China: Rare ‘Buddha’s Light’ Halo Seen on Sichuan Mountain

This breathtaking moment captures a rare “Buddha’s Light” phenomenon encircling a hiker’s head on a mountaintop trail. On June 5, 2025, while hiking Jiuding Mountain in Sichuan, a man recorded a vivid, rainbow-colored halo — known as a “Buddha’s Light” or Brocken Spectre — forming around his head in the misty air. The optical illusion followed him for several meters, creating a surreal, almost mystical scene as he walked through the fog. According to the hiker, Mr. He, the phenomenon appeared not only around his own head but also around those of other nearby hikers, lasting for about 30 seconds. The video ends with the glowing halo slowly fading as the group continued along the mist-covered trail."

Taiwan: Typhoon Kong-Rey Makes Landfall, Bringing Strong Winds, Heavy Rain 6

Typhoon Kong-rey made landfall in Taitung, southeast Taiwan, on Halloween afternoon, October 31. It brought gusty winds and heavy rainfall to eastern Taiwan and was expected to affect other regions as well.

Japan proposes expanding visa issuance to Chinese tourists

Japan proposes expanding visa issuance to Chinese tourists

BEIJING, China - Japanese transport minister Kazuo Kitagawa (L) talks with He Guangwei, chairman of the China National Tourism Administration, in Beijing on Jan. 18. Kitagawa said he proposed to China a plan for Japan to issue visas to group tourists from all over the country for six months from March 25 during the World Exposition in Aichi Prefecture, central Japan.

Ogi in China to pitch Japan's high-speed railway system

Ogi in China to pitch Japan's high-speed railway system

BEIJING, China - Land, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Chikage Ogi (R) and China National Tourism Administration Director General He Guangwei pose for a photograph prior to their talks at a Beijing hotel on Aug. 3. Ogi arrived in China on Aug. 3 to pitch Japan's Shinkansen high-speed rail system for a new Beijing-Shanghai route.

Japan proposes expanding visa issuance to Chinese tourists

Japan proposes expanding visa issuance to Chinese tourists

BEIJING, China - Japanese transport minister Kazuo Kitagawa (L) talks with He Guangwei, chairman of the China National Tourism Administration, in Beijing on Jan. 18. Kitagawa said he proposed to China a plan for Japan to issue visas to group tourists from all over the country for six months from March 25 during the World Exposition in Aichi Prefecture, central Japan. (Kyodo)

Ogi in China to pitch Japan's high-speed railway system

Ogi in China to pitch Japan's high-speed railway system

BEIJING, China - Land, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Chikage Ogi (R) and China National Tourism Administration Director General He Guangwei pose for a photograph prior to their talks at a Beijing hotel on Aug. 3. Ogi arrived in China on Aug. 3 to pitch Japan's Shinkansen high-speed rail system for a new Beijing-Shanghai route. (Kyodo)