China's tourism sector offers new experiences to meet diverse demands

China's tourism sector is redefining tourism by creating innovative experiences that go beyond traditional travels, inviting people to explore the nation's rich cultural and natural landscapes.

China Tourism Day, celebrated on May 19, honors the legacy of Xu Xiake, a famous ancient Chinese traveler and geographer. His renowned work, "The Travels of Xu Xiake," was first published on this day in 1613. This year's theme is "Explore China, Enjoy a Happy Life."

In southwest China's Yunnan Province, a local forest park has teamed up with the civil service department to host monthly group weddings. The park's stunning scenery and fresh atmosphere have made it a top choice for newlyweds.

"We look forward to having our wedding ceremony in such a beautiful place. We feel very happy," said Miao Xingkai, who came to register with his fiancée.

Yunnan's tourism industry is continuously evolving to spark joy and curiosity. Visitors can enjoy live performances, educational events, and thrilling outdoor activities like off-road racing, paddle boarding and sailing. The park also hosts bonfire parties celebrating intangible cultural heritage, adding to its diverse attractions.

In Hunan Province of central China, traditional red tourism, which highlights China's revolutionary history, is getting a modern update. The Autumn Harvest Uprising Wenjiashi Memorial Garden has introduced interactive, role-playing games that immerse visitors in historical events.

"By playing a role and interacting with actors, we can better understand and appreciate history," said Zhang Caixi, a participant.

This engaging approach has been a hit, with the memorial garden welcoming 340,800 visitors from January to May this year. Wenjiashi Town has also extended its educational outreach by offering red education tours in picturesque rural areas, engaging over 15,000 students in immersive learning experiences.

China's tourism sector offers new experiences to meet diverse demands

The U.S. Department of Defense plans to spend more than 10 billion dollars to purchase air defense and interceptor missiles, and several billion dollars more to purchase various other types of missiles, according to a Bloomberg report on Friday.

According to the report, documents drafted by the U.S. Department of Defense and submitted to the defense committees of both the Senate and the House of Representatives indicate that these funds will be used to procure 5.75 billion dollars’ worth of THAAD interceptor missiles and 5.57 billion dollars’ worth of Patriot missile segment enhancements. The procurement list also includes 1.9 billion dollars’ worth of Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) and 1.3 billion dollars' worth of Tomahawk cruise missiles, as well as 692 million dollars for the procurement of precision-strike missiles, which was used for the first time in the war with Iran.

The report said that as U.S. forces struck Iran and intercepted its drone and missile attacks against U.S. bases in the Middle East, concerns are rising about the weapons stockpiles. U.S. lawmakers, defense officials, and analysts have stated that the current US weapons stockpiles are at dangerously low levels.

CBS News, citing U.S. military and intelligence officials, reported earlier this month that the rapid depletion of U.S. air defense interceptors and precision-guided weapons during the U.S.-Iran conflict had raised concerns within the U.S. government.

Pentagon plans to spend over 10 bln dollars on missile purchase