Stories from China

The historic Zhaozhou Bridge in China has undergone multiple restoration efforts, with some replaced components discarded into the river. The ancient bridge, over 98 meters long and composed of six spans, is undergoing restoration using original materials. The opening ceremony included a traditional bridge-stepping ritual for good luck and prosperity.

A patriotic collector named Zhang Boju sold his property and his wife's jewelry to acquire a painting for 200 taels of gold, preventing it from being lost overseas.

Despite external pressures like credit systems and elimination policies, the core issue of intrinsic learning drive remains unaddressed.

The Grand Canal, spanning approximately 2,000 kilometers, is the world's longest artificial waterway, significantly longer than the Suez and Panama Canals.

Zhao Xintong is leading his compatriot Ting Junhui 6-5 in a Snooker World Championship match. The game has been closely contested, with Zhao Xintong's accuracy suggesting a more decisive outcome.

CNR Economic Voice broadcast discussed health and emotional well-being, focusing on training methods to improve emotional states and inner peace. Many people's life foundations are inseparable from their childhood. A case study involving two individuals escalated from mutual accusations and arguments to physical altercations, creating a negative cycle. CNR Economic Voice discussed how surrounding elements often feel beyond human capability, such as birds flying or deer running. The broadcast described the characteristics of the large alpaca, noting its size and inward-curving ears. The broadcast discussed social interactions and how to handle requests from others. It said the importance of detailed responses and observing the other person's actions.

Wang Dazhen, a retired resident of Yantai, China, has dedicated his hobby to creating detailed sculptures using the shells of various mollusks. An elderly artist named Wang Dazhen began creating shell art, using a conch shell for a turtle's body, a large scallop shell for its head, four small scallop shells for its feet, and another small scallop shell for its tail. His works have gained popularity among local children and parents, leading to pre-orders. A local craft exhibition also features diverse items including gourds, zodiac ornaments, and lanterns. An Jia, deputy director of the Yantai Intangible Cultural Heritage List Committee, praised the artisan's work. The works have attracted local children and parents who are placing orders for the pieces. The artisan's stall at a small craft exhibition has seen interest from citizens.

Beijing has implemented new policies to increase the maximum refund amount for game purchases, raising the limit from 50,000 KRW to 220,000 KRW. The Shanghai Composite Index closed at 4164 points, up 1.27%, the Shenzhen Component Index at 15496 points, up 2.57%, and the ChiNext Index at 3700. China's central bank increased its gold reserves by 16 tons in March and continued this trend in April, coinciding with a rise in precious metal prices. Liu discovered he had signed a financing lease contract instead of a car loan, resulting in an annualized interest rate far exceeding normal car loans and a total repayment amount approximately 90,000 yuan higher than the vehicle's contract price. He was misled by sales consultants who did not disclose financing lease information. This represents a 13.8% increase compared to the same period last year.

Chengdu Rongcheng has emerged as the strongest team in the Chinese Super League, showing significant improvement over last season. The team's offensive capabilities, including contributions from players like Wei Shihao and Romulo, are described as difficult for opponents to counter. Their recent form puts them in a strong position to contend for the championship. Chengdu Rongcheng remains undefeated this season and has secured late wins in multiple matches.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang presided over a State Council executive meeting to review and pass draft amendments to the Administrative Penalty Law. Premier Li Qiang chaired a State Council executive meeting on April 17 to review progress on Free Trade Zone construction. The updates include provisions for prison management, execution of punishments, education and reform of criminals, and special regulations for juvenile offenders. China has revised its Prison Law, which consists of 8 chapters and 121 articles. China will implement a newly revised Prison Law effective November 1, 2026. The revisions cover general principles, prison operations, execution of punishments, administration, education of inmates, and special provisions for minors. The 14th National People's Congress Standing Committee passed revisions to the Prison Law on April 30.