Typhoon Bebinca made landfall in Shanghai and Zhejiang Province on Monday morning, prompting highway closures, bus suspensions, ship evacuations, and extensive emergency measures across the region.
According to the municipal meteorological authorities, Typhoon Bebinca is the most powerful typhoon to hit Shanghai in decades.
On Sunday night, four district-level meteorological observatories in Shanghai elevated the orange alert to a red alert for Typhoon Bebinca, the 13th this year, as its intensity was estimated to be a strong typhoon.
In response, local authorities closed all highways across the city, reduced speed limits on urban expressways and overpasses to 40 km per hour, and suspended operations of ferris wheels at coastal resorts and bus operations in some areas.
More than 414,000 residents have been evacuated to safety and 810-plus ships have returned to ports.
Furthermore, the city's two airports, Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao Airport, have canceled all flights after 20:00 on Sunday.
Over 2,500 rescue teams, comprising 56,000-strong troubleshooters, are on standby for emergency response.
In neighboring Zhejiang Province, the typhoon has unleashed high gales and rainstorms along the coastline.
In the city of Zhoushan, the maritime affairs department has installed warning signs to advise all tourists and residents to stay clear of the coast areas. In addition, public security personnel were required to conduct round-the-clock patrols until the typhoon's intensity subsides.
Typhoon Bebinca lands in east China, triggering emergency measures
Typhoon Bebinca lands in east China, triggering emergency measures
Typhoon Bebinca lands in east China, shutting down highways, buses, tourists' attractions
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
