Spectacular fireworks display is presented at Hepu County of Beihai City in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in the ongoing week-long National Day holiday, captivating tourists as they admire the stunning scenery of the historic port first built in ancient China's Han Dynasty (202 BC-AD 220).
The county once served as a port of departure along the ancient Maritime Silk Road because of its convenient land-sea transportation.
Over recent years, Beihai City has focused on developing a unique tourism style, drawing on its rich cultural heritage linked to the Maritime Silk Road, local fishing customs, and its pearl industry. This has led to the flourishing of seaside resorts, leisure cruise marinas, and tourist towns, significantly boosting the local tourism industry.
As night falls, an interactive show performed on the stage along the seaside narrates the story of a pearl fisher's life and the rise of the Maritime Silk Road in historical times. More than 100 actors engage the audience in a vivid dialog with the area's ancient history.
During this National Day holiday, new fireworks and the latest stage design have dazzled tourists, creating an immersive experience that offered an eye-catching display.
From September 30 to October 6, this fireworks display has been staged for seven consecutive days. The brilliant bursts ignited visitors' enthusiasm, elevating the festival atmosphere to new heights.
"I come from Liuzhou City. The live stage performance is fun and engaging. I am thrilled by the brilliant fireworks show, which goes beyond my expectations. This trip is definitely worthwhile," said Liu Fen, a tourist.
During the holiday, the scenic area is bustling with visitors wandering against a backdrop of grand fireworks display, capturing impressive moments in photos as they make heartfelt wishes.
"Our future will be better. May our country enjoy prosperity and our people live in peace and harmony!" said Gan Boxuan, another tourist.
Spectacular fireworks show lights up departure port on ancient Maritime Silk Road
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
