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Barnama
22-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
- Inner Mongolia, A Blend Of Rich Heritage And Modern Progress
Opinions on topical issues from thought leaders, columnists and editors. In fact, fewer people are aware that Inner Mongolia is a vibrant and dynamic autonomous region of China, where ancient customs and modern progress exist side by side in remarkable harmony. Some even mistakenly believe that Inner Mongolia is part of the sovereign nation of Mongolia. It is not. When one thinks of Mongolia, images of vast grasslands, wild horses, and people in traditional Mongolian attire often come to mind. Many of us, too, had assumed that Inner Mongolia was defined solely by its cultural heritage and scenic landscapes – until we saw how much more it has to offer. A group of 23 journalists from across the Asia-Pacific region recently took part in a visit to Inner Mongolia, organised by the China Public Diplomacy Association and The Global Times, to witness the region's development first-hand. While its rich cultural heritage continues to captivate visitors, Inner Mongolia is also making strides in technology, green energy, and sustainable economic growth -showing the world that it is far more than just a scenic landscape. The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in northern China is frequently mistaken for its neighbouring country, Mongolia. However, the two are entirely distinct. Inner Mongolia has been an integral part of China for centuries and serves as a cultural crossroads for various ethnic groups, including Mongols, Han Chinese, and others. Despite its deep-rooted nomadic traditions, the region has embraced modern development while maintaining a strong sense of cultural identity. Bilingual street signs in Mongolian and Chinese, traditional festivals such as the Nadam Fair, and the iconic 'salty' milk tea all reflect this rich fusion of heritage and modern life. Yet beyond the surface of cultural vibrancy lies a rapidly transforming economy – one that is increasingly powered by innovation and sustainable growth. Hohhot, where tradition meets innovation Hohhot, the regional capital, is known as the 'Blue City', a name derived from the Mongolian word Kökeqota but beyond its poetic nickname, the city has earned another title too, China's Dairy Capital. Home to Yili Group, one of the world's top five dairy producers, Hohhot has transformed into a hub of agricultural technology. The Yili Modern Intelligent Health Valley, a sprawling 120-square-kilometre development, showcases this transformation. Visitors could witness robotic milking systems, AI-driven production lines as well as sustainable farming practices here. This 'Dairy Silicon Valley' is not just a manufacturing base but a testament to how traditional industries could evolve through innovation. New faces of Inner Mongolia While grasslands and deserts still define much of Inner Mongolia's vast landscape, the region is rapidly emerging as a leader in digital innovation and renewable energy. At the forefront of this transformation is the Inner Mongolia Data Exchange Centre – the region's only official platform for data transactions. By enabling secure and efficient data trading, the centre is positioning Inner Mongolia as a vital hub in China's tech-driven economic growth. In Ulanqab, a city traditionally celebrated as the 'Potato Capital', major strides are being made in green technology. According to Shudu Kaida Food Co. Ltd, the Kaida Potato Park – currently under development – is expected to become Asia's largest potato industry base by 2026. The company has earned international acclaim for its high-quality potato-based snacks, which are exported to over 30 countries. Another significant milestone in Ulanqab is the establishment of the Yunda Holdings Northern Headquarters, which houses China's first 13-megawatt onshore wind turbine testing platform. This facility not only marks a leap in wind energy technology but also reinforces China's broader goals for green energy advancement. Even agriculture in Inner Mongolia is embracing innovation. In Chayouqian Banner, the Cold-Tolerant Vegetable Academician Workstation has successfully developed crop varieties that can survive harsh winters, converting previously barren land into productive farmland. Also, in Chayouqian, a high-tech Plant Factory Complex is cultivating strawberries year-round using controlled-environment technology. These premium strawberries yield 15 times more than conventional methods and are sold at high market value, demonstrating how cutting-edge agricultural solutions are revitalising rural economies and improving local livelihoods. Beyond tourism - factories, labs and trade corridors While tourism remains an important pillar of Inner Mongolia's economy – with scenic destinations like the Chilechuan Grassland drawing visitors eager to experience its rich nomadic culture – the region is steadily diversifying into sectors far beyond its traditional image. One standout initiative is by M·Grass, a company specialising in ecological restoration, which has successfully rehabilitated more than 2.2 million hectares of degraded land using advanced seed technology. Their work reflects Inner Mongolia's growing reputation as a hub for sustainable development and innovation. The Qisumu International Logistics Park, covering 14 square kilometres, has emerged as a vital trade artery linking China with neighbouring countries such as Mongolia and Russia, facilitating cross-border commerce and boosting regional connectivity. Complementing these industrial strides are ongoing efforts in desertification control and grassland restoration, underscoring the region's long-term commitment to environmental preservation. In terms of economic performance, Hohhot recorded a fiscal revenue of 25.48 billion yuan in 2024, reflecting a 7.8 per cent year-on-year increase, while Ulanqab's gross regional product rose by 5.4 per cent, pointing to steady growth across sectors. A significant infrastructure milestone was marked on 14 May 2025 with the groundbreaking ceremony for the Gantsmod–Gashuunsukhait Railway, a new cross-border transport link between China and Mongolia. Once completed in 2027, the railway is expected to handle up to 30 million tonnes of freight annually – dramatically improving energy trade logistics and strengthening economic ties between the two nations. As Inner Mongolia continues to evolve, it is proving to be far more than just a cultural treasure. For those who still picture only yurts and horseback riding, a closer look reveals a dynamic region teeming with factories, research hubs, green innovations, and international trade corridors – a land of growing promise and limitless potential. -- BERNAMA Kisho Kumari Sucedaram is a journalist with BERNAMA.
Associated Press
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Global Times: Ancient village in Guangdong Province being transformed by literature, tourism
05/15/2025, Beijing, China // KISS PR Brand Story PressWire // In South China's Guangdong Province lies an ancient Hakka village called 'China's First Village of Writers,' also known as the Writers' Village. It is the place that gave the renowned Chinese writer Xue Mo endless creative inspiration over the past decade. After settling down in the village in 2010, Xue kept exploring new frontiers in literary creation with his works going to the globe. The Writers' Village's prototype is a small literary community formed by a number of well-known writers in 2007. Attracted by the livable environment and convenient transportation, they chose to settle in the nearly 300-year-old Hakka village in the town of Zhangmutou Town in Dongguan and devoted themselves to writing. In 2010, the local government established the brand of the Writers' Village, putting money and effort into improving the literature creation environment in order to attract more writers. It was not until recently that the Writers' Village transformed from a conceptual idea into a physical space. The Global Times has learned from Cai Zengyu, an official from the Cultural, Sports, and Tourism Office of Zhangmutou Town that 30 million yuan ($4.15 million) has been invested into renovating a 20,000-square-meter cluster of buildings in the Guancang community in Zhangmutou Town since 2023. The Writers' Village now features five main zones separately for artistic creation, cultural performances, public communication, leisure tourism, and scenic experiences. Cai said that the local government has implemented supportive policies including housing and creative grants, as well as a 9-million-yuan investment in third-party operational management to provide better service to writers. Thriving literary creation The improvement of writing environment has enabled the Writers' Village to becomg one of China's most prolific literary bases. Dongguan is a place where it has inspired him with endless creativity, Xue Mo, vice chairman from the Writers Association of Northwest China's Gansu Province and a deputy head of the Writers' Village, told the Global Times. As one of the first batch writers to take up residence in 2010, Xue said many of his important works were finished in Zhangmutou Town of the city in the past 10 years. Xue noted that Dongguan provides the perfect writing ecosystem - natural beauty, a rich cultural heritage, and strong government support. 'This is a blessed land for writers,' he said. Novelist Chen Chongzheng was another writer attracted by the village's atmosphere. He told the Global Times that he conceived and completed the short story Against the Wind in the village. The story blends the atmosphere of both urban and rural life. 'My inspiration came directly from the Writers' Village because it is exactly where the tranquility of the countryside meets the convenience of city living,' he said. Chen said the village not only provides writers with a spiritual haven, but also brings the public closer to the literary community, breaking down the barrier of 'literary elitism.' 'Integrating creative work with rural life exactly echoes the traditional Chinese practice of caifeng (literary fieldwork) - the idea that literature originates from the people and serves the people,' he said. As of April 2025, a total of 97 writers have settled in the village, including 65 national-level writers and critics, as well as nine former members of the China Writers Association, according to Cai. Cai said the number of published literary works of the writers has reached nearly 700. Over 500 of these works have received awards above the municipal level, including eight Lu Xun Literature Awards, one of the most prestigious literary awards in China. 'Dongguan is a city largely made up of migrants from all over China, each bringing their own accents, memories, and views on life. These differences inevitably lead to clashes, exchanges, and integration,' said Xie Youshun, professor of the Chinese Department in Sun Yat-Sen University. Xie emphasized that the dynamic process holds great value for literary story-telling, which may explain why so many writers have gathered in Zhangmutou. 'The gathering speaks to their attraction to this new way of life, which itself is a rich vein of material waiting to be explored in literature,' Xie noted. Booming cultural tourism The thriving literary output has drawn attention to the village, promoting economic growth in Zhangmutou Town. Through the 'literature plus' business model, such as 'literature + film and television,' 'literature + tourism' and 'literature + cultural souvenirs,' Zhangmutou Town found its way to boost local economy. For example, the village has collaborated with 18 top-tier media groups such as iQiyi, Huayi Brothers and Tencent Pictures to explore digital, audio, and film adaptations of writers' works. By partnering with travel platforms such as China Travel Service and Mafengwo, the Writers' Village has linked nearby cultural and natural attractions to create themed travel experiences like educational tours and family trips and other tourism items. Literary-themed local specialties, such as 'Inspiration Water' (a loquat-flavored beverage) and 'Wenzhang Zui' (a literary-themed liquor), along with calendars and music boxes, have also been launched for visitors to buy at supermarkets, hotels, bookstores, and restaurants in the village. The article first appeared in the Global Times: Company: Global Times Contact Person: Anna Li Email: [email protected] Website: City: Beijing
India Today
01-05-2025
- Business
- India Today
US has reached out to China to initate tariff talks, claims Beijing state media
The United States has approached China seeking talks over President Donald Trump's 145% tariffs, a social media account affiliated with Chinese state media said on Thursday, the latest report of possible moves towards negotiations on the levies."The US has proactively reached out to China through multiple channels, hoping to hold discussions on the tariff issue," Yuyuan Tantian said in a post published on its official Weibo social media account, citing anonymous Jiakun, a spokesperson for China's foreign ministry, on Wednesday said: "as far as I know, there have been no consultations or negotiations between China and the US on tariffs". Trump said in a US media interview published last Friday that his administration was talking with China to reach a tariff deal and that Chinese President Xi Jinping had called him. Beijing last week repeatedly denied such talks were taking place, accusing Washington of "misleading the public".Yuyuan Tantian is not among China's most authoritative state media outlets. The Global Times, which is owned by the newspaper of the governing Communist Party, People's Daily, has often been first to report China's next steps in trade disagreements over the past few said on Wednesday he belived there was a "very good chance" his administration could do a deal with China, hours after Xi called for China, the world's second-largest economy, to take action to adjust to changes in the international environment, without explicitly mentioning the United
New Straits Times
01-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
US has reached out to China to talk tariffs, state media says
BEIJING: The United States has approached China seeking talks over President Donald Trump's 145 per cent tariffs, a social media account affiliated with Chinese state media said on Thursday, the latest report of possible moves towards negotiations on the levies. "The US has proactively reached out to China through multiple channels, hoping to hold discussions on the tariff issue," Yuyuan Tantian said in a post published on its official Weibo social media account, citing anonymous sources. Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for China's foreign ministry, on Wednesday said: "as far as I know, there have been no consultations or negotiations between China and the US on tariffs". Trump said in a US media interview published last Friday that his administration was talking with China to reach a tariff deal and that Chinese President Xi Jinping had called him. Beijing last week repeatedly denied such talks were taking place, accusing Washington of "misleading the public". Yuyuan Tantian is not among China's most authoritative state media outlets. The Global Times, which is owned by the newspaper of the governing Communist Party, People's Daily, has often been first to report China's next steps in trade disagreements over the past few years. Trump said on Wednesday he belived there was a "very good chance" his administration could do a deal with China, hours after Xi called for China, the world's second-largest economy, to take action to adjust to changes in the international environment, without explicitly mentioning the United States.
West Australian
01-05-2025
- Business
- West Australian
US has contacted China to talk tariffs: state media
The United States has approached China seeking talks over President Donald Trump's 145 per cent tariffs, a social media account affiliated with Chinese state media says, the latest report of possible moves towards negotiations. "The US has proactively reached out to China through multiple channels, hoping to hold discussions on the tariff issue," Yuyuan Tantian said in a post published on its official Weibo social media account, citing anonymous sources. Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for China's foreign ministry, said "as far as I know, there have been no consultations or negotiations between China and the US on tariffs". Trump said in a US media interview published last Friday that his administration was talking with China to reach a tariff deal and that Chinese President Xi Jinping had called him. Beijing last week repeatedly denied such talks were taking place, accusing Washington of "misleading the public". Yuyuan Tantian is not among China's most authoritative state media outlets. The Global Times, which is owned by the newspaper of the governing Communist Party, People's Daily, has often been first to report China's next steps in trade disagreements over the past few years. Trump said on Wednesday he believed there was a "very good chance" his administration could do a deal with China, hours after Xi called for China, the world's second-largest economy, to take action to adjust to changes in the international environment, without explicitly mentioning the United States. Trump placed tariffs of 145 per cent on imports from China, while China hit back with 125 per cent tariffs on US products. While Trump has given other countries a 90-day pause on the tariffs, as their leaders pledged to negotiate with the US, China remained the exception.
