Asiatic wildcat captured on camera in Taklimakan Desert

An Asiatic wildcat was captured on camera deep within the Taklimakan Desert in northwest China, indicating the region's healthy and intact ecosystem and abundant food resources capable of sustaining the wild feline's survival.

Rare images of the Asiatic wildcat, a nationally protected species in China, was discovered by a research team from the School of Life Sciences at Peking University when they reviewed infrared camera data collected from the remote desert region.

The video footage showed the Asiatic wildcat walking through a semi-arid landscape of poplar trees, saltcedar, and desert shrubs. It was seen sometimes sniffing the ground for prey, while scanning its surroundings with alert.

The Asiatic wildcat is a small feline species native to the arid regions of inland Asia. In China, it is primarily found in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Gansu Province, and Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, and is listed as a Class II nationally protected animal.

Asiatic wildcat captured on camera in Taklimakan Desert

Asiatic wildcat captured on camera in Taklimakan Desert

Asiatic wildcat captured on camera in Taklimakan Desert

Asiatic wildcat captured on camera in Taklimakan Desert

The 16th Beijing International Film Festival unfolded a "water red carpet" along a section of the Grand Canal in Tongzhou District, its sub-venue, on Friday night, when dazzling lights and illuminations brought the ancient waterway vividly to life.

The "water red carpet" stretched 3.3 kilometers on the canal, the world's longest and oldest man-made waterway spanning roughly 1,794 km, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014. Five tour boats carried guests on the water, and after that they stepped onto a 100-meter red carpet along the waterfront.

Another highlight of the evening was the official premiere and maiden voyage of Journey on the Canal, a large-scale water spectacle performance that is part of activities held by the film festival's Tongzhou sub-venue.

With real scenes of the Grand Canal as the backdrop and stage, spectators from tour boats with panoramic ceilings enjoyed the 55-minute immersive performance that presents the canal's thousand-year history along a 3.5-kilometer stretch of the river.

Designed by renowned artist Han Meilin, the production features artistic installations in combination with advanced technology, including stunning water curtain projections, laser displays and dynamic lighting effects.

Tongzhou District, located in the southeast of Beijing, serves as the sub-center of the Chinese capital. The area is developing into a modern urban hub while preserving its rich Grand Canal heritage.

The festival is running from April 16 to 25.

Beijing film festival unfolds 'water red carpet' on Grand Canal