Shunde: A cut above foodie heaven

Utter the word "Shunde" to Chinese gastronomes and expect salivation. The word is a district in the city of Foshan in Guangdong Province, and a synonym for something being scrumptious. Shunde is known as the cradle of Cantonese cuisine, the birthplace of the famous buffalo milk dessert Shuangpinai, and the hometown of some of the country's best chefs.

The famous fish food in Shunde/CGTN Photo

The famous buffalo milk dessert Shuangpinai /CGTN Photo

A unique fabric

There are other non-epicurean reasons why this modern manufacturing boomtown on the banks of the Pearl River should be your next destination. For example, Xiangyunsha, an organic silk created by hand, using all-natural ingredients and ancient techniques recognized as part of China's Intangible Cultural Heritage. The durable, wrinkle-resistant and sumptuously soft material is made only in Shunde.

The unique fabric: Xiangyunsha /CGTN Photo

The Bruce Lee legend

Kung Fu fanatics fear not – Shunde hasn't forgotten you. It is Bruce Lee's ancestral home – well, he never actually lived there, but his father did. You can wander into the humble dwelling off an alleyway now called "Bruce Lee Lane," and turn the corner into Bruce Lee Paradise, a theme park celebrating Wing Chun martial arts and its practitioners.

Statue of Bruce Lee /CGTN Photo

Dragon boat races and revelry

If you find yourself ever wondering what to do on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, then join the crowds in Longyan Village, central Shunde. The quiet, rather ordinary hamlet transforms into a raucous and extraordinary venue for a gigantic dragon boat bash, complete with all sorts of age-old rituals like "painting the dragon's eye." Think: banquets with thousands of people, lion dances, and, of course, dragon boat races that will get your ears and heart pounding.

The dragon boat races /CGTN Photo

Green and serene

Afterwards, when you need a little peace and tranquility, pop into Qinghui Garden, built some 400 years ago and one of the Four Great Gardens of Guangdong. Its name literally translates as "Garden of Pure Splendor", which, amidst its stained-glass pagodas, trickling waterfalls and bamboo-shaded paths, you may find is quite the understatement.

Qinghui Garden /CGTN Photo

Once a prosperous agricultural county, today, Shunde is up there amongst the nation's most affluent areas. So really, it's got the best of both worlds – modernity combined with raw and rustic allure. Throw in food, fabrics, Kung Fu and festivities and what more could you want on a visit to southern China?

The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.

In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.

"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.

Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.

The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."

Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.

President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.

Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.

Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.

The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.

Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests