Stories from China

Xi'an's core stores see an average of 3,000 customers on weekdays, exceeding 7,000 on weekends and 10,000 on holidays. Local food items like beef and mutton paomo are prepared by chefs using specific seasoning and heat control for each serving.

China is recognized as a model for global ancient book preservation practices due to its vast collection and long history of written records. Wuhan is exhibiting laser technology capable of cutting aircraft carrier plates and precision machining for chip manufacturing.

Emperor Wu of Han required trusted individuals to explore these unknown territories to re-establish contact. The source notes that Emperor Wu of Han lacked knowledge of the geography west of Guanzhong when preparing to counter the Kuanglu.

A traditional saltwater fish dish requires 16 steps and 72 hours of processing, including salting, brining, and drying. The fish, weighing around three catties, is prepared with specific seasonings and side dishes.

A cultural performance titled "Wan Bang Lai Chao" (Myriad Nations Come to Court) depicts a scene from the Tang Dynasty where envoys from various countries pay homage to the emperor. A character named Lai Junchen accuses Wang Han and others of conspiring with Wei Suzong, suggesting they knew of Madam Wang's feigned death. Lai Junchen believes Wei Suzong's involvement facilitated their collusion. A captured thief named Qiu Ren confesses to being an assassin sent by Lai Junchen to kill Zhang Yizi, stating his accomplice fled to Lai Junchen's residence. Qiu Ren claims Lai Junchen's actions were discreet, making it difficult to find proof. He also notes that Zhang Yizi was staying in an outer room of the Xiu Xing Fang that night, which was unusual as he normally resided in the palace. Wang Han states that he and two others were accused by Lai Junchen of plotting poison.

China Central Television (CCTV) has reportedly rejected a bid for World Cup broadcasting rights. Xinhua reports that CCTV has rejected a broadcast rights bid for the World Cup. Discussions are trending regarding whether Chinese streaming platforms iQIYI, Youku, or Tencent could bypass CCTV to negotiate broadcasting rights directly with FIFA. Discussion on Zhihu explores whether platforms like iQIYI, Youku, or Tencent might negotiate directly with FIFA for broadcasting rights following CCTV's rejection. Speculation is rising in China about whether streaming giants iQIYI, Youku, or Tencent will attempt to bypass traditional broadcasters to negotiate directly with FIFA. China's CCTV has refused a broadcasting contract for the 2026 World Cup, which is estimated to be between $250 million and $300 million.

The government announced a waiver of rates for employees and residents of Huangfu Yuan for the 2025-26 fiscal year. This follows a previous tax waiver announced in December for the 2024-25 period.

Core stores in Nanjing see an average of 3,000 daily visitors on weekdays, with weekend traffic exceeding 7,000 and holiday numbers reaching over 10,000.

Rainfall is expected to decrease across most of China, with clear skies returning to many regions from north to southwest. Rainfall is expected to gradually weaken and cease in most parts of China by the end of the holiday, with clear skies predicted for many regions.