China's Shenzhou-18 astronauts share bird's eye views of launch sites

The Shenzhou-18 crew members aboard China's orbiting space station Tiangong have captured the spectacular panoramic views of the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China and the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site on the coast of southern island province of Hainan.

On April 25, China launched the Shenzhou-18 manned spacecraft, sending three astronauts into the space station for a six-month mission. With their mission drawing to a close, the three astronauts are expected to return to Earth later this month.

During their 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.

During their downtime, the crew gaze through the windows of the space station, recording the majestic views of China. Ye and Li introduced the views of the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center and the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site they captured from space.

"Hello, I'm astronaut Ye Guangfu. Today, please follow my camera as we are taking a bird's eye view of Dongfeng Space City. What you see now is the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, established in October 1958. It is the earliest and the largest comprehensive space launch center in China and the only manned space launch site in the country. It is a land that embodies the glory and dreams of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and is also the birthplace of the space industry, which has fostered the spirit of 'Two Bombs, One Satellite,' the spirit of manned space flight, and the Dongfeng spirit. From here, you can see that the area on the left is the working and living area of Dongfeng Space City, while the area on the right is the launch site, from which we embarked on our journey to space," said Ye.

"The Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site is located in the east of Hainan Island. This is the first open launch site in China and one of the few low-latitude launch sites in the world. The Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site is also known as 'the mother port for China's space station construction'. In 2020, the test module of a new generation of manned spacecraft went to space from the spacecraft launch site . In April 2021, Tianhe Core Module was launched from there. Since then, two lab modules named Wentian and Mengtian have also been launched from there. In the future, it will serve as the main launch site for China's manned lunar exploration mission, and we are also looking forward to leaving the footprints of Chinese people on the moon in the future," Li said.

China's Shenzhou-18 astronauts share bird's eye views of launch sites

A delegation of 40 students and teachers from seven Chinese mainland universities on Thursday wrapped up their nine-day visit to Taiwan. They set off for Taiwan on Nov. 27 and visited universities, historical sites, scenic spots, as well as sports, sci-tech and cultural venues on the island, widely engaging with locals throughout the tour.

The delegation made the tour at the invitation of the Taiwan-based Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation.

"The young people from both sides of the Strait share the same root, and we are having a harmonious communication this time. We also welcome young people from Taiwan to visit the mainland for exchange," Cao Yibo, a student from Peking University, told reporters during the tour.

The delegation included table tennis Olympic champion Ma Long who studies at Beijing Sport University, and air rifle Olympic champion Yang Qian of Tsinghua University.

"In the future, I would like to visit Taiwan again. I did not expect that so many compatriots in Taiwan would come to welcome and us and pay so much attention to our exchange tour," Ma said.

Hsiao Hsu-tsen, executive director of the Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation, saw off the delegation at the airport on Thursday, and said the mainland students and teachers had received Taiwan residents' heartfelt welcome wherever they went.

"The farewell dinner party was held yesterday evening, when almost all students from the mainland shared their feelings. What moved me so much is that every one of them thanked people here, because the latter sincerely and warmly welcomed them wherever they went during the nine-day tour. They told me that when they go back, they will tell their relatives and friends that people in Taiwan are kind, hospitable and warm. I believe that is the most important purpose of the exchange across the Strait," he said.

Calling youth exchanges a foundation of cross-Strait relations in the future, Hsiao said the foundation will carry on and continue to promote such exchanges across the Strait.

This is the second delegation of mainland teachers and students visiting Taiwan at the invitation of the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation, following the visit by a first delegation in July last year.

Delegation of mainland university students, teachers wraps up Taiwan visit