Four zebrafish brought into orbit by the Shenzhou-18 spaceflight mission are in stable condition after being transferred to a lab module aboard the China Space Station on Friday morning, according to an institute responsible for the experiment.
The experiment is the country's in-orbit aquatic ecological research project, performed in cooperation with the Institute of Hydrobiology and the Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Using zebrafish and goldfish algae to establish a self-cycling aquatic ecosystem in orbit, the project aims to make a breakthrough in the cultivation of vertebrates in space.
After being transferred to the Wentian laboratory module on the space station, the zebrafish exhibited positive signs of health following a brief adaptation period.
The Shenzhou-18 spaceship was launched at 20:59 Thursday (Beijing Time) from the northwest China's Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.
Zebrafish enter orbit on China Space station, in stable condition
The second leg of a year-round consumption promotion event centered on intangible cultural heritage started on Sunday in Changxing County of east China's Zhejiang Province, offering consumers a diverse selection of intangible cultural heritage products and immersive cultural experiences.
This consumption promotion event, the 2025 Four-Season Intangible Cultural Heritage Shopping Month, aims to integrate intangible cultural heritage into modern life, enrich consumption scenarios, expand service consumption, and promote cultural tourism.
Throughout the second phase, which will run until May 21, various regions in China will highlight their unique intangible cultural heritage resources and local cultural characteristics. A variety of activities will be organized to foster consumer engagement, while also promoting innovation and the preservation of traditional crafts.
"This time, we've introduced 100 intangible cultural heritage tea-themed spaces, creating a unique consumption experience. We've also integrated tea with cosmetics, daily consumer goods, and even artistic performances. Of course, our intangible cultural heritage will also embrace modern culture and technology, forming a new business model that creates a large market driven by innovative products," said Chen Guangsheng, director of the Department of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism of Zhejiang Province.
Besides, a variety of heritage items, including tea, Hu brushes, ceramics, and figurines crafted using bronze-casting techniques, were showcased at a special fair. To attract younger consumers and invigorate demand for traditional heritage products, artisans are continuously innovating by blending time-honored craftsmanship with modern design, introducing fresh and innovative products to the market.
"During the first half of 2025, we have already achieved nearly 40 outcomes. Many of the shoes here are handmade by inheritors. Our goal is to showcase these exquisite skills and effectively promote them," said Song Tianyi, a lecturer at Shanghai University.
Second phase of 2025 four-season intangible cultural heritage shopping month opens
