China's manned deep-sea submersible completes major upgrade, prepares for exploration

China's manned deep-sea submersible Jiaolong has completed a significant upgrade and started underwater trials, according to the country's Ministry of Natural Resources.

The China-made underwater ship, named after a mythical sea dragon, is capable of diving to depths exceeding 7,000 meters. It has completed over 300 dives since its maiden mission in August 2009 and explored waters in the Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean and Atlantic Ocean.

This latest upgrade, which began in November last year, aims to enhance its capabilities and support more frequent deep-sea missions.

According to the National Deep Sea Base Management Center, the upgrade focuses on critical components like the propulsion system and battery packs.

The propulsion system has been adjusted structurally to increase the speed from 2.5 to over three nautical miles per hour, with the replacement of three-bladed propellers with more efficient four-bladed versions.

The zinc-silver battery pack has been replaced with high-energy-density flexible lithium battery pack, which aims to improve the power reserve and reduce diving costs.

The submersible's observation capabilities have also been enhanced. An array of cameras, including high-definition video cameras and powerful lighting systems, are equipped to facilitate underwater exploration and resource assessment.

Further upgrades include two more LED light arrays at the front and three more lights at the rear and bottom, expanding the submersible's detection range and improving its ability to locate specific targets.

"This upgrade prioritizes enhancing our operational tools. We've upgraded the electrical systems, propulsion, mechanical components, observation, and communications equipment to cater to the needs of deep-sea exploration and improve operational efficiency," said Qi Haibin, a submersible pilot.

Following the underwater trials to test its stability, Jiaolong will undergo sea trials in the South China Sea in March to validate its enhanced capabilities.

"Jiaolong will be sent to the South China Sea to conduct deep-sea equipment verification. After completing the process, there will be extensive missions ahead of us," Qi said.

The submersible is scheduled for further scientific expeditions in the Pacific and Indian Oceans later this year.

China's manned deep-sea submersible completes major upgrade, prepares for exploration

A large number of international guests have been drawn to Ninghai County in east China's Zhejiang Province, immersing themselves in the culture of its villages and enjoying warm welcomes from local people eager to share their traditional practices.

Recently, a traditional long-table banquet was held in the county's Qiantong Ancient Town, an exceptionally well-preserved town built during the Song Dynasty (960–1279).

Given the rising popularity of rural tourism in China, it was no surprise that the 300 tickets for the event sold out within a few minutes. However, local organizers had not expected the event to bring so many guests from overseas to the 200-meter-long table.

"I especially like the tall (long) table, it's actually a new experience for me," said an international visitor.

"The atmosphere here is lively and I really like it. The dishes arrived still hot, crispy and delicious," said another overseas guest.

Inspired by the stories of Xu Xiake, an explorer and travel writer from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), more than 100 overseas students also visited old villages in the county, where they learned traditional crafting techniques like paper cutting.

"I can experience traditional culture and I also like that in this village. There are some old traditional things," said an overseas student.

"This place is so beautiful, with many delicious foods," another student said.

The students also learned to make a kind of traditional dessert that symbolizes good wishes for longevity.

"It's my first time to see it. It's very interesting. I want to learn new things," said one of the students.

"I feel really amazed there, really happy. I was really enjoying this experience to do it," said another.

Local people were more than willing to share these ancient practices with young people from around the world.

"Through hands-on experience, our foreign friends can more easily understand our traditional culture. Our communication like this is more sincere and unforgettable," said Liang Lanlan, an intangible cultural heritage inheritor.

Traditional culture in east China county draws international guests