Global travelers explore China's cultural heritage amid cool mountain air

The historic city of Chengde in north China's Hebei Province has emerged as a popular destination for international travelers, offering both immersion into classical Chinese garden culture and a respite from the soaring summer heat.

Nestled in the heart of the Yanshan Mountains, Chengde served as a summer resort for the rulers of the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912) and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Today, the resort enjoys an average summer temperature of just 22 degrees Celsius

The resort's rich history and naturally cool climate have attracted a surge in inbound tourism. According to resort authorities, the site has received over 14,000 international visitors so far this year, marking a year-on-year increase of approximately 60 percent. Visitors hail from a wide range of countries and regions, including Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

"This is my first time visiting the Chengde Mountain Resort. I've long heard that northern China is home to this magnificent imperial garden. Summers in my city are extremely hot and stifling, yet it's wonderfully cool here," said Enric Casanovas, a Spanish tourist touring the resort with his family.

"I have long been fascinated by classical Oriental architecture, and Chengde Mountain Resort has been a place I've longed to visit. While escaping the summer heat here, I can examine the details of ancient Chinese architecture up close, which has been rewarding for me," said Merce, another Spanish tourist.

To better cater to the growing influx of overseas guests, the resort has rolled out a series of international-friendly services during the peak summer season, such as upgrading bilingual signage, streamlining ticketing procedures, and providing consultations.

The death toll from the June 24 earthquakes in Venezuela has risen to 6,301, according to an official update released Monday by National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez.

The update, posted on the Telegram channel of Rodriguez, who also heads the command for temporary camps, said 287 homes had been delivered to people affected by the twin quakes.

Authorities have evaluated 53,314 homes, of which 31,336 were found to be habitable, 12,411 were classified as having restricted access due to damage, and another 9,567 homes were labeled as high-risk, the update said.

Venezuela was hit over six weeks ago by two earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5, with epicenters in the western state of Yaracuy and the central state of La Guaira, respectively.