A renovated 500-kilovolt power transmission line connecting Guangzhou and Dongguan in south China's Guangdong Province was officially put into operation on Wednesday, a move expected to significantly enhance the power supply capacity in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
The renovation focused on expanding the line's transmission capacity, which now reaches up to 3.5 million kilowatts at peak output.
To strengthen the line's resilience against extreme weather, a 264.5-meter-high transmission tower -- the tallest over-water power transmission tower in China, was constructed across the Shiziyang Channel.
"The project will enhance the power transmission capacity of the southern corridor of the Greater Bay Area by approximately 40 percent. It will support major infrastructure projects such as the Nansha Free Trade Zone and the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link, while meeting the annual electricity needs of more than two million households," said Xu Binbin, general manager of the project management center at the Guangzhou power supply bureau under China Southern Power Grid.
Renovated transmission line put into operation to boost power supply in Greater Bay Area
People across the world rang in 2026 with fireworks, drone shows and musical performances, as millions gathered in city squares, harbors and stadiums to mark the arrival of the new year.
In Brazil, Sao Paulo hosted the 100th edition of its traditional New Year's Eve road race on Wednesday, drawing about 55,000 runners from 48 countries and regions.
Organizers said ten percent of participants were over 60, with the oldest aged 95, marking records in both participants and age range.
"I think this race is about celebrating life and health. I hope to bring a good start for 2026 in this way," said Fabio, one of the runners.
In South Africa, tens of thousands of residents and tourists packed the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town for the New Year countdown. Several live performances were staged to ring in the new year.
As midnight struck, fireworks lit up the harbor skies while crowds cheered and sang in unison, welcoming the arrival of 2026.
Ras Al Khaimah, one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), celebrated the arrival of 2026 with a grand drone show.
A thousand drones formed a blazing phoenix with outstretched wings, while another striking formation depicted a human figure rising from the sea, arms open to welcome the world. As the final seconds ticked away, dazzling fireworks lit up the sky.
In Southeast Asia, Thailand welcomed the new year with a dazzling 20-minute fireworks and drone show over the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, where locals and visitors gathered to celebrate together.
Countries around world welcome 2026 with fireworks, shows
