The ancient Chinese city of Xi'an, capital of northwestern Shaanxi Province, has taken the baton for the "China Travel with Chinese Films" initiative, which has gained significant attention following the market success of several Chinese films.
Co-launched by the National Film Administration and China Media Group, the campaign seeks to promote a tourism model aimed at attracting international tourists to China through films, offering foreign visitors a unique "film and tourism" experience by blending cinema with cultural exploration.
A group of French college students on a cultural exchange program, along with international students studying in the city, on Thursday visited the Xi'an Film Studio cultural block as part of the initiative, where they explored the studio's museum, shared insights on Chinese cinema, and watched trailers for recent hit films like "Ne Zha 2" and "Creation of the Gods II".
The group also visited the Tang-style Chang'an Twelve Hours theme area, a popular block that offers immersive experiences inspired by the Tang Dynasty (618 to 907）with Xi'an, then known as Chang'an, as its capital.
Since January, over 130,000 international passengers have arrived at Xi'an International Airport, marking a 95 percent year-on-year increase and underscoring the growing appeal of Chinese culture to overseas tourists.
Xi'an welcomes int'l visitors on "film and tourism" journey
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the United States had "total control" over the Strait of Hormuz and that it was "sealed up tight" until such time as Iran was able to make a deal, while Iran had drawn up a target list for retaliation against the United States and its allies.
Trump made the remarks in a social media post, adding that "no ship can enter or leave without the approval of the United States Navy."
He also said on Thursday that he has ordered the U.S. Navy "to shoot and kill" any boat putting mines in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz.
There is to be "no hesitation" for U.S. forces to attack Iran's "small boats" putting mines, and the U.S. minesweepers are clearing the Strait of Hormuz right now, Trump said on his Truth Social.
Meanwhile, against the backdrop of diplomatic setbacks and a lack of trust in negotiations, Iran has drawn up a target list, based on the principles of reciprocal response and offensive deterrence, to address potential military actions by the United States and its allies.
Iran has prepared different responses for different scenarios: striking enemy power plants if its own are hit; targeting U.S. allies' energy facilities if its oil and gas sector is attacked, with the aim of cutting global oil output by 25 million barrels a day for one year; hitting AI and IT centers if its officials are assassinated; and launching massive missile and drone strikes against enemy aircraft carriers and helicopters if its territory is violated.
Iran also threatened to block the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and completely seal the Strait of Hormuz through large-scale mining if a U.S. naval blockade continues or escalates.
Should the U.S. launch a ground invasion using regional bases, Iran said it would coordinate with resistance front forces and local armed groups to capture U.S. soldiers. Surprise attacks on U.S. interests outside the region are also possible.
Trump claims full control of Strait of Hormuz as Iran draws up retaliation target list
