China's National Meteorological Center (NMC) issued a red alert for Typhoon Bebinca at 18:00 on Sunday, warning of strong winds and heavy rainfall in the country's eastern regions.
Typhoon Bebinca, the 13th typhoon of the year, is forecast to make landfall along the coast from Zhoushan City in Zhejiang Province to Qidong City in Jiangsu Province on Monday morning.
The center reported a high probability of the typhoon making landfall as a severe storm in coastal areas from Pinghu City in Zhejiang to Shanghai's Pudong New Area.
Sanjiangkou in Ningbo City of Zhejiang is located at the confluence of three rivers -- the Yongjiang, Fenghua, and Yaojiang -- and serves as the core urban area of Ningbo.
Due to the impact of Typhoon Bebinca, river water levels are higher than usual. By Sunday night, the water level at Sanjiangkou is forecast to reach its highest point this year. Consequently, over 50 kilometers of flood barriers have been erected along the riverbanks.
Meanwhile, river ships have promptly implemented sailing suspensions ahead of the typhoon. All 27 major passenger ferry routes in Ningbo have been suspended.
According to predictions, Typhoon Bebinca could become the strongest typhoon to hit Shanghai in decades.
A seaside hotel at Nanhuizui Sea View Park, the easternmost point of Pudong, has ceased operations, and all personnel have been evacuated.
Additionally, construction sites in the Lingang New Area in southeast Shanghai have suspended work, and all staff have been evacuated as well.
Due to the impact of the typhoon, the operational capacity of both Pudong and Hongqiao International Airports in Shanghai decreased on Sunday. After 20:00, all flights at both airports were canceled.
The scenic spots on Chongming Island in Shanghai have also closed as a precautionary measure due to the typhoon.
China issues red alert for Typhoon Bebinca
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
