Author: jezzabellemente

YUNCHENG, China, June 11, 2025 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/–

Recently, the first batch of 160 “Xiale” watermelons from Xiaxian County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province, was shipped to Malaysia, marking the first time that watermelons from Xiaxian county have been sold to Southeast Asian countries.

Xiaxian County is located at 35 degrees north latitude, with good ecological environment, rich natural resources, long hours of sunshine, large temperature differences between day and night, and fertile soil, making it a golden zone for fruit production. The watermelons grown here are known for their crisp, sweet, and melt-in-the-mouth texture. Xiaxian County also has a long history of watermelon cultivation, and historical records show that the watermelons here were once a tribute to imperial courts.

In recent years, Xiaxian County has focused on technological innovation and standardized production of watermelons, and take the highest standards, the strictest norms and the most practical measures to ensure that every watermelon has unique identification code, growth record card, and traceable quality. Xiaxian watermelons have successively won the honorary titles, such as Geographical Indication Agricultural Products recognized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the National Famous, Special, Excellent and New Agricultural Products, the China Regional Public Brand of Agricultural Products and Ten Major City Brand Cards of Yuncheng City.

The data provided by the Xiaxian County government shows that in recent years, the annual output of high-quality watermelons in Xiaxian County has reached 400,000 tons, with over 1,000 local farming households, generating a total output value of CNY 710 million. It is understood that the Xiaxian County government will also expand watermelon exports to South Korea and other countries.

Source: Xiaxian County People’s Government

QIANDONGNAN, China, June 10, 2025 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/–

From May 31 to June 2, 2025, the 41st Dragon Boat Cultural Festival was held by the Bureau of Culture, Sports, Broadcast-TV, and Tourism of Zhenyuan County in Zhenyuan Ancient Town, Guizhou. Blending traditional charm with modern vitality, the cultural feast offered visitors an unforgettable Dragon Boat Festival experience. Data shows that Zhenyuan County welcomed 253,900 tourists, generating a total tourism revenue of 234 million yuan during the holiday.

This year’s Dragon Boat Cultural Festival was packed with excitement and highlights. 53 teams from places such as Hunan and Tongren competed in thrilling races. The event also featured activities such as ethnic parades and intangible cultural heritage (ICH) performances. Visitors not only watched fierce racing on the Wuyang River but also enjoyed diverse ethnic performances, gaining deeper insight into local culture.

“It was spectacular. The cultural atmosphere was rich. There were so many activities that we didn’t know where to look first. It was worth the visit,” said Mr. Zhou, a tourist from Beijing. This year, the tourists can try paddling dragon boats themselves, which enhanced their sense of participation and engagement.

Zhenyuan has a long history of dragon boat racing. In 2011, the tradition was inscribed in the third batch of China’s national intangible cultural heritage list. With the cultural foundation, Zhenyuan’s dragon boat races have become a major attraction for tourists and a powerful cultural asset driving the local economy.

Focusing on the dragon boat races, Zhenyuan has developed a comprehensive tourism chain covering food, accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, shopping, and entertainment. By linking the Zhenyuan Ancient Town with nearby scenic areas such as Tiexi and Gaoguo River, it offers an immersive travel experience that blends dragon boat racing, natural landscapes, local culture, and unique accommodations.

From June to October is Zhenyuan’s peak tourism season. The Dragon Boat Cultural Festival has greatly boosted the local tourism economy, with hotels fully booked and the daily revenue of the catering industry in Zhenyuan increased by 5 to 6 times compared to normal days.

In addition, a series of cultural and tourism activities during the festival provided platforms for the sale of ICH products. Many tourists purchased Miao silver jewelry and Dong embroidery as souvenirs or gifts. Sales of ICH products increased by nearly 40%.

What began as a folk tradition has now evolved into a festival integrating culture, commerce, and tourism. Zhenyuan’s Dragon Boat Cultural Festival has become a signature symbol of the county, attracting visitors with its unique charm. Leveraging the influence of the dragon boat races, Zhenyuan continues to expand its tourism market and enrich its tourism offerings, driving its tourism industry toward higher quality and greater diversity and achieving a win-win for cultural preservation and economic growth.

Source: Bureau of Culture, Sports, Broadcast-TV, and Tourism of Zhenyuan County, Guizhou Province

Caption: Zhenyuan’s Dragon Boat Cultural Festival

–BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, June 6 (Bernama) — ParkCity Medical Centre (PMC) recently hosted Advancing Neurodiversity, a vibrant community event held in conjunction with Autism Awareness Month. The event brought together families, professionals, and advocates at Pusat Kreatif Kanak-Kanak Tuanku Bainun to promote early intervention, inclusion, and greater understanding of neurodivergent individuals.
 
The spotlight was on Charlotte Cheng Tze Lin—an educator, artist, and successful entrepreneur—who shared her personal journey as a neurodivergent individual. “There wasn’t much awareness or understanding about neurodivergence growing up, which made everyday life difficult,” she recalled. Today, Charlotte runs a thriving artisanal chocolate business, turning her challenges into creative strengths. “Neurodivergence is not a flaw—it’s simply a different way of experiencing the world.”
 
Her story captured the spirit of the event: celebrating unique minds and breaking down barriers through education, dialogue, and shared experiences.
 
PMC CEO Dr Savitha Dharan said, “We believe that every individual, regardless of their neurological profile, deserves the opportunity to thrive in an environment that recognises and respects their unique strengths. Advancing Neurodiversity was more than an awareness event, it was a call to action to embrace inclusivity and to support families in their journey.”
 
A key feature of the event was the panel discussion Supporting Different Minds, moderated by Dr Rajini Sarvananthan, Consultant General and Developmental Paediatrician at PMC. The panel featured a diverse group of voices including a speech therapist, clinical psychologist, audiologist, neurodivergent individual, parents, and representatives from Care2Run. They shared insights on how early recognition and community support are critical to helping neurodivergent individuals thrive.
 
“Neurodiversity includes natural differences in brain function, such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia,” explained Dr Rajini. “These are not flaws, but they do require support. With the right support, structure, and understanding, neurodivergent individuals can thrive. Events like Advancing Neurodiversity play a key role in helping families access reliable information, connect with professionals, and feel less alone in their journey.”
 
The day also featured engaging activities for children and families, including art sessions in the Creative Calming Zone, storytelling in the Young YouTuber Studio, football, bubble play, and the Medallion Challenge. Informative booths offered therapy tools and learning resources for parents and caregivers.
 
Students from Fugee School volunteered at the event, gaining valuable exposure to the neurodivergent community. In appreciation, PMC donated RM6,000 worth of books to the school, matched by BookXcess—a collaboration that underscored shared values of empathy, learning, and inclusion.
 
The event was further enriched by community partners including Bake With Dignity, United Voice, Autism Cafe Project, and Charrolmarc Chocolates. Together, they showcased the talents and contributions of neurodivergent individuals, demonstrating that true inclusion is possible when communities come together.
 
Source: Advertising.com.my
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Carmen Ng
Assistant Manager Marketing
Tel: +60 12-716 7620
Email: carmen.ng@asia1health.com 

–BERNAMA