The Shenzhou-19 crew members, who are currently on board China's space station, will conduct their first extravehicular activities (EVAs) within the next few days, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) announced on Monday.
Over the past 48 days, the astronauts have accomplished a rotation with the Shenzhou-18 crew, attended to the maintenance and upkeep of the space station platform, ensured the upkeep of the life and health support system, conducted inspections and tests on EVA suits, and prepared for the spacewalk.
The CMSA noted that the crew has participated in system-wide pressure emergency drills, medical rescue exercises and other in-orbit training programs, while also carrying out an array of space science experiments.
The agency confirmed that the Shenzhou-19 crew is in good health and the space station is operating smoothly, providing optimal conditions for conducting EVAs.
Shenzhou-19 crew set for maiden extravehicular activities
Lion dance performance in China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) has emerged as a cultural bridge over time to connect people from both local and across the world, according to a five-episode documentary launched by China Media Group (CMG).
Chio Lai Kei, a staff member of Macao's light rail system, competed in the International Lion Dance Championship, representing the Macao Workers' Association of Martial Arts and Physical Education. Before heading to work, he went to a martial arts gym to practice lion dancing.
"The strength of the hands, legs, and waist is very important. You need to practice over and over again in front of a mirror, so as to know how to look better," said Chio.
Chio learned lion dance from his mentor Lei Kam Wa, a martial arts master, who always said that the fundamental movements of lion dance are Chinese martial arts.
Lei is also the head of the Macao Workers' Association of Martial Arts and Physical Education. His daughter Lei Cho Ieng, a firefighter, also loves the performing art of lion dance.
"When I pick up the lion and interact with performers, I feel happy inside. It's as if the lion serves as a bridge, allowing me to connect with those who love lion dancing," she said.
With 21 lion dance troupes from 13 countries and regions participating this year, the 11th International Lion Dance Championship 2024 was held in front of the A-Ma Temple dedicated to the sea-goddess Mazu. "Since the return of Macao, the lion dance has been staged on more occasions with the thriving development of the society, aligning with global development trends," said Pun Keng Man, deputy director of the Wushu General Association of Macao.
To commemorate the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland, CMG is airing the documentary series titled "25 Years of Lotus Bond" on CCTV-1 at 20:00 every night from Dec 13 to 17, with subsequent broadcasts on CCTV-4 and CCTV-13.
The documentary comprises five thematic episodes: Love for the Home and the Nation, A Path of Diversity, The Flavor of Happiness, A City of Integration, and Gateway to the Future. It showcases the successful practices of "one country, two systems" in Macao under the strategic guidance of the central government.
On December 20, 1999, the Chinese government resumed its exercise of sovereignty over Macao and established the Macao SAR.
Lion dance serves as cultural bridge connecting people
