Shishe Village, a 400-year-old settlement nestled in the hills of eastern China's Zhejiang Province, is gaining popularity among international tourists seeking a tranquil retreat steeped in local culture.
Located in Hangzhou, the village recently welcomed 20 visitors from more than ten countries, including Azerbaijan, Peru, South Korea, and Russia, as part of a cultural exchange tour highlighting rural revitalization and heritage preservation.
Foreign guests walked along the village's narrow cobblestone paths, flanked by green mountains and a mix of traditional homes and creatively restored cultural buildings.
Many were struck by the village's picturesque scenery.
"I think the scenery here is really beautiful. I've taken a lot of photos, and I will share them with my friends and family," said Al Shaibani, a tourist from Yemen.
Shishe's peaceful setting, featuring traditional tiled-roof homes, winding streams, and terraced hillsides, has made it a haven for travelers hoping to escape urban stress.
"Because it's better than to be in the city all the time so this one is more quiet, more peaceful, yeah, it's very nice," said Jorge Armando Castneda Narquen, a tourist from Peru.
Beyond the landscape, visitors participated in hands-on cultural activities, including making traditional Chinese pastries, as part of efforts to promote China's intangible cultural heritage.
"It is so easy, but the taste is so good," said Atila Ashouri, a tourist from Iran.
With its peaceful ambiance, cultural experiences, and scenic landscapes, Shishe Village offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life, leaving visitors with lasting memories of China's beauty.
Ancient Chinese village draws global tourists with slow pace, cultural appeal
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
