Cold front brings strong winds to coastal provinces, disrupting maritime activities

A cold front that began on Saturday has brought strong winds to China's coastal provinces, disrupting maritime activities and forcing passenger ships to suspend services.

From Saturday night to Sunday, the coastal areas of Lianyungang City in east China's Jiangsu Province saw a significant increase in wind strength, with northerly gusts reaching levels 9 to 10 on the Beaufort scale.

To ensure the safety of maritime fishing operations, 1,503 fishing vessels in the area were directed to return to port and take shelter by Saturday evening.

At 16:00 on Sunday, the local meteorological department issued a strong wind warning for the coastal region. Sustained winds of level 6 on the Beaufort scale, with gusts reaching levels 7 to 8, were expected in the coastal areas of Lianyungang City from Sunday night into Monday. Fishing vessels have been advised to remain sheltered in port.

In the coastal area of Zhoushan City, in east China's Zhejiang Province, the cold front on Sunday brought severe gusts reaching levels 9 to 10 on the Beaufort scale, leading to significant disruption of inter-island transportation. Starting Sunday noon, all passenger ferry services in the area were suspended.

More than 4,400 fishing vessels in Zhoushan City have been evacuated to safer waters. Recreational fishing boats in the city have suspended operations, and all aquaculture workers have been brought ashore for their safety.

Cold front brings strong winds to coastal provinces, disrupting maritime activities

A grand flag-raising ceremony was held at the Tian'anmen Square on Wednesday to mark the first day of 2025, with large crowds of people watching the solemn and dignified moment for the country on the spot.

As soldiers on the Tian'anmen Rostrum blew bugles, members of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Guard of Honor began marching toward the square, escorting a giant five-star red flag.

The ceremony unfolds as a patriotic gathering, with visitors braving the cold winter morning. They've waited hours to share this moment of national pride, in the hope of extending their wishes for the 12-months ahead.

As the sun slowly rises above the horizon, the military band began playing the Chinese national anthem, and the giant red flag was hoisted to the top of the mast.

When the red flag reached the top of the mast, the crowd at the square erupted in applause and cheers.

The band played "Ode to the Motherland". White doves, symbolizing hope for peace, were released at the ceremony.

The flag-raising ceremony is a daily routine at the Tian'anmen Square.

New Year flag-raising ceremony held at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing