KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 18 (Bernama) — Yantai City, Shandong Province, has launched the International Zero-Carbon Island Cooperation Initiative together with 32 island cities, international organisations, research institutions, enterprises, and other founding entities at home and abroad.
This initiative, released at the Launch Conference of International Zero-Carbon Island Cooperation Initiative held during the UNFCCC COP29 on Nov 13, aims to promote global climate governance through joint efforts.
The launch event, hosted by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and the Shandong Provincial People’s Government, was supported by the Shandong Provincial Foreign Affairs Office, the Shandong Provincial Department of Ecological Environment, and the Yantai Municipal People’s Government.
Representatives from China, island nations, and international organisations attended and voiced their support for the initiative, according to a statement.
With over 50,000 islands worldwide facing shared challenges due to climate change, the need for an international organisation dedicated to supporting islands sustainability has become urgent.
Yantai City mayor, Zheng Deyan called on global island stakeholders to unite under the initiative to contribute to both sustainable development and global climate campaigns.
The International Zero-Carbon Island Cooperation Organization, the world’s first international organisation dedicated to zero-carbon islands, will focus on enhancing the climate resilience of islands, strengthening infrastructure and disaster response capabilities, and promoting mutual assistance in the sharing of emergency relief supplies.
The organisation aims to explore zero-carbon pathways, build clean energy systems, promote green buildings, transportation, and communities, and foster the development of low-carbon industries such as modern marine fisheries, modern agriculture, and low-carbon tourism.
It will also protect ecological resources, strengthen the protection, development, utilisation, research, and management of island resources, and enhance academic and cultural exchange among islands.
Jimei School Village: The “Tan Kah Kee Story” Behind the Century-old Buildings
The year 2024 marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Mr. Tan Kah Kee, a renowned patriotic overseas Chinese leader, entrepreneur, educator, philanthropist, and social activist.
130 years ago, at the age of just 20, Tan Kah Kee invested 2,000 silver dollars to establish the “Ti Zhai Academy” in his hometown of Jimei. This marked the beginning of his 67-year career in education. He also constructed numerous large-scale school buildings, leaving behind a legacy of distinctive Kah Kee structures. Over the ensuing years, he dedicated all his resources to founding a variety of educational institutions, including elementary schools, middle schools, normal schools, kindergartens, fishery and navigation schools, and business schools in Jimei. These century-old buildings now form the most beautiful scenery in Jimei School Village.
Inheriting the cultural and spiritual legacy of Tan Kah Kee, Jimei District in Xiamen City, where Jimei School Village is located, has developed a 23-square-kilometer cultural and educational zone. This area encompasses 16 universities and research institutes and hosts over 167,000 college students. It has cultivated a valuable humanistic quality, centered around the “Kah Kee Spirit” and characterized by the cultures of overseas Chinese, Southern Fujian, and the school village itself.
According to the person in charge of Jimei District, Jimei will always regard the “Kah Kee Spirit” as a spiritual treasure that permeates the city’s character and a source of power to drive the vigorous development of the special economic zone. The aim is to transform cultural soft power into urban development competitiveness, thereby contributing to Xiamen’s high-quality growth.
Source: XINHUANET
Caption: Jimei School Village: The “Tan Kah Kee Story” Behind the Century-old Buildings
During the 12th World Urban Forum, a side event on the experiences and practices of global sustainable urban development was held in Cairo, the capital of Egypt. The event was jointly organized by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Housing, Urban-Rural Development and Management, and Shanghai University.
Huang Rong, a counselor to the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government, congratulated the convening of the side event on behalf of the mayor of Shanghai. He said that under the guidance of the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, Shanghai has leveraged the World Cities Day platform to contribute to the global sustainable development cause through its collaboration with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme.
“A week ago, we presented the second Global Award for Sustainable Development in Cities (Shanghai Award) to five winning cities. Through the World Urban Forum, we look forward to bringing back the experiences of global urban governance to China, to Shanghai, and also sharing Shanghai’s vibrant practices with the world,” said Huang Rong.
Under China’s initiative, the United Nations decided to designate October 31 as the World Cities Day starting from 2014, according to Cheng Jian, director of Shanghai Coordination Center of World Cities Day.
The Global Award for Sustainable Development in Cities (Shanghai Award), the UMF-Shanghai Adapted Index, and the Shanghai Manual: A Guide for Sustainable Urban Development in the 21st Century are important public goods launched by China and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme on World Cities Day to accelerate the implementation of the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and promote global sustainable urban development.
Source: Shanghai Coordination Center of World Cities Day
HONG KONG, Nov 12 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) — As winter approaches, Hong Kong is set to dazzle visitors with an enchanting lineup of festive celebrations, promising joy for families, couples, and friends alike. From spectacular light displays to immersive experiences, the city transforms into a winter wonderland, inviting global travellers to dive into the vibrant holiday spirit.
Hong Kong WinterFest : A Seasonal Celebration for All
Kick off your winter adventures at the Hong Kong WinterFest, hosted by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), a mega celebration that captures the essence of Christmas. From 22 November 2024 to 1 January 2025, the West Kowloon Cultural District (WestK) will transform into a vibrant hub of seasonal traditions and festivities for visitors of all ages, centred around a show-stopping Christmas tree and whimsical decorations in the Christmas Town, located at the Harbourside Lawn – West, WestK Art Park. Don’t miss the limited time breathtaking “Winter Harbourfront Pyrotechnics” over Victoria Harbour on select nights, promising an unforgettable spectacle of lights and colours against one of the world’s most iconic skylines.
In celebration of HKTB’s Hong Kong WinterFest, the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority will host WestK Christmas Market from 22 November to 9 December 2024 (Fridays to Sundays), and from 12 to 29 December 2024.
Set against the stunning backdrop of WestK Art Park’s picturesque harbourside and lush lawn, the Christmas Market will showcase a delightful array of international festive culinary treats and a curated selection of Christmas gifts. Visitors will be enchanted by a dazzling display of lights and vibrant live music and performances, creating a joyful atmosphere that spreads Christmas cheer throughout the WestK Art Park.
Theme Parks Light up with Immersive Family-Friendly Experiences
This holiday season, Hong Kong’s major theme parks will welcome families with a range of colourful, immersive festive activations.
Hong Kong Disneyland will brighten your holiday with the magic of “A Disney Christmas” in this season. From 15 November 2024 to 1 January 2025, guests can immerse in a series of holiday traditions and seasonal celebrations with experiences including the first-ever snowy Christmas in the World of Frozen, while the Castle of Magical Dreams will sparkle with song as it hosts “Disney Christmas Live in Concert!”, featuring classic Christmas and Disney songs. Those looking for a bright start to 2025 can join the New Year’s Eve Countdown with Disney friends, while seasonal dining, merchandise and themed accommodation complete an unforgettable family holiday experience.
Ocean Park Hong Kong is bursting with festive cheer following the joyful birth of Hong Kong’s first-ever giant panda twin cubs on 15 August 2024, alongside the arrival of two new giant pandas from Sichuan on 26 September 2024. And this December, families are invited to join the celebrations while exploring a delightful array of panda-themed activities. Visitors can embark on a fascinating journey into the panda world, featuring captivating panda-themed photo spots, stunning lighting displays, and engaging art installations, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
It’s a Date: Romantic Winter Festivities for Couples
For couples seeking a romantic way to embrace winter, the much-loved AIA Carnival returns from 18 December 2024 to 16 February 2025, featuring a thrilling mix of booths, games, and amusement rides perfect for igniting the excitement of the season. Also returning this winter is The Grounds open-air cinema, where from 8 November to 22 December 2024, visitors can cosy up and enjoy a curated selection of films under starlit skies, all while savouring gourmet treats from BaseHall. For those seeking a more intimate experience, why not take a romantic stroll through Hong Kong’s lively streets? Wander hand-in-hand beneath the holiday illuminations in Harbour City and Lee Tung Avenue, adding a magical touch to your winter evenings.
Vibe with Your Tribe with an Outdoor Winter Experience
Gather your friends and elevate your winter vibes at Hypefest Hong Kong 2024, debuting on 9-10 November 2024 at the Central Harbourfront. Presented by Hypebeast, a leading platform for contemporary fashion and culture, bringing Hypefest back to its headquarters in Hong Kong. This two-day festival will showcase star-studded music acts, headlined by South Korean DJ and producer Peggy Gou and French electronic legends JUSTICE, alongside immersive brand pop-ups and a vibrant beats and bites area — the perfect backdrop for unforgettable memories.
Meanwhile, Clockenflap, Hong Kong’s biggest international outdoor music and arts festival, returns at Central Harbourfront from 29 November to 1 December 2024. This year’s festival features nearly a hundred music and arts performances, showcasing a stellar lineup of international heavyweights like Jack White, Central Cee, Air, St. Vincent and Suede, plus regional superstars like Creepy Nuts, yama, Sakurazaka46 and many more. Showcasing the full, world-class festival experience that fans in the city and around the world have come to know and love, Clockenflap will once again feature a spectacular outdoor environment with multiple stages, immersive arts installations and a mouthwatering array of top-quality F&B outlets. Don’t miss out on one of the best music festivals in Asia!
For those seeking an urban adventure, Pokémon GO City Safari is coming to Hong Kong on 7 and 8 December. Over two days, players can explore vibrant city landmarks and hidden gems while catching a variety of Pokémon, including event-exclusive species. The Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza in Tsim Sha Tsui will also feature Pokémon-themed photo spots and souvenir booths that give out Pikachu and Eevee sun visors, making it a perfect outdoor activity for families and friends to enjoy during the cooler months of early December.
Indulge in Christmas Feasts
No festive celebration is complete without indulging in seasonal culinary delights. Enjoy the exquisite at “Teas of Hope” Afternoon Tea presented by The Peninsula from 9 November to 13, 27-30 December 2024, featuring a menu by Chef de Cuisine Kay Ng, which includes sweet pastries, finger sandwiches, and the hotel’s renowned raisin scones served with clotted cream and strawberry jam.
But the festive flavours don’t stop there! Hotels such as Regent Hong Kong, Rosewood Hong Kong, and Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, along with numerous restaurants around town, are rolling out their own Christmas offerings to satisfy every palate and budget.
Travellers looking for a winter escape need look no further than Hong Kong this season, where festive cheer and vibrant celebrations await at every turn. To start planning your unforgettable holiday filled with joy, laughter, and festive spirit, head to https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/what-s-new/events/hong-kong-winterfest.html.
A century ago, a vast shipping route carried Liubao tea from remote mountains, bridging the land and sea with a path of trade. Today, with the momentum of the Belt and Road Initiative, the Liubao tea industry in Wuzhou has embraced transformation and upgrading. High-quality, fine-flavored tea now travels along the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, bringing the unique Chinese tea fragrance to people far and wide.
In Wuzhou’s Liubao Town, mountains stand tall, with an average annual temperature of 21.2 degrees Celsius and annual rainfall reaching 1,500 millimeters, creating an excellent environment for tea growth. Tea produced here is named “Liubao Tea” and is renowned for its qualities: “red, rich, mellow, aged,” along with a unique betel nut aroma. At one point, the export trade of Liubao tea was remarkably prosperous. According to the Guangxi Yearbook published in 1940, in 1935, more than 1,100 tons of Liubao tea were exported from Guangxi. The “Tea Boat Ancient Road” originating from Liubao Town in Cangwu County, Wuzhou, became a corridor for economic and cultural exchanges between South China and Southeast Asian countries.
Through the changes of time, the Liubao tea industry in Wuzhou has gone through ups and downs, but the perseverance of generations of Liubao tea makers remains unchanged. Today, the Liubao tea industry is developing rapidly. Statistics provided by Wuzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism show that Wuzhou’s tea plantations cover 394,200 mu (about 26,280 hectares), involving 240,000 tea farmers, with tea garden construction increasing each farmer’s income by an average of 3,000 yuan annually, and Liubao tea’s comprehensive output value exceeding 20 billion yuan. To ensure product quality, Wuzhou has actively promoted standardized construction for Liubao tea. There is one existing national standard, 18 Guangxi local standards, and 24 group standards, driving the standardized and regulated development of the entire Liubao tea industry chain.
From the “Tea Boat Ancient Road” to the Maritime Silk Road, Wuzhou’s Liubao tea continues to broaden its trade routes through an extensive network of land, sea, and air connections.
Source: Wuzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism
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