The Ministry of Finance on Wednesday unveiled this year's list of 20 Chinese cities eligible for central budget support for urban renewal projects, as the government continues with its nationwide push to build livable, resilient and smart cities and advance high-quality urban development.
Over the next few years, the central government will allocate upwards of 20 billion yuan (about 2.78 billion U.S. dollars) in subsidies to support urban infrastructure upgrade projects, such as underground pipework renovations, household waste sorting and disposal drives, and reconstruction of historical and cultural blocks, in 20 municipalities, capitals of provincial-level regions, and other large cities.
According to the arrangements, the subsidies are capped at 800 million yuan for each eastern city, 1 billion yuan for each central city, and 1.2 billion yuan for each western city and municipality, respectively.
The 20 cities are: Beijing, Tianjin, Tangshan, Baotou, Dalian, Harbin, Suzhou, Wenzhou, Wuhu, Xiamen, Jinan, Zhengzhou, Yichang, Changsha, Guangzhou, Haikou, Yibin, Lanzhou, Xining, and Urumqi.
According to a statement released on the Ministry of Finance's website in early April, the central government would explore ways to establish a sustainable urban renewal mechanism, tackle gaps and weaknesses in urban infrastructure, and boost the construction of consumption-oriented infrastructure.
20 Chinese cities eligible for central budget support for urban renewal projects: Ministry of Finance
More than 20 films will hit Chinese screens during the three-day Qingming Festival holiday from Saturday to Monday, spanning genres from revolutionary historical dramas, realism movies to suspense thrillers, according to the China Film Administration on Thursday.
Revolutionary historical films such as Blood-Spattered Cliff, Eight Sons, Eight Soldiers, and Half Of The Quilt, will pay tribute to martyrs through the lens.
Three films -- It's OK, Now I Met Her, and Sunshine Women's Choir -- tell moving stories of love, growth, and reconciliation.
It's OK is a contemporary family comedy that follows a mother and daughter navigating their joyful yet turbulent relationship. Now I Met Her tells a rebellious teenager who gets to know his late mother through her old diary. Sunshine Women's Choir, a film from the Taiwan region of China, portrays the "perfect" maternal love of "imperfect mothers."
The suspense film Game of Identity tells the story of two people from different backgrounds who accidentally swap lives, setting off an unexpected adventure. The documentary films Seeking Nature: The Code of Life, and Missions to the Moon (Part One) explore the connection between humanity and science.
Imported films from different countries, including The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2, Project Hail Mary, and Hoppers, will deliver spectacular cinematic experiences to audiences.
The Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, falls on April 5 this year. It is a traditional Chinese festival for honoring the deceased and paying tribute to ancestors. The holiday also provides a short break for Chinese citizens as they engage in outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Over 20 films expected to hit Chinese screens during Qingming Festival Holiday
