Fossils of pterosaurs, stegosaurs, plesiosaurs, and more - this dinosaur fossil site in Southwest China's Sichuan Province showcases numerous prehistoric creatures that surpass the diversity seen in the Jurassic World movies.

It is the Dashanpu Middle Jurassic Dinosaur Fossils Site, located in Zigong, a city in southern Sichuan Province. As one of the world's most renowned dinosaur fossil sites, it has an excavated area of nearly 3,000 square meters, uncovering tens of thousands of fossilized bones from over 200 individual dinosaurs and other vertebrates from 160 million years ago.

At the recent 37th International Geological Congress held in Busan, South Korea, the Dashanpu Middle Jurassic Dinosaur Fossils Site was listed as a Geological Heritage Site by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS).

"The richness in number, diversity of species, concentration of burial, and the preservation quality of dinosaur and other vertebrate fossils at the site is unmatched globally," Jiang Shan, director of the research department at the Zigong Dinosaur Museum, told the Global Times.

Scientific value

The Dashanpu site was once a lake-delta environment during the ­mid-Jurassic period. This lush and water-rich landscape combined with warm and humid climatic conditions provided a perfect environment for dinosaurs and other vertebrates to thrive.

When dinosaurs died on a large scale for various reasons, periodic large floods swept their bodies into the area. As water flow slowed at the lake's entrance, many dinosaur carcasses settled and were quickly buried, undergoing petrification over millions of years. Over time, the accumulation of fossils created a vast and spectacular dinosaur graveyard.

The fossil site boasts the most concentrated dinosaur fossil deposits, many of which are well preserved. Among the notable finds are the best-preserved eusauropoda known to date and the most complete primitive stegosaur globally.

"This site not only fills a significant gap in the sparse mid-Jurassic dinosaur fossil record, but also provides extremely valuable materials for the study of early dinosaur systematics," said Zeng Xiaoyun, director of the Zigong Dinosaur Museum.

The site also features the richest assemblage of mid-Jurassic terrestrial vertebrate fossils. Prior to this discovery, mid-Jurassic dinosaur fossils were sporadically found in North Africa, East Asia, Western Europe, and Australia, leaving a limited understanding of dinosaurs from this period.

The discovery at Dashanpu opens a window into the mid-Jurassic terrestrial fauna. During this time, the Dashanpu area was home to a variety of carnivorous and herbivorous dinosaurs, as well as fish, amphibians, crocodiles, and flying pterosaurs, forming a highly concentrated and diverse mid-Jurassic dinosaur fossil community.

The application process for the second batch of 100 geological heritage sites recognized by the IUGS began at the beginning of 2023. A total of 10 geological heritage sites from China were submitted, of which three were selected. After more than a year of evaluation by experts, the final list was announced by competing against 174 candidate sites from 64 countries.

"The inclusion of the Dashanpu Middle Jurassic Dinosaur Fossils Site highlights the scientific value and research standards of the site, as well as the international recognition of the protection measures implemented by the Zigong Dinosaur Museum," Jiang said.
Digitalized preservation

In 1987, the Zigong Dinosaur Museum was established on the fossils site, which is currently the most comprehensive museum in the world for showcasing mid-Jurassic dinosaur fossils. It has served as the core of the Zigong Global Geopark, recognized by UNESCO as a key site for geological and paleontological research.

The museum's collection primarily features Mesozoic dinosaur specimens, covering paleontology, petrology, and mineralogy, including many of the finest specimens from the Dashanpu site, ranging from large and complete dinosaur skeletons to the smaller fossilized remains of other vertebrates.

Among its treasures are a preserved dinosaur fossil area of 1,350 square meters, world-class specimens of significant scientific value, such as the most complete and primitive stegosaur, and China's first stegosaur skin impression fossil.

"These invaluable fossils provide crucial material for research on dinosaur classification, physiological traits, and evolutionary history," Huang Xinyue, deputy director of the office at the museum, said.

The museum has used digital technology to enhance its preservation and research efforts. According to He Xu, a senior engineer at the museum, it has digitized its collections, creating 3D models of its key fossils to ensure that they are accessible to researchers around the world.

"We will continue to strengthen the preservation and utilization of cultural and natural heritage, using modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and virtual reality to establish a digital dinosaur museum," said Zeng, the museum director.

Since the Zigong dinosaur fossils first traveled to Hiroshima, Japan in 1989, they have been exhibited in more than 30 cities across nine countries and regions, including Japan, Thailand, Denmark, the US, South Africa, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, China's Hong Kong SAR, and the island of Taiwan.

The museum also hosts international academic conferences and collaborates with foreign universities and research institutions to promote the study of dinosaur evolution and mid-Jurassic ecosystems.

According to Jiang, the museum has been strengthening collaboration with domestic and international universities and research institutions, such as Stony Brook University in the US, the University of Bonn in Germany, the University of Hong Kong, the China University of Geosciences (Beijing), and the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

"Through synergistic innovations involving museums, universities, and research institutes, the museum aims to support the advancement of dinosaur fossil research and preservation," Jiang noted.

The "Future World" International Youth Art Festival was held on Saturday in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, with over 500 participants, including government officials, cultural figures, artists, and youth representatives from both China and Uzbekistan.

The festival was co-hosted by China's State Council Information Office, the Youth Affairs Agency of Uzbekistan, and the Samarkand regional government.

The festival kicked off with the "Future World" International Youth Art Exhibition and the "Future Vision" Digital Cultural Exhibition. The art show featured over 300 pieces of works created by young artists from China, Uzbekistan, and other nations, covering various categories, including painting, calligraphy, and crafts. The works explored diverse themes, including technological innovations, cultural heritage preservation, civilizational exchange, and global challenges. Through vibrant colors and unique perspectives, the young artists conveyed their imagination and deep reflections on the future world.

The "Future Vision" Digital Cultural Exhibition emphasized the importance of knowledge and innovation. It features cutting-edge achievements from nearly 30 institutions in the fields of digital technology, cultural creativity, and science education. More than 600 books aimed at youth, covering a wide range of topics, provided a cultural feast for attendees. Additionally, live performances such as tea ceremonies and robot dances by youngsters from the China Soong Ching Ling Science & Culture Center for Young People captivated the audience and encouraged audience participation and interaction.

At the opening ceremony, the organizers expressed their hope that the art festival would help deepen the connections, interactions, and mutual understanding between the youth of China and Uzbekistan. By fostering artistic exchanges, they aim to strengthen the ties between the two peoples, building bridges of friendship and contributing to the growth of the all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Uzbekistan in the new era, as well as advancing the shared future of the two nations.

Samarkand's Deputy Governor, Khaitov Orif Bolikulovich, said that China and Uzbekistan are geographically close, culturally connected, and share a deep mutual affinity. For over 2,000 years, these two civilizations have shared a long history of cultural exchange along the Silk Road. He hopes that the youth of both nations will forge strong friendships and walk side by side, becoming the next generation of ambassadors, builders, and promoters of China-Uzbekistan relations.

In a video message, Chinese Ambassador to Uzbekistan Yu Jun noted that the young generations are living in a golden age of China-Uzbekistan relations. He expressed his sincere hope that this event will allow the youth of both nations to deepen their understanding of one another, becoming the future ambassadors, builders, and champions of China-Uzbekistan friendship, offering their talents and efforts to national revitalization and the development of bilateral ties.

Chinese airports have maintained the travel fever since the week-long National Day holidays kicked off, and the visa-free policy, along with frequent flights, continues to boost inbound and outbound travel.

Civil aviation passenger volumes have exceeded 2.2 million trips per day for three consecutive days since the holidays began on October 1, according to data from the Ministry of Transport.

Beijing Daxing International Airport is expected to handle 146,900 inbound and outbound passenger trips on Friday, with over 1 million trips anticipated throughout the holidays, according to airport data. 

The two airports in Shanghai are expected to transport nearly 370,000 passenger trips per day on average, an increase of 14.4 percent compared to the same period last year. 

The travel boom is not limited to first-tier cities. During the National Day holidays, the number of inbound and outbound passengers at Harbin Taiping International Airport is expected to reach 14,000, with the number of inbound and outbound passenger flights totaling 100, an increase of 41.9 percent and 1.1 percent year-on-year respectively.

Outbound air tickets and hotel bookings for the National Day holidays have spanned 1,597 cities in 144 countries and regions, data from the travel platform qunar.com showed. When examining the cities with the highest number of outbound air ticket orders, it's notable that all of them are within a 5-hour flight radius. The top five cities are Hong Kong, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, and Osaka.

Hong Kong and Macao remain highly appealing. The Immigration Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region estimates that about 10.03 million people will pass through Hong Kong's sea, land and air control points from September 28 to October 7.

Thanks to the 144-hour visa-free policy, inbound tourism has grown rapidly. Traditional domestic tourist cities such as Guangzhou, Xi'an, and Zhangjiajie have continuously added new international routes, attracting a large number of foreign tourists to China. 

The source of inbound tourists to Zhangjiajie, which bears a striking resemblance to the landscapes depicted in James Cameron's film Avatar, located in Central China's Hunan Province, has increased from 133 countries and regions in 2019 to 171 now.

Meanwhile, cruise travel is also playing a significant role in outbound travel. 

Da Wang, a Beijing-based tourist, chose a seven-day cruise tour to the cities of Japan. She told the Global Times on Friday that she was surprised to see at least 40 buses leaving the Fukuoka port in Japan when she disembarked at her first stop on Thursday. Each bus was full of 50 Chinese travelers, and there were many tour guides holding signs waiting for the Chinese tourists, Da said, noting that "it is quite spectacular." 

Experts believe that the booming inbound and outbound tourism reflects the strong pulse of the holiday economy. They assert that this trend will further drive economic development, and as people's demand for travel experiences continues to grow, the future holiday economy is likely to become more diversified and enriched.

Yan Xi (center), the author of Zaoshen Niandai, or The Age of God Creation, receives his award for Best Novel at the 35th Galaxy Awards in Chengdu, Southwest China's Sichuan Province, on September 28, 2024. The awards are China's most prestigious science-fiction literature awards. Photo: Courtesy of the 35th Galaxy Award

As dawn breaks over Hangji town in Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, the first rays of sunlight spill onto the bustling streets, illuminating the rhythmic hum of toothbrush production lines. In a cozy Beijing hutong, a grandmother beams with delight as she unwraps her brand-new toothbrush, its bristles gleaming with promise. Thousands of miles away, guests at opulent hotels in Dubai indulge in lavish oral care routines, where even this simplest act becomes a luxurious ritual. While on the other side of the globe, in the icy expanse of Antarctica, scientists endure frigid winds, finding small comfort in their trusted toothbrushes amid the stark wilderness.

Lives that seem worlds apart are intricately connected by this small yet essential item produced in the small Chinese town of Hangji, known for its toothbrush manufacturing. Nearly one in every three toothbrushes in the world is produced here, Xinhua reported.

Hangji has become a global champion in toothbrush production, with local stories of hard work and prosperity passing down through generations. Residents here wield this small item as a tool that connects them to the world, mirroring the dedication of millions of workers over the last 75 years and embodying Chinese people's pursuit of a beautiful and healthy life.

The small town also serves as a testament to a dynamic and thriving China, where its people have marched forward in high spirits, embarking on a vibrant journey of pursuing a beautiful and flourishing life while connecting to the world.
Returning to hometown

When the Global Times reporter entered, Tu Xinye, 37-year-old manager of Shuguang Toothbrush Factory, was instructing his workers to clean the factory's marble sign. The brand, with "Shuguang" meaning "dawn," is part of a cherished legacy from his grandfather and father, symbolizing the resilience and innovative spirit of his family.

Established in 1976, it was the first toothbrush factory in the town, witnessing the evolution from manual labor to mechanization, and later, the digital transformation brought about by the internet.

Tu has been gaining the attention of netizens in 2020 when he invited his grandfather and father - former factory managers - to join him for live selling, while sharing the trials and triumphs of the family business. Viewers were captivated by the heartfelt stories of dedication and the pursuit of prosperity that have defined the Tu family's journey in the toothbrush industry.

Returning home to inherit the family business was not Tu's initial choice. He pursued a degree in aircraft engine design in the UK, driven by dreams of aviation. However, the relentless efforts of his family to innovate and sustain the toothbrush factory ignited his sense of responsibility. Having observed his father tirelessly seeking market opportunities to provide jobs for local residents, he began to realize that the toothbrush industry was not just a business. It was a lifeline for his hometown.

In 2013, Tu decided to return to China and take over the family business. He dropped out of a PhD application, and started from the ground up, working as a factory worker to understand the intricacies of production. Over the last decade, he made efforts with all employees to double the factory's output and expanded its reach to over 40 countries worldwide.

Three generations face different challenges in different historical contexts. Tu's grandfather, the first factory manager, faced the challenges of the 1970s' planned economy in China when production was fine, but sales were not. In the early 1980s, as the planned economy began to dissolve and privatization took hold, Tu's father encountered a sudden drop in orders while navigating market complexities. During his childhood, Tu often found himself in the factory, waking up to his parents discussing machine upgrades and strategies to tap into overseas markets, despite a lack of English. However, their commitments to exploration opened doors to international markets and set the factory on a successful path.

In recent years, Tu has embraced e-commerce as a new frontier for growth. In October 2019, a leading Chinese e-commerce platform approached his factory to collaborate on a budget-friendly electric toothbrush. The factory invested in research and development, ultimately launching an electric toothbrush costing only 9.9 yuan ($1.4) that sold over 30,000 units in just one day. This success highlighted a growing demand for quality dental care products, even in rural areas, he told the Global Times.

"Was it worth investing hundreds of thousands into a workshop environment that consumers could not see? My parents questioned me. But I wanted foreign visitors to see that our production standards were on par with the best in the world," he explained.
Tech drives greener future

In a small town covering just 40 square kilometers and home to fewer than 40,000 residents, an astonishing economic phenomenon is unfolding, marked by impressive figures.

What's behind it is an engine powered by technology and environmental sustainability.

In recent years, the toothbrush industry in Hangji has undergone a significant transformation, moving toward standardization and scalability. This shift has inspired a growing number of local youths to learn the craft.

Dong Tao, a recent university graduate from Yangzhou, exemplifies this trend. After leaving a large corporate job, he joined Sanfeng Brush Factory, where he started his day at 7:30 am, preparing materials and warming up machines on the production line. Dong finds fulfillment in his role, utilizing his engineering skills and applying his knowledge of WIFI modules and Bluetooth technology to develop new products. He noted that many young graduates are eager to return to their hometowns, leveraging national policies and local technological advancements to carve out new career paths.

The factory Dong works for has made attempts at innovation in a recent decade, supplying its toothbrushes to Xuelong 2, a Chinese icebreaking research vessel.

Li Yang, the factory's manager, introduced that they tried different ways to develop a toothbrush with bristles measuring just 0.1 millimeters in diameter, designed to prevent gum bleeding in extremely cold conditions. The brush handle is made from polylactic acid, which can biodegrade in as little as three months, minimizing the ecological impact of research activities in polar regions.

Driven by technological innovation, toothbrush manufacturers in Yangzhou are increasingly introducing smart toothbrush products. Tan Yuanshuai, the head of Fengyun Intelligent, a subsidiary of Sanfeng Brush Factory, showcased an AI-interactive toothbrush for children that utilizes a smart processor for real-time calculations and feedback, reminding kids to brush missed areas.

"The popularity of this toothbrush reflects the growing consciousness and emphasis of Chinese people on healthy and environmental friendly lifestyle," Tan said.

Similarly, Zhang Degang, the second-generation owner of Yangzhou Minsheng Brush Factory, highlights how the pursuit of quality and sustainability is reshaping their industry. Over the last decade, he has transformed production facilities to meet international standards, striving for a cleanroom environment akin to those used in chip manufacturing.

Zhang said that in the past, they primarily focused on contract manufacturing, but now Chinese brands are becoming increasingly innovative and popular in the world. Zhang's factory also incorporates Chinese cultural elements such as the Grand Canal and Wenchang Pavilion, into the design of the toothbrush handle, attracting overseas customers who have interest in Chinese culture.

The synergy of technology and sustainability is revitalizing local economies and inspiring a new generation of young people to pursue careers in their hometowns.
Better life through hardworking

In 2011, the China Toothbrush Museum, the only special industrial culture museum in the world named after a toothbrush, was established in Hangji. This museum houses over a thousand toothbrush specimens that span more than a thousand years.

The story of Hangji reflects a typical narrative of how Chinese people have created a better life through hard work over the last 75 years. Countless small towns in China, which have achieved remarkable success through their advantageous industries, owe their progress to a group of pioneering individuals who are able to endure hardships.

In China, 70 percent of China's violins come from Huangqiao township in Jiangsu; 80 percent of freshwater pearls are sourced from Shanxiahu township in Zhejiang Province; and 70 percent of industrial brushes are produced in Yuantan, Anhui Province. These industries have become new engines for China's economy.

In a report on the achievements of economic and social development over the last 75 years, released by the National Bureau of Statistics on September 20, it was highlighted that under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China, living standards and quality of life have seen historic improvements. As residents' incomes continue to grow, consumption levels have risen, with notable enhancements in quality and ongoing optimization of consumption structures.

Each artisan contributing to these progress writes their glory and dreams into the new journey of national rejuvenation. Today, the vibrant presence of hardworking individuals from various sectors is evident, showcasing a lively and colorful tapestry of life. These ordinary individuals, through their relentless efforts, are striving to increase their incomes and enhance their quality of life.

Tu has inherited the legacy of his family's toothbrush factory, "Dawn," along with a pursuit of excellence. His spirit of perseverance, adventurous drive, and practical determination resonate with countless young people striving to find their own "dawn" in the new global landscape.

For the global business community, including US companies, no one wants to "decouple" from China, as cooperation remains the mainstream, and mutual benefit is the goal, Wang Linjie, spokesperson from China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) told a press conference on Sunday.

Wang's remarks were in response to recent restrictive measures taken by the US against China, including raising the Section 301 tariffs on certain Chinese goods and strengthening export restrictions on technologies such as quantum computing and semiconductor manufacturing.

Wang said that the US has continuously outstretched the concept of national security, violating the principles of the market economy by politicizing and weaponizing economic, trade, and technological issues.

The WTO has already ruled that the US Section 301 tariffs violate WTO rules. The US tariff measures are typical examples of unilateralism and protectionism. These actions have disrupted the stability and smooth functioning of global supply chains, including those in the semiconductor and other technology manufacturing industries, and have seriously harmed the legitimate rights and interests of relevant countries and enterprises, Wang noted.

During the recent third meeting of the APEC Business Advisory Council for 2024, representatives from the Chinese and the US business communities emphasized the importance of keeping supply chains open, cooperative, and non-discriminatory, while ensuring supply chain policies comply with WTO rules and avoid distorting trade and investment, according to Wang.

Recently, the US-China Business Council released a survey on China's 2024 business environment, with participation from 140 member companies. 77 percent of the surveyed companies have been operating in China for over 20 years, with 40 percent reporting revenues exceeding $1 billion in China in 2023.

The survey revealed that American companies in China have stabilized their revenues over the past year, with 80 percent of respondents achieving profitability. These companies plan to reinvest profits generated in China this year, indicating a continued commitment to the Chinese market. The general consensus among the surveyed US businesses is that the Chinese market is a crucial component of their global strategy, according to Wang.

"This reflects that for the global business community, including American companies, no one wants to 'decouple' from China, as cooperation remains the mainstream, and mutual benefit is the goal," Wang noted.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has encouraged industrial workers to further contribute wisdom and strength to building a country that is strong in manufacturing and promoting the full revitalization of northeast China.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in a reply letter to representatives of workers from China First Heavy Industries Co. Ltd., a leading equipment manufacturer headquartered in Qiqihar City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province.

A year-long global commemoration of Liu Hui, a prominent figure in ancient Chinese mathematics, kicked off in Paris on Tuesday.

Co-hosted by the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), and the Chinese National Commission for UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization), the commemoration celebrates Liu, whose works and theories not only had a profound impact on ancient Chinese mathematics, but also continue to provide a source of inspiration for scientific and technological progress and civilization exchanges in today’s world.

In November 2023, UNESCO held the 42nd session of the General Conference and approved the proposal made by the CAST to celebrate the 1,800th anniversary of Liu’s birth. It was the first time China had successfully applied for a birthday anniversary event for a scientist at UNESCO, said the CAST.

“We hope that through such events, we can showcase to a global audience the remarkable scientific achievements, exceptional ideas, and significant contributions to human civilization made by ancient Chinese scholars like Liu Hui,” said He Junke, executive president of the CAST, in a speech he delivered at the launch ceremony of the commemoration on Tuesday local time, at the headquarters of UNESCO in Paris.

Following the launch ceremony, an international symposium on Liu’s academic thought was also held at the headquarters of UNESCO on Tuesday afternoon, where global experts in the history of science and technology, and the history of mathematics, made multi-dimensional interpretations and held discussions on Liu’s academic contributions and scientific heritage, as well as their modern value.

Furthermore, they delved into the global dissemination of Liu’s mathematical ideas, and proposed suggestions to further promote China’s classical mathematical heritage.

Earlier, as another highlight of this series of commemorative events, a themed exhibition featuring Liu’s achievements in mathematics kicked off at the Réfectoire des Cordeliers in Paris on Monday, so as to showcase Liu’s mathematical achievement, and to deepen the civilization exchanges and mutual understanding between China and the world, read the exhibition’s foreword.

Zhou Xiaohan, an associate research fellow at the Institute for History of Natural Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), believes that the exhibition is an opportunity to show Liu’s important contributions, as well as the efforts made by Chinese and foreign scholars to study ancient scientific thought in China and their in-depth cooperation over the last century.

“Liu’s achievements are not only a treasure to China, but also a great legacy of human thought for the world,” he told the Global Times.

“I wish there were exhibitions and presentations [in commemoration of Liu] in more major cities around the world,” said Jeff Chen, a professor of mathematics at US St. Cloud State University who attended the commemoration on Tuesday.

“With the backing of UNESCO, such occasions will encourage more international interest in his works and attract students into the field of the history of mathematics in China. It will promote dialogue, discussions, and cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world,” Chen told the Global Times.

One of the themes of our time is exchange and mutual learning among different civilizations, said Zou Dahai, a research fellow at the Institute for History of Natural Sciences, CAS, in a speech he delivered at the launch ceremony.

“Indeed, our commemoration of Liu Hui today, as well as the academic achievements supporting these activities are exactly the product of civilizational exchanges and mutual learning,” he said.
The commemoration event in honor of Liu further conveys China’s outstanding scientific achievements and scientific culture to the international community, which showcases both the characteristics and the universality of Chinese mathematics, Zou told the Global Times on Monday, ahead of the ceremony.

“This is a model case showing the diversity and accommodation of Eastern and Western cultures,” Zou said.

China has launched an inquiry platform for permanent basic farmland on Monday to enforce protection and strengthen social supervision, according to Ministry of Natural Resources.

The public can conveniently and quickly access information about the areas and location of permanent basic farmland through the ministry's website, app and a WeChat tool, according to the ministry.

This marks the first time at the national level that inquiry services for permanent basic farmland have been made available to the public online. The platform has maximized the data accessible to the public but some data needs further processing and refinement.

Some information related to land use approval, supervision and law enforcement needs confirmation with local county-level natural resources authorities. The platform will be updated and improved annually, with the goal of full coverage over time.

Permanent basic farmland is high-quality arable land that has been designated in accordance with the law and is under special protection, playing an important role in guaranteeing national food security, according to the ministry. Once designed, the farmland cannot be occupied by any entities or individuals or change its purpose of use. 

The public can check the categorization of farmlands on the platform. They can report to county authorities if they discover activities on permanent basic farmland including planting fruit trees, flowers, or excavating ponds for fish farming, or when permanent basic farmland is being occupied for residential or other construction purposes, or planting conditions of the permanent basic farmland are damaged due to the dumping of construction waste and other activities. Local authorities will verify the situation and take prompt actions.

The platform is an important supplement to the ongoing efforts across various regions to disclose information about permanent basic farmland and provides the public with more diverse channels to actively participate in the supervision and protection of permanent basic farmland.

As one of the events of the 2024 Beijing Culture Forum, "The Temple of Earth and Me" book fair kicked off on Friday and will run through September 23 at Beijing's Ditan Park, also known as the Temple of Earth Park. 

Many eager book enthusiasts flocked to the venue in the morning to embark on a cultural "city walk" that promises to be both enlightening and entertaining. The book coupons issued by the book fair were quickly snapped up.

In a nod to the rising trend of night tourism during the Mid-Autumn Festival, the organizers told the Global Times that the book fair will extend its hours until 8 pm. Meanwhile, some cultural activities, including a poetry event related to the Mid-Autumn Festival, will be held in the central area of the book fair.

According to a press release from the local publicity department, this year's book fair boasts an exhibition and sales area of approximately 18,000 square meters and will feature 10 exhibition areas and host over 160 cultural activities.

The exhibition area has expanded by 3,000 square meters compared to 2023 and now encompasses 10 exhibition areas, three activity zones, and several supporting service points. The fair has gathered over 330 publishers, physical bookstores, and specialty exhibitors from across the nation, offering a vast selection of 400,000 book titles, reaching a new peak in scale.

The book fair boasts 10 sections with different themes, such as a brick-and-mortar bookstore district, a children's books and parent-child reading area, a foreign language book section, and a cultural and creative products area. 

The thematic special exhibition area will focus on hot topics such as the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, recommending key books and reading lists.

One of the highlights is the "Old Books, New Knowledge" section which has arranged a special exhibition called Five Prominent Features of Chinese Civilization - Classical Works, featuring over 60 ancient and rare documents across 42 categories. 

Liu Yichen, the person in charge of this section, told the Global Times that the ancient books with wisdom are vital carriers of the Chinese civilization.

Media has reported that the physical bookstore section has attracted the participation of 135 brick-and-mortar bookstores, which is 1.5 times more than 2023. 

The Palace Museum Bookstore is one of the main attractions. Xu Mei, the person in charge of the bookstore, told the Global Times that they have been the top-selling participant at the book fair for several consecutive years. 

"We sold for over 400,000 yuan ($56,173) last year," she said, noting that the Forbidden City Calendar was the most popular product that often ends up in short supply.

Not far from this cultural icon, the Chengdu Panda Bookstore was also swarmed with visitors, captivating the hearts of many young tourists with its array of panda-themed cultural and creative products. 

In addition to well-known IPs like pandas, the children's picture book district also features popular characters such as Harry Potter, Japan's Detective Conan, and Black Cat Detective from Chinese animation whose books and cultural products are also highly sought after.

With a long history, the Temple of Earth, which used to serve as the site for worshiping the Earth God during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), is the second largest imperial altar in the city of Beijing.