The northern Chinese port city of Tianjin is soon to be in the spotlight as it hosts the upcoming summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and the city is already gearing up by illuminating key landmarks situated along the Haihe River which runs through the heart of the city.
Scheduled from Aug 31 to Sept 1, the SCO Tianjin summit will bring together leaders from over 20 countries and representatives of 10 international organizations for a series of high-level events. As preparations for the summit near the final stage, Tianjin has comprehensively optimized and upgraded the night lighting on buildings located along the Haihe River. By leveraging smart control technology, the lighting features dynamic changes in color and brightness, offering an impressive visual feast.
"This lighting renovation project aims to create a 'city reception room,' showcasing Tianjin's urban charm while also conveying our warmth as the host of this summit, welcoming guests from all directions," said Zhao Yong, chief engineer of the city's urban management commission.
The lighting renovation project also features a unique design for each bridge along the Haihe River. At the same time, the lighting on urban buildings fully embodies elements of the SCO, showcasing the beauty of traditional Chinese culture alongside modern technology.
"We highlight the city's charm through the interplay of light and shadow. At the same time, our nighttime performances incorporate more dynamic displays, providing citizens with an enhanced visual experience," said urban lighting designer Kong Lingxin.
The shining night-time lighting installments also offer a dazzling display on the city's popular landmarks such as the Tianjin Eye and Jinwan Square, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy a spectacular modern cityscape environment.
"I find the night scenery of Tianjin beautiful, with stunning lights that set it apart from other cities. The atmosphere here is different and more relaxed. I really enjoy it, and the people of Tianjin are very welcoming. I will definitely come back next time," said a tourist surnamed Li.
Host city Tianjin illuminates city landmarks ahead of SCO summit
A former television host from Taiwan, Zhai Xuan, has made a pivotal decision to leave mainstream broadcasting in order to create content that provides a better understanding of the Chinese mainland and cross-strait relations.
Zhai, a seasoned television host with over a decade of experience in Taiwan's media landscape, recently addressed an audience at an event in Beijing, where she revealed her complete transition into independent online media.
In her remarks, she articulated her aspiration to bridge what she perceives as a significant information gap between audiences on both sides of the Strait, highlighting her commitment to fostering a deeper understanding and connection through her new endeavors.
"I was really surprised by all the fake news. There were stories saying people on the mainland can't afford tea eggs or that they live in mud houses and in Taiwan, this was the main information many people received," said Zhai.
Zhai said she initially began producing online videos to challenge such perceptions while continuing her work as a television host.
In April 2025, she travelled to the mainland with her father to fulfill her late grandfather's wish to return to his hometown. The trip, which reunited family members separated since 1949, was recorded in a video series titled "Journey to Find Our Roots", drawing attention from viewers in both Taiwan and the mainland.
"Many people in Taiwan told me that after watching, they wanted to apply for a mainland travel permit immediately and go looking for their relatives. Some had long forgotten these things, but after seeing my story, they began thinking about their hometowns and family members they had never met and decided to search for their roots," Zhai shared her story at the event.
By mid-2025, Zhai said she began to feel increasing pressure amid rising political tensions and a tightening atmosphere around cross-Strait exchanges in Taiwan.
After more than 12 years in the industry, Zhai resigned from her position, believing it was the right thing to do.
"At that moment, I felt this was a major issue，not just for me, but for Chinese people on both sides of the Strait. If I backed down then, I wouldn’t be standing on the right side," said Zhai.
Since leaving television, Zhai has broadened her online programming to encompass a range of daily-life topics, including practical guidance on applying for a mainland travel permit and using commonly employed mobile applications, in addition to content that delves into historical memory and cultural connections across the Strait.
As the debate over cross-Strait relations continues in Taiwan, Zhai said she remains committed to her current path.
Former Taiwan TV host bridges cross-Strait divide via online media
