A newly launched shuttle boat service between islands in Sansha, China's southernmost city in Hainan Province and home to numerous islands and reefs, has effectively improved transportation convenience for local residents.
Sansha officially began operating shuttle boats between Yongxing Island and Zhaoshu Island on Tuesday.
This new inter-island traffic route has greatly benefited Wu Chunlin, a project manager of the meteorological department at Haikou Hailyu Construction Engineering Installation Co., Ltd.
Now, he can take a boat from Yongxing to Zhaoshu Island to reach the observation station there in time to measure the size of railings that were blown down by a previous typhoon, ensuring it gets repaired quickly.
"As long as something comes up, upon receiving the report, I can head out to sea immediately," said Wu.
Additionally, when sea conditions permit and the boats are safe to operate, at least two round-trip sailings will be arranged between Yongxing and Zhaoshu per day. If the number of registered passengers exceeds the boat's capacity, more trips will be added based on available resources and actual demand.
"We have arranged eight crew members and three speedboats in the early stage to ensure efficient and safe transport. We are also preparing more transportation routes," said Zhang Tianxue, head of shipping team at Sansha Transportation Investment Development Co., Ltd.
By making residents' travel easier and more efficient, the enhanced boat service also contributes to the urban development of Sansha.
Newly launched inter-island transport in Hainan benefits locals
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
