Troops from a brigade of the ground force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) carried out high-intensity amphibious combat drills in rough seas off China's southeastern coast ahead of the 99th anniversary of the PLA's founding.
The training was conducted in challenging maritime conditions, with amphibious armored vehicles navigating strong waves while troops operated in temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius and high humidity.
The exercise tested the troops' ability to carry out tactical maneuvers in harsh conditions, including sea transit, beach landings and coordinated amphibious operations.
After completing the intensive training at sea, the amphibious vehicle crews landed on the shore in sequence before returning to base.
"We are a frontline combat unit. Our mission is to land quickly, secure and expand the beachhead, and open the way for follow-on forces. The battlefield doesn't give us the luxury of choosing the environment. We have to train in the harshest conditions so that we can adapt to all kinds of complex battlefield environments," said An Jinlong, a serviceman with the brigade.
China's Army Day falls on August 1, or Saturday this year.
China's PLA troops conduct high-intensity amphibious drills in rough seas
China's box office revenues, including ticket pre-sales, have surpassed 29 billion yuan (4.2 billion U.S. dollars) for 2026, with 737 million admissions and 106 million screenings recorded so far this year.
A dazzling lineup of summer hits have broken multiple records and drawn audiences back to theaters, with the three-month summer movie season from June to August recording an all-time high revenue of 12.498 billion yuan, up 4.45 percent from the 11.96 billion yuan in the previous summer.
Among this year's top performers is "Once Upon a Time in the Middle East." Set in a war-torn Middle Eastern city, the film follows a Chinese cook who travels abroad in search of a better life, weaving anti-war themes into a culinary story with a cross-cultural commentary.
Hong Kong director Stephen Chow's sports comedy Kung Fu Soccer about a team of female footballers has so far grossed over 2.33 billion yuan at the box office.
"Dear You," a Chaoshan (Teochew)-dialect film, tells a moving story of homesickness and family ties among overseas Chinese in Southeast Asia. Its global box office has now surpassed 2.1 billion yuan.
"All Wishes Come True," which draws inspiration from the classic Chinese folk tale "The Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea", has been released across North America, Southeast Asia, Australia, and Europe, and has topped the charts among Chinese-language films in several countries.
In addition to its box office success, the film has also driven tourists to the real-world landscapes that inspired it.
Penglai in Yantai City, east China's Shandong Province has long been associated with the "Eight Immortals" legend.
At the heart of the destination is Penglai Pavilion, a historic complex overlooking the Yellow Sea.
Visitors can explore "Eight Immortals"-themed products, ride a panoramic cable car or take a speedboat across the sea.
Nearly 20 scenic spots and commercial areas are offering special deals to moviegoers, with some promotions running through September 30.
"Penglai is a very famous place. After watching 'All Wishes Come True,' I wanted to bring my child here. It really feels like stepping into the story," said one visitor.
China's 2026 box office revenues hit 29 billion yuan
