Decorative lights illuminate Beijing with National Day Holiday around corner

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Beijing's decorative lights have been fully upgraded and lit up to entertain residents and celebrate the upcoming National Day holiday, illuminating the night of China's capital with a symbolic red.

The upgrade project primarily covers Beijing's core area, as well as major scenic spots and landmarks.

Located at the northern end of the central axis of Beijing's ancient inner city, the Bell and Drum Towers, or Zhonggulou, are among the most visited cultural relics. Decorated with beam lights and LEDs, huge light projections are cast on the facades, showcasing the history of the two ancient structures.

"The night in Beijing is gorgeous! Illuminated by the lights, the Bell and Drum Towers look so shiny and splendid. And the residents are all joyful and full of happiness," said Fan Laiyou, a resident of Dongcheng District, Beijing.

In addition to the two towers, all major scenic areas and streets are illuminated by a variety of decorative lights, ranging from media facades, laser projections, light displays, and also traditional Chinese lanterns.

"We have upgraded 3,860 sets of obsolete lights on Chang’an Avenue and its extension, and the Central Axis, replacing them with energy-saving colored LED bulbs. The new lights add a festival vibe, but cut energy consumption. The lighting facilities for scenic spots have been comprehensively upgraded to facilitate visits by residents at night," said Wu Minshuo from the lighting department of the Beijing Municipal Commission of Urban Management.

Decorative lights illuminate Beijing with National Day Holiday around corner

The BRICS countries should contribute to the promotion of an equal and orderly multi-polar world and economic globalization that benefit all, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a meeting of foreign ministers of BRICS countries.

Common security must be advocated to achieve lasting peace, Wang said. No country has the right to control the global security agenda, let alone to build its own security over the insecurity of others, he added.

Wang said the BRICS countries must give priority to development and solve development problems, focus on the urgent needs of developing countries in poverty reduction, development financing, energy and food security, and seize the opportunities of technological revolution and industrial transformation.

The BRICS countries should practice multilateralism and improve global governance, support the full participation of the Global South countries in international economic decision-making, governance and rules-making, and enhance their voice and representation.

On the same day, Wang called for continuously increasing representation and voice of developing countries during a meeting among the Committee of Ten (C10) Heads of State and Government on UN Security Council Reform and foreign ministers of five UN Security Council permanent members,

He said it is necessary to anchor the reform path that gives priority to special arrangements for Africa.

BRICS should contribute to multi-polar world: Chinese FM