The total value of imports and exports of Xiong'an New Area in north China's Hebei Province reached 20.55 billion yuan (around 3.01 billion U.S. dollars) in the first quarter of 2026, an increase of 17.6 times year on year, Xiong'an Customs said on Saturday.
Xiong'an Customs has provided targeted services to central government enterprises undergoing relocation and enabled a seamless transition of customs-clearance operations for them. It has set up "green channels" for key entities, implemented the Beijing-Xiong'an dual-code model and optimized the process for tax guarantees. To date, it has handled over three billion yuan in tax guarantees for central government enterprises, ensuring the swift rollout of relocation projects.
Xiong'an Customs is making every effort to support the operation of the international airports, accelerating the development of a distinctive port function system, and strengthening cross-customs coordination with the Beijing Daxing International Airport Customs under Beijing Customs. These efforts have helped improve the efficiency of air cargo operations and reduce logistics costs for enterprises.
Xiong'an's foreign trade reaches 20.5 billion yuan in Q1
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
