Stories from China

Producers at the Yuexi RCEP Pineapple International Procurement and Trading Center are using an intelligent sorting line to create digital identities for exported pineapples. This system aims to ensure stable and reliable quality for every batch brought to market. The initiative follows efforts to showcase products at exhibitions in France earlier this year. Producers in Yuexi are implementing a digital identity tracking system at the RCEP Bolo International Procurement and Trading Center.

Pineapple farmers are seeing increased demand from merchants who purchase crops directly from fields. Ye Qinghong, president of the Pineapple Industry Association, noted that favorable weather this year has resulted in high-quality fruit with high sugar content. Jiang Feng, director of the Yuexi branch of the research institute, stated that through continuous improvement, pineapples that previously required saltwater soaking can now be eaten directly. The volcanic ash soil in the region provides trace elements that exceed other areas. The low-lying growth habit of these pineapples also provides resistance to annual typhoons. Researchers at the Yuexi branch of the institute have developed improved pineapple varieties that can be eaten directly without prior saltwater soaking.

Digital Bros subsidiary 505 Games has completed the acquisition of the intellectual property for the soulslike action RPG 'Mingmo: Yuanxu of Feather'. The deal, involving Chengdu-based Leenzee Technology, was valued at 32 million RMB. The acquisition price is confirmed at 32 million RMB, paid to Chengdu-based Leenzee Technology for the full IP of the soulslike RPG 'Wuchang: Fallen Feathers'. The acquisition grants 505 Games full ownership of the title. The acquisition secures the rights to the title for the global publisher.

The finals for the Artificial Intelligence track of the China Innovation Competition were held in Fuzhou on April 28. The 2026 China Innovation Competition AI track finals were held in Fuzhou on the 28th.

Sun Lei stated that Japanese right-wing forces continue to engage in provocative actions regarding Taiwan, World War II history, and military security. She noted that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the Tokyo Trials. Sun Lei characterized the historical pattern of Japanese militarism as creating external threats to incite nationalism and launch aggressive wars.

Chongqing has initiated an 11-day '2026 Golden Consumption Week' running from April 25 to May 5. Local merchants are scheduled to host over 700 special promotional events during this period. The initiative is part of broader regional efforts to stimulate tourism and consumer spending around the May Day holiday. In Jiangxi province, provincial and municipal levels have coordinated consumer voucher programs to support the holiday period. The initiative is part of regional preparations for the upcoming May Day holiday travel and consumption season.

The Zhengzhou Museum has launched an exhibition featuring Han Dynasty artifacts excavated from Gansu. An exhibit featuring over 6,000 stone carvings spanning 2,200 years from the Qin and Han dynasties has opened in Zhengzhou.

Chinese manufacturers have developed a fourth-generation robotic hand featuring five extremely agile fingers. The technology provides millimeter-level precision, allowing the hands to manipulate small components like screws and nuts in factory settings. Experts have noted that the robotics industry has become a strategic sector in China with government support. Some experts are now raising concerns regarding potential industrial overcapacity in the sector.

Tourism in Lengji Village, located in the Inner Mongolia forest region, has seen a 60% increase in visitor numbers compared to last year. The local tourism industry head, Zhang Mi, stated that growth patterns are diversifying. Upcoming activities for the May 1st holiday period include forest wellness hiking and farmhouse food experiences. The region is also seeing a increase in study tour groups. The number of study groups visiting the area has also increased noticeably. The village is introducing new themed activities for the May Day holiday, including forest wellness hiking and local farm food experiences.

Yunnan province is increasing high-speed rail service frequency and adding night trains to accommodate travel demand for the upcoming May Day holiday. China Railway Kunming Station will operate overnight direct trains to popular destinations including Chengdu, Chongqing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai for the May Day holiday. Kunming Railway Bureau is adding overnight direct trains to Chengdu, Chongqing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai, and adjusting services to Dali, Lijiang, and Xishuangbanna.