The Shenzhou-18 crew members aboard China's orbiting space station Tiangong captured stunning views of the South China Sea and Xisha Islands from space, offering a unique perspective of their beauty.
On April 25, China launched the Shenzhou-18 manned spacecraft, sending three astronauts into the space station for a six-month mission, with a planned return to the Earth later this month.
During the mission, the three astronauts, Ye Guangfu, Li Cong and Li Guangsu, have marveled at the stunning landscapes, from snow-white seas of clouds to vibrant blue oceans and cities lit up at night.
In their downtime, the crew gaze through the windows of the space station, recording the majestic views of China. Li introduced the view of the South China Sea and Xisha Islands they captured from space.
"Hello everyone, I am astronaut Li Guangsu. Today I will show you the South China Sea. Looking down from space, the vastness of the South China Sea forms a sharp contrast with the Xisha Islands. The sea water presents a deep blue, and the islands are like bright pearls inlaid on the blue waves, each of which shining brightly with unique charm. The Xisha Islands are one of the four major archipelagos in the South China Sea, composed of the Yongle Islands and the Xuande Islands. The islands are distributed in more than 500,000 square kilometers of sea area with a total land area of about 10 square kilometers. Zhongjian Island is located at the southernmost tip of the Xisha Islands. The green vegetation covering the island can be seen vaguely from here, which is an ecological barrier to prevent wind and fix sand. This is the mark left by generations of PLA soldiers stationing on the island. In 2012, Sansha City of Hainan Province was established on Yongxing Island, governing the islands and reefs of the Xisha Islands, Zhongsha Islands, and Nansha Islands and their waters. It is the southernmost and largest prefecture-level city in China, yet with the smallest land area and smallest population," introduced Li.
"Although we cannot see it from space, we know that at this moment, a group of soldiers are stationed in the South China Sea. With the belief of loving the country and the island and guarding the border, they are the Great Wall guarding the South China Sea. On this special day of the National Day, we salute you who are guarding the front line of border defense," Li said.
The Shenzhou-18 crew are scheduled to return to Earth in late October this year after staying in orbit for about six months.
Shenzhou-18 astronauts share space views of South China Sea, Xisha Islands
Shenzhou-18 astronauts share space views of South China Sea, Xisha Islands
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
