A stunning array of fireworks display and light shows lit up the night sky across China on Monday as part of the grand celebrations for the 75th birthday of the people's republic.
At the Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal in Shanghai, huge fireworks exploded in a riot of colors, casting a brilliant glow over the beautiful riverside and bustling port. Residents raised their phones and cameras to capture the mesmerizing moments.
The Daming Ancient City scenic spot in north China's Hebei came alive as magical light projections bathed the time-honored city walls in vibrant colors and dynamic patterns, drawing throngs of visitors.
"It's very spectacular, very lively," said Zhang Linfei, a visitor.
Meanwhile, in Hubei's Xiaogan, 30,000 glistening streetlights brighten up the city's trunk roads and let the five-star red flags hung beneath shine in a beautiful glow. Fiery lanterns also line the streets, creating an enchanting atmosphere that resonates with the joyful occasion.
"The five-star red flags shine even brighter against the backdrop of the lights, enhancing the vibrant festive atmosphere. I feel very proud of the country's growth and strength," said a citizen Zhou Xiao.
An amazing display of 1,000 illuminated drones took to the skies in Xinchang, Zhejiang Province. Choreographed to recreate images of key historical events like the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China and the important wartime Zunyi Meeting, this aerial show captivated crowds through an exciting blend of technology and history.
"It's tech-laden, making me feel the strength and prosperity of our country," said local resident Chen Shaowei.
In Guangzhou, south China's economic hub, skyscrapers and iconic landmarks along the Pearl River became the stage for fascinating display of lights as the countdown to the 75th National Day. Animated images including the national flag and the Great Wall ignited a fervor of national pride among residents.
"While enjoying this prosperity, we should also bear in bind the history," said a resident.
Dazzling fireworks, light shows illuminate China on National Day‘s eve
China unveiled a large wind-assisted propulsion system for ships in the coastal city of Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, on Friday, marking a major leap forward for the country in the field of high-end vessel marine environmental protection equipment.
The wind-assisted propulsion system - rotating sail system (WAPS-RSS), is developed by Luoyang Ship Material Research Institute of China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited (CSSC).
The system's rotor has diameter of 5 meters, is 35 meters high, and weighs 150 tons.
Experts say that the system can efficiently capture wind energy while the ship is sailing, providing additional thrust for the vessel.
On average, it can save fuel consumption by 5 to 25 percent for large ocean-going vessels, and lower carbon emissions accordingly.
It relies on the Magnus effect, which is much like a loop in table tennis, featuring a rapidly spinning sphere that causes the surrounding air to rotate. Pressure decreases on the side with faster airflow and increases on the side with slower airflow, creating a lateral pressure difference that generates lateral thrust.
"Standing on the deck, the powerful thrust generated by its rotation assists the ship's sailing. Our system - the world's largest rotary sail - reaches a maximum rotational speed of 180 revolutions per minute and can generate a maximum of 355 kilonewtons of thrust. Additionally, the system's intelligent control integrates multiple sensors to detect real-time wind and ship conditions. Through smart algorithms, it automatically adjusts to maintain optimal performance at all times, maximizing the utilization of wind energy," said Guo Yu, vice president of SunRui Marine Environment Engineering Company Limited under Luoyang Ship Material Research Institute.
Not only does the system's performance meet international advanced standards, but the project team has also overcome a series of engineering challenges, including the fabrication of giant composite structures, complex system integration, and intelligent coordinated control.
Compared with mainstream international technological approaches, it offers greater production efficiency and cost advantages.
Currently, the system has secured its first batch of orders and will complete actual vessel applications as scheduled.
China unveils large wind-assisted propulsion system for ships
