As this year's summer vacation begins, all regions in the Chinese mainland have rolled out a series of tourism-promotion programs featuring abundant intangible cultural heritages, attracting flocks of visitors and delivering a vibrant celebration of local traditions.
In Urumqi City of northwest China's remote Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the Jianglaicheng Business Complex on the Grand Bazaar officially opened last Saturday. Highlighting the culinary and entertainment cultures of Xinjiang's many ethnic minority groups, the complex invites local artists and craftsmen to share their techniques. Visitors can try traditional crafts like paper-cutting and dough modeling, and enjoy intangible heritage performances such as Daolang Mukam, a dance and music tradition from southern Xinjiang, and the Uygur plate dance, a festive folk dance originating in Kuqa County.
"There are singings, dances, products, services and unexpected surprises (at our complex). We hope visitors will enjoy wonderful encounters and have memorable experiences here," said Zhou Ling, head of the Jianglaicheng Business Complex.
From last Friday to Sunday, Liaocheng City in east China's Shandong Province hosted the "Yellow River Basin and Grand Canal Intangible Heritage Exchange and Exhibition Week" to promote its local cultural tourism, focusing on the history and culture of the city's two most vital watercourses.
Featuring the hallmarks of "Intangible Heritage Marketplace + Performances," the event showcased intangible cultural heritages from along the Yellow River Basin and Grand Canal regions, covering crafts, foods, performances, and products of all kinds.
"There are so many things from across China, like specialty foods, traditional crafts, performances, and cultural displays. It is really fascinating," said a tourist surnamed Liu.
Cities roll out tourism-promotion programs to meet surging demand in summer vacation season
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
