Human's Lunar exploration still in infancy, requiring global cooperation: Chinese chief designer

Lunar exploration is still in its infancy for the humanity and requires international cooperation to advance the cause, Wu Weiren, chief designer of China's lunar exploration program, said in an interview with the China Global Television on Wednesday.

April 24, Wednesday, marks the ninth anniversary of China's Space Day.

"Lunar exploration for us humans is still in its infancy, as we've only explored it for a limited number of times. Even the Earth on which we've lived for a long time, there are many things which still remain unclear. So lunar exploration is a long-term task for us. We still know very little about it, and our understanding is quite shallow. I believe we will continue this work for decades, or even centuries to come. Of course, it isn't just about lunar exploration, it may be a crucial part or task for our deep space exploration and humanity's quest for scientific knowledge. That's the situation we are facing in lunar and deep space exploration today," Wu said.

According to the China National Space Administration, China's future missions, Chang'e-7 in 2026 and Chang'e-8 in 2028, will serve as the foundational models for a lunar research station.

Wu expounded the significance of building an international lunar research station. "I believe our next step should be working with more countries on this front. That's why we have established this organization to implement such a major project with international participation, which is called big science plans or projects. We aim to involve more countries, especially the BRICS countries, the countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including Southeast Asia, and Latin American countries. We hope to unite these countries and work together to accomplish this mission. Once the international lunar research station is built, it will facilitate long-term scientific research and technological experiments. As humans, it's in our inevitable destiny to journey into space, venturing ever deeper into the cosmos. The moon serves as a starting point, and the lunar research station will provide a platform for long-term scientific research, paving the way for humanity's journey into deeper space," Wu added.

China plans to realize manned lunar landing by 2030, according to the China Manned Space Agency. Rockets for manned lunar missions are currently undergoing ground-testing, says the agency.

Starting in 2016, China designated April 24 as the Space Day of China to mark the launch of its first satellite "Dongfanghong-1" into space on April 24, 1970.

Human's Lunar exploration still in infancy, requiring global cooperation: Chinese chief designer

China's Macao Special Administrative Region has seen a surge in cultural tourism, with the volume of arrivals and departures exceeding 1.8 million during the first three days of the May Day holiday, significantly boosting the local economy.

Home to historical sites, Macao celebrates its diverse cultures and local delicacies, attracting tourists from the Chinese mainland as well as international locations.

"I like the city, so this is the mix of the cultures, the European one, the Asian, and Chinese one. So, I like the city because it's also a relaxed city and I really enjoy it," said a Czech tourist.

During the holiday, specialized art performances have been held at scenic areas such as A-Ma Temple, showcasing Macao's cultural charm to visitors.

Beyond its historical figures and cultural heritage sites, various museums have become hot tourist attractions. These include the Macao Grand Prix Museum and the Macao Museum, which offer immersive environments and enable visitors to gain a comprehensive understanding of the SAR's history and culture.

"Visiting the museum with my child helps her gain a deeper understanding of Macao's history, which is beneficial for appreciating the history of China and cultivating strong national cultural confidence," said Li Sufen, a tourist from the Chinese mainland.

Macao welcomes booming cultural tourism during May Day holiday