The China Disabled Persons' Federation marked China's 34th National Day for Helping the Disabled on Sunday by signing an agreement with the Palace Museum in Beijing to improve accessibility at the tourist attraction, provide braille service for the visually impaired, and design sightseeing routes and open online reservation channels accessible to the disabled.
This is just one of countless nationwide initiatives to improve accessibility to cultural, economic and social venues for the disabled.
Cinemas in east China's Zhejiang Province have set up special screening halls for moviegoers in wheelchairs.
"After I enter the shopping mall, I take the elevator to the fifth floor. I can see signs of the cinema as soon as I get out of the elevator. There are staff members guiding us. The whole route is on flat ground," said Cai Lu, a resident in Hangzhou City of Zhejiang who uses a wheelchair.
Some buses in Harbin City of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province have installed intelligent assistance systems for visually impaired passengers, enabling them to listen to voice prompts by shaking their cell phones to let them know where they are on the route.
In Qingdao City in east China's Shandong Province, high-tech devices designed to improve accessibility for disabled people are being promoted at an exhibition, while in Chengdu City in southwest China's Sichuan Province, a special foundation for the development of high-tech products to assist disabled people has been set up.
The center for assistance devices for the disabled in Liuzhou City in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region has launched a cooperation project with the Guangxi University of Science and Technology to develop new devices and promote the use of technology to improve the lives of disabled people.
China's National Day for Helping the Disabled falls on the third Sunday of May every year.
China marks National Day for Helping the Disabled with further improvements in accessibility
On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.
Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.
In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.
"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.
"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.
He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.
"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.
Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth
