A reporter from China Media Group (CMG), currently in Tehran, described the scene in the Iranian capital following days of Israeli attacks.
Since Friday, Israel has been launching airstrikes on Tehran and other cities and infrastructure across Iran, killing a number of the country's top military commanders and nuclear scientists and damaging key Iranian facilities.
In response, Iran has launched missile attacks on several targets in Israel, causing casualties and significant damage.
CMG reporter Li Shuangxi, who was relocating from her Tehran hotel to a safer location, shared images of the city under the shadow of Israeli air strikes.
"This is the hotel I stayed in. You can see that there's just a few people here. A lot of people are evacuating Tehran. Hotel staff told me that the hotel is almost empty now. Earlier, a block not far from the hotel was attacked, so almost all the people around here have evacuated. The situation in Tehran is getting more tense. Earlier today, the residence of a Swiss diplomat was attacked. Fortunately, he was not at home, but this also shows to some extent that there is no safe place in Tehran at present," she said.
The footage sent back by Li, showed long lines of vehicles waiting to refuel, but otherwise empty streets with most shops closed.
"We can see that there are only a few people and vehicles on the street, while Tehran is usually a very busy and crowded city. These cars are queuing for fuel. Many stores have closed. The street we are on now is usually a very busy commercial street in Tehran. In normal times, this street would not have so little traffic. I asked my local friends and some of them said they will leave the country as soon as possible, and some said they were willing to stay. When my colleague went to buy things just now, store owner said that daily necessities like water and toilet paper have sold out," she said.
CMG reporter serves up glance into current situation in Tehran following days of Israeli attacks
CMG reporter serves up glance into current situation in Tehran following days of Israeli attacks
China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) was filled with festive cheer on Friday as dragon boat races and a variety of cultural activities were held across the city to mark the Dragon Boat Festival.
The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as the Duanwu Festival, is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. This year, the festival fell on June 19, with the three-day holiday running through June 21.
At Stanley Beach in southern Hong Kong, the Stanley International Dragon Boat Championships took place at the sea. Against the backdrop of rolling waves, batches of dragon boats sliced through the water to offer spectators a close-up view of the thrilling races and create a vibrant festive atmosphere.
The competition featured more than 180 dragon boat teams and thousands of athletes. The sound of gongs and drums mixed with cheers filled the air.
This year, the SAR government continues to promote cultural and tourism events using a "tradition plus innovation" model. Dragon boat races, food carnivals and other activities have been held across the city to allow locals and tourists to watch races, eat zongzi -- the sticky rice dumplings, and experience the charm of traditional festivals.
"I personally believe that the Dragon Boat Festival and dragon boat racing are the best moral education lessons in Chinese culture. Dragon boat racing puts emphasis on unity and teamwork as everyone rows together in the same boat," said Lee Chi-kin, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and president of the Education University of Hong Kong.
"Every Dragon Boat Festival, people living in Hong Kong watch dragon boat races and eat sweet zongzi. These customs passed down from generation to generation have truly demonstrated truly showcases the cultural identity and patriotism of Hong Kong compatriots who share the same roots as people on the motherland," said Chan Ching-har, another member of the National Committee of the CPPCC, and a member of Hong Kong's Executive Council.
For many young people, the festival carries special meaning.
"Seeing this traditional festival preserved in such a lively way makes me very proud. Our excellent traditional Chinese culture continues to thrive through each festival and through the participation of generation after generation of people," said a young local resident.
Hong Kong hosts dragon boat races to mark Dragon Boat Festival
