Xi stresses building China into leading country in education

Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged efforts to make solid progress toward the strategic goal of building China into a leading country in education.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks at a national meeting on education held in Beijing from Monday to Tuesday.

Tuesday marks the 40th Teachers' Day in China. On behalf of the CPC Central Committee, Xi extended his greetings to teachers and others working in the education sector across the country.

Xi said it was decided to speed up the drive to modernize education after the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012 and a goal has been set to build China into a leading country in education by 2035.

This goal will bolster China's efforts to build a great country and advance national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization, he added.

Xi described building a leading country in education as a complex and systematic endeavor, which requires focusing on education's fundamental task of fostering virtue.

Xi emphasized the need to enhance innovation capacity in developing the education sector, and promote the development of basic and emerging disciplines and interdisciplinary subjects, as well as the cultivation of top-tier talent.

He also called for strengthening collaboration between universities and enterprises in scientific research.

Xi underscored the significance of improving the inclusiveness, accessibility and convenience of education as a public service.

He stressed the need to develop high-quality and balanced compulsory education and narrow gaps between urban and rural areas, regions, schools, and social groups.

Xi called for continued efforts to advance the national education digitalization initiative to broaden access to quality educational resources.

He urged the cultivation of a high-caliber teaching workforce, stressing the need to raise teachers' status, pay, and welfare to make teaching one of the most respected professions.

Xi also emphasized the importance of further opening China's education sector to the world, including expanding international academic exchanges and broadening cooperation in education and scientific research.

The meeting was presided over by Li Qiang and attended by Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, and Li Xi. Ding Xuexiang delivered the concluding remarks.

Before the meeting, Xi and other leaders met with representatives attending an award ceremony honoring model teachers and outstanding groups and institutions in the education sector.

Xi stresses building China into leading country in education

Xi stresses building China into leading country in education

Xi stresses building China into leading country in education

Xi stresses building China into leading country in education

Xi stresses building China into leading country in education

Moon-themed lantern shows and a series of traditional performances have been held across China, enlivening the holiday spirit during the three-day Mid-Autumn Festival break.

On Mid-Autumn Festival night, moon-gazing is a time-honored and cherished tradition. In Shanghai, it has become popular to gather at lakesides or riversides where the moon's reflection can be seen in the water.

During the festival, the city's Yuyuan Garden created various moon-themed installations, combining them with mythological stories from the Classic of Mountains and Seas. They also featured folk performances, themed lantern displays, and special light shows, offering a unique festive experience.

"I think this is a must-visit spot in Shanghai, especially given how beautiful it is. Plus, it incorporates traditional Chinese culture, which perfectly aligns with the atmosphere of the Mid-Autumn Festival. I really love it - it's all about family and reunion," said a Shanghai local surnamed Zhang.

In Baizhang Town, Hangzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province, a unique Fish Lantern Cultural Festival was held at the Shuttle Museum, a museum dedicated to weaving shuttles.

Villagers and tourists paraded along the roads and stream banks, holding exquisite peach blossom fish lanterns. The lanterns, vibrant and lifelike, symbolized the wish for "abundance every year and good fortune."

In Datong Ancient Town, Tongling City, east China's Anhui Province, the nighttime water dragon lantern performance and cultural night market have been bustling with activity during the holiday.

Dragon dancers skillfully waved the dragon lanterns, which spiraled and soared, creating various formations over the water.

The molten iron fireworks show, a folk art performance of throwing molten iron to create a fireworks-like display, was held on the river, creating a rare sight for spectators as countless golden sparks shot into the night sky of the ancient town before falling into the lake.

A drone performance was launched in Jingzhou City, central China's Hubei Province during the Mid-Autumn Festival. A thousand drones formed images of "Goddess of the Moon Chang'e," the "Jade Rabbit," and "Kongming Lanterns," creating poetic scenes together with the Moon afar.

"It's my first time watching a drone show, and I find it truly spectacular," said a tourist named Yu Duoduo.

In Dunhuang City, northwest China's Gansu Province, visitors gathered on the peaks of Mingsha Mountain to admire the stunning reflection of the Moon in the lake.

The Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar, is a cherished occasion for family reunions in China. It falls on September 17 this year.

Lantern shows, traditional performances delight moon-gazers during Mid-Autumn Festival