Holidaymakers in China flocked to science museums to immerse themselves in the captivating world of scientific exploration during the three-day New Year holiday.
The scenic area of Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST) in Pingtang, southwest China's Guizhou Province saw a significant increase in popularity, attracting large numbers of tourists.
Here, visitors can get an up-close view of the major national scientific achievements and experience the captivating allure of advanced technologies, all while appreciating China's remarkable progress in astronomical science and technology.
Located in a deep and round karst depression in Guizhou, FAST started formal operation in January 2020. It is believed to be the world's most sensitive radio telescope.
"I visited the observation deck of the FAST and the Astronomical Experience Pavilion. The FAST is very large. I feel proud of my powerful country!" said a young visitor named Wu Tianrui.
In Pingtang, local architectural wonders like Pingtang Grand Bridge also attracted numerous visitors.
Due to its sheer number of bridges, diverse bridge types and complex construction technologies, Guizhou has earned the title of "the world's bridge museum", attracting batches of tourists to see the man-made wonders.
Meanwhile, Hainan Science and Technology Museum in Haikou City of south China's Hainan Province has attracted many families and technology enthusiasts with its rich array of interactive science experiences.
"We hope that as people gaze at the stars and explore the deep blue sea, they can experience the unique charm of science. By deeply integrating science popularization with tourism, we aim to attract more citizens and tourists to the science museum for immersive journeys exploring the skies above, the Earth below, and the ocean depths," said Ai Xianwei, head of the museum.
Crowds of visitors flock to science museums during New Year's Holiday in China
China has made full preparations for the upcoming autumn grain procurement as the summer procurement approaches its end, according to the National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration.
For now, the country's total amount of wheat procurement has exceeded 100 million tons.
To protect grain farmers' interests, the government has promptly activated the minimum purchase price program for wheat. Sinograin has opened 164 purchasing sites across two major producing provinces of Henan and Anhui, offering to buy wheat at prices supported by the policy without any volume cap.
"The payment for my grain came through quickly today, and I feel much more at ease now that the minimum purchase price policy has been put into effect," said Hou Erwei, a local farmer.
As the autumn grain crop gradually ripens across the coutry, the autumn grain purchasing season is about to begin, expected to run from late September through the end of April next year.
The Autumn season accounts for approximately three-quarters of the country’s total annual grain purchases, making it the most significant grain procurement and storage period of the year.
This year, grain dryers and smart grain-handling equipment have been included into subsidy, helping ensure that the autumn harvest can be purchased, stored, and transported smoothly.
"At present, grain storage capacity, purchasing funds, personnel, equipment, and other resources are all in place. It is expected that grain purchases during this year's peak autumn harvest season will reach approximately 350 million tons. We will strengthen market monitoring and information dissemination, as well as make effective use of the drying and other services provided by post-harvest grain service centers to help farmers reduce losses and increase their incomes," said Luo Shouquan, director of Grain Reserves Department, National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration.
China ready for autumn grain procurement as summer purchase draws to close
