Archives: 31/10/2024

During the recent National Day holiday, China’s domestic tourism saw an impressive turnout of 765 million trips, marking a 5.9% increase year-on-year, with total spending reaching 700.82 billion yuan, up 6.3% from the previous year. One standout performer was Guizhou, a province that has gained significant attention in the national cultural and tourism landscape over the past few years. According to data from various platforms, during the National Day period, Guizhou experienced a 21% increase in travel bookings, a 56% rise in ticket orders, and saw a remarkable 133% increase in inbound tourism orders.

Despite Guizhou’s relatively late start in the cultural and tourism sector compared to established destinations, it has emerged as a rising star on both the national and global tourism maps. The province boasts rich natural resources and a climate that attracts visitors seeking relief from the sweltering heat, especially as average temperatures from June to August hover around 23.6°C, making it an ideal summer getaway.

However, attributing Guizhou’s rapid rise solely to favorable weather conditions would be too simplistic and overlook the complexities of modern tourism development. What has Guizhou done right to elevate its status in the tourism industry? What unique factors have contributed to its burgeoning tourism popularity? Let’s explore this through four key aspects.

**1. Transportation Revolution: How to Get to Guizhou**

Transportation infrastructure is critical for the modern tourism era. Guizhou’s late start in tourism can be directly linked to its mountainous terrain and historically weak infrastructure. Recognizing this issue, Guizhou has embarked on a transportation revolution over the past decade, connecting various regions and facilitating tourism growth.

A milestone was reached on December 26, 2014, with the opening of the Guiyang-Guangzhou high-speed rail line, marking Guizhou’s entry into the “high-speed rail era.” This single event has had profound implications for the tourism sector, as illustrated by reports of bustling restaurants filled with visitors from Guangdong during the first Spring Festival after the rail’s inauguration.

Following that, Guizhou expanded its high-speed rail network significantly, constructing lines connecting Guiyang with cities such as Kunming, Changsha, and Chengdu. By the end of 2023, Guizhou’s total railway mileage reached 4,256 kilometers, establishing a robust framework for travel that enables spontaneous journeys throughout the province.

Moreover, Guizhou has also prioritized the development of its expressway system, becoming the first province in China’s western region to achieve full expressway access to all counties by the end of 2015. This infrastructure boom has been essential in accommodating the rising trend of self-driving tourism, as Guizhou now boasts nearly 8,800 kilometers of expressways.

An impressive feature of Guizhou’s transportation network is its high ratio of bridges, leading the province to earn the nickname “Bridge Museum,” with nearly half of the world’s top 100 tallest bridges located here, including three in the top ten.

Air travel has also seen significant growth, with Guizhou Airport expected to handle over 22 million passengers in 2024, offering various domestic and international routes.

Guizhou’s unique transport system has made it more accessible for tourists while simultaneously turning certain infrastructure into attractions themselves. For example, the BaLing River Bridge, with its thrilling activities like bungee jumping, has become a popular tourist site that boosts local lodging and agricultural sales.

**2. Cultural and Tourism Integration: What to Experience in Guizhou**

Today, the idea of a seamless bond between culture and tourism is widely accepted. Yet, genuine integration of these two sectors didn’t become official in China until the establishment of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 2018. Under this new banner, Guizhou, rich in cultural resources, has significantly advanced its cultural tourism initiatives.

The province houses numerous historical and cultural heritage sites, and in July 2023, Guizhou’s government announced four major cultural initiatives aimed at elevating cultural tourism. This includes emphasizing red culture, promoting historical narratives, and integrating indigenous cultural elements into tourism products.

Innovative projects like the “Red Ribbon” digital cultural experience center, focused on the Long March history, and the comprehensive interpretive project “Great Turning Point” have emerged as pioneering examples of this cultural tourism blend.

Guizhou has also successfully harnessed its diverse cultural resources to create engaging tourist experiences. The province’s obligation to foster cultural engagement through tourist offerings ensures it stands apart in a crowded market, avoiding homogenization while providing authentic experiences.

**3. Technology Revolution: How to Experience Guizhou**

Guizhou has adeptly leveraged new technologies and the mobile internet to enhance its tourism appeal. The establishment of initiatives such as the “Smart Tourism Action Plan” reflects a commitment to innovative digital experiences in tourism.

For instance, the “Night Tour of Huangguoshu” is a pioneering attraction that utilizes immersive light and sound technologies, transforming the natural scenery into a vibrant night-time destination. Since its launch, it has drawn millions of visitors, showcasing the potential of technology in enhancing visitor experiences.

Moreover, new platforms like “One Code to Explore Guizhou” streamline tourist experiences by providing seamless access to local attractions and events, thus ensuring a user-friendly interface that enhances visitor satisfaction.

In addition to enriching tourism products, technology has shaped Guizhou’s promotional strategies. By aligning with platforms like Douyin and Bilibili, Guizhou has broadened its reach and created new tourism archetypes such as “Village Basketball” and “Village Music Festivals,” which resonate with younger audiences.

**4. Changing Tourism Perceptions: Why Visit Guizhou?**

In an era focused on emotional value and authenticity, Guizhou’s breathtaking scenery and diverse cultural experiences provide a must-visit destination for tourists seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. The province’s array of engaging activities, from live music events to outdoor adventures, caters to the needs of younger generations looking for unique experiences.

Guizhou has become a paradise for adventurers, offering ample opportunities for rock climbing, cycling, and bungee jumping among its mountainous landscapes. Events like the recent twelve music performance series in Guiyang highlight the province’s vibrant cultural scene, attracting many young visitors.

Furthermore, Guizhou’s emphasis on personalized, high-quality accommodations through the growth of unique local inns caters to the preferences of modern travelers, further enhancing its appeal.

In summary, Guizhou’s tourism industry has successfully evolved by embracing infrastructure development, cultural integration, technology adoption, and a keen understanding of changing traveler expectations. As the province continues to grow as a tourist destination, the challenge remains: how to sustain this momentum and continually innovate to stand out as a world-class travel locale. Nonetheless, Guizhou has already established itself as a noteworthy example in China’s tourism landscape, symbolizing the evolving relationship between culture, technology, and modern exploration.

In 2025, Venice plans to double the number of days it charges tourists an entrance fee, following a successful trial run last year, according to Mayor Luigi Brugnaro. He emphasized that the goal is to discourage large crowds from overwhelming the city, aiming to afford Venice the respect it deserves.

Visitors who make advance reservations will need to pay €5 (approximately $5.41) to access the city on select days between April and July. This fee increases to €10 for those who book less than four days in advance. The fee was initially introduced last April and was applied on 29 days, primarily weekends and public holidays, over the course of four months.

The new plan will implement the entrance charge every Friday to Sunday, as well as on public holidays, from April 18 to July 27, 2025, amounting to a total of 54 days. All visitors aged 14 and older will need to pay the charge through their phones and present a QR code to inspectors, who will conduct random checks at common entry points like the train station. Those without tickets risk receiving a fine.

Exemptions will remain in place for individuals with hotel or guesthouse reservations, residents of the Veneto region, students at Venice’s university, and those visiting friends or family in the city.

Simone Venturini, a city councilor, noted that Venice has shifted from being heavily criticized for overtourism to becoming a proactive leader in addressing this issue on a global scale. Reports suggest that during the first eight days of the initial trial in April, Venice authorities collected what they expected to earn in three months. By the end of the trial period in mid-July, the city had amassed approximately €2.4 million ($2.5 million) in entrance fees.

However, Mayor Brugnaro indicated that further analysis was needed to determine if the revenue from the scheme would cover its costs, which included around €3 million for the ticket booking platform and related communications.

Opposition councilor Giovanni Andrea Martini criticized the entrance fee system as a “failure,” stating that it did not effectively disperse tourist traffic throughout the city. He argued that raising the fee from €5 to €10 would be “useless” and could transform Venice into a mere museum.

In light of ongoing challenges, such as climate change and mass tourism, last year UNESCO recommended that Venice be placed on a list of World Heritage sites in danger. Additionally, in 2021, large cruise ships were banned from entering the historic center of Venice after a ship collided with a harbor, as concerns grew about pollution and the erosion of the city’s foundations which suffer from frequent flooding.

Callum Parslow, a self-declared Nazi extremist, was recently convicted of attempted murder after he stabbed asylum seeker Nahom Hagos in Worcestershire. In a chilling revelation, Parslow described his violent act as “exterminating the invasive species” in what authorities have characterized as a “terrorist manifesto.”

During the attack, which took place at a hotel previously used to shelter asylum seekers, Parslow, marked by a tattoo of Adolf Hitler’s signature on his arm, approached Hagos while he was eating lunch. Upon learning that Hagos was from Eritrea, Parslow pulled out a knife and stabbed him multiple times in the chest and hand.

In the post he attempted to share on X following the assault, Parslow claimed to have fulfilled his “duty to England” by “removing the weeds” and “exterminating the harmful, invasive species.” He even attempted to tag prominent political figures, including Tommy Robinson, Keir Starmer, Rishi Sunak, Nigel Farage, and Suella Braverman in his message.

During a three-week trial at Leicester Crown Court, Parslow, 32, was found guilty of attempted murder after he initially admitted to a charge of wounding. The prosecutor, Tom Storey KC, emphasized that the assault was not random but carefully orchestrated, driven by an extreme right-wing ideology that led Parslow to specifically target Hagos based on his ethnicity.

The manifesto revealed further disturbing sentiments, detailing Parslow’s views on “the evil enemies of nature and of England” which he identified as “the Jews, the Marxists, and the globalists.” Storey remarked that the text unmistakably resembled an extreme right-wing terrorist manifesto.

Investigations revealed that before the attack, Parslow had conducted research on hotels accommodating asylum seekers. He admitted to jurors that his anger and frustration over small boat crossings motivated him to stab “one of the Channel migrants.”

At the time of the assault, The Pear Tree Inn was closed for renovations, having been used by the government to house asylum seekers from November 2022 to February 2024. Hagos, who had previously stayed at the hotel, had returned to visit its manager, with whom he had fostered a friendship. Following the attack, Hagos was urgently taken to the hospital by the hotel manager and a builder, as they feared he was losing too much blood.

Parslow was later found by police walking along a canal with blood on his hands. A search of his home revealed items such as a red swastika armband, leading to his arrest on suspicion of terrorism. Investigators uncovered that just before the attack, he had ordered a specialized knife from the U.S. for $1,000 and had searched for disturbing information online, including queries about the worst places to stab someone, life imprisonment in England and Wales, murder, and ambush strategies.

The court also disclosed that Parslow had a history of racist behavior, having had his lease terminated by his landlord for leaving a racist note on a communal door. He will be sentenced at a later date after the court lifted a reporting restriction related to this case.

On October 23, a factory in Ankara, Turkey, was the target of a terrorist attack that resulted in casualties. According to reports from Turkey’s Anadolu Agency and the Türkiye Today website, the attacked facility belongs to Turkish Aerospace Industries and is located in the Kahramankazan district of Ankara. The incident began with a suicide bombing at the factory entrance, followed by gunfire, leading to multiple injuries and fatalities. In response to the unfolding situation, personnel on-site were directed to nearby shelters for safety. Security forces, firefighters, and medical teams were dispatched to the scene promptly.

Turkey’s Interior Minister, Ali Yerlikaya, took to social media to confirm the attack and express his condolences for the victims while wishing a speedy recovery to those injured. He also assured the public that updates regarding the situation would be provided.

Ankara’s Mayor, Mansur Yavaş, expressed deep sorrow over the attack and condemned terrorism in his statements. As reported by Reuters, Turkish Aerospace Industries plays a critical role in Turkey’s defense and aviation sectors, notably developing the domestically-produced fifth-generation fighter jet, the KAAN, which successfully completed its maiden flight earlier this year.

Desperate for a break from the grind of office life but worried about financial stability? A new trend emerging from France could pique your interest: part-time farming.

Meet a fresh wave of young professionals seeking to blend the best of both worlds—urban sophistication and rural cultivation, alongside a balance of technology and hands-on work. These innovative individuals are leveraging advancements in technology and flexible work arrangements to create a hybrid lifestyle that fulfills their desire for purpose and profit.

Julien Maudet, a data engineer and cider-maker, notes, “In the corporate world, more people are questioning the meaning behind what they do. There’s a rising tide of burnout and anxiety. On the farm, the purpose is clear: it’s about producing food. However, the uncertainty and risks involved in agriculture can be daunting. It became apparent to me that the corporate and farming worlds are both in crisis, and each could offer solutions to the other. We need to merge these two realms.”

Julien is one of the founders of Slasheurs-cueilleurs, an organization advocating for these crossover careers. The name itself is a fun play on words in French, echoing “chasseurs-cueilleurs” (hunter-gatherers), while incorporating the “slash” from the modern work term used to describe individuals with multiple occupations, like “chef-slash-football coach.”

The idea of blending city and country living solidified for Julien during the Covid lockdowns when he sought refuge at his grandparents’ farm in Normandy. He quickly realized he wasn’t alone in this journey—many others were already embracing such paths. “We didn’t invent this lifestyle; we just brought attention to it,” he explains.

Take Matthew Charlton, for example. Originally from England, he teaches at the Sorbonne University but also dedicates over half his week to cultivating watercress on his smallholding, located about 40 miles south of Paris. In the Essonne department, what was once known for its “green gold” is now slowly revival after many cress farms were abandoned since the 1970s.

“The great thing about watercress is you don’t need heavy machinery or large investments; it’s just you, some boots, and a knife,” Matthew shares. He harvests around 30,000 bunches each year, supplying local farm shops and restaurants in Paris. “I teach on Mondays and Thursdays, and the rest of the time I’m either at the farm or delivering products in Paris, where I live.”

Matthew finds his hybrid lifestyle rewarding. “It suits me perfectly. I spend plenty of time outdoors, and then I recharge for two days in Paris. My goal is to transition to full-time cress farming, but this gradual approach mitigates my financial risk.”

Those embracing this “slasheur” lifestyle come from various backgrounds—some inherit land, while others rent, purchase, or collaborate with existing farmers. They have diverse routines, from living in the countryside part-time to commuting from urban areas to nearby agricultural fields.

In the office, they might be lawyers, engineers, or consultants. Out in the fields, they transform into market gardeners, wine producers, or laborers. A unifying theme among them is a longing for spiritual fulfillment and a commitment to organic practices, with many feeling disillusioned by the monotony of conventional corporate careers.

Marie Paitier, a cider-maker and HR consultant, shares her experience: “My husband and I both faced burnout from our city jobs. It wasn’t solely my employer’s fault; I was pushing myself too hard. Now, I split my time between Normandy, where my family lives, and part-time work in Paris. I didn’t want to completely abandon my career; I enjoy my job and the financial security it offers. This balance has been essential for us.”

The allure of a simpler rural life isn’t new, but today’s technological advancements—including remote work and flexible careers—are redefining this dream. Ecology has also gained an importance that shapes our choices about lifestyle and work.

“This isn’t just affluent city dwellers dabbling in farming,” Maudet asserts. “Our vision encompasses a fundamental transformation. Farms need more hands to produce the quality food we deserve. If we fail to attract people into agriculture, farms will continue to expand and industrialize. Meanwhile, office workers, facing the threat of AI, are eager for new opportunities. A more hybrid approach would enhance our resilience as a society.”

During a recent interview, well-known Bay Area venture capitalist and permanent honorary chairman of the API Coalition, Zhu Weiren, reflected on a memorable flight from San Francisco to Hong Kong last November. Seated next to him was Chyanne Chen, a candidate for the District 11 city council. Although they had met in other contexts before, this was their first opportunity for an in-depth conversation. Zhu remarked, “Chyanne cares deeply about the community and has been actively addressing issues of resource equity in schools. She is a candidate we can trust.”

On the morning of October 26, Chyanne Chen organized a voter encouragement event outside the Excelsior Library in San Francisco, drawing a supportive crowd that included UCA (United Chinese Americans) President Xue Haipai and Zhu Weiren, as well as former president of the Xin Xin Education Foundation, Yuan Wen.

Reflecting on her impactful flight experience, Chen shared, “I was flying economy and couldn’t believe it when Zhu Weiren sat next to me.” She continued, “He was engrossed in a book, dedicated to learning and philanthropy. It was inspiring to see someone so accomplished choosing to travel this way. I’ve always believed that you can serve the public no matter where you are, and Zhu’s encouragement to step up was one of the reasons I decided to run.”

Zhu Weiren further commented on their conversation during the flight, stating, “I had seen Chyanne at API Coalition meetings before, but talking with her on the plane deepened my understanding of her. She fights for labor rights and advocates for vulnerable groups, all while focusing on equitable resource distribution within the school district. She continually works to enhance her leadership abilities.”

President Xue Haipai praised Chyanne’s extensive background in community service, emphasizing her dedication to grassroots efforts. “The District 11 election is being closely watched by the Asian American community across the country because it directly impacts our interests. We need someone like her leading our city,” he said.

Yu Hongying, owner of the Spring Life Seafood and Ginseng Shop in District 11, praised Chen for being approachable and grounded. “I faced challenges with my awning and feared potential fines from the city,” he explained. “Chyanne stepped in to help, providing advice that led to a successful resolution and even brought more customers my way.”

Touched by Chyanne’s genuine support, Yu volunteered to assist her campaign. With a predominantly Chinese clientele, he routinely asks customers if they are registered voters. So far, he has encouraged over a dozen people to register. “Some older folks hadn’t registered before, so I coordinated with volunteers to help them. Others who voted years ago are excited about voting again. Living in District 11 for over 20 years, Chyanne understands the community, and her political platform aligns perfectly with our hopes for safety, security, and well-being. We need someone who will advocate for the Asian American community.”

On the day of the event, many residents showed up to cast their votes, demonstrating strong support for Chyanne Chen.

Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe has recently faced scrutiny over her attendance record in the Senate, having participated in only 46.2% of votes since the 2022 election. Reports reveal that she has taken more unexplained days off than any other senator this term.

Official attendance records indicate that Thorpe has been absent for 11 days without seeking leave. While senators can request leave before or after their absence, this procedure is generally straightforward.

In a written statement to Guardian Australia, Thorpe expressed her intention to address her attendance issues before the parliament resumes. “This isn’t an issue,” she stated. “There is no time limit on seeking leave. My office will manage this during the next parliamentary sitting weeks.”

Thorpe has already been granted an additional 40 days of leave during the current session, which is second only to former Senator Patrick Dodson, who took 54 days while battling cancer. “Despite what some may say, I do not take my position in the Senate lightly,” Thorpe emphasized. “I am committed to my responsibilities, and my small team works exceptionally hard.”

The Senator explained that her absences are linked to a serious injury sustained earlier this year at a public event. “I was assaulted and suffered significant nerve and spinal injuries in my neck, which required surgery and the insertion of a plate,” she said. “I have a scar on the front of my neck as a result. My doctor advised me not to travel and to take time off work during my recovery.”

Thorpe mentioned that she opted to reveal this information only after media inquiries regarding her attendance. “I would have preferred to keep this matter private and won’t comment further at this time,” she added.

Out of the 1,238 votes held in the Senate since the last election, data shows Thorpe has only been present for 572. While there are various reasons for senators missing votes—including illness and official commitments—the data does not specify reasons for each absence. Senators can notify the Senate of their absence and indicate their voting intentions, allowing for arrangements to be made to maintain voting balance among parties.

Thorpe noted that despite her absence, she remains engaged with legislative issues and ensures her voting positions are represented. “When I haven’t been in Parliament, I’ve still been following the agenda, ensuring my stances are reflected through pairing arrangements,” she stated.

Senator Pauline Hanson from Queensland’s One Nation party has also been absent for seven days without leave, while Tasmanian independent Senator Jacqui Lambie has missed six days. Hansen’s office declined to comment, while Lambie’s spokesperson stated she was currently traveling and unavailable.

Across the board, senators from various parties—Liberal National Party, Liberal Party, Country Liberal Party, Labor Party, Greens, One Nation, United Australia Party, and other independents—have taken varying numbers of unexplained days off, with 44 out of 76 senators having no unexplained absences at all.

Charity organizations are calling on the two-thirds of people who haven’t prepared a will to take action—otherwise, their assets could go to the crown. On October 21, 2024, Shane Hickey reported that individuals are being encouraged to confront their fears about mortality and ensure their wills are in place to maintain control over their estates after death.

Recent research by Will Aid, a charitable initiative that offers free will-writing services for a suggested donation—distributed among various charities—reveals that two-thirds of people either lack a will or possess an outdated one. Failing to have an up-to-date will can lead to money, property, and other assets being claimed by the crown. In the last tax year alone, nearly £13 million was collected from estates of individuals who passed away without a will or heirs.

Nick Hall, a solicitor at the London law firm Gunnercooke, underscores the importance of having a will, explaining that even if you have family members who could inherit your assets, not having a will means losing control over the distribution. “It’s like having a boat but no one at the helm,” he notes.

The good news is that individuals can often draw up a basic will either for free or at a low cost, thanks to initiatives designed to support charities reliant on donations from wills.

So, why do so many people still lack a will? A will is crucial in determining how your assets are distributed upon your death, and not having one can create considerable challenges for loved ones. Although there has been a notable increase in will-making since the pandemic, statistics from Will Aid indicate that 56% of individuals still haven’t completed one, and of the 11% who have, many are outdated.

Richard Millar, the organizer of Free Wills Month, points out that writing a will often gets pushed to the bottom of the to-do list. “It’s not the most thrilling task. Engaging with our own mortality is something we tend to avoid,” he explains.

Hall mentions that the pandemic encouraged many to either draft new wills or review existing ones to ensure their directives align with their current wishes. On the other hand, Peter de Vena Franks, campaign director for Will Aid, highlights a common misconception: over a quarter of people believe they don’t own anything of value to bequeath. “It’s not solely about the monetary or physical assets,” he argues. “Losing someone is already incredibly taxing emotionally, and not knowing their final wishes—whether regarding funerals or sentimental belongings—only adds to the burden during an undoubtedly difficult time.”

What happens if someone dies without a will? The laws of intestacy take effect, determining who will benefit from the deceased’s estate. Only married partners, civil partners, and children can inherit; friends and charities are excluded.

In England and Wales, a surviving spouse or civil partner retains assets—up to £322,000—which are then shared with the deceased’s children. If there’s no spouse or children, the estate may go to parents, siblings, or other relatives. Without any eligible heirs, the estate becomes the crown’s property, classified as bona vacantia, or ownerless assets.

In the last fiscal year, Treasury solicitor Susanna McGibbon reported that the estate of individuals who died intestate generated nearly £12.8 million. The Treasury solicitor handles these cases in England and Wales, although some regions, like the Duchies of Cornwall and Lancaster, fall under different jurisdiction.

So, why should you consider drafting a will now? March, October, and November are designated months when individuals can have a basic will created for free. Charities like Cancer Research UK and the Stroke Association also offer free will-writing services with the hope of receiving future donations.

Free Wills Month provides people over 55 with the opportunity to draft simple wills through participating solicitors. Millar emphasizes that funds from wills contribute significantly to many charities, with some relying on them for as much as three-quarters of their funding.

Will Aid runs in November, allowing anyone over 18 to have a basic will created with a voluntary donation—typically suggested at £100 for a single will or £180 for mirror wills that outline the same terms for couples. Outside these free periods, drafting a will can cost between £250 and £350, according to Hall.

Charities such as Age UK, the British Red Cross, Christian Aid, NSPCC, Save the Children, SCIAF, and Trócaire benefit from these donations. A basic will typically names a few beneficiaries, designates guardians for minor children, and may include charitable bequests. However, it does not address situations requiring a trust or managing substantial estates.

What if you already have a will? It’s crucial to keep it updated, especially after significant life changes such as marriage, divorce, or the death of someone named in your will. Hall explains that while a divorce doesn’t invalidate your will, it treats your former spouse as if they have died, activating the next clause in your will—which may not reflect your current intentions.

Under the spotlight, models adorned in Chuxiong Yi embroidery stepped gracefully onto the runway, accompanied by vibrant, rhythmic music, presenting a fashion show infused with the essence of Eastern aesthetics. This marked Chuxiong Yi embroidery’s debut at Paris Fashion Week, following successful showcases at Beijing, Shanghai, New York, and Milan Fashion Weeks. The performance featured a rich tapestry of designs, from ancient totem patterns to modern abstract motifs, highlighting a seamless blend of traditional and contemporary design philosophies that showcased Chinese ethnic attire and intangible cultural heritage in a stylish and diverse light.

In recent years, many forms of intangible cultural heritage have found their way into the fashion industry, becoming key elements within it. Elements of intangible culture and craftsmanship often emerge as a wellspring of inspiration at China International Fashion Week and among leading brands’ clothing lines, furniture, and cultural products. Be it the elegant blue print or environmentally-friendly plant dyes, or techniques like bamboo weaving and pile weaving, these unique yet familiar heritage elements breathe new life into modern fashion, adding an inviting charm to the industry.

In 2021, during a research visit to Guizhou, President Xi Jinping arrived in Huwu Village of the Xinren Miao Ethnic Township. There, he was captivated by the exquisite handmade Miao embroidery garments and unique accessories displayed in a poverty alleviation workshop. He engaged with villagers about the intricate crafting process, expressing, “Miao embroidery is both traditional and fashionable; the beauty you create stitch by stitch is remarkable!” He encouraged them to elevate Miao embroidery, emphasizing its significance as both an industry and a culture that can promote ethnic and traditional culture while contributing to poverty alleviation and rural revitalization. This highlights that as a treasure of traditional culture and a result of ethnic wisdom, intangible heritage must innovate through inheritance and develop through innovation to maintain its vitality and relevance.

The meeting of intangible heritage and fashion is timely. In an era where personalized and customized consumption is on the rise, lesser-known traditional crafts naturally become desirable choices for consumers seeking uniqueness, aiding in their cultural identity formation and showcasing individuality distinct from the industrialized age.

To embed intangible heritage into daily life and the consumer marketplace, appropriate opportunities and mediums must be identified. The charm of domestic cultural creativity reflecting Chinese aesthetics is appreciated by the youth for its exquisite craftsmanship and visual appeal, thereby bridging the gap between traditional culture and the public. Additionally, many well-established brands and domestic goods are increasingly incorporating intangible heritage crafts into their product packaging designs—using techniques like ‘Dian Cui’, Cloisonné, and embroidery—to enhance product recognition and uniqueness, winning over consumers and the market.

The principles of protecting intangible heritage involve interaction with people, objects, and daily life. Only through living traditions that integrate with daily life can intangible heritage endure and evoke a sense of pride and honor. In this light, the intersection of intangible heritage and fashion is a fortunate occurrence, bringing mutual enrichment to both realms.

On October 26, U.S. defense officials reported that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant following an Israeli strike against Iran. As the situation in the Middle East evolves, the two defense leaders are maintaining regular communication.

CNN highlighted that earlier in the day, the U.S. had deployed the THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) system to Israel, along with troops to operate the system, which is now in place to assist Israel in protecting itself from potential Iranian retaliation.

On October 21, Secretary Austin confirmed the deployment of the THAAD system in Israel. This move comes in the context of missile strikes Iran launched against Israel on April 13 and October 1, with Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder stating that the deployment aims to enhance Israel’s air defense capabilities.

The Pentagon further revealed that this is not the first time the U.S. has deployed the THAAD system to the Middle East. Following the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas, President Biden instructed the military to send a THAAD system to the region. The U.S. had also provided a THAAD system to Israel in 2019.