China has issued a travel advisory asking its citizens to refrain from traveling to Japan over earthquake risks, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun at a press briefing in Beijing on Thursday.
Guo made the remarks in response to a media query about the travel advisory issued by the ministry and the Chinese Embassy in Japan earlier on the day.
"The Chinese consular alert has made it very clear. A series of earthquakes have struck Japan recently, resulting in a number of injuries. Tsunamis have been observed in several places in Japan, and more than 100,000 people have received evacuation orders. The relevant Japanese authorities have warned of even larger follow-up earthquakes. Proceeding from the responsibly for Chinese citizens' safety and health, the Chinese government has promptly issued the consular alert to safeguard the safety of Chinese nationals abroad. This is the due responsibility of China's diplomatic work and the inherent requirement of serving the people through diplomatic work," Guo said.
China warns against Japan travel over earthquake risks: spokesman
China warns against Japan travel over earthquake risks: spokesman
Spring flowers are blooming across China, drawing people outdoors to enjoy the natural beauty.
Spring came early at a river valley in Xunhua Salar Autonomous County of northwest China's Qinghai Province, where apricot trees lining the riverbanks are now in full bloom.
Pink and white petals swayed in the breeze, filling the riverbanks with a delicate fragrance and announcing spring's arrival.
Further inland, the Liaohe River estuary in central China's Henan Province has been carpeted in golden rapeseed flowers.
The vast swathes of yellow mirrored in the glittering river are creating an almost dreamlike quality.
"The breath of spring is in the air, and its fragrance has made me feel so much more relaxed and refreshed," said Qin Yanhui, a tourist.
The Kaisha Island in east China's Jiangsu Province has come alive as rising temperatures are setting wide swathes of blossoms into bloom, drawing tourists to enjoy tranquil riverside views and the season's floral displays.
Up in the highlands of Qujing City in southwest China's Yunnan Province, mountains are carpeted with a sea of breathtaking high-altitude rhododendrons.
At an altitude of 2,300 meters, red, white and yellow alpine rhododendrons are in spectacular bloom, creating sweeping flower seas that have become a popular spring tourism destination combined with local cultural presentations.
"We can enjoy rhododendrons, experience Yi ethnic traditions and taste local delicacies. It's been a wonderful experience," said Liu Enze, a tourist.
Spring flowers in full bloom across China
