Northwest China's Dunhuang sees surge in visitors during Mid-Autumn holiday

Dunhuang City, located in northwest China's Gansu Province, has emerged as one of the country's top travel destinations for its rich natural and cultural heritage. During the ongoing Mid-Autumn Festival, the city has attracted large crowds of holidaymakers.

The city's Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring scenic area offers a variety of exciting new activities and festival events, particularly appealing to younger visitors. The crescent moon-shaped spring, shimmering like a diamond sparkling in the desert, and the name of Mingsha Mountain, which refers to the sound of the wind over the dunes, make this green oasis a premiere destination for those seeking a unique desert adventure.

Visitors can enjoy traditional camel rides, as well as helicopter, delta wing glider and hot air balloon excursions. During the holiday, the scenic spot also features vibrant dance performances, a lantern lighting ceremony, and moon viewing activities, culminating in a grand musical event with thousands of attendees under the stars.

Many young women, dressed in delicate light chiffon and with ancient styled makeup, take photos inspired by Dunhuang's Flying Apsaras, a symbol of Dunhuang art.

As of 15:00 Monday, the second day of the three-day holiday, the site had received 10,000 tourist visits. The number is expected to rise to around 20,000 by evening as more tourists arrive.

The Mogao Grottoes, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage site renowned for its abundant collection of statues and murals that span 1,000 years of Buddhist art, is another must-see attraction in the city. Home to 45,000 square meters of frescoes and more than 2,000 painted sculptures, the site holds great historical and religious value.

"I love it, I love it, especially the food and nice people. I feel very lucky to be here and very glad, happy. The caves are amazing, they’re so nice and well-preserved. I love the fact that it has so much history behind it,” said Dejan Vozlic, a Slovenian Tourist.

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

Northwest China's Dunhuang sees surge in visitors during Mid-Autumn holiday

China's sharp countermeasures against U.S. "reciprocal tariffs" demonstrate the country's zero tolerance towards actions that undermine the global multilateral trading system, according to an expert.

Amid widespread opposition, U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order on the so-called "reciprocal tariffs", imposing a 10-percent "minimum baseline tariff" on all imported goods and higher rates on certain trading partners. The order took effect from Saturday.

For China, it faces a 34-percent tariff from the United States. That was on top of the existing tariff of 20 percent.

Following the U.S. decision to impose "reciprocal tariffs" on Chinese exports to the United States, China's Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council said Friday that the move taken by the U.S. does not conform to international trade rules, seriously undermines China's legitimate rights and interests, and represents a typical act of unilateral bullying.

It also announced that China will impose additional 34-percent tariffs on all products imported from the United States starting from April 10.

Wang Yaojing, assistant professor of economics with Peking University, pointed out that China's countermeasures shows its clear stance in opposing unilateralism and protectionism.

"China's countermeasures clearly demonstrate zero tolerance against actions that seek to undermine the global multilateral trading ecosystem. These harmful moves have far-reaching consequences for the global economy. And China's countermeasures are both well-prepared and timely," Wang emphasized.

China’s countermeasures show zero tolerance towards US unilateralism, protectionism: expert