Animal welfare concerns halt hotel's panda wake-up service
The Chongqing Forestry Bureau mandated the halt due to concerns over animal welfare, potential injury, and disease transmission.
The Lehe Ledu Liangjiang Holiday Hotel in Chongqing attracted many guests specifically for this popular interaction with its four resident red pandas.
Animal rights experts, including Sun Quanhui from World Animal Protection, stated that red pandas are a nationally protected species and should not be used for entertainment, citing their sensitive nature.
The forestry bureau is currently conducting an on-site investigation at the hotel and will release its findings.
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The Guardian
5 hours ago
- The Guardian
Trucks and Tuks: Decorated Vehicles of South Asia
A pair of kajal (kohl) laden eyes, a colourful parandi (tassel), a soaring bird or even revered gods and goddesses – such symbols are painted by self-taught artists on to the trucks and tuks of the Indian subcontinent. All carry with them a story, personal to the individual driver, yet shared within a collective consciousness of myths, fables, faiths and traditions. Photograph: Christopher Herwig The average Indian goods truck covers about 300km a day, with drivers spending most of the year away from their family and friends. Provided government regulations don't intervene, the extent to which a truck or vehicle might be decorated is unrestricted. For a driver, the truck isn't simply a carrier of goods, but their very own dulhan (bride). Consequently, trucks are embellished with bridal symbols and cab interiors mimic bridal rooms – stuffed full of colourful fabrics, parandis, mirrors, pom-poms and tassels. Photograph: Christopher Herwig The designs reflect a driver's identity, faith and aspirations and span a bewildering range of themes: ideals of masculinity might be intertwined with expressions of love and longing, while bold typography urges drivers to blow their horns, or promotes a campaign for the education of girls. Photograph: Christopher Herwig Sajavat (ornamentation and decoration) has long been an essential part of everyday life across South Asia. It can be found not only on vehicles, but also adorning well-decorated homes, as in the flowering motifs of alpana (traditional folk) designs, or the heavily embroidered traditional kantha (quilts). Photograph: Christopher Herwig The scale, extravagance and intention of the designs vary depending on the origins of the truck, as well as the driver's nationality and cultural background. In parts of India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, miniature portrayals of idyllic landscapes, such as peasants harvesting crops, or riverside vistas complete with coconut palms, are usually painted on the sides of a truck, or on small niches at the rear. Photograph: herwig/Christopher Herwig Some decorations display evocative scenes from folklore or media. Photograph: Christopher Herwig In Pakistan, Islamic fundamentalists belonging to the FATA (Federally Administered Tribal Areas), Swat and Dir districts constantly pressure drivers to remove human and animal imagery from the trucks, driving truck artists out of these areas and shutting down their workshops. The fear of persecution or having their cargos looted or damaged has forced drivers with painted and embellished trucks out of these regions, while new trucks, decorated in abstract, minimal designs, have replaced them. Photograph: Christopher Herwig Between the 1950s and the 1980s truck art developed considerably, encompassing popular South Asian aesthetics alongside evolving traditional motifs. This was particularly reflected in the practice of filling every inch of a 'canvas', inspired by the way Indian and Pakistani cinema billboards had become louder in appearance. These in turn, had been influenced by the Pop Art and psychedelic movements which had arrived from the west in the 1960s. The first vehicles to be painted in this fashion were the mini-buses of Karachi. The approach quickly transferred to local trucks, the range of decoration continually expanding. Photograph: Christopher Herwig The fusion of folk and popular traditions, both accidental and intentional, is significant. In rickshaw art, the ancient folk traditions of Bangladesh (which are derived from the intermingling of the Ajanta and Tibetan traditions) are combined with local designs to develop new forms of urban vernacular folk art. Photograph: Christopher Herwig This use of a shared visual language is also visible in the appropriation of symbols and portraits such as those of the Sikh gurus and saints, adopted by the Muslim drivers in Pakistan, to portray their own prominent Sufi saints and ulma , scholars of Islamic law and theology. Photograph: Christopher Herwig Vehicle art continues to evolve in unexpected directions, incorporating and juxtaposing influences from numerous, sometimes seemingly contrasting worlds. With no formal artistic education (in most instances) many artists are taught on the job, training under an ustad (master artist). They learn to develop their individual imagination using ephemera from their immediate surroundings; posters, picture books, calendars, and so on, as inspiration. With this inexhaustible supply of material, they are able to produce new hybrids, while adding unique variations to established motifs. Photograph: Christopher Herwig At any given moment a vibrant collection of colours, poetry and totems can be found travelling the roads and highways. These living, breathing, moving metaphors traverse the narrowest of mountain turns and muddiest of tracks – the arteries that keep the Indian subcontinent alive. Photograph: Christopher Herwig
Daily Mail
19 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Could YOU have the virus prompting Covid-era restrictions in China? What you need to know about chikungunya virus
China is currently facing what is believed to be the country's largest outbreak of the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus. More than 10,000 cases have been reported in China, and an increasing number of countries across Asia and Europe are reporting near record-high cases or cases for the first time. The CDC has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for China, urging Americans to take extra precautions when visiting the region. However, experts fear the outbreak may have already reached the US. Dr Louisa Messenger, a mosquito researcher in Nevada, told Daily Mail: 'This outbreak in China is very concerning. It [the virus] could already be here in the US; and really it's just one plane flight away.' Chikungunya is primarily spread by Aedes mosquitoes, the same species that carry dengue and Zika viruses. It is rarely fatal but can cause debilitating symptoms, including fever, joint pain and, in severe cases, life-threatening brain and heart damage. Below, Daily Mail reveals everything you need to know about chikungunya virus: What is the situation in China? China has recorded approximately 10,000 chikungunya viruses this year, and about 3,000 of those have cropped up in the last week. Roger Hewson, virus surveillance lead at the UK's Wellcome Sanger Institute, said the current outbreak in China is the largest ever, Al Jazeera reported. To combat the spread of the virus, Chinese officials had ordered travelers from Foshan, the epicenter of the outbreak, to undergo a 14-day home quarantine, similar to Covid restrictions, but that has since been withdrawn. Infected patients are being isolated in hospital wards and covered with mosquito nets. They are required to remain there for a week or until they test negative, if sooner. Images show Chinese state workers spraying clouds of disinfectant around city streets, residential areas and construction sites where people may come into contact with virus-bearing mosquitoes in or near standing water. Drones are also reportedly being used to hunt down insect breeding grounds and spray insecticide, and residents are being asked to empty bottles, flower pots or other outdoor receptacles that may collect water. Failure to comply with any restriction may lead to fines of up to $1,400 (10,000 Yuan) and locals can have their electricity cut off, according to state media. Is the virus in the US? A small number of cases of chikungunya virus are recorded in the US every year. As of August 5, the CDC reported 46 cases of chikungunya in the US this year, all contracted by travelers returning from high-risk areas. No deaths have been reported. It is unclear how many of these could be linked to China's outbreak. Estimates suggest 1.6million people travel between the US and China every year, with experts saying it only takes one bite from a mosquito on one infected traveler to then pass the virus throughout America. The US has experienced limited local transmission of the virus previously. In 2014 and 2015 cases were detected in Florida and Texas. Locally acquired cases in US states and territories have not been reported since 2019, however, according to the CDC. What is the CDC saying? The CDC is warning Americans to take extra precautions when traveling to high-risk areas. In addition to the travel advisory for China, the agency also issued a warning for eight other countries: Bolivia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mayotte, Réunion, Somalia and Sri Lanka. It is advising travelers to wear insect repellent, long-sleeved shirts and pants, and to stay in places with air conditioning. Travelers are also been advised to get vaccinated against chikungunya, with two vaccines available that have been approved in the US. Dr Messenger told this website: 'People should be concerned about these diseases, wear topical repellents, wear long sleeves, and get vaccinated against them if they can.' The CDC says that pregnant women should avoid traveling to high risk areas because they are at higher risk of complications from the virus. What are symptoms? About 15 to 35 percent of people infected with the virus are asymptomatic, the CDC reports. The incubation period is typically three to seven days and the most common symptom is a sudden onset of a fever over 102 degrees Fahrenheit (39 degrees Celsius). Other symptoms of chikungunya virus include headache, nausea, rash, muscle aches, swelling and redness of the conjunctiva (the white part of the eye and inner eyelids) and joint pain that is sometimes severe and debilitating in the hands or feet. In severe cases, life-threatening complications involving the heart and brain can occur such as inflammation, irregular heartbeats and organ failure. Symptoms usually last seven to 10 days, but patients may experience lifelong complications such as persistent joint pain. Those experiencing symptoms or who think they are infected with the virus should contact their primary care provider or visit a hospital. Infections can be diagnosed through a patient history, symptoms, blood tests and serum tests. How is the disease treated? There is no specific treatment for chikungunya virus, though there are several options being investigated, according to the CDC. Doctors instead focus on trying to ease symptoms through rest, fluids and over-the-counter pain relief medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol). For people who continue to experience pain, over-the-counter pain relievers, steroids and physical therapy are typically the course of treatment. There are two vaccines available for chikungunya virus and they are recommended for people visiting areas with an outbreak or that may pose a higher risk of infection.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Daily Mail
I spent nine months travelling Sri Lanka by bus - there's a must-visit spot that Lonely Planet says to avoid
As one of the most beautiful countries in the world, Sri Lanka really does have it all. The island's rich and layered history can be explored at mesmerising ancient archaeological sites, such as Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, and Anuradhapura, while wild leopards, sloth bears, and Asian elephants roam the tropical jungles of over 20 National Parks. If you're lucky, it's possible to spot a leopard and a blue whale in a single day during the peak migration season. But that's not all. Surfers will adore the reef breaks of the south and east coasts, hikers have numerous trails to explore - including the epic 300km Pekoe Trail that snakes through lush tea estates - and train buffs can take the scenic ride of a lifetime. Of course, a well-worn tourist route takes in many of these hypnotic places, yet for travellers hankering after the less-visited side of the country, there's so much more to explore, ensuring Sri Lanka can be visited time and time again. And I did it all travelling by local bus for over nine months. These are the lesser-visited parts I discovered, and worth heading to for wondrous sights, away from the crowds. Wilpattu National Park Crested serpent eagles, jackals, elusive leopards, jungle fowl, stocky sloth bears, and photogenic white breasted kingfishers are just a few of the birds and animals that can be found in glorious Wilpattu National Park. While most tourists head to Yala, Wilpattu is, in fact, the largest National Park in Sri Lanka, yet it sees fewer visitors than its over-touristed counterpart. Even fewer tourists know about the government-run bungalows that dot most of Sri Lanka's National Parks, and to witness a jungle experience with a difference, it's worth spending a few nights completely immersed in Wilpattu's dense jungle. Soulful Sri Lanka (LINK: will take the stress out of arranging this one-of-a-kind excursion by arranging all transport, the bungalow bookings, safari jeep arrangements, and will also provide a cook and tracker to help spot those elusive leopards and bears. Maligawila Buddha Statue, Monaragala According to a 15-year-old Lonely Planet guidebook of Sri Lanka, the town of Monaragala is 'not up to much, do pass through it,' but it's sentences like those that make me want to visit even more. After a couple of weeks in the county, I stopped over in Monaragala for the night in order to witness one of the most exquisite Buddha sculptures in the entire country. Made of crystalline limestone, I was the only person visiting the 11-metre-tall freestanding Buddha sculpture, hidden in the monkey-filled jungle just 15 km out of town. Dating back to the 7th century, it's impossible not to be impressed by the size and detail of the statue that was once the tallest free-standing Buddha in the world. Colombo As the capital of the country, Colombo might seem a surprising addition, but many travellers skip this underrated city, which, in my opinion, is an error. Overflowing with exciting art spaces, museums, and galleries, as well as boasting some of the best bars and restaurants in the country, Colombo will impress anyone willing to spend time getting acquainted with its quirks. Highlights for me include the restaurants, Gini (LINK: and Shoulders by Harpos (LINK: Uncle's (LINK: and Eskobar (LINK: for top-class cocktails, and the Sapumal Foundation and National Museum for an informative dose of historical context. There's also an incredible array of small boutique hotels housed in gorgeous, well-designed mansions. Don't miss Maniumpathy (LINK: and ISHQ (LINK: Mannar Island Just 30 km from mainland India, Mannar Island juts out from Sri Lanka's teardrop shape like a true enigma. Here, I found the country's oldest baobab tree (700 years old, with a circumference of 19.5 meters), an abandoned Dutch Fort, plenty of wild roaming donkeys, and a picturesque pastel blue church built in the 1860s. Photogenic at every turn, and with no other travellers in sight, this gem of an island is deserving of a spot on every Sri Lanka itinerary. Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya, Kelaniya There is no shortage of awe-inspiring temples in Sri Lanka, from the incredible cave temples of Dambulla, to the colour-pop Nallur Kandaswamy Devasthanam Hindu Temple of Jaffna - they all really do deserve a visit. Yet one of my favourites, and a place that rarely gets a spot on many a Sri Lankan itinerary, is Kelania Temple, 11 km northeast of Colombo. Temple artist, Walimuni Solias Mendis, dedicated 20 years of his life to the murals and intricate paintings within the temple's main structure, and it really is a marvel to witness firsthand. Be sure to visit at varying times of day, as the light on the bright white stupa at dusk is pure magic. Madiha Village, Matara District Sri Lanka's south coast is undeniably touristy in high season (December to March), with towns like Mirissa and Unawatuna now filled with souvenir shops and the odd chain store. But there are still a handful of charming villages where it's possible to escape most of the crowds, one of which is Madiha. Nestled amongst coconut and mango trees and close to little-visited temples, this minuscule village has a handful of accommodation options, a few open-air cafes, and is right next to the beach. And a short beachside stroll away is one of the island's best restaurants, Zephyr Ceylon (LINK: where fresh fish dishes and inventive cocktails make the best of Sri Lanka's colourful produce. Sinharaja Forest Reserve This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to medicinal plants, purple-faced langurs, mouse deer, and a staggering array of birds, yet its name, Sinharaja, roughly translates to 'lion kingdom'. While there are no wild lions in Sri Lanka today, a folk legend tells of a lion living in the forest, which is how it became known as Sinharaja. Shrouded in myth and swirled in low-hanging mist, the forest is little frequented by tourists, possibly on account of its nearly year-round rainfall. But those willing to venture a little deeper will be rewarded with the chance to spot all 20 of Sri Lanka's endemic rainforest birds, including the rare green-billed coucal and the bright blue Ceylon magpie. Matara As the capital of the south coast's Matara district, which was once ruled over by the Dutch, Portuguese, and British, this is a vibrant and bustling city. It boasts two quaint forts including one built in 1560 and the other forming the shape of a star, a Buddhist island temple, a handful of fab rice and curry spots, and an interesting Dutch Reformed Church. Few tourists get immersed in the place, yet it offers a real glimpse into daily Sri Lankan life. What's more, the very southernmost tip of the country is just a 15-minute drive away, marked out by a bright white lighthouse that's one of the oldest in the country. The country's northernmost region - and out of bounds for decades due to the civil war - Jaffna is one of my favourite areas for temples and incredible food. Jaffna The country's northernmost region, out of bounds for decades due to the civil war, is one of my favourite areas for temples and incredible food. It offers a completely different terrain and vibe from the rest of the country. Home to hundreds of dusky-pink flamingos, spicy crab curries, and little-visited sights, including a sunken church half buried in sand, it's easy to let the days roll by in Jaffna. But since it's far, far away from much of the rest of the country, the palmyrah-filled expanse sees far fewer visitors than the island's hotspots of Ella, Nuwara Eliya, and the surfer's paradise of Weligama. Demodora While many flock to Ella, a once sleepy enclave turned backpacker haven, I wasn't the biggest fan. Instead, I preferred to spend my days in Demodora, where whimsical trails through tea plantations span out in all directions. The country's famed Nine Arch Bridge is a rough 4 km hike away through quaint villages. Meanwhile, the Demodora railway station looks as if it's been plucked straight out of a fairytale book. Close by sits a unique spiral railway loop where the track passes under itself. Known as the Demodora Loop, it's easy to visit from nearby Nine Skies (LINK: a five-bedroomed bungalow with the dreamiest views.
