Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday commended the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) for its achievements over the past five "extraordinary" years.

Xi made the remarks while addressing a welcome dinner held by the SAR government on the eve of the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland.

Against the background of accelerating global transformation not seen in a century and the once-in-a-century pandemic, the fifth-term SAR government has rallied and led the people of all sectors in Macao to rise to the challenges, made results-oriented efforts, ensured a steady economic recovery and achieved progress in all undertakings, Xi noted.

Over the past five years, Macao has made new progress in appropriate economic diversification, and reached a new level in improving people's well-being, Xi said.

Macao's political and social foundation, rooted in love for the Chinese nation and love for Macao, is more solid and stronger, and its international influence and visibility have risen significantly, he added.

The remarkable achievements are attributable to the full and faithful implementation of the "one country, two systems" policy, to the vigorous support of the central government and the mainland, and to the active involvement of the international community, Xi noted.

They are also the result of the hard work and all-out efforts of people of all sectors in Macao united under the leadership of the Macao SAR government, he added.

Macao enjoys the unique advantages of "one country, two systems" and has laid a solid foundation for development, Xi noted.

Macao should proactively align itself with national development strategies such as building the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and seek to play a bigger role on the international stage, Xi said.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, is in Macao for the anniversary celebrations, the inauguration of the sixth-term government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), and an inspection tour of the SAR.

On Thursday, Xi also met with officials of the executive, legislative and judicial organs of Macao, met with representatives from all walks of life in Macao, met with Ho Hau Wah and Chui Sai On, former chief executives of Macao, met with Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR John Lee, visited the Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST), and visited the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, according to Xinhua. 

Xi also attended a gala marking the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland at the Macao East Asian Games Dome Thursday evening.

Integration into natl devt plan

The Chinese central government has taken into full consideration Macao's unique position and role, encouraging it to actively integrate into the national development strategy, Lao Ngai Leong, chairman of the Association of Returned Overseas Chinese Macao, told the Global Times. 

Since its return to China in 1999, Macao has built a strong relationship with the central government and benefited immensely from the abundant resources and strategic opportunities provided under the "one country, two systems" policy, Lao said.

"Macao, with a land area of just over 20 square kilometers, urgently needed space for development." Lao recalled President Xi emphasized on many occasions that the original goal of establishing the Hengqin new area was to create conditions for the diversified development of Macao's economy, which greatly inspired him.

In 2015, the central government approved Macao's land reclamation plans and granted it administration over 85 square kilometers of surrounding waters. In 2021, an in-depth cooperation zone was established to deepen collaboration between Macao and Guangdong Province. This zone, located on Hengqin Island, spans more than three times the land area of Macao, implementing a new management system of "joint consultation, joint management, and shared benefits," expanding Macao's development space to 224.76 square kilometers.

Hengqin, located at the southern tip of Zhuhai in Guangdong Province, is separated from Macao by a narrow stretch of water.

The Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, once a desolate stretch of land, as Luo Weijian, a law professor at the University of Macao, recounted, has now been transformed into a bustling epicenter of academia with the establishment of the Hengqin campus of University of Macao. 

Luo noted that geographically, the University of Macao is not located in Macao but in the Hengqin new area of Zhuhai, across the sea from Macao, and administered by the Macao Special Administrative Region. However, he noted that both mainland and Macao people, never consciously differentiate between Hengqin or Macao because they all live within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

The Hengqin line of the Light Rapid Transit (LRT), linking the Lotus Station in the Macao Special Administrative Region to Hengqin Station in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, has turned the "one-hour living circle" concept of the GBA from a mere aspiration into a tangible reality.

"Different social systems and administrative divisions have, under the principle of 'mutual promotion and mutual benefit' between Macao and Guangdong, been transformed into a "unified chessboard" development model in Hengqin, even in GBA," Luo noted.

As of September 2024, the cooperation zone has attracted 6,461 Macao enterprises and 16,539 Macao residents to move in. The deeply-integrated development between Guangdong and Macao is becoming a reality.

Economic diversification

On Thursday morning, Xi visited the Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST), where he was briefed on the development of two state-level key laboratories in the university - one on the quality of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and the other on lunar and planetary science.

Hailing TCM as the gem of the Chinese civilization, Xi urged efforts to well inherit, develop and utilize it, and promote it to the rest of the world.

Talking about China's achievements in lunar exploration, he said Macao has proven to be capable of conducting cutting-edge world-class scientific research.

"In recent years, the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) industry in Macao has gradually became a new highlight for the moderate diversification of the economy. The Macao SAR government also considers it a new industry to be cultivated," Li Shaoping, deputy director of State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines at the University of Macao, told the Global Times. 

Li pointed out that the development of TCM in Macao aligns with the needs of local social development. As a typical micro economy, promoting moderate economic diversification is an important cornerstone and strategic choice for maintaining long-term prosperity and stability.

"After Macao's return to the motherland, the SAR government has attached great importance to the development of the TCM industry, laying a solid foundation for the moderate diversification of Macao's economy. However, it still requires further concentration of efforts, focusing on national needs, and actively integrating into the national development," Li said.

In the past, Macao's economy, supported by the tourism and gaming industry, was impacted by the global financial crisis and the pandemic, highlighting the issues in its economic structure. How to achieve a "diverse" economic development has always been a test for Macao's people and the SAR government.

On November 1, 2023, the "Development Plan for Appropriate Economic Diversification of the Macao Special Administrative Region (2024-2028)" was announced. This is Macao's first comprehensive and systematic industrial development plan, proposing the "1+4" development strategy. The "1+4" appropriate diversification development strategy aims to enrich Macao's function as "One Centre" for integrated tourism and leisure, while facilitating the development of four nascent industries, namely: the "Big Health" industry; modern financial services; high and new technology; and convention and exhibition, sports, and the commercial and trade industries.

From building in-depth cooperation zone to the accelerated construction of the GBA, Macao continues to actively participate in the national broader regional coordinated development strategy, striving to play a more important role on a larger stage, Lao said.

A man with a total of 100 AirPods strapped to his abdomen attempted to enter the country via the Qingmao checkpoint, affiliated with the Gongbei Port in Zhuhai city, South China’s Guangdong Province, and was seized on the spot by customs officers recently, according to the General Administration of Customs of China.

While the man was entering from Qingmao on December 11, customs officers found that he looked nervous and deliberately covered his abdomen with a backpack, prompting them to stop him for inspection. 

Upon further inspection, customs officers discovered a total of 100 AirPods wrapped in plastic film around his waist and abdomen.

If individuals attempt to hide, disguise, conceal, falsely declare, or use other methods to evade customs supervision, and transport, carry, or mail goods or items prohibited or restricted from entering or leaving the ports, it constitutes smuggling, customs officers said.

If the circumstances are serious enough to constitute an offence, individuals may face criminal charges under Chinese law, said the General Administration of Customs of China.

China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS) warned on Monday about foreign spy agencies using internet users’ comments on Chinese social media to steal national secrets.

The country’s state security departments have discovered that some foreign espionage and intelligence agencies have exploited social media comment sections to steal national state secrets in recent years, disrupt cyberspace order, and pose a threat to China’s state security. Comment sections on social media platforms have increasingly become a primary venue for public social interaction, as they allow real-time discussions on diverse topics.

According to the MSS, foreign espionage and intelligence agencies often disguise themselves as enthusiasts of specific topics and lurk in online comment sections in terms of politics, economics, military, technology, and other subjects, using tactics such as questioning, debating, or making friends to probe for China’s state secrets.

State security investigations have found that certain foreign intelligence agencies employed methods such as manual screening or algorithmic detection to gather confidential and sensitive information – such as research equipment parameters, serial numbers, and information about R&D personnel – from the comment sections of videos related to China’s science and technology projects.

The MSS also found that foreign espionage and intelligence agencies recruit “paid posters” or use social media bots to fabricate and disseminate false statements in comment sections, aiming to discredit the Chinese government and its policies or distort China’s history to mislead the public.

Investigations by the MSS have revealed that some foreign intelligence agencies flood online comment sections discussing Chinese historical heroes with fabricated history, to defame and undermine China’s historical culture and iconic figures. Their goal is to undermine public admiration for these heroes and weaken recognition and pride in China’s historical and cultural identity.

Additionally, foreign espionage and intelligence agencies may create numerous accounts to shape public opinion on social media. They actively steer discussions by setting up specific topics, flooding comment sections, and controlling narratives to escalate conflicts and foster division, in a bid to skew public discourse and manipulate the direction of debates.

Investigations have uncovered instances where foreign intelligence agencies introduced sensitive topics and flooded discussions with inflammatory rhetoric, inciting dissent and amplifying public emotions in an attempt to provoke unrest and create chaos.

The MSS noted that in the face of actions by foreign spy agencies using the internet to steal state secrets and disrupt China’s cyberspace order, the Chinese public must remain vigilant and strengthen their awareness of state security and counter-espionage.

A woman in Panzhou, Southwest China's Guizhou Province, was detained for setting fire to a mountain in an attempt to collect plastic bottles which she planned to sell for money, according to a statement from the local government's official WeChat account on Monday.

According to the report, the woman, surnamed Luo, said that she believed people fighting fires in the mountains would leave behind many plastic water bottles, which she then planned to collect and sell for profit. 

Luo was found out to repeatedly use a lighter to ignite the weeds in the mountain forest. She has been detained by the local public security bureau on suspicion of arson.

The number of visitors to new properties and second-hand houses increased after a series of policies and measures boosting the real estate sector were released in rapid succession during the past week.

"Inquiries for new houses and second-hand houses have increased, with about 30 percent more visits on Saturday and Sunday compared to the previous week," a sales manager surnamed Hao at a Beijing branch of Lianjia, a leading housing agency in China, told the Global Times on Monday.

As one of the latest moves, the People's Bank of China (PBC), China's central bank, on Sunday night released four major policies regarding the real estate sector, including lowering the interest rate on mortgages, lowering the down payment ratio, improving refinance for low-income housing, and extending the duration of some real estate financial policies.

The adjustment in the pricing mechanism for mortgage rates indicated a significant reduction in mortgage rates for existing home loans, with an average estimated reduction of 0.5 percentage points, CCTV reported.

Also on Sunday night, first-tier cities such as Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzen released policies easing house purchases to help boost the market.

Guangzhou, the capital city of South China's Guangdong Province, announced the cancellation of various restrictions on households buying homes in the city on Sunday, effective from Monday.

Stocks related to the real estate sector surged on Monday, with some stocks surging to reach their daily trading limit.

CITIC Securities said in an analysis report published on Monday that the new housing policies are expected to release improved demand actively, optimize the stock, and promote the real estate market to reverse the downturn and stabilize. The construction of the new model of the real estate market and the recovery of the real estate market demand will coexist.

China and Brazil, together with a number of countries from the Global South, have established a "Friends of Peace" platform on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly, in a bid to seek peace amid the Ukraine crisis, which has been dragged on for more than two years. 

The move is another step forward after China and Brazil jointly issued a six-point consensus on their common understanding of the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis in May.

Ever since the Russia-Ukraine conflict started, Global South countries have avoided taking sides in the conflict. They also don't see eye to eye the way the Western countries deal with Russia in an international system that has long been dominated by the US-led West. The Global South countries, represented by China and Brazil, have delivered a message that is different from the self-centered West.

Historically speaking, Global South countries were beset by the dominance of the Global North through political and economic exploitation and had long been outside the center of international political arena. In other words, they were in a weak or even marginalized position. But in recent years, Global South countries have emerged and their voices can be heard clearly on the world stage. Even Western countries have taken notice of this trend. This is because Global South countries think independently and have the courage to pursue a fair and just international order.

The root cause of the Ukraine crisis is clear. So is the reason why it is dragging on for so long. The US and the West, with their inherent arrogance and self-righteousness, have been pushing forward NATO's eastward expansion without taking into account the special historical and geographical sensitivities of Russia and Ukraine, which ultimately led to the situation being out of control. As the initiator of the conflict, the US would rather prolong the conflict than end it, only to sustain its hegemony. During the more than two years' time, many opportunities for peace have been missed.

This time, again, the US has tried to dismiss the efforts made by Global South countries. When asked about the latest peace proposal, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken resorted to the old-fashioned cliché of China's "support" to Russia. 

Cui Heng, a lecturer from the Shanghai-based China National Institute for SCO International Exchange and Judicial Cooperation, believes this reflects the paucity of the US' diplomatic rhetoric. 

"The US only wants to shirk its responsibility in the Ukraine crisis. Few countries now buy the 'China responsibility' rhetoric," said Cui.

Cui noted that if the US were in the situation of Russia, it could have kicked NATO out of its sphere of influence. 

"In an international order dominated by the US, there is no such a thing as fairness and justice. In this context, why can't Global South countries push forward changes?" he asked. 

The Ukraine crisis is a tragedy of international politics and tragedy of the world. In the past, when faced with major regional conflicts or international conflicts, it was often Western countries that decided the final direction or ultimately played a role. But this time the situation is different. Unlike Western countries that choose sides, most countries in the Global South uphold a balanced and neutral position and champion peace. 

The emergence of Global South countries is offering hope to the Ukraine crisis. Perhaps the US and the West should ponder why they only bring war but the Global South could create conditions and atmosphere for peace talks. 

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had discussions on the Ukraine crisis, among other issues, with his counterparts from Russia and Ukraine when Wang met them separately on Wednesday. 

Chinese analysts said the positive response and appreciations from the two conflicting parties toward China's contribution just prove that accusations from a few countries over China's stance on the crisis are nonsense and laughable. 

China's exchanges and interactions with Russia and Ukraine at the UN have also exposed that some Western countries, especially the US, are not standing for peace, and don't care about the Ukrainian and Russian people who are suffering from the war; instead, they have selfish hegemonic interest in this issue, experts noted.

According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Thursday, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, met Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha separately on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly.

Wang said at the meeting with Ukraine's top diplomat that China is willing to work with Ukraine to maintain the momentum of stable development in bilateral relations. Wang emphasized that China has always advocated for peaceful resolution of conflicts, and this remains true for the Ukraine issue.

China has been closely monitoring the humanitarian situation in Ukraine, and has provided four batches of humanitarian aid so far, and is ready to offer additional assistance based on Ukraine's needs, Wang said. China is also willing to maintain communication with all parties including Ukraine, in an effort to achieve peace at an early date, he noted.

At the meeting with Wang, Sybiha reiterated Ukraine's adherence to the one-China policy and expressed the willingness to build a strong partnership with China, adding that Ukraine highly values China's stance on the crisis and its efforts for peace, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

During his meeting with the Russian top diplomat, Wang said China will always stay true to the original aspiration of establishing diplomatic relations with Russia and continuously enrich their comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era for the greater well-being of people of both countries.

Lavrov said at the meeting with Wang that Russia is willing to work with China to push for greater development of bilateral relations. The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Chinese analysts said China has always kept close communication with both sides since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022, and is still making great mediation efforts to try to stop the conflict and restore peace. This has already proven that China's stance for peace is undoubtable, but a few countries, especially the US, have kept blaming, accusing and distorting China's stance on the Ukraine crisis when they are trying to add fuel to the flame. These few countries are also spending huge amounts of their' taxpayers' money to prolong the deadly war.

Wang said on Tuesday at the UN headquarters while attending a UN Security Council high-level meeting on the situation in Ukraine that "any attempt to blame, attack or smear China on the Ukraine issue is irresponsible and will not succeed."

Selfishness, incompetence exposed

The US has frequently smeared and attacked China on the Ukraine issue. However, when Ukraine said it highly values China's stance on the crisis and its efforts for peace, the selfishness and hegemonic interest of Washington in the Ukraine crisis has completely been exposed. 

Zhang Hong, a research fellow at the Institute of Russian, Eastern European and Central Asian Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Thursday that an effective and sustainable solution of Ukraine crisis should be based on reality and the respect to the reasonable concerns of both sides, but the one-sided support from the US-led West to Kiev has made the conflict to escalate. 

"The past two years have proved that the military support from the West to Ukraine has failed to promote peace but has extended and escalated the conflict time and again," Zhang noted. 

By preventing the war from ending, the US military-industrial complex can keep earning money from the massive military aid and Washington can keep its influence over the EU and maintain pressure on Russia, so when the US trashes China's stance, it's laughable and nonsense, said experts.

Nonetheless, the US attacks and smears China's stance in order to sow discord between China and the EU over the Ukraine crisis, Zhang said. "This kind of trick has just exposed the incompetence and selfishness of Washington in handling this crisis." 

Wang Yi on Wednesday also met with Josep Borrell, high representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. Wang expressed his appreciation for Borrell's commitment and effort as the EU's top diplomat on promoting mutual trust and cooperation between the two sides.

Borrell, for his part, said China's rise is an unstoppable historical trend. China is already a strong country and will continue to grow stronger. The world needs China and Europe should strengthen cooperation with China.

The world is not peaceful as challenges are growing and conflicts keep cropping up, and countries need to work together to maintain peace and security, said Borrell. The two sides also exchanged views on the crisis in Ukraine.

Cui Heng, a research fellow with the Center for Russian Studies of East China Normal University, said that the US' attempts to sow discord between China and EU members by smearing China's stance on the Ukraine crisis did affect some EU members, but major countries like Germany and France still maintain strategic autonomy, and that's why the EU clearly understands that it needs to work together with China. 

Be realistic

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Wednesday rejected the China-Brazil peace proposal during his speech as the UN General Assembly, while Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva advocated on Tuesday at the same event for a plan for talks between Russia and Ukraine to end their conflict, Reuters reported. 

Zhang said Zelenskiy has high expectation to the peace plan. Yet, to be realistic, Ukraine needs to understand that the higher expectation it has, the more difficult it will be for all parties to reach a feasible plan. The conflicting parties can at least stop the conflict first and solve other complicated issues by negotiations, but if the conflicting parties refuse to do so, the war will be maintained in long term.

Another reason is that Ukraine is unable to make decisions on its own, as the US is the real key player behind this war. So, before Washington believes that it's time for a talk with Moscow to stop this war in Ukraine, we might not be able to see Ukraine make a clear decision and accept any peace proposal. However, China and Brazil, as well as other members who are calling for peace among the international community, will keep on working toward stopping this endless war, said experts. 

On September 19, State Grid Aksu Power Supply Company successfully achieved, for the first time, the one-click "full stop and full turn" of the entire 110 kV Sunshine distribution network load through power distribution automation. The successful application of this technology will elevate the practical level of distribution automation in the Aksu region to new heights.
The one-click "all-stop-all-turn" technology for the entire distribution network load station refers to a sequence control technology that enables one-click initiation and sequential execution of batch distribution network switch operations. The application of this technology is of great significance for improving power supply reliability, optimizing power system operation, and improving customers' electricity experience.

It has been reported that the traditional load transfer method for the whole station often involves complex processes and lengthy operations for transferring the distribution network load of four 10kV lines. The conventional on-site load transfer requires 8 operating points and 16 people, with simultaneous operations taking at least 30 minutes, which not only increases operational risk, but also negatively impacts on the user experience. However, by utilizing the one-click "full stop and full switch" technology for the entire distribution network load, four 10 kV lines can be operated through a single power adjustment and switching action. It only takes 1 minute to achieve "full stop and full rotation" of the entire station's distribution network load, an approach that greatly improves work efficiency and reduces operational risks.

To successfully complete this load transfer work, State Grid Aksu Power Supply Company planned and prepared in advance, organizing coordination among various disciplines, such as dispatching, mode, protection, automation, and local county companies. They conducted on-site terminal location verification, remote control preset, switch status verification, and remote signaling checks to ensure the smooth completion of the one-click "full stop and full turn" task for the 110 kV Sunshine Transformation and Distribution Network Load Station.

The successful application of this technology not only enhances the "zero perception" of customers' electricity consumption during operations, improving their overall electricity experience, but also paves the way for Aksu's distribution network to quickly adjust and cope with large-scale maintenance operations.

Next, State Grid Aksu Power Supply Company will continue to promote the functional innovation and construction of the distribution automation master station system. They will keep promoting the one-click "all-stop-all-turn" working method, achieve lean dispatching empowerment through automated means, and continue to pursue high-quality development to meet people's electricity needs for a better life.

As the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) unfolds, global attention turns to the strengthening partnership between China and Africa. As China and Africa discuss the path of Global South modernization, artworks have showcased the deep emotional and cooperative ties between them. 

The relationship between China and Africa is not a distant concept. From infrastructure projects to healthcare improvements and entrepreneurship, the collaboration between the two sides has expanded into an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era  that goes beyond politics and economics and encompasses the emotional and psychological integration of the people of China and Africa.

Close Friends Across Continents, a three-episode documentary created by CCTV that recently aired, paints a vivid picture of the intertwined destinies of both regions through the lens of people-to-people exchanges, while also highlighting a robust, enduring partnership based on mutual respect and shared development goals.

Since the 20th century, China has played a key role in Africa's infrastructure development, a sector that remains crucial today. Projects like the Magufuli Bridge in Tanzania stand as symbols of this partnership. Spanning Lake Victoria, the bridge is set to eliminate commuting barriers for millions of people and strengthen social and economic ties between communities. 

For the engineers and workers who built it, this project was more than just a job - it was a commitment to creating a more connected and prosperous Africa. Across the continent, Chinese construction teams are building roads, railways, and bridges that not only increase economic opportunities but also enhance the quality of life for African communities.

Public service improvements, such as healthcare and education, are equally central to the China-Africa relationship. One standout example is the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, constructed with China's assistance. This state-of-the-art facility, along with Chinese-built hospitals, has become a pillar of Africa's healthcare infrastructure. These healthcare projects do more than save lives; they foster a sense of community and shared destiny between China and Africa.

The future of China-Africa cooperation lies not only in infrastructure and public service, but also in business in a variety of fields. In the past few years, the two regions have explored new models of cooperation in industries like renewable energy, healthcare technology, and more. Chinese companies have helped establish solar power plants and electric vehicle battery factories in Africa, promoting the sustainable development of the continent.

Joint ventures in medical testing technology have also modernized healthcare systems, helping Africa transform from a developing region to an emerging leader in high-tech industries. This shift is not just about economic growth, it is about empowering Africa to stand as a global leader, contributing to solutions that benefit both the continent and the world.

Ultimately, the connection between China and Africa is humanistic. The phrase "Miles apart, yet close at heart" perfectly captures the emotional and cultural bonds that have formed between the people of these two regions. As a global communication scholar, I deeply feel that the cooperation between China and Africa is based on the interactions of ordinary people - engineers, doctors, entrepreneurs - who aim at not only improving their lives but also creating lasting friendships.

We need to focus on the two-way interaction and multilateral development between China and Africa, especially the role that media in this era assigns to each of us. Building a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future and promoting the modernization of the Global South are the tasks and practices in which we must actively engage.

The author is a professor and deputy dean of the Institute for A Community with Shared Future at Communication University of China in Beijing, and vice chair of the International Communication Section of International Association for Media and Communication Research.

Editor's Note:

Mid-Autumn Festival, a celebration that has spanned centuries in China, is synonymous with the ancient practice of moon worship. Falling on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, when the moon is at its fullest and brightest, the festival has been bestowed with the meaning of unity, with legends such as Chang'e and the moon rabbit enriching its heritage. For Chinese people, the festival is of special ethical significance, while the thought of reuniting with family on this occasion has been a sentiment and mind-set for hundreds of years. The symbolic snack known as mooncake, a traditional offering to the lunar deities and a seasonal treat, has now evolved into a cultural brand representing China.

In this special issue, Global Times reporters Chen Xi, Li Hang and Sun Langchen will help you understand how and why Chinese celebrate this day even though many customs are changing with the times. As the Mid-Autumn Festival, which falls on Tuesday this year, is being celebrated across the whole world nowadays, the festival has also evolved in different ways.

Looking at the Moon and Longing for One Far Away

Zhang Jiuling (Tang Dynasty)

"Over the sea the moon grows bright;

We gaze on it far, far apart.

Lovers complain of long, long night;

I rise and long for my dear heart.

Candles blown out, fuller is light;

My coat put on, I'm moist with dew.

As I can't hand you moonbeams white,

I go to bed to dream of you."
In ancient times, the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival was marked with grand altars adorned with mooncakes, fruit, and other offerings. Families would gather under the lunar glow, positioning the image of the moon god in the direction of the full moon. As red candles burned brightly, family members would take turns paying homage to the moon as the matriarch of the household sliced into a round, reunion mooncake, a gesture signifying the completeness of family bonds.

Nowadays, people celebrate the festival in more creative ways. Experts told the Global Times that both innovative and traditional forms of celebrations are ways to express one's cultural identity and communicate feelings, and these are better expressed through objects or certain mediums.

In Beijing, Tianjin, and Shandong Province, the Tu'er Ye, or Lord Rabbit, emerged as a new festival symbol after the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911). The rabbit god represents a secularized imagination of the Jade Rabbit that lives on the moon and is traditionally depicted pounding medicinal herbs.

"We can see that this is a trend with a certain global significance. The Lord Rabbit can serve as a globally shared deity figure during the Mid-Autumn Festival. In the West, the rabbit also symbolizes trust , making it a universally shareable symbol," Xiao Fang, head of the Department of Anthropology and Folklore Studies at Beijing Normal University, told the Global Times.

Moon-viewing tours

As this is the time of the year when the moon is at its fullest, "Chinese-style night tours" have become a new choice for people to celebrate the holiday, including spending the night with family and friends in a garden, or even taking a moon-viewing flight to admire the moon from a closer vantage point.

This year, China will celebrate with a three-day holiday running from September 15 to September 17.

Popular among younger travelers, activities such as moon gazing and exploring historical sites have drawn crowds to cities across the country, particularly to boat tours, ancient gardens, and bustling night markets.

According to data from Tongcheng Travel, in the week leading up to September 5, searches related to domestic ancient towns and garden night tours during the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday saw a 77 percent week-on-week increase, while searches for night cruises increased by 42 percent.

In Suzhou, East China's Jiangsu Province, a city renowned for its classical gardens, a series of moon-viewing night tours are being introduced, offering travelers a visual feast.

As night falls and lanterns illuminate the streets, the thousand-year-old Tiger Hill Pagoda in Suzhou shines brightly under the lights. During the Mid-Autumn Festival, visitors can enter the lower level of the pagoda, without reservations, to experience the ancient structure up close and appreciate its historical significance.

With the moon-viewing tradition at the heart of these celebrations, an increasing number of travelers are also flocking to take special "moon-viewing flights." Multiple airlines have launched unique routes designed to offer passengers a closer view of the moon from the cabin during flight.

For example, China Southern Airlines' Hunan branch plans to operate over 80 flights during the Mid-Autumn Festival to provide moon-viewing opportunities, taking into account factors such as moonlight and flight routes.

In ancient times, the Mid-Autumn Festival was one of the few occasions when night markets were held, making it an important time for socializing. In the past, as people crafted and lit paper lanterns, scholars dreamed of achieving fame, while the young prayed for love. Today, the tradition continues, with people across China enjoying evenings out with their friends.

Cultural fusion mooncakes

Besides trendy night tours during the festival, the traditional mooncake has also transcended its identity as a simple festival snack to become a vessel for well-wishes.

From the plain, round pastries adorned with simple patterns to the myriad fillings of recent years, and now to the creative mooncakes that artfully incorporate cultural elements, the cultural "flavor" of mooncakes has grown increasingly significant.

This year, creative mooncake products in major universities have been a feast for the eyes. From mooncakes featuring Peking University's iconic campus landscapes to ones from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine that have been infused with traditional Chinese medicinal ingredients, the creativity of these academic institutions has been remarkable. Museums have also joined the trend, launching their own cultural and creative mooncakes. For example, the Chinese Archaeological Museum has incorporated five representative "dragon" motifs from its collection into the design of their mooncakes.

A standout mooncake gift box this year is the "Clasp the Moon in the Heaven Mooncake Gift Set," a collaboration between the Suzhou-style mooncake maker, Daoxiangcun, and the popular video game Black Myth: Wukong.

Zhou Liyuan, a manager with the time-honored brand, told the Global Times that the overall design draws inspiration from cultural elements in Journey to the West, upon which the game is based, and combines traditional pastry-making skills with modern aesthetics. The gift box unfolds like a flip-book when opened and features not only the game's characters but also scenes from the game.

"Currently, the gift box is mainly sold domestically and is a hot-seller with supply not meeting demand. However, some foreign customers in China are purchasing this gift box and sending it to their relatives and friends overseas by mail," Zhou said.

Zheng Changling, a research fellow at the Chinese National Academy of Arts, told the Global Times that the popularity of cultural and creative mooncakes, especially among young people, stems from their transformation of the traditional, somewhat rigid image of mooncakes. However, the real reason for their appeal lies in the way they embed culture within these pastries.

"It can be said that while mooncakes once represented the warmth of family reunion, they now offer a taste of national trends, cultural styles, and even cultural confidence," he said.

A global festival

As more people both in China and abroad celebrate the traditional festival, the Mid-Autumn Festival highlights both new and traditional ways of honoring this beloved holiday, reflecting its continued significance in contemporary life.

In Wuhan, Hubei Province, a Chinese-style mecha show at Happy Valley marks a groundbreaking approach to celebrating the festival. This show features interactive mechanical representations of legendary Chinese figures such as Zhao Yun, a military general who lived during the late Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220) and early Three Kingdoms (220-280) period, Erlang Shen, a god in Chinese folk religion and Taoism. Visitors can engage with these larger-than-life characters, offering a fresh and captivating way to experience Chinese mythology and cultural heritage.

In addition, the lantern festival in Beijing also promises to be the largest lantern display in the city's history. It will showcase over 200 creative lantern displays, including a remarkable 10-meter-tall phoenix lantern made from colored blow-molded paper and transparent acrylic. The festival will also feature more than 150 specialty shops and various themed activities, including performances and interactive events. This extensive and imaginative presentation of lanterns reflects a deep appreciation for both traditional craftsmanship and modern design.

"Modern urban life is becoming increasingly atomized, and we should use the Mid-Autumn Festival as an opportunity to encourage more interaction among people," said Xiao.

The global significance of shared figures is also reflected in other countries. The light-up ceremony in Singapore's Chinatown has introduced a novel feature: a digital riddle-solving activity. This new addition aims to engage younger generations by combining traditional festival elements with modern technology.

Josephine Teo, Minister for Digital Development and Information of Singapore, emphasized the importance of blending tradition with innovation, noting that this approach not only preserves cultural heritage but also makes the festival more relevant to the diverse demographics of today.

"Family and national unity, as well as the integrity of the nation, are deeply significant concepts in Chinese thought. No matter where Chinese people go, they carry with them this sense of national togetherness. This national psychological factor is not easily abandoned just because they are abroad," Li Hanqiu, a veteran folk custom expert who first proposed the Mid-Autumn Festival be designated a public holiday, told the Global Times.

He noted that through the moon, emotions are conveyed, and in this way, the feelings of reunion also merge into a sense of national identity. The shared act of gazing at the moon from afar is not only an expression of longing for loved ones but also a longing for one's homeland.