Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport located in Lanzhou City, capital of northwest China's Gansu Province, put its third phase project into operation on Sunday, which will further promote the city's opening-up and economic development.
The upgrading project involves the construction of two new airstrips, terminal 3 covering 400,000 square meters, and a 270,000-square-meter comprehensive transportation hub.
The terminal 3 will officially open to passengers on March 20 and by that time, all domestic and international flights, as well as flights to and from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan at the airport will be moved to T3 for operation.
The project is estimated to have an annual passenger throughput of 38 million, and an annual cargo and mail throughput of 300,000 tonnes. Besides, it expects to see 300,000 aircraft take-offs and landings annually.
The completion of the project will inject new momentum into the efforts of Lanzhou and Gansu as well to expand their high-level opening-up and promote local high-quality economic development.
Third phase project of Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport put into operation
Third phase project of Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport put into operation
As China's elderly population grows, shopping malls in Shanghai have actively adapted part of their services to cater to the needs and preferences of elderly consumers, tapping into silver-haired consumer market.
This trend reflects the city's efforts to enhance elderly care services amid the population aging. By the end of 2023, people aged 60 and older reached 5.68 million in Shanghai, representing a whopping 37.4 percent of the city's total population.
A shopping mall on the downtown Nanjing East Road pedestrian street has opened a dedicated club for senior citizens, offering a diverse range of activities from the operation of health workshops to traditional handicraft classes.
"I gain a lot every time I come here. I can participate in various club activities and also exchange knowledge and everyday life hacks with others," said Fu Meilin, an elderly resident.
The mall houses nearly 60 time-honored brands, along with dining and entertainment options suited to senior citizens.
Another business district in Shanghai's Putuo District has adopted a different approach, focusing on attracting retirees during weekdays while catering to younger shoppers on weekends.
Restaurants offer affordable off-peak meal deals priced under 100 yuan (about 13.88 U.S. dollars), attracting a large number of senior customers.
To ensure a convenient and enjoyable shopping experience for the elderly, many shopping malls have conducted age-friendly renovations, including providing comfortable seating areas, accessible restrooms, and consumer guidance services for the elderly shoppers.
Driven by the population aging, China's "silver economy" has shown vast growth potential, with the market currently estimated at around seven trillion yuan and projected to reach a 30 trillion yuan by 2035.
Shopping malls in Shanghai adapt to cater to growing 'silver economy'
