The 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) opened its doors to the public on Sunday.
The two major exhibition areas, the China National Convention Center and the Shougang Park, are offering free entry to visitors until Monday. CIFTIS, now in its fourth day, has already hosted 158 forums and conferences, attracting nearly 150,000 attendees in the first three days. The public opening day saw a surge of interest in the latest technological advancements, innovations, and applications.
Among the highlights were models of the tunnel boring machine used in the world's longest underwater high-speed rail tunnel, and a self-driving high-speed train.
Immersive experiences at various exhibition areas are also providing visitors with a more engaging and interactive experience.
"It feels like something out of an animated movie. It's really fun,” said one visitor.
Cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality are taking visitors on a captivating journey through the world of cultural innovation.
Many booths have also incorporated Mid-Autumn Festival themes as Sunday coincided with the first day of the festival holiday, with some offering the festival's special snack mooncakes.
CIFTIS will continue to host 21 forums and conferences on Sunday, with 15 new achievements to be released, covering areas such as telecommunications, computer and information services, and healthcare services.
Over 450 Fortune 500 companies and industry leaders, as well as representatives from 85 countries and international organizations, are participating in the five-day event, which opened on Thursday under the theme "Global Services, Shared Prosperity."
China's 2024 services trade fair captivates public with latest tech offerings
Dunhuang City in northwest China's Gansu Province, renowned for its Mogao Grottoes, became an even more vibrant tourist hotspot during the National Day holiday. The city welcomed holidaymakers with a range of unforgettable experiences, showcasing its rich natural and cultural heritage. Before the sun rises over the vast desert, visitors flock to the highest peaks to witness the breathtaking sight of dawn breaking.
"At the moment I saw the sun rising from the other side of the desert, I felt an overwhelming excitement inside. Come out and enjoy the scenery; embrace the nature," said Beijing tourist Yu Di.
At the iconic Mingsha Mountain, which is named for the sound of the wind over the dunes, adventurers have multiple ways to enjoy the sunrise, including camel rides, or helicopter, delta wing glider and hot air balloon excursions.
Renowned for the magnificent architecture and rich history, the Mogao Grottoes, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage site, has provided digital exhibitions this year, allowing guests to step into the renowned 285th cave and engage with the age-old artwork with latest cutting-edge technology.
"Currently, we have digitized over 290 caves in the Mogao Grottoes. We are now showcasing these caves and the site through digital formats, such as green screen virtual studios, to provide visitors with an immersive experience. This allows everyone to clearly and intuitively understand the various aspects of the caves and the murals," said Chen Xin, an expert of the Dunhuang Academy's cultural relics digitization team.
In addition to stunning sights, Dunhuang's culinary legacy offers a taste of its rich heritage. From traditional snacks to savory dishes, each plate tells a story of cultural significance and local flavor.
The week-long National Day holiday, starting on October 1 and known as a "Golden Week", is one of China's largest annual public holidays.
Tourist hotspot Dunhuang rolls out colorful events during National Day holiday
