The Shenzhou-18 crew members aboard China's orbiting space station Tiangong have captured the spectacular panoramic views of the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China and the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site on the coast of southern island province of Hainan.
On April 25, China launched the Shenzhou-18 manned spacecraft, sending three astronauts into the space station for a six-month mission. With their mission drawing to a close, the three astronauts are expected to return to Earth later this month.
During their 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.
During their downtime, the crew gaze through the windows of the space station, recording the majestic views of China. Ye and Li introduced the views of the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center and the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site they captured from space.
"Hello, I'm astronaut Ye Guangfu. Today, please follow my camera as we are taking a bird's eye view of Dongfeng Space City. What you see now is the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, established in October 1958. It is the earliest and the largest comprehensive space launch center in China and the only manned space launch site in the country. It is a land that embodies the glory and dreams of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and is also the birthplace of the space industry, which has fostered the spirit of 'Two Bombs, One Satellite,' the spirit of manned space flight, and the Dongfeng spirit. From here, you can see that the area on the left is the working and living area of Dongfeng Space City, while the area on the right is the launch site, from which we embarked on our journey to space," said Ye.
"The Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site is located in the east of Hainan Island. This is the first open launch site in China and one of the few low-latitude launch sites in the world. The Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site is also known as 'the mother port for China's space station construction'. In 2020, the test module of a new generation of manned spacecraft went to space from the spacecraft launch site . In April 2021, Tianhe Core Module was launched from there. Since then, two lab modules named Wentian and Mengtian have also been launched from there. In the future, it will serve as the main launch site for China's manned lunar exploration mission, and we are also looking forward to leaving the footprints of Chinese people on the moon in the future," Li said.
China's Shenzhou-18 astronauts share bird's eye views of launch sites
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
