China's domestically developed anti-submarine Wing Loong-X UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) made its debut on Tuesday at the ongoing 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province.
The Wing Loong-X is currently the largest and heaviest armed reconnaissance and strike UAV in China, with a range of capabilities including long endurance and multiple payload options. It can fly for up to 40 hours and reach altitudes of 10,000 meters.
The UAV also has a quick response feature, allowing it to rapidly switch configurations and payloads based on mission needs.
"Under its wings, you can see two sets of sonar buoys and air-to-air missiles, with a torpedo hanging beneath. The customer demands it leads the world by five years, with strong detection and countering capabilities for air, land, sea, and underwater targets," said Tang Yong, UAV chief designer at Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).
In addition to the Wing Loong-X, China's air force debuted two other new reconnaissance and strike UAVs, which are designed for tactical reconnaissance, surveillance, and strike missions, with capabilities to carry electro-optical sensors, synthetic aperture radar, and communication reconnaissance equipment, enabling them to target fixed and moving objects on land and at sea.
The 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, also known as Airshow China, is scheduled to run from Tuesday to Sunday.
China's self-developed Wing Loong-X UAV debuts at Zhuhai Airshow
China's self-developed Wing Loong-X UAV debuts at Zhuhai Airshow
China's self-developed Wing Loong-X UAV debuts at Zhuhai Airshow
As the Qingming Festival approaches this Friday, various traditional folk activities have been held across China, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the occasion.
With a 2,500-year history, Qingming Festival, or the Festival of Pure Brightness, observed in early April, uniquely combines ancestral worship with the celebration of spring. Falling on the 15th day after the spring equinox, this ritual-rich observance reflects China's enduring values of ancestral veneration and inspires deep introspection about what gives life meaning.
In Sijia Village, Huayin City, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, a unique swing festival is held to mark the occasion. Eighteen different types of traditional swings, such as the spinning wheel swing, the Bagua swing reminiscent of a rotating carousel, and the balance swing designed for two people, have attracted many visitors.
Historically, Sijia Village served as a military post guarding the strategic Tongguan pass, a former mountain pass and fortress located south of the confluence of the Wei and Yellow Rivers. The swing tradition in the village has its origins in military training exercises like climbing and river crossing. The local swing culture further developed as regional trade flourished, eventually evolving into the "swing festival" that continues today.
"It's very exciting and tests your skill, endurance, and most importantly, your arm strength. You need to maintain balance," said Qu Xiangyang, a visitor.
In Rudong County, Nantong City, east China's Jiangsu Province, another traditional Qingming activity takes place - kite flying.
Flying kites as a way of making wishes is an age-old Qingming custom in this region. As a result, the Qingming Festival in Nantong is also known as the "Kite Festival."
The local Banyao whistling kite making skills is listed as one of the first national intangible cultural heritage items.
According to a folk culture expert, people traditionally write the names of diseases or misfortunes on paper, attach it to a kite, and release it into the sky. This practice is believed to drive away illness and disaster, while also serving as a way to make wishes.
In south China's Guangdong Province, a large tug-of-war competition is underway in Maoming City. Teams from different towns and streets are competing, attracting many locals to cheer on their teams.
Tug-of-war, which originated during the late Spring and Autumn period (770 BC - 476 BC), became part of Qingming customs during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty once organized large-scale tug-of-war competitions for the festival.
"Tug-of-war became very popular in the Tang Dynasty, even emerging as the national sport. It originated in the Jingchu region and later spread across the country. In ancient Lingnan (Southern China), tug-of-war games were a common tradition. Through these events, people seek to pray for peace, prosperity, and abundant harvests," said Yao Guojun, vice dean of the College of Arts and Law, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology.
Traditional folk activities held for Qingming Festival
