened in Yichang City.
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Cosmos Hotel Management Re-opens New and Unique MIMARU Apartment Hotel in Kyoto to Discover Japan
TOKYO, Sept. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cosmos Hotel Management Co., Ltd. is pleased to announce the re-opening of MIMARU Kyoto Kawaramachi Gojo on October 1, 2023, just in time for Kyoto's beautiful autumn. The long-awaited apartment hotel has 10 room types, including rooms for large groups and a Pokemon Room, and a gym. It is perfect for families, groups, and extended stays. Photo1:https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M107482/202309129479/_prw_PI19fl_xof67mF2.png MIMARU Kyoto Kawaramachi Gojo ( https://mimaruhotels.com/hotel/kawaramachi-gojo/ ) has a broad range of unique rooms, starting with 40 m2 rooms (up to 4 guests), larger 60 m2 rooms (4 to 6 guests), connecting rooms for 8 guests, and the Pokemon Room that has become a fan favorite around the world. All rooms have a kitchen and dining facility. The hotel also has a fitness gym and a laundry room, offering a luggage storage service for pre- and post-stays or on days between stays. The location is excellent for touring the nearby Osaka, Nara, Shiga, and Hiroshima areas; it is also very comfortable for mid- to long-term stays such as for workcations. Reservations began in August 2023, and rooms are still available for the autumn foliage season, Thanksgiving, and Christmas holidays (as of Aug. 31, 2023). *In addition to capacity guests, up to 2 children 6 years old and younger can stay and share beds with adults for free in all rooms. Photo2:https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M107482/202309129479/_prw_PI18fl_o9hTd4j6.png While many visitors to Japan travel with their families or in groups, hotels that offer the luxury of relaxation to such large groups are limited in most urban areas. Apartment Hotel MIMARU hotels are located in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, offering excellent access. Hotel locations:https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M107482/202309129479/_prw_PI14fl_wz8t7tX5.jpg MIMARU staff members are fans of Japan from around the world. Many are multilingual and able to communicate smoothly in Japanese and English; some MIMARU hotels have staff fluent in Chinese, Spanish, and Korean as well. These staff members are MIMARU guests' reliable partners to make extraordinary trips together. For each picture, please visit:https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/release/202309129479?p=images(C) Pokemon. (C) Nintendo/Creatures Inc. /GAME FREAK inc.TM, (R), and character names are trademarks of Nintendo. About Cosmos Hotel Management Co., Ltd.-Head office: Minato Ward, Tokyo-President: Hideki Fujioka-Inquiry: https://mimaruhotels.com/contact-us/ MIMARU Website: https://mimaruhotels.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mimaruhotels/
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Global Times: China's Pu'er leads way as UNESCO heritage site
BEIJING, Sept. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Cultural Landscape of Old Tea Forests of Jingmai Mountain in Pu'er, Southwest China's Yunnan Province was inscribed onto the UNESCO World Heritage list on Sunday during the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, becoming the first World Heritage site for tea culture and bringing the total number of China's sites on the list to 57. Over the past 12 years, the local administration and villagers have cooperated closely in the ecological development of traditional villages, old tea plantations and forests. By incorporating advanced and scientific methods into traditional tea processing, the local community has shaken off poverty and created a better life for residents. Experts told the Global Times that the world heritage site demonstrates ecological ethics and wisdom that features harmony between man and nature and establishes itself as a key inspiration for sustainable development. Located in the city of Pu'er, Southwest China's Yunnan Province, the Cultural Landscape of Old Tea Forests of Jingmai Mountain covers nine traditional villages, three old tea plantations operated and managed by villagers for generations and three protective and partition forests. Here, the mountain nurtures tea, and tea nurtures people. The local villagers are grateful for nature's gifts, cherish every inch of land and consider the ancient tea forests as a part of their lives. Treasure inherited from ancestors The property was jointly created by the ancestors of the Blang people who migrated to Jingmai Mountain in the 10th century and discovered and domesticated wild tea trees as well as the ancestors of the Dai people, who later settled there. As a multi-ethnic settlement, Jingmai Mountain still preserves the languages, music, customs and festivals of different ethnic groups, adding more unique charm to the ancient tea forests. Driven by their reverence for their ancestors and nature, local villagers have a unique "tea ancestor belief," which deepens their conscious behavior and collective identity in protecting the ancient tea forests. Whether it's the Blang ethnic group's Shankang Festival, the festival of tea ancestors among the Blang people, or the Dai ethnic group's Water Splashing Festival, people express gratitude to the tea trees and seek blessings for the tea forests and villages on important days. It is said that the Blang people believe every tea tree has a spirit. For this reason, a secret ritual ceremony, passed down for generations, is carried out before people of the ethnic minority group begin picking tea leaves. On the basis of longstanding exploration and practices, the aboriginal people developed a smart understory growing technique, that is, to create ideal light conditions for the growing of tea trees through limited understory cultivation while preventing insect hazards through a well-preserved forest ecosystem, so as to produce quality organic tea leaves without application of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. This smart cultivation technique has been practiced and carried on through local religious beliefs and cultural traditions. Chen Yaohua, director of Peking University's World Heritage Research Center, told the Global Times that as the first tea culture heritage site in the world, the successful inscription of the Cultural Landscape of Old Tea Forests of Jingmai Mountain in Pu'er is of great significance for tea culture since beverages such as wine and coffee have long been inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage list. Additionally, a property with such an ancient history enriches the diversity of world heritage and promotes the global exchange and trade of tea culture. According to Chen, this project combines government management with grassroots autonomy based on traditional beliefs. It has formed a unique conservation and management system for protecting cultural and biological diversity while ensuring the sustainable utilization of natural resources. He explained that the understanding and support of local villagers was crucial to the success of this inscription. Due to their Buddhist beliefs, each village has a "Buddha Master" who recites scripture. The content of these recitations often integrates Buddhist teachings with specific local matters. "The local Buddha masters strongly supported the inscription project and even created music videos to share their recordings with the villagers. The villagers were convinced by their efforts, making it easier for us to carry out cultural landscape projects related to ancient tea forests and ancient villages," said Chen, adding that the harmonious social atmosphere of these ethnic minority communities contributed to the smooth preparation of the inscription. A 'self-sufficient' eco-zone The new World Heritage Site is home to more than 900 kinds of plants and 340 types of animal species, including insects and terrestrial vertebrates. Besides its iconic "tea tree" label, the site is also a "self-sufficient" zone for rich biodiversity. Tang Lixin, an expert at the local development center for tea and biological industry of Pu'er city's Lancang county, told the Global Times that the unique climate and environment of the region has made it an independent ecological zone within which plants and animals can "mutually nurture" each other. As the site is encircled by two rivers, there is adequate moisture for plants as well as balanced air humidity, which is considered the best environment for trees, particular tea trees. Tang revealed to the Global Times that aside from ancient tea plants, the "phoenix tree" is also known as a popular plant in the area. More than 100 honeycombs can be made by the "rock bees" that tend to dwell on the tree, making it the perfect example of plant-animal coexistence. The expert also noted that such a reciprocal relationship shed lights on how to expand the local industry by developing the honey trade as a new sector that can exist along with the traditional tea industry. Xiang Kangzuo, a wild animal researcher, told the Global Times he saw the area's rich animal life, particularly the leopard cat and birds of the mountain area, when he once visited for research. Xiang said that the bird-tree connection keeps the tea trees free from vermin. "The value of the biodiversity of the Old Tea Forests of the Jingmai Mountain combines two factors. The first is the number and importance of the area's natural resources. The second is the autonomous and self-sufficient exchange between such animals and plants," Xiang noted. Both Xiang and Tang emphasized to the Global Times that human beings have hardly interfered with the natural order of the region. Tang, however, added that the ecology of the Old Tea Forests of the Jingmai Mountain would not be complete without human beings' contributions. Local people, especially tea farmers, have had a tacit consensus to not overly exploit their tea tree resources since their father's and grandfather's generations. "Selective use and protection are two rules that have never changed," Tang remarked. Rules such as banning livestock such as sheep from entering the Old Tea Forests was only one regulation that villagers set to protect the area. Other than that, locals have avoided bringing potential harm to the area from chemical fuels by avoiding mechanical tools and instead insisting on hand-picking tea even though manual labor reduces production efficiency. "Calling it 'traditional tea wisdom' is not about avoiding new machines or technology but continuing our ancestors' respect, love and the pride of being a 'tea person' that can be carried for generations," Tang noted. So far, there are 108 plant species that are unique to Yunnan in the region, of which five are endangered species and 11 are national protected species. Aside from birds, the region is also home to 13 kinds of snakes such as Elaphe taeniura, also known as the "black eyebrow snake," and cobras. A better life People here often say, "A leaf enriches a community." Jingmai Mountain has persisted in its tradition of sustainable development, painting a new picture of ecological prosperity in the modern era. It is worth noting that more than 90 percent of the labor force in the region rely on tea for their livelihood. Encouragingly, an increasing number of young people are choosing to stay in their hometowns and safeguard the tea forests left by their ancestors. "We practice moderate and reasonable harvesting and utilization of ancient tea trees. Currently, we mainly harvest tea leaves in spring and autumn, while leaving the trees undisturbed during the summer to allow them to accumulate nutrients. The picking is still done manually, and we are careful to leave tender buds on the new shoots," Xiangong, a Dai woman, told the Global Times. Ten years ago, Xiangong took the lead in establishing a tea cooperative, which now has 229 households taking part. The cooperative's establishment has enabled more centralized and standardized marketing of the tea from Jingmai Mountain. Chen mentioned that an increasing number of young people are choosing to stay in their hometown or return after graduating from universities to contribute to the development of the tea industry in the region. Tea income accounts for more than 90 percent of local villagers' income. As a result, the residents' income surpasses regional and national averages. This has driven sustainable economic and social development at the heritage site and promoted the conservation of ancient tea forests. "With the cultural influence and poverty alleviation efforts provided by the tea industry and the rich cultural background of the 'tea ancestors,' it is certain that more young people will choose to contribute to their hometowns. Besides harvesting and selling tea, they will inject new vitality into Pu'er through activities such as opening homestays and designing cultural and creative products," said Chen. Hu Jianrong, a deputy mayor of Pu'er, stated that inspired by the millennium-old tea planting model of Jingmai Mountain, more than 1.36 million acres of tea gardens in the city have been managed ecologically since 2010. Projects such as the Pu'er Tea Processing and Storage Logistics Park and the Tea Horse Ancient Cellar have been established near Jingmai Mountain. This has attracted more businesses and tourists to the area, with the number of visitors reaching 6.15 million in 2022 and generating tourism revenue of 6.24 billion yuan ($855.2 million). With the successful inscription of Jingmai Mountain's ancient tea forests, this "hidden paradise" has gained more attention but also faces challenges brought by flourishing tourism. Local culture and tourism management authorities are now tasked with finding a balance between effective preservation and sustainable utilization. "We hope to develop tourism service facilities at the foot of the mountain, including building a tourist town, to reduce the pressure of tourism," said Chen.
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Booming sports economy drives Rizhao's growth
RIZHAO, China, Sept. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from chinadaily.com.cn: Rizhao, a coastal city in Shandong province, has been harnessing the power of sports to stimulate the local economy and boost its profile. Statistics show that since the beginning of this year, the coastal city has held nearly 64 sporting events, spanning international, national, and provincial levels, drawing more than 30,000 participants and generating approximately 200 million yuan ($27.49 million) in consumption spending. The sports economy is becoming a significant contributor to the city's growth. The national championships of the National Youth Basketball Open, which was held in Rizhao this August, set a new record for participation, with 4,049 young players from 442 teams taking part. The event also attracted over 15,000 sports enthusiasts to the city. "The increasing number of participants is partly due to Rizhao's strong appeal as a tourist destination," said Lu Hao, the founder of the National Youth Basketball Open. He added that Rizhao's distinctive tourism resources and sports events create opportunities that stimulate local consumption. Situated near the Yellow Sea, Rizhao lures tourists from home and abroad with its picturesque coastline scenery and seafood. "I really love this place. Despite my brief stay in Rizhao, the captivating sea, pristine beaches, and the warm-hearted people have left me with wonderful memories," said Zhu Ruping, an athlete of Qinghai team during a national level racewalking championships held in the Rizhao in September. Rizhao has in recent years taken efforts to turn itself into a "modern coastal sports metropolis" by combining its local culture, coastal resources, and the allure of sports to stimulate consumption and serve the city's development. This July, the city's sports bureau released 10 policies to stimulate sports consumption. According to these policies, more efforts will be made to develop new business forms such as night sports economy, upgrade public fitness facilities by using digital technology, and roll out sports events that are linked with local tourism.
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The Jiangsu Delegation Helps Paris Appreciate the 600-Year Beauty of Kunqu Opera
PARIS, Sept. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- From September 12 to 16, the cultural exchange activity "Encounter of Civilization: Jiangsu Week of Chinese Kunqu Opera" was held in Paris, France. Featuring classic performances, interactive dynamic displays, thematic exhibitions, academic discussions, and more, it presented a rich cultural feast of Kunqu Opera for the people of France. Poster of Chinese Kunqu Opera For two consecutive days, the South Kunqu Opera version of "The Peony Pavilion" by Jiangsu Kun Opera Theater played to a full house at the Theatre Libre in Paris. This production faithfully showcased the masterpiece as presented by Master Zhang Jiqing from the Jiangsu Kun Opera Theater, who had astounded Paris with this same version 37 years ago, according to Jiangsu International Culture Association. The brilliant performance, lasting over two hours, received seven curtain calls with lead actors Kong Aiping and Shi Xiaming. Many French audience members expressed that despite their first encounter with Kunqu Opera, they could feel the beauty within it, which they found to be not only Eastern but also a part of humanity's intangible cultural heritage. In addition to the performances, this event included a rich array of exhibitions, seminars, and outreach activities such as Kunqu Opera in schools. The actors also organized flash mobs at iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe, engaging with the local people on the streets. The "Emotions Unveiled, Affections Explored: A Special Exhibition on Chinese Kunqu Opera Culture" held at the Guimet Museum, also known as the National Museum of Asian Arts, comprehensively showcased the history, texts, props, costumes, musical instruments, and international exchanges related to Kunqu Opera. It presented a panorama of the inheritance and development of Chinese culture, as well as the modernization of Jiangsu Province in the Chinese context. During the international symposium held at the China Cultural Center in Paris, cultural scholars from countries including France, the United Kingdom, Italy, and the Netherlands focused on the theme of "Kunqu Opera in Our Era: Cross-Cultural Dialogue and Civilization Exchange" for discussions and exchanges. Maria Shevtsova, a fellow of the European Academy of Sciences and a professor of Drama at the University of London, stated that Kunqu Opera has continuously explored various aspects of human artistic expression. It combines singing, dancing, and theatrical costumes into a harmonious whole, showcasing the dignity of human creativity. Kunqu Opera, often referred to as the ancestor of a hundred operas, originated between the 14th and 17th centuries in the Kunshan region of Suzhou, near today's Shanghai. Over the following 600 years, it merged with regional cultures across China, giving rise to various distinctive schools and styles. The delegation performing in France hails from Jiangsu, the birthplace of Kunqu Opera, and is acclaimed by Kunqu enthusiasts for its "Southern Kun Style". The eight major Kunqu Opera troupes active across China possess their own regional characteristics and unique beauty. With support and enthusiasm for culture from all segments of Chinese society, Chinese traditional theater arts have entered a more confident stage today. Art knows no borders, and culture finds common ground. Nowadays, through online channels, audiences from all over the world can experience innovative expressions of Chinese traditional culture, even if they are thousands of miles away. Follow the "China Culture & Art" media cluster on Facebook and YouTube, and join the #Echoesofkunqu hashtag to share stories of Chinese opera from your own experiences. Feel the enduring charm of China's outstanding traditional culture. Image Attachments Links:Link: https://iop.asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=442276Caption: Poster of Chinese Kunqu Opera
