Hong Kong, Macao adorn streets, landmarks with decorations to celebrate National Day

Hong Kong and Macao have adorned their streets and landmarks with festive decorations to celebrate the upcoming National Day.

China's National Day falls on Oct 1 and the National Day holiday lasts from Oct 1 to 7.

China's national flag (five-star red flag) and the flag of the Hong Kong SAR are seen in the streets and alleys across Hong Kong, adding a patriotic atmosphere to the National Day celebrations.

Before and after the National Day, Hong Kong will hold hundreds of celebration events. And the colorful firework displays will been held at Hong Kong's Victoria Harbor on the evening of Oct 1.

"On the occasion of the celebration of the 75th anniversary, all sectors in Hong Kong are joyfully and eagerly preparing. With joyful hearts, we are ready to set off the fireworks. Wishing our country to be strong and the people to be prosperous. Wishing Hong Kong to also flourish and prosper," said Pui Kwan Kay, president of the Hong Kong Chinese Importers' and Exporters' Association.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the People's Republic of China. Through 75 years of hard work, the Chinese people have transformed China from an impoverished country into the second largest economy in the world. Several hundred million people in rural areas were lifted out of poverty, a miracle in the history of humanity, inspiring people from all walks of life in Hong Kong and Macao. "With the efforts of generation after generation of predecessors, the People's Republic of China has progressed from an impoverished country to the current stage of a moderately prosperous society in all respects. Especially since the 18th CPC National Congress, the various significant achievements made by the country have instilled the people across the nation with full confidence," said Edward Leung Hei, member of the Legislative Council of the HKSAR.

Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, chief executive officer of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, stressed that Hong Kong has made impressive achievements under One country, Two systems.

"It's enormous and overwhelming development, and I am really impressed how mainland has developed in this time under the One Country, Two Systems. It's a unique opportunity of Hong Kong to integrate economically into the wider Greater Bay Area. Dynamic, competitive and a global outlook," he said.

In Macao Special Administrative Region, national flags and holiday banners can be seen all over the streets.

"As young people from Macao, we are all very excited and proud of the development of our country. The destiny of Macao is always closely linked with that of the motherland. As the country further deepens reform comprehensively with a view to advancing Chinese modernization, Macao will have much to offer and achieve. I wish our great motherland to become even more prosperous, and Macao's development to continue to improve. I hope that we will advance together towards the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," said Jau Wing-hou, vice president of the Macao Youth Federation.

Since its return to the motherland 25 years ago, Macao has made significant advances in various fields and achieved prosperity and stability, according to Grace Wong Kit-cheng, member of the Legislative Assembly of the Macao SAR and vice president of the Women's General Association of Macao.

"Since its return to the motherland 25 years ago, with the support of the country, the society of Macao has achieved historic accomplishments in various fields including economy and people's livelihood. Residents live and work in peace and contentment. The stage of development is getting bigger and bigger, which fully demonstrates the strong vitality and advantages of One country, Two systems. The motherland has always been the strong supporter for Macao to maintain long-term prosperity and stability. I believe that Macao will also participate in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, integrate into China's overall development, and gain a greater and broader space for development and development momentum. Only when the motherland is strong can Macao be better," she said. "The country is advancing the great cause of building a great country and achieving national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization. We believe this will also bring new development opportunities for Macao. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland, and we are full of confidence in the development of the motherland and Macao. We believe that all sectors in Macao will actively integrate into the overall national development and make new contributions to the country's development," said Ip Sio Kai, a member of the National Committee of the CPPCC, also president of the Macao Association of Banks.

Hong Kong, Macao adorn streets, landmarks with decorations to celebrate National Day

Central China's Henan Province is experiencing a surge in international tourists driven by expanded visa-free policies, with visitors attracted by the traditional intangible cultural heritage, Chinese martial arts and local delicacies.

In Zhengzhou, the provincial capital, a vibrant cultural and creative district offers hands-on experiences like traditional lacquer fan making, alongside culinary delights such as culturally themed ice creams and spicy crispy tofu.

Dengfeng City, home to the world-renowned Shaolin Temple, has drawn travel groups to the city to experience Chinese martial arts. The large-scale live-action performances integrating kungfu with natural landscapes provide visitors with profound artistic immersion.

"It was something one-time in a life, nothing else in the world," said a tourist from Bulgaria.

The relaxed visa requirements have facilitated convenience for them to come to China.

"Of course, we are happy. It's always easier without the visa and complication, because before I was here last year, we had to have a visa and we had to show our visa everywhere," said Slav Kirilov, a Bulgarian tour group leader.

With the arrival of tourism season, there has been a marked increase in tour groups from Europe, East Asia, Southeast Asia and other regions.

"As the weather gets warmer, the number of international tour groups is steadily increasing. We now receive five to six groups each day, each with around 30 people. The number of groups has doubled compared with the same period last year," said Mao Rongjun, head of a scenic area in Dengfeng.

Last December, China extended the permitted stay for eligible foreign travelers from the original 72 and 144 hours to 240 hours, or 10 days.

The travelers from 54 countries can enter through any of the 60 ports across 24 provinces, regions and municipalities and stay within the designated areas for up to 240 hours.

Henan, one of the important birthplaces of Chinese civilization, is reaping the benefits of this policy.

"From Dec 17 to March 26, about 10,000 foreigners had entered through Zhengzhou's airports since the 240-hour visa-free policy was implemented, an increase of 334 percent over the same period 12 months earlier," said Yang Kui, a border inspector.

Expanded visa-free policy fuels inbound tourism in central China's Henan Province