Shenzhou-18 astronauts capture stunning views of Earth from space

The Shenzhou-18 crew members on board China's orbiting space station have shared a set of photos and videos, showcasing the shocking beauty of Earth and the cosmos from about 400 kilometers above.

During the mission, the three astronauts, Ye Guangfu, Li Cong and Li Guangsu, have marveled at the stunning landscapes, from snow-white seas of clouds to vibrant blue oceans and cities lit up at night.

In their downtime, the crew often gaze through the windows of the space station, recording the majestic rivers, and towering mountains of China. They have captured the stunning visuals of the iconic Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, as well as the Yellow River and the Yangtze River that are regarded as the "mother rivers" of the Chinese nation.

The Shenzhou-18 crew are scheduled to return to Earth in late October this year after staying in orbit for about six months.

Shenzhou-18 astronauts capture stunning views of Earth from space

A delegation of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party, led by its chairwoman Cheng Li-wun, arrived in Shanghai at noon on Tuesday for a mainland visit that will run through Sunday.

The delegation is scheduled to visit Jiangsu Province, Shanghai and Beijing, marking the first time in a decade that a KMT chairperson has led a delegation to the Chinese mainland.

The visit is regarded as an important part of the exchanges and dialogue between the KMT and the Communist Party of China under the new circumstances.

Strengthening exchanges and dialogue between the two parties, according to a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, will have a significant and positive impact on maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and promoting the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations.

Cheng arrives in Shanghai, kicking off KMT delegation's mainland visit