Sichuan Province of southwest China is attracting domestic and global visitors especially following its first snowfall, thanks to government initiatives and advanced local infrastructure.
To further promote Sichuan's winter tourism, the provincial government launched a four-month campaign on Saturday at the UNESCO World Heritage site Jiuzhaigou.
With the campaign offering free scenic spot tickets, subsidies for travelers and a newly opened high-speed rail connecting Jiuzhaigou and regional centers such as Chengdu City and Chongqing Municipality, tourists from home and abroad can enjoy a convenient, comfortable, and money-saving trip to savor the unique winter scenes in Sichuan.
"I think Sichuan is a really nice province. It has so much to offer to people, for tourists. I came by the high speed rail. I came here with my parents over 10 years ago. So it's a huge improvement, it's a big change. You can also fly here, but yeah, infrastructure seems amazing," said Dieter, a Belgian tourist.
Beyond natural beauty, local authorities are leveraging Sichuan's rich cultural resources, given that it is among the most ethnically diverse provinces in the country. Governments and scenery spots have also introduced multiple activities to provide tourists with a chance to experience the local culture.
"It's very exciting. It's the first time to come here. For me this place is a must see because the scenery is beautiful. And I'm also very excited about the minority's culture. For the first time I tried to dance with them. I think this is an added value for China tourism. As foreigners, we can also experience this minority culture like dancing, the food, and so on," said Nino, a tourist from Italy.
Winter tourism in Sichuan attracts global visitors
Winter tourism in Sichuan attracts global visitors
A Japanese opposition leader has strongly criticized Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi over recent remarks perceived as challenging Japan's long-standing non-nuclear principles and shifting the country's post-war security stance.
Mizuho Fukushima, a member of Japan's House of Councillors and leader of the Social Democratic Party, noted that Japan must firmly uphold its "Three Non-Nuclear Principles."
She called recent suggestions by some government officials that Japan could possess nuclear weapons a severe challenge to these principles and "completely unacceptable."
"Japan is the only country in the world to have suffered atomic bombings. Therefore, it should steadfastly adhere to the 'Three Non-Nuclear Principles.' The principles themselves are of utmost importance. Yet, government officials have made statements supporting nuclear armament and the possession of nuclear weapons, which I think is completely unacceptable. Some argue that 'discussion itself is permissible,' but that is not the case. Atomic bomb survivors already feel an intense sense of crisis merely from such discussions emerging. The 'Three Non-Nuclear Principles' must be upheld. Japan must absolutely not pursue nuclear armament," she said.
Fukushima also directly criticized Takaichi's recent statements, demanding a retraction and political accountability.
"Takaichi's recent remarks regarding a 'survival-threatening situation' not only violate Japan's constitution but also contradict the definition of such a situation within our own security-related laws. Therefore, Takaichi must retract her erroneous statements. Otherwise, are we to understand that if a conflict breaks out in another country or region, Japan would launch military attacks? This would lead to utterly absurd and unacceptable consequences. Thus, Takaichi should retract this statement. If she does not retract it, her cabinet should step down," she said.
Japanese lawmaker condemns Takaichi's remarks on nuclear weapons
