China-Vietnam border port handles highest number of passengers among Chinese ports in 2023

STORY: China-Vietnam border port handles highest number of passengers among Chinese ports in 2023 SHOOTING TIME: Jan. 5, 2024 DATELINE: Jan. 7, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:19 LOCATION: NANNING, China CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Dongxing Port 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): ZHANG DAIYING, Chinese tourist 3. various of Dongxing Port 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): FAN CHUNLI, Staff of Dongxing border inspection station STORYLINE: Dongxing Port, the China-Vietnam border port in Dongxing City in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, handled more than 5.54 million inbound and outbound passengers in 2023, ranking first among China's border ports. Dongxing is China's only port city connected both by land and sea with ASEAN, whose unique location has boosted cross-border tourism. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): ZHANG DAIYING, Chinese tourist "It takes only a short time to pass through customs, just a few seconds to swipe the card. During the process, the border inspection staff are very warm, giving timely help to u

CHINA-GANSU-JIAYUGUAN-TOURISM-ANCIENT VISAS (CN)

CHINA-GANSU-JIAYUGUAN-TOURISM-ANCIENT VISAS (CN)

(231207) -- JIAYUGUAN, Dec. 7, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Li Sen makes short videos at the Jiayu Pass scenic area in Jiayuguan City, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 26, 2023. Li Sen, 43, earns a living by playing the role of an ancient "general" at the Jiayu Pass scenic area in the city of Jiayuguan, northwest China's Gansu Province. Visitors can buy ancient "visas" at his stall. These documents are designed by Li and form an essential part of the role-play, allowing tourists to travel back into ancient China. Looking to the future, Li plans to systematically organize the historical and cultural information related to the pass, while developing more cultural and creative products for tourists. (Xinhua/Fang Xin)

A visit to Israel's 1.8-km-long mini subway

STORY: A visit to Israel's 1.8-km-long mini subway DATELINE: March 18, 2023 LENGTH: 0:00:58 LOCATION: HAIFA, Israel CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. STANDUP (English): WANG ZHUOLUN, Xinhua correspondent 2. various of Haifa subway 3. SOUNDBITE (English): Haifa resident STORYLINE: STANDUP (English): WANG ZHUOLUN, Xinhua correspondent "Here I'm in the northern Israeli city of Haifa, where one of the world's smallest subway systems is located. With only six stops and a 1.8-kilometer-long tunnel, it is also the only underground transit system in Israel." Two trains, each with two cars, operate on a single track along the route. A short passing loop allows the trains in opposite directions to pass each other. The subway runs through a mountain and the difference in elevation between the first and last stations is 274 meters. SOUNDBITE (English): Haifa resident "I have been using this for a year. I use it once a week. It's easier than a bus because sometimes the traffic is bad." Construction of the subway start

N. Korean leader Kim apparently on visit to China

N. Korean leader Kim apparently on visit to China

JILIN, China - A guard watches a limo pass in Jilin, Jilin Province, on Aug. 26, 2010, as security is tightened around a hotel in the city where North Korean leader Kim Jong Il is believed to be staying. Kim visited China following his previous trip in May, fueling speculation that a second trip in such a short period may be related to preparing the ground for future succession to power by his third son and heir apparent, Kim Jong Un.

Unvaccinated NBA Player Kyrie Irving Banned From Playing

Unvaccinated NBA Player Kyrie Irving Banned From Playing

The strict vaccination laws in New York City could potentially be stricter, and that is bad news for the unvaccinated NBA players right now. This is a huge blow for the unvaccinated stars in the NBA, both in the short and long-term. If the bill passes, either on January or earlier, players who refuse the vaccine will not be allowed to play a minimum of four games to a maximum of eight in the regular season. Kyrie Irving is the most famous example, having been strictly against vaccination - FILE - The Boston Celtics' Kyrie Irving looks for an open pass against the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 17, 2017, at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland. Photo by Leah Klafczynski/Akron Beacon Journal/TNS/ABACAPRESS.COM

N. Korean leader Kim apparently on visit to China

N. Korean leader Kim apparently on visit to China

JILIN, China - A guard watches a limo pass in Jilin, Jilin Province, on Aug. 26, 2010, as security is tightened around a hotel in the city where North Korean leader Kim Jong Il is believed to be staying. Kim visited China following his previous trip in May, fueling speculation that a second trip in such a short period may be related to preparing the ground for future succession to power by his third son and heir apparent, Kim Jong Un. (Kyodo)