Gym life working out for more women 越来越多女性走入健身房 Female enthusiasts get tough on physical fitness, healthier lifestyles 女性健身爱好者追求更健康的体魄与生活方式 On the back of recent trends, a Spring Festival blockbuster last year and the overarching desire to lead healthier and empowered lives, Chinese women continue to flock to the gym in droves and even outnumber the opposite sex in what is often perceived as a male-dominated field. 近年来，受健身潮流兴起、去年春节档电影《热辣滚烫》热播以及公众对健康与活力追求的影响，中国女性持续涌入健身房，且在这一男性“主战场”上超越男性的数量。 As awareness of the importance of physical health and the pursuit of fitness grows, more women are making exercise an integral part of their lives. From following workout videos by fitness bloggers at home and sweating over weights in the gym, to outdoor hiking, rock climbing and running marathons, women are embracing a diverse range of fitness activities. 随着健康与健身意识增强，越来越多女性将运动纳入日常生活。不论是居家跟随健身博主锻炼、在健身房挥汗如雨，还是参与徒步、攀岩和马拉松等户外运动，女性健身形式日益丰富。 According to the 2023 China Fitness Industry Data Report, women account for 55.41 percent of fitness consumers. The China Outdoor Sports Industry Development Report (2022-2023) also indicates that women make up 59.9 percent of outdoor sports participants, becoming the leading demographic in this field. 根据《2023中国健身行业数据报告》，女性健身消费者占比达55.41%。《中国户外运动产业发展报告（2022–2023）》显示，女性在户外运动中占比达到59.9%，成为主力军。 With this trend has come a shift in typical goals when working out: instead of pursuing a slim and curvy figure, they exercise to be healthier, to gain a better understanding and control of their bodies, and to be more independent and powerful, according to the reports. 根据报告，女性锻炼目的也发生转变——不再仅追求“纤细曲线”，而是为健康，身体理解与掌控力，以及独立与力量感而锻炼。 According to the 2024 Women's Fitness Trends Report released in March by fitness chain Hilefit, women demonstrate remarkable perseverance in fitness. On average, the chain's female members spend about 34 minutes per session on the treadmill, compared to 29 minutes for male members. Additionally, 42 percent of female members participate in group classes, significantly higher than the 8.3 percent participation rate among male members. 根据健身连锁机构乐刻三月发布的《2024女性健身趋势报告》，女性在健身方面展现出非凡毅力。女性会员每节课在跑步机上的平均锻炼时间为34分钟，男性为29分钟。此外，42%的女性参加团课，远高于男性的8.3%。 The report also suggests a significant shift in women's workout preferences, with strength training gaining popularity. While 61 percent of female customers still focus on weight loss and body sculpting, 21 percent opt for muscle-building personal training courses, with the trend on a steady increase, the report said. 报告还显示，女性健身偏好正向力量训练倾斜：61%的女性依然注重减脂与塑形，21%选择增肌的私教课程，且呈稳步上升趋势。 One fitness coach, surnamed Yan, confirmed the trend, noting that more of her female clients are aiming for a muscular physique through exercise. Yan said that compared to the uncertainties of work and life, exercise offers more direct rewards — the dopamine released during exercise brings physical joy, while the endorphins from progressively lifting heavier weights deliver a lasting sense of achievement and satisfaction. 一位姓闫的健身教练证实了这一趋势。她指出，越来越多女性客户通过锻炼来追求“肌肉身材”。闫教练说，与工作和生活的不确定性相比，运动能带来更直接的回报——锻炼期间分泌的多巴胺带来身体愉悦感，而渐进负荷的重量训练所产生的内啡肽可以带来更持续的成就感和满足感。 Through strength training, women start to discover their physical strength, thus becoming more empowered both physically and mentally. Yan said the sense of control over the body translates into a newfound feeling of confidence in life, which is manifested in actions such as standing up against workplace injustices rather than staying silent. 通过力量训练，女性逐渐发现自身的身体力量，进而在身心上获得更大自信。闫教练表示，对身体的控制感转化为对生活的自信，这种自信体现日常行动中，例如在职场面对不公敢于发声，不再沉默。

E-tailers go big on instant retail 电商平台加码即时零售 E -commerce platforms bank on lucrative food delivery services 电商平台押注高利润外卖服务 China's instant retail sector is expected to see speedy growth as leading e-commerce platforms are banking on the lucrative on-demand food delivery services to drive new sources of revenue and reconstruct the traditional retail landscape, experts said. 专家表示，随着中国主要电商平台押注利润丰厚的按需外卖服务，以推动新的收入来源并重塑传统零售格局，中国的即时零售行业有望实现快速增长。 They called on enterprises to ramp up technological innovation, optimize logistics networks and improve delivery efficiency, while leveraging personalized recommendation methods and high-quality services to elevate the user experience. Meanwhile, authorities and industry associations should introduce relevant regulations and standards to promote the healthy development of the instant retail market. 专家呼吁企业加大技术创新力度，优化物流网络，提高配送效率，同时利用个性化推荐方法和高质量服务提升用户体验。与此同时，主管部门和行业协会应出台相关法规和标准，促进即时零售市场的健康发展。 Alibaba Group has recently upgraded its one-hour delivery platform and launched Taobao Instant Commerce, as part of a broader push to march into the fast-growing instant retail market. The service, which operates in more than 50 major cities across the nation, promises deliveries for various goods beyond food, such as electronics, clothing and flowers within an hour. The orders are fulfilled by Ele.me, Alibaba's food delivery unit. 阿里巴巴集团近期升级“小时达”配送平台，推出“淘宝闪购”，以进军快速增长的即时零售市场。该服务在全国50多个主要城市运营，承诺在一小时内配送食物及各种商品，如电子产品、服装和鲜花。订单由阿里巴巴的外卖子公司饿了么配送。 To attract customers, Taobao is increasing subsidies and offering discounts on items like milk tea. The platform will make use of its advantages in online flagship stores, and strengthen cooperation with local warehouses and offline retail sites to cater to consumers' rising demand for speedy and affordable instant delivery services. 为吸引客户，淘宝正在增加补贴，并对奶茶等商品提供折扣。该平台将利用其网络旗舰店的优势，加强与本地仓库和线下零售点的合作，以满足消费者对快速且实惠的即时配送服务日益增长的需求。 adj. 负担得起的；价格合理的 Alibaba's move came after e-commerce platform JD's entry into the highly competitive food delivery sector. JD has provided comprehensive support like low or zero commission fees to catering merchants who register on its platform, and stepped up the recruitment of full-time delivery riders. 在阿里巴巴之前，电商平台京东也加入到竞争激烈的外卖行业。京东为在其平台上注册的餐饮商家提供低佣金或零佣金等全面支持，并加大了全职配送员的招聘力度。 Food delivery platform Meituan has rolled out its instant retail service "flash purchases", vowing to provide 24-hour shopping services with deliveries finished within approximately 30 minutes. Customers can select from a wide range of products, including fresh produce, snacks, electronics, beauty items and pet care supplies. 外卖平台美团推出了其即时零售服务“闪购”，承诺提供24小时购物服务，配送时间约为30分钟。服务产品范围广泛，包括生鲜食品、零食、电子产品、美妆用品和宠物护理用品等。 Instant retail refers to a model where shoppers place orders on online trading platforms, followed by retailers from brick-and-mortar stores executing door-to-door deliveries themselves or through third-party delivery platforms. An on-demand delivery order usually requires 30 to 60 minutes to be completed. Industry observers pointed out that the traditional e-commerce industry is slowing down, while the growth rate of the instant retail market is expected to stay above 20 percent. 即时零售是指消费者在在线交易平台上下单后，由实体店零售商自行或通过第三方配送平台进行上门配送的模式。按需配送订单通常需要30至60分钟完成。行业观察人士指出，传统电商行业正在放缓，而即时零售市场的增长率预计将保持在20%以上。 Meanwhile , Chinese authorities recently summoned major food delivery platforms including JD and Meituan, to address prominent issues related to competition in the food delivery sector. They called on platforms to comply with laws and regulations, fulfill social responsibilities, strengthen internal management, engage in fair and orderly competition, and safeguard the rights and interests of consumers, merchants, and delivery riders. The move is to promote the regulated, healthy and orderly development of the platform economy. 与此同时，中国有关部门近日约谈包括京东和美团在内的主要外卖平台，解决外卖行业竞争相关的突出问题。他们呼吁平台遵守法律法规，履行社会责任，加强内部管理，进行公平有序的竞争，维护消费者、商家和骑手的权益。此举旨在促进平台经济的规范、健康和有序发展。

In praise of slower pleasures 年轻人推崇公交慢旅的乐趣 Eschewing planes and trains, some travelers are using buses to make the journey to their destination. 一些旅行者避开飞机和火车，选择乘坐公共汽车前往目的地。 In an era dominated by high-speed trains and budget flights, a growing number of young travelers are redefining exploration by opting for slow, immersive journeys via public bus. The trend, driven by a desire for deeper cultural engagement and cost-effective travel, is reshaping how some among the younger generation experience the country's vast landscapes and diverse communities. 在高速铁路和廉价航空主导的当下，越来越多的年轻人选择乘坐公交车进行慢速沉浸式旅行，重新定义“旅游”。旨在追求更深入的文化体验和经济实惠的出行方式，这一趋势正在重塑年轻一代对中国广袤景色和多元社区的探索方式。 Most people would take a three to four-hour flight or the high-speed train to travel from Beijing to Hong Kong, but 22-year-old Shen Tie, a journalism student and self-proclaimed bus enthusiast, instead opted to take 120 buses, stopping at more than 3,100 stations on his winding 13-day journey along the public transit network in December, at a cost of 2,800 yuan. 大部分人会乘坐三四个小时的飞机或者乘坐高铁从北京去往香港。21岁的新闻专业学生沈铁（音译）自称为“公交迷”，他在2024年12月从北京出发，耗时13天，乘坐了120辆公交车，途经3100多个站点，最终抵达香港，全程花费约2800元人民币。 Shen's ambitious Beijing-Hong Kong trek required days of planning. Without relying on navigation apps, he pieced together routes using map software, improvising when roads dead-ended or schedules shifted. "If a bus line was canceled, I'd detour west or backtrack to find alternatives," he says. 沈铁的雄心勃勃的北京至香港之旅需要数天的规划。在不依赖导航应用的情况下，他使用地图软件拼凑路线，并在道路断头或时刻表变动时即兴调整。“如果某条公交线路被取消，我就会向西绕行或返回寻找替代路线，”他说。 Apart from logistics, Shen's trips are a study in the regional diversity. He documents how bus designs shift from Beijing's Foton models to Shandong's Yutong buses, while dialects — Shanghainese, Cantonese, Hokkien — become markers of place. "I've been recording station announcements since middle school. It's like collecting stamps," he says. 除了行程安排，沈铁的旅行也是对地区多样性的研究。他记录了公交车设计如何从北京的福田车型转变为山东的宇通公交车，而方言——上海话、粤语、闽南语——成为地方的标志。“我从中学开始就录制车站广播，就像集邮一样，”他说。 For 20-year-old Ye Shubo, a chemistry major at Nanjing University in Jiangsu province, bus travel is more than a mode of transportation. During his 12-day journey from Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, to Lhasa, Xizang autonomous region, Ye took more than 60 buses and covered nearly 4,000 kilometers, spending about 7,000 yuan (including accommodation, food, and tickets). 对于20岁的江苏省南京大学化学专业学生叶书博（音译）来说，公交旅行不仅仅是一种交通方式。在他从浙江省杭州到西藏自治区拉萨的12天旅程中，叶乘坐了60多辆公交车，行程近4000公里，花费约7000元人民币（包括住宿、餐饮和门票）。 Despite its appeal, bus travel isn't without its hurdles. Ye remembers a mishap in Xuancheng, Anhui province, where the infrequent schedule of a rural bus forced him to rely on a taxi driver's help. To mitigate such moments, he carried spare change for cash-only buses, researched regional schedules, and packed essentials like altitude sickness medication for high-elevation routes. 尽管公交旅行具有吸引力，但也面临挑战。叶书博记得在安徽省宣城市的一次意外，由于农村公交车班次稀少，他不得不依靠出租车司机的帮助。为了减少此类情况，他携带了零钱以应对只收现金的公交车，研究了各地的时刻表，并为高海拔路线准备了高原反应药物等必需品。 While affordability matters, Ye emphasizes cultural curiosity for future bus trips. He plans to visit historical sites in Qingdao, Shandong, for its German-style architecture, and Shenyang for the 9.18 Historical Museum, which is dedicated to the rail incident Japan used as a pretext to invade China in 1931. 虽然价格便宜很重要，但叶书博强调对文化的好奇心是未来公交旅行的动力。他计划前往山东青岛，参观德国风格的建筑，并前往沈阳参观“九一八”历史博物馆，该馆为纪念日本在1931年以铁路事件为借口入侵中国的事件而修建。 These bus trips mirror a broader movement among the youth. Social media platforms like Bilibili, Red-Note, and Douyin have popularized "bus travel diaries", with influencers documenting their cross-province routes. 这些公交旅行反映了年轻人中更广泛的趋势。在哔哩哔哩、小红书和抖音等社交媒体平台上，“公交旅行日记”日益流行，许多博主记录了他们跨省的公交路线。

Square-faced monkey at Hefei wildlife park goes viral 合肥野生动物园“方脸猴”走红网络 With black hair and a square face, a monkey at Hefei Wildlife Park in Anhui province has been viral on Chinese social media since early May. The animal, a male black-capped capuchin, has been nicknamed Dazhuang — meaning "big and strong" — by internet users. Despite spending 10 years at the zoo, the primate had received little attention until a visitor posted a video of him on Douyin, China's version of TikTok, during the May Day holiday, according to the park. 合肥野生动物园一只黑毛方脸猴自5月初在中国社交媒体上走红。这只雄性黑帽悬猴被网友们亲切称为“大壮”，意为“大只和强壮”。根据园区信息，尽管已在园内生活10年，但此前鲜有人注意，直到五一假期期间，一位游客在抖音上发布了它的视频，它才爆火网络。 In Chinese, the character guo, meaning "country", is often used to describe a square-shaped human face, making the capuchin's distinctive look especially noteworthy online. Though Dazhuang is a primate, his facial features resemble those of a person, earning him the nickname "guo-character-face monkey". 在中文中，“国”字常用来形容方形人脸，因此这只猴子的独特外貌在网上引发热议。尽管大壮是一只灵长类动物，但其面部特征酷似人类，被称为“国字脸猴”。 Last year, the zoo introduced a female capuchin from Wuxi Wildlife Park in Jiangsu province. She gave birth to a baby with Dazhuang in April. The female monkey has been named Xiaomei, or "little beautiful", and is often referred to as Dazhuang's "wife". Another younger male is now called Xiaoshuai, meaning "small handsome", and is considered Dazhuang's "brother". Visitors frequently spot Dazhuang grooming Xiaomei while she cradles their baby. The trio has been dubbed "the happy life of Dazhuang" by fans. 去年，动物园从江苏无锡野生动物园引进了一只雌性黑帽悬猴，并于今年4月与大壮育有一子。雌猴被命名为“小美”，常被称为大壮的“妻子”；另一只年轻的雄猴则被称为“小帅”，意为“帅气的小家伙”，被视为大壮的“兄弟”。游客常看到大壮为小美梳理毛发，小美则怀抱幼崽。这一家三口被粉丝们称为“大壮的幸福生活”。 Some online users have described Dazhuang as "ugly-cute", though Zhang Chunxue, the animal breeder who cares for the capuchins, disagrees. "Among black-capped capuchins, the alpha male usually has a squarer face and a bigger build than the rest," Zhang said. "By those standards, Dazhuang is actually very handsome." Zhang added that the species has long, flexible tails capable of supporting their body weight, freeing up their hands for feeding or climbing. They are also among the few monkey species known to use tools, such as stones to crack nuts. 一些网友形容大壮为“丑萌”，但负责照料它的饲养员张春雪对此表示不同看法。她指出：“在黑帽悬猴中，首领雄性通常脸型更方、体型更大。按这个标准，大壮其实非常英俊。”张春雪还补充说，该物种拥有灵活的长尾巴，能支撑其体重，使双手可用于进食或攀爬。它们是少数已知会使用工具的猴类之一，例如用石头敲开坚果。 In recent years, animal "internet celebrities" have emerged across China, capturing public attention for their unique appearance, behavior or relatable expressions. Last year, a chubby leopard at Panzhihua Wildlife Park in Sichuan province went viral, with people comparing it to the "leopard officer "from the animated movie Zootopia. Earlier this year, white-faced saki monkeys Dudu and Huahua from Nanjing Hongshan Forest Zoo became internet sensations. In 2023, a rotund fox at Yunnan Wildlife Park was nicknamed "Gas Tank", sparking social media buzz. 近年来，中国各地涌现出多位“动物网红”，因其独特外貌、行为或拟人表情而受到公众关注。去年，四川攀枝花野生动物园的一只肥胖豹子走红，网友将其比作动画电影《疯狂动物城》中的“豹警官”。今年早些时候，南京红山森林动物园的白面僧面猴“杜杜”和“花花”轰动网络。2023年，云南野生动物园的一只圆滚滚的狐狸被昵称为“煤气罐”，在社交媒体上引发热议。 Pan Yuyu, a Hefei resident, said the phenomenon reflects the deep affection Chinese people have for animals. Zhou Liliang, general manager of Hefei Wildlife Park, said the zoo is working to maintain the natural environment of Dazhuang and his companions while minimizing the impact of increased visitor traffic. 合肥市民潘玉玉表示，这一现象反映了中国人对动物的喜爱。合肥野生动物园总经理周礼亮表示，园方正努力维护大壮及其同伴的自然环境，同时尽量减少游客增多带来的影响。

Decluttering services for hoarders turning a tidy profit 为“囤积族”整理收纳带来商机 ' Shopping therapy' for lonely elders, stressed workers sees rise in messy homes “购物疗法”在孤独老人和压力重重的上班族中日益流行，导致居家环境日益杂乱 Jin Wei and his wife were in a state of shock as they dug through the piles of trash in his mother-in-law's apartment. From moldy rice infested with bugs, to bags of expired snacks, an old spittoon, a large bundle of used toothbrushes, stained floors, and a dirty washing table, the couple had been slaving away since February and a month later were still only halfway through the cleanup. 今年2月，金伟（音译）与妻子开始清理岳母的住所，却被屋内的景象震惊：发霉生虫的米饭、过期零食堆成山、陈旧的痰盂、一大捆用过的牙刷、污渍斑斑的地板与脏乱的洗漱台。他们辛苦一个月，却才完成一半的清理任务。 Apart from the toil, they had to deal with his mother-in-law's regular protests about not throwing out her clutter. His mother-in-law's hoarding tendencies became more pronounced after her husband passed away in 2016. "She lost her emotional anchor, and she stopped going out and poured all her energy into shopping and accumulating things," he recalled. 他们卖力却不讨好，岳母对他们“扔东西”的行为频频抗议。金伟回忆道，自从岳父2016年去世后，岳母的囤积行为愈加严重。“她失去了精神寄托，逐渐足不出户，把全部精力都投入到购物和囤积物品上。” Elderly individuals, often grappling with loneliness and a lack of social support, are increasingly prone to developing psychological issues such as hoarding disorders, according to experts. Zhou Ying, a specialist with the Shanghai-based Huangpu district mental health center, said many retirees feel isolated, helpless, and anxious due to distant relationships with their children, loss of loved ones, or shrinking social circles. This emotional void drives them to seek security, control, and a sense of accomplishment through hoarding. 专家指出，独居老年人往往因缺乏社交支持而更易产生心理问题，包括囤积障碍。上海黄浦区心精神卫生中心专家周颖表示，不少退休老人因与子女关系疏远、亲人离世或社交圈萎缩而感到孤立、无助与焦虑。情感空虚驱使他们试图通过囤积来寻找安全感、掌控感和成就感。 Physiological factors also play a significant role. With cognitive decline, the elderly are likely to have difficulties managing their belongings effectively, exacerbating hoarding behaviors, Zhou said, adding that understanding and support from family members, and lifestyle adjustments can help address the issue. 此外，生理因素也是诱因之一。随着认知能力下降，老年人往往难以有效管理物品，进一步加剧囤积行为。周颖建议，家人的理解与支持、以及生活方式的调整，都是缓解这一问题的关键。 Xie Feng, from Shenyang, Liaoning province, has helped more than 6,000 families with hoarding problems since he stumbled into a growing demand for decluttering services in 2021. Xie and his partner founded Lixiangjia (Ideal Home) cleaning business, targeting affluent clients who valued a pristine home environment. But as word spread, his client base expanded to include a broader demographic. "I started getting calls from young professionals and elderly couples whose homes were overrun with possessions," he said. 来自辽宁沈阳的谢峰（音译）自2021年涉足整理收纳服务以来，已帮助6000多个家庭应对囤积困扰。他与合伙人创办的“理想家”清洁公司，起初定位为服务高端客户打造整洁居所。随着口碑传播，客户群体逐渐扩大。“我开始接到来自年轻职场人士和年长夫妇的电话，他们的家中堆满了物品，”他说。 He has noticed distinct patterns among his clients. For younger hoarders, the issue often stems from a desire to compensate for having less in their childhood. Older clients, however, lived through times of material scarcity, so they hold onto everything, even expired food or broken appliances. Looking ahead, he plans to expand his services to include education. "We want to teach people how to use their storage space effectively and maintain order in their homes," he said. "It's about empowering them to take control of their lives." 谢峰观察到，不同年龄段的客户囤积原因各异：年轻人多因童年物质匮乏，希望通过拥有物品来弥补；而年长者则因曾经历物资短缺年代，对任何东西都不舍得丢弃，哪怕是过期食物或损坏家电。展望未来，谢峰计划将业务拓展至教育培训。“我们希望教会大家如何合理使用收纳空间、维持居家秩序，这不仅关乎环境，更是帮助他们重拾生活掌控感。”

Artistry in Clay 陶土艺术的魅力 Yixing , Jiangsu province, is renowned as one of world's top producers of ceramics 江苏宜兴跻身全球十大艺术陶瓷城市 Hurun Global Ceramics listed its Top Ten Artistic Ceramic Cities Worldwide for 2023 during a recent ceremony in Shanghai. Among those honored was Yixing, Jiangsu province. Steeped in history, the city is one of China's oldest centers of ceramic craftsmanship, with a legacy of more than 7,000 years of pottery art. 在日前于上海举行的颁奖仪式上，胡润全球陶瓷榜发布了“2023全球十大艺术陶瓷城市”，江苏省宜兴市榜上有名。作为中国最古老的陶瓷工艺中心之一，宜兴拥有超过7000年的制陶历史，陶艺底蕴深厚。 Purple clay pottery emerged in Yixing during the Song Dynasty (960–1279) and flourished in the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) and the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911). 紫砂陶在宋朝兴起，并在明代和清代达到鼎盛。 After being extracted from the earth, raw purple clay is left exposed to the elements for many years, undergoing weathering from wind, rain and snow before it can be processed into ceramic beauty. 紫砂泥采出后，需在露天环境中经年累月地接受风吹、雨淋与雪打的自然风化，方可用于陶艺创作，化为精美器物。 In Yixing, purple clay was used initially to produce large vessels such as tanks, jars and bottles. As tea culture gained popularity, purple clay teapots and cups emerged during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and gradually became prevalent. These were often exported along with the tea. 早期，宜兴紫砂泥主要用于制作缸、坛、瓶等大型器皿。随着饮茶文化的盛行，紫砂壶与茶杯在明代（1368—1644年）应运而生，并逐渐流行开来，不少紫砂器还随茶叶一同出口海外。 Some products were modified from traditional shapes, while others featured intricate decorations created using complex techniques. Today, with the continuous expansion of Chinese cultural influence and export networks, purple clay tea ware has garnered a multitude of enthusiasts around the world. Purple clay is not always purple, but comes in various colors and forms. The firing temperature and crafting process influence the final product's hue. 紫砂器有的在传统造型基础上改良创新，有的则采用复杂工艺，雕饰精美。如今，伴随中国文化影响力和出口网络的不断扩展，紫砂茶具在全球收获了大量爱好者。 “紫砂”并非一定是紫色，呈现出丰富多样的变化，成品颜色因烧制温度和工艺流程而异。 The processed purple clay near Yixing's Dingshu township is particularly well-suited for creating ceramic products and has earned widespread renown. In many homes in Xiwang village, the clay is deftly kneaded by hand and shaped into exquisite pottery. As one wanders through the quaint lanes of the village, the eye is met with a multitude of purple clay studios. 宜兴丁蜀镇周边出产的紫砂泥质地优良，处理后尤其适宜陶艺创作，享誉中外。在西望村，不少家庭以手工方式将紫砂泥揉捏成型，制作出精致器物。漫步村中古香古色的小巷，可见众多紫砂工作室错落分布。 From a bygone era of poverty to its current status as a village supported by a prosperous industry, a succession of endeavors has given Fan Zefeng, the Party chief of Xiwang, a belief in the potency of the purple clay industry as the catalyst of a rural renaissance. Xiwang has established some 680 individual studios, five industrial bases and 26 artistic teams. The number of local artisans holding professional and technical titles has grown from fewer than 40 to more than 400. 从曾经的贫困村落蜕变为陶艺产业带动的富裕村庄，一系列努力让西望村党支部书记范泽锋更加坚定了“紫砂兴村”的信心。如今，西望村已发展出约680家个人工作室、5个产业基地和26支艺术团队，具有专业技术职称的陶艺工匠从最初的不到40人增长至400余人。 In the past, operations were often fragmented, resulting in problems with product quality, innovation and market outreach. These challenges were addressed with the establishment of the country's first cooperative society focusing on handmade purple clay ceramics, which significantly improved the raw material supply, technical training and brand packaging. 过去，紫砂产业曾因作坊分散而面临产品质量不稳定、缺乏创新与市场拓展能力弱等问题。为破解瓶颈，全国首个专注于手工紫砂陶瓷的合作社在此成立，有效提升了原料供应、技术培训及品牌包装水平。 Ji Yishun, a renowned Chinese master of ceramic art, said that Yixing purple clay has reached its zenith in modern times and is beloved for its breathable and impermeable qualities, allowing it to preserve the flavor of tea for extended periods. 中国陶瓷艺术大师季益顺表示，现代宜兴紫砂工艺已达巅峰，因其透气不渗水的特性而备受喜爱，可长时间保持茶香。

Dialects with a twist 方言玩出新花样 With punchlines, parody, and plenty of personality, young Chinese are making local dialects cool again — and sparking a nationwide language revival. 借助热梗、模仿和十足的个性，中国年轻人正让地方方言“潮”起来，引发全民语言复兴 " Has the grain been filled?" is a playful way of asking, "Have you eaten?" Similarly, "Your hands are like excavators, with the strength of bears, wolves, and leopards "means "You have a strong grip." These expressions, marked by grammatical quirks and vivid metaphors, are known as Nangyanwen or "Nan Chinese". “饭吃了没有（粮食装满了吗）？”是一种调侃式的说法，意思是“你吃了吗？”又如，“你的手像挖掘机，熊狼豹的劲儿都有”则是在夸“你手劲儿很大”。这些语法独特、比喻生动的表达方式，被称为“馕言文”，也就是“馕式中文”。 Nan , a type of baked flatbread, is a staple food for the Uygur, Kazakh, and some other ethnic groups in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. Recently, Nangyanwen has gone viral across major Chinese social media platforms, with many people eager to imitate and learn these distinctive expressions. “馕”是一种烤制的扁平面饼，是新疆维吾尔自治区维吾尔族、哈萨克族等民族的主食。近期，“馕言文”在中国主要社交媒体平台上迅速走红，许多人纷纷模仿、学习这些独具特色的表达方式。 One of the key figures promoting this trend is Mardanjan Ruzi, a vlogger from Xinjiang. Since February, he has released seven videos featuring the dialect, each garnering tens of millions of views. He explains that Nangyanwen is a "hybrid" of Mandarin and Uygur ways of thinking — when Mandarin fails to precisely convey a thought, speakers borrow key elements from Uygur sentence structures, creating uniquely inverted phrases and imaginative metaphors. 新疆视频博主马尔丹江·如孜是推动这一趋势的重要人物之一。今年2月以来，他已经发布了7条与“馕言文”相关的视频，每条视频都收获了数千万次观看。他解释说，馕言文是一种融合普通话和维吾尔语思维方式的“混合表达”——当普通话难以准确传达某个想法时，说话者便借用维吾尔语的句式结构，从而创造出语序倒装、比喻丰富的独特短语。 " Nangyanwen is lively because it's deeply rooted in the daily lives of Xinjiang people," Ruzi said, recalling his early videos from 2022, when he referred to this style as "Xinjiang talk", before the term Nangyanwen was coined. At the time, however, many people saw accented, locally flavored languages as "rustic" and felt embarrassed to speak them. “馕言文之所以生动，是因为它深深植根于新疆人的日常生活。”如孜说。他回忆称，早在2022年他就发布过类似风格的视频，当时他把这种表达方式称为“新疆普通话”，那时候“馕言文”这个名称还没有被提出来。然而，当时不少人认为带地方口音的表达“土气”，并不愿意开口使用。 " Thanks to this online trend, 'Xinjiang talk' is now seen as humorous and fun, and Xinjiang people as warm and friendly. It encourages everyone to connect with us and learn our way of speaking," he said. Ruzi believes that Nangyanwen has gained popularity across China because it's easy to pick up. “现在因为网络上的热度，‘新疆普通话’被视为幽默有趣，新疆人也被看作热情友好。这让更多人愿意接近我们、了解我们说话的方式。”如孜说。他认为，馕言文能在全国范围内流行，是因为它容易上手。 Unlike some dialects that require systematic study, Nangyanwen's appeal lies in having "a foundation in Mandarin with a regional twist". It mainly involves adjusting word order and adding distinctive vocabulary, making this form of "micro-innovation" more accessible to a wider audience. In Ruzi's view, Nangyanwen acts as a bridge between pure Xinjiang dialect and Mandarin. By connecting the two, it allows Xinjiang's language and culture to be better preserved and shared. 与某些需要系统学习的方言不同，馕言文的优势在于“以普通话为基础，加入地方特色”。它主要通过调整语序和加入有特色的词汇，使这种“微创新”的表达更容易为大众接受。如孜认为，馕言文像是一座桥梁，连接了新疆本地的语言与普通话，使得新疆的语言与文化能够更好地保护与传播。

Tradition and flavor unite 粽香中品味传统 From patriotic poet to delicious dumplings, the appeal of the Dragon Boat Festival endures 从爱国诗人到美味粽子，端午节的魅力经久不衰 The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as the Duanwu Festival, is a significant traditional Chinese celebration that falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. It is also the first Chinese festival to be included in the UNESCO world intangible cultural heritage list. One of the festival's enduring customs is eating zongzi — sweet or savory stuffed rice dumplings wrapped in plant leaves. 龙舟节，又称端午节，是中国重要的传统节日，逢阴历五月初五。这也是第一个被列入联合国教科文组织世界非物质文化遗产名录的中国节日。端午节传统习俗之一是吃粽子——由粽叶包裹糯米加入馅料制成，口味有甜有咸。 China 's zongzi culture has a very long and time-honored history, and stories that have been told about it for thousands of years are known to every household. 中国的粽子文化历史悠久，背后的故事流传千年、家喻户晓。 During the Warring States Period (475-221 BC), a patriotic poet from the State of Chu named Qu Yuan threw himself into a river after the state was conquered. The people of Chu were deeply saddened, and they went to the river to mourn him. In order to protect his body from being eaten by fish and shrimp, people threw rice dumplings into the river every year on the anniversary of his death. The dumplings became known as zongzi. 战国时期（公元前475-221年），楚国爱国诗人屈原在楚国被征服后投江自尽。楚人悲痛万分，纷纷到江边哀悼。为保护他的尸体不被鱼虾吃掉，人们每年都会在他忌日把米做的饭团扔进江里，也就是现在的粽子。 The ingredients used to make zongzi vary from region to region, so there are many differences in shape and taste. Most are made with plain white glutinous rice. The northern varieties are usually sweet, with ingredients such as sugar, red bean paste and jujubes. On the other hand, southern zongzi are more savory — especially those from Jiaxing in Zhejiang. 制作粽子的食材因地区而异，形状和口味因此也有很大差异。大多数粽子用白糯米做成。北方粽子通常是甜的，食材有糖、红豆沙和枣。而南方的粽子偏咸，尤其是浙江嘉兴粽子。 Jiaxing zongzi are a renowned specialty in China's Jiangnan (south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River) and have a rich history. The city, historically known as the "granary of the nation", has been a significant rice-growing area in Chinese history. Jiaxing's savory zongzi are filled with soy sauce, pork, water chestnuts and salted duck egg yolk. 嘉兴粽子是中国江南（长江下游以南）著名的特产，历史悠久。嘉兴市是中国历史上重要的水稻种植区，被誉为“中国粮仓”。嘉兴咸粽子食材包括酱油、猪肉、荸荠和咸鸭蛋黄。 During the Dragon Boat Festival, zongzi is not only enjoyed for its culinary appeal but also cherished for its cultural significance. Families and friends gather to make and share the delicious treat, strengthening bonds and fostering a sense of community. Eating zongzi during the festival is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits, making it an essential part of the celebrations. 端午节期间，粽子不仅带给人们美食享受，还因其文化意义被人们珍视。家人、朋友聚在一起，制作和分享美味粽子、增进感情、融洽邻里关系。人们相信节日期间吃粽子会带来好运、驱除恶灵，因此粽子是庆祝活动中必不可少的一部分。

Oldest Sichuan pepper seeds unearthed 最古老的花椒种子出土 Discovery in Ziyang reveals love for spicy food during Paleolithic period 资阳考古发现揭示旧石器时代人类对辛辣食物的偏爱 Some 60,000-year-old wild Sichuan pepper seeds unearthed at the Mengxihe Site in Ziyang, Sichuan province, have helped shed light on Paleolithic human diets that included a spicy and numbing flavor. 四川省资阳市濛溪河遗址出土约6万年前的野生花椒种子，表明旧石器时代人类饮食中已经包含麻辣的味道。 As plants decay easily, finding plant seeds in archaeological sites is rare. Zheng Zhexuan, director of the Paleolithic Archaeology Institute at the Sichuan Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, said researchers were excited when they confirmed in late 2024, after more than a year of meticulous analysis, that the tiny, near-round items are Sichuan pepper seeds. 由于植物容易腐烂，考古遗址中鲜少发现植物种子。四川省文物考古研究院旧石器考古研究所所长郑喆轩表示，经过一年多的细致分析，研究人员于2024年底确认这些微小、近似圆形的物体为花椒种子，这一发现令人兴奋。 " They are the oldest Sichuan pepper seeds unearthed at sites with human activity worldwide, an extremely rare discovery even at historical sites that are just a few hundred years old," Zheng said. "It suggests that tens of millennia ago, ancient humans in Sichuan may have already used it for flavoring. The love for spicy, numbing flavors might truly be etched in Sichuan people's DNA!" “这是目前全球范围内出土于有人类活动遗址中最古老的花椒种子，即便在仅有数百年历史的遗址中，这样的发现也极为罕见。”郑喆轩说，“这表明在数万年前，四川的古人类可能已经使用花椒调味。四川人对麻辣的偏爱，或许真的刻在了基因里！” The water-rich environment caused by floods resulting from climate change helped block oxygen and germs, significantly slowing degradation and preserving a large number of plant remains, he said. "The Sichuan pepper is possibly the earliest known evidence of humans using spices for flavoring, offering unprecedented insights into early humans' culinary sophistication." 他表示，气候变化引发的洪水使当地环境富含水分，阻隔了氧气和微生物，从而大大减缓了有机物的分解，留下了大量植物遗存。“这一花椒种子可能是迄今最早的人类使用香料调味的证据，为早期人类的烹饪先进程度提供了前所未有的见解。” Beyond possible seasoning, the site provides a vivid picture of ancient diets. More than 30 animal species, including extinct stegodons, bears, birds, cattle and fish, were identified from fossils bearing cut marks and signs of fire — evidence of hunting, butchering and barbecuing. Edible plant remains such as walnuts, grapes and acorns demonstrate the diversity of the foraging economy. Researchers also found a high proportion of elderberry and carpet bugle plants, which are commonly used for treating injuries and promoting blood circulation in traditional Chinese medicine. This suggests early usage of medicinal plants. 除了可能存在的调味品，该遗址还生动呈现了古代饮食结构。考古人员在带有切割痕迹和火烧痕迹的化石中，鉴定出包括已灭绝的剑齿象、熊、鸟、牛、鱼等30多种动物，显示出狩猎、屠宰及烧烤的证据。此外，还发现了核桃、葡萄、橡实等可食用植物遗存，证明了当时多样化的采集经济模式。研究人员还发现了大量接骨木果和匍筋骨草，这些植物在传统中医中常用于治疗损伤、活血化瘀，这表明早期人类可能已经使用药用植物。 The site has yielded more than 210,000 stone tools, animal fossils and related fragments, along with more than 60,000 plant seeds and spores. These discoveries provide the first material evidence verifying the existence of a foraging economy during the Middle Paleolithic period, making it the only site with abundant plant remains identified to date in the context of modern human evolutionary dispersal. 该遗址出土了超过21万件石制工具、动物化石及相关碎片，以及超过6万粒植物种子和孢子。这些发现首次提供了实物证据，证实了中旧石器时代的采集经济模式，该遗址成为目前在现代人类演化扩散背景下唯一一个发现丰富植物遗存的遗址。 " This site proves ancient humans here practiced broad-spectrum resource utilization much earlier than believed," Zheng said. "They weren't just surviving; they maintained local stone implement technologies while developing complex behaviors similar to modern people." It marks a major breakthrough in studying the origins and early cultural development of East Asia. “这一遗址证明，早期人类在这里远比我们想象中更早地开始了广谱资源利用。”郑喆轩表示，“他们不仅仅是在生存，而是在保持本地石器技术的同时，还发展出与现代人相似的复杂行为。”这一发现是研究东亚人类起源与早期文化发展的重大突破。

When real healing means pushing through the pain 当真正的疗愈意味着穿越疼痛 " There are ways, but the way is uncharted." I thought about these words, the first line of the first poem of the Tao Te Ching, as I lay facedown on a table carefully covered with fresh sheets, and the visually challenged masseur went to work. He began at the point where my neck meets my shoulders, pressing with his elbow. Pain. “道可道，非常道。”《道德经》第一章第一句萦绕在我脑海。干净的床单已经铺好，我趴在按摩床上，盲人按摩师开始了他的工作。他用肘部从我的肩颈交汇处按起。疼痛袭来。 He didn't feel around to map the shape of my body; each connection point was confident, intentional and forceful. He worked his way up my neck and then down my back, uncovering deeper pain in each new area. At my calves, he unlocked the ninth circle of Hell, and I yelped. "Do you want him to go easier?" My friend asked, but I would not acquiesce. I had signed up for this. 他没有摸索我的身体轮廓，每个触点都果断、明了、有力。他沿着我的颈部一路向上，又顺着背部向下，每到一个新的区域，都会触发一层更深的疼痛。当他按压我的小腿时，仿佛打开了地狱第九层，我忍不住叫出声。“要让他轻一点吗？”朋友问我。但我拒绝了。我是自愿来承受这一切的。 I think my torturer knew this. I squirmed and gasped several times throughout the process, and each time, he stayed in that spot and found new ways to attack. He approached me like a stern mother. His truth was greater than my misery; my body needed healing. I worried about my friend. She had brought me to this treatment as a gift, and I didn't want her to think I hated it. So I ground my teeth, clenched my fists and submitted to the suffering. 我想“施刑者”心里清楚这一点。在整个过程中，我几次扭动身体，气喘呻吟，而每次他都会留在那个痛点，换个方式继续按压。他像一位严厉的母亲，他的信念凌驾于我的痛苦之上——我的身体确实需要疗愈。我担心朋友的感受。她送我这次按摩作为礼物，我不想让她觉得我讨厌它。所以，我咬紧牙关，握紧拳头，默默忍受这场“折磨”。 The activity had a name — "blind massage" — but for each of us, the experience was unique. My friend wanted to treat me, the masseur wanted to fix me, and I wanted to escape. Somewhere between these intentions was an unnamed reality. "There are names, but not nature in words," the poem continues. We grasp for descriptions of our world, but its truth eludes us and that's the point. 这项按摩有个名字——“盲人按摩”，但对我们每个人而言，体验却各不相同。朋友想要犒劳我，按摩师想要治愈我，而我只想逃离。介于这些意图之间的，是一种无法名状的现实。“名可名，非常名。”《道德经》如是说。我们试图描述世界，但世界的真相总是捉摸不透，这才是问题的关键。 The lights in the massage parlor were hospital-bright. The design was Spartan, essentials only. I didn't have the silk robes or soothing piano music to which I am accustomed. For the masseur, these material things were irrelevant. His senses were unencumbered by light, so he could instead worry about inflammation in my back, and lactic acid in my calves. 按摩室的灯光明亮如医院，陈设极简，仅有必需品。我熟悉的丝质浴袍和舒缓的钢琴曲在这里都不复存在。对按摩师而言，这些外在之物无关紧要。他的感官不被光线干扰，因此能专注于我背部的炎症和小腿中的乳酸堆积。 After the massage was finished, my friend commented on the excruciating noises I'd produced. She was generously making space for me to be critical of the experience, which I wouldn't do — couldn't do. I struggled to find the words to describe it. I was grateful and disappointed, tense but somehow relaxed. I still don't know how to explain what happened. It was what it was. 按摩结束后，朋友提起我方才发出的痛苦呻吟。她特意留有余地，让我可以坦率地吐槽这次体验，但我不想也无法这么做。这次体验难以名状，我心怀感激，却又隐隐失落，身体紧绷，却又似乎放松。我仍然说不清这次体验如何，它就是一次体验。

White goods exports log robust growth 中国白色家电出口稳健增长 Policy support, growing foothold in emerging markets boost performance 政策扶持与新兴市场拓展助力行业表现 In a strong demonstration of resilience and innovation, China's home appliance sector delivered a stellar export performance in 2024, with export value surpassing the $100 billion threshold for a fourth consecutive year, the latest report by an industry association showed. 中国家电行业展现出强劲的韧性与创新力，2024年出口业绩表现亮眼。最新行业报告显示，中国白色家电出口额连续第四年突破千亿美元大关。 According to the 2024 China Home Appliance (White Goods) Export Annual Report released by the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME) last week, the sector's export value for white goods — a category encompassing major household appliances — recorded a remarkable $128.64 billion, up 14.8 percent year-on-year, solidifying the nation's position as a global powerhouse in the industry. 根据中国机电产品进出口商会上周发布的《2024年中国家电（白色家电）出口年度报告》，2024年白色家电出口总额达1286.4亿美元，同比增长14.8%，进一步巩固了中国在全球家电产业的领先地位。 The stable growth momentum is largely attributed to China's robust policy support for promoting stable foreign trade growth, the country's growing foothold in emerging markets, the recovery seen in European and North American markets, and the accelerated global expansion of Chinese home appliance brands, said Zhou Nan, secretary-general of the CCCME's home appliances branch. 中国家电行业的稳定增长主要得益于国家政策对外贸稳定增长的有力支持、中国企业在新兴市场的不断拓展、欧洲和北美市场的复苏，以及中国家电品牌的加速全球布局，中国机电产品进出口商会家电分会秘书长周南表示。 " The growth did not come easily," said Zhou, adding that in the face of a complex international environment and the rising tide of trade protectionism, China's home appliance manufacturers upheld a globalized path, finding a way out and strengthening their competitiveness through independent innovation, brand building and overseas supply chain construction. “这一增长来之不易。”周南表示，在复杂的国际环境和贸易保护主义抬头的背景下，中国家电制造商始终坚持全球化发展路径，通过自主创新、品牌建设和海外供应链布局寻找突破口，不断提升自身竞争力。 Zhou said the industry has transformed from being a manufacturer of products designed by foreign clients to becoming a leader in design, innovation and production. In terms of individual overseas market performance, the CCCME report revealed significant growth in exports to emerging markets involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, particularly in Latin America, the Middle East and ASEAN member states. 周南指出，行业已从以往为国外客户代工生产的模式，发展为在设计、创新和生产领域均占据主导地位。在具体海外市场表现上，报告显示，中国家电在“一带一路”沿线国家的出口增势尤为明显，特别是在拉美、中东和东盟国家表现突出。 One of the key factors behind this growth is China's ability to swiftly adapt to shifting global demand trends, Zhou said. From the "stay-at-home economy" driving surges in demand for kitchen appliances and refrigeration equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic, to the European energy crisis fueling the need for heating devices, and the global warming trend propelling air conditioning demand, China's home appliance sector has been quick to introduce products that cater to evolving needs, consolidating its competitive edge worldwide, he said. 中国家电行业快速适应全球需求变化，也是出口增长的重要因素之一。周南表示，从疫情期间“居家经济”带动厨房电器和制冷设备需求，到欧洲能源危机刺激供暖设备热销，再到全球气候变暖推动空调需求增长，中国家电企业始终紧跟市场趋势，不断推出符合全球消费者需求的产品，巩固了其国际竞争优势。 Moreover , amid global uncertainties, Chinese home appliance companies are also ramping up efforts to strengthen their supply chain resilience, setting up production facilities and making strategic investments in overseas destinations such as Southeast Asia and the Middle East, Zhou added. 此外，在全球经济不确定性增加的背景下，中国家电企业正加快提升供应链韧性，在东南亚和中东等地布局生产基地并进行战略投资，周南表示。

Youngsters take a shine to gold phone stickers 年轻人热衷黄金手机贴 As gold prices rally, driven by market volatility and central bank purchases, younger Chinese consumers are finding a new way to get in on the action — through the purchase of trendy and low-cost gold phone stickers. These lightweight accessories, ranging from 0.01 to 0.2 grams in weight and priced anywhere from 40 yuan ($5.5) to over 100 yuan, come in a wide variety of auspicious designs and motifs, from depictions of the God of Wealth to emblems bearing lucky phrases such as "Peace and Happiness" and "Get Rich". 因市场波动和各国央行购金，金价持续上涨，中国年轻消费者正以一种全新的方式参与这股热潮——购买时尚且低成本的黄金手机贴。这类轻巧的配饰重量在0.01至0.2克之间，售价从40元（约5.5美元）到100元以上不等，设计多样，图案寓意吉祥，如财神画像以及“平安喜乐”“日进斗金”等祝福语。 " By simply peeling off the adhesive and affixing the charm to the back of their smartphones, young consumers can instantly transform their devices into portable talismans of wealth and success," said Wu Ming, a business owner in Shuibei, a gold jewelry manufacturing and trading hub in Shenzhen, Guangdong province. It's a small investment, but the impact is quite powerful, Wu said, adding that the charms allow young people to feel like they're partaking in the gold rush, while also serving as a daily reminder of their aspirations for prosperity. “只需撕开背胶，将饰物粘贴在手机背面，年轻人便能将手机变成随身携带的护身符，寓意财富和成功。”广东省深圳市黄金珠宝制造和交易集散地—水贝国际珠宝交易中心商家吴明（音译）表示。他表示这笔投资虽小，但影响却不容小觑，还补充道，这些黄金贴纸不仅让年轻消费者在心理上参与到“黄金热”中，也成为他们对财富向往的日常象征。 The gold phone sticker trend has taken on a strong social media dimension, with users actively engaging with and inspiring one another. This has created a powerful viral effect, attracting more people to participate in this fashion craze. A search for "gold phone stickers" on the popular social media platform Xiaohongshu, also known as Rednote, yielded over 5.98 million related posts, as of mid-February. “黄金手机贴”趋势在社交媒体上迅速走红，用户们积极参与分享，互相启发。这形成强大的传播效应，吸引更多人加入这一潮流。截至2月中旬，在社交平台小红书上搜索“黄金手机贴”，相关笔记已超过598万条。 While gold phone stickers have been around for years, it wasn't until the end of 2024 that they turned highly popular. The key driver behind this surge is advances in manufacturing that have allowed producers to create thinner, lighter charms with a wider array of stylish designs, Wu said. Collaborations with popular IP and the integration of viral social media catchphrases have proved to be highly effective strategies, Wu added. 事实上，黄金手机贴早已存在多年，但直到2024年底才真正爆火。吴明表示，推动其热销的关键因素在于制造工艺的提升，使贴纸更薄、更轻，设计更加时尚多样。此外，与热门IP联名合作以及融入社交媒体流行语，也是助推这一潮流的有效策略。 In the past, the primary driver for gold purchases was the metal's perceived ability to maintain and grow in value over time, but the trend of gold phone stickers has ushered in a new era where the aspirational appeal of these accessories has taken center stage, said Li Yang, an associate professor at Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business. It's no longer just about the intrinsic value of the gold, but the social currency and cultural cachet these accessories represent, Li said. 长江商学院副教授李洋指出，以往黄金消费的主要驱动力是其长期保值增值的特性，而黄金手机贴的流行则开启了一个新时代——饰品的寓意属性成为重点。如今，年轻人购买黄金手机贴，不仅是因为黄金的固有价值，更看重它所代表的社交属性和文化认同。

Putting life in focus 对焦生命 Serious accident transforms photographer's outlook into a journey that takes her to the heart of nature and wildlife. 一场车祸改变了摄影师的观念，带她走上了与自然和野生动物深度接触的旅程。 A traffic accident put Zhou Donglin's rising real estate career on hold, changed her outlook, and sent her on a soul-searching journey into the heart of nature. 一场交通事故让周冬临原本蒸蒸日上的房地产事业按下暂停键，不仅改变了她的生活视角，还引发了她一段向内探索、深入自然的旅程。 The woman in her 30s from East China's Zhejiang province exudes a laid-back vibe that belies her thrilling experiences up hill and down dale, chasing the mind-boggling power of love and the lives of wild creatures. Zhou is traveling during Spring Festival in Uganda, attempting to capture precious images of mountain gorillas through her lens. 这位来自浙江省的三十多岁女性，尽管言谈举止透露出轻松自在的气质，却有着令人震撼的经历——她曾在险峻山路上跋涉，拍摄野生动物的壮丽瞬间，追随着它们爱与生命的力量。春节期间，她正在乌干达，试图用镜头捕捉那里的山地大猩猩，记录它们的珍贵影像。 Her interest in the subject was inspired by a meeting with internationally renowned British primatologist Jane Goodall, 90, at the China Wildlife Image and Video Competition in Beijing in December. So far, Zhou has hiked through the tropical rainforest with help from a hired guide and keeps close tabs on mountain gorillas with distinctive silver backs. 她对野生动物摄影的兴趣，源自去年12月在北京举办的中国野生生物影像年赛上的一次特别邂逅——她与90岁享誉国际的英国灵长类动物学家珍妮·古道尔的会面。周冬临目前雇佣了向导，在其帮助下深入热带雨林，密切跟踪具有标志性银背的山地大猩猩。 In December, Zhou's photography work highlighting an upland buzzard sacrificing itself to protect its chicks from a snow leopard on a precarious cliff stood out from the more than 37,600 nature-themed image and video submissions from across the world. The photo was shot in the Garze Tibetan autonomous prefecture in Southwest China's Sichuan province. 去年12月，她拍摄的一张照片，捕捉了一只大鵟为保护雏鸟而与雪豹在悬崖边殊死搏斗的动人场面，这张作品在全球37,600多件自然主题图片与视频作品中脱颖而出。这张照片拍摄于中国西南四川省的甘孜藏族自治州。 Zhou started contemplating the meaning of life when she was confined to bed for six months following a car crash in 2013. She realized she had been striving to be a straight-A student to please her parents and was trying to earn money, as was expected of her after graduation. "I was too busy to try to figure out what I want," she says. As she reflected on her past and looked to the future, her childhood dream of exploring every corner of the planet sprang to mind. 周冬临开始思考生命的意义是在2013年，那年一场车祸让她卧床六个月。她意识到自己一直在为了取悦父母而努力做一名优等生，毕业后也按照社会期待去赚钱。“我太忙了，根本没有时间去思考自己真正想要什么。”她说。回顾过去，展望未来，她小时候环游世界的梦想浮现于脑海。 For a female photographer, it's important to physically and mentally prepare for carrying heavy equipment and traversing rough conditions. Endurance is also key — being able to handle hunger, dirt and sometimes thirst, as certain places don't allow for easy access to clean water. As her skills developed, Zhou honed her style and principles. For instance, the scene being captured must be authentic and must be photographed in the animal's natural state. "If there is a conflict between capturing a shot and jeopardizing the animal's existence and safety, one must decisively abandon the shot," she says. 对于一位女性摄影师来说，她要做好身心准备，来搬运沉重设备，在艰苦环境中跋涉。耐力同样很关键——需要她能够应对饥饿、污垢，甚至是口渴，因为一些地方难以获得清洁水源。随着摄影技能的进步，周冬临逐渐打磨出了自己的风格，同时也建立自己的原则。例如，所拍摄的场景必须真实，并且要拍摄动物在自然状态下的表现。“如果拍摄会与动物的生存和安全发生冲突，就必须果断放弃拍摄。”她说道。 The years Zhou has spent capturing nature and wildlife have not just given rise to tens of thousands of valuable images but endeared her to the animals, prompting her to call attention to their protection. 多年来，周冬临在自然与野生动物世界中积累了数万张珍贵影像，同时也与这些生灵建立了深厚的情感联系，也促使她积极投身野生动物保护的呼吁之中。

He Lianshan became intrigued with Shaanbei storytelling when he was a teenager. He attended many performances in informal community settings, such as village gatherings, markets and temple fairs, which allowed him to engage directly with the performers. His favorite stories are from the classic novel Journey to the West. After watching a performance, he would imitate the performers and retell the stories at home. 贺连善从青少年起对陕北说书艺术怀有浓厚兴趣。他频繁参与各类民间演出活动，在村社集会、集市、庙会等非正式场合近距离接触说书艺人，尤其钟爱《西游记》这一经典故事题材。看完演出后，他常在家中模仿艺人表演，复述故事。 " They usually performed without a script, relying on memory and improvisational skills. It is not only a form of entertainment but also a way to preserve local history and mythology. It is deeply tied to the oral tradition of rural China, where literacy was historically limited, and stories were passed down through the spoken word," says He. 贺连善介绍道："说书艺人通常无需剧本，凭借记忆和即兴发挥进行表演。这不仅是一种娱乐形式，更是保存地方历史和神话传说的重要方式。说书和中国农村的口述传统紧密联系，由于历史上识字率较低，许多故事正是通过口耳相传得以延续。" Shaanbei storytelling is an important way for many blind people in Shaanxi province to make a living, especially in rural areas. Since it is oral, it is well-suited to individuals who cannot rely on sight. One of the best-known blind storytellers from Shaanxi was Han Qixiang (1915-89), who lost his sight at the age of 3 from smallpox and learned the art when he was 13. He is credited with creating more than 500 stories, especially heroic tales about Red Army soldiers. 陕北说书是陕西省许多盲人，尤其是农村地区盲人的重要谋生手段。作为一种口头艺术形式，它特别适合视觉障碍者从事。陕西最著名的盲人说书艺人韩起祥（1915-1989）就是其中的杰出代表。他3岁时因天花失明，13岁开始学习说书艺术，一生创作了500多个故事，其中以红军英雄事迹最为著名。 Qiao Yangwen, 45, is also a Shaanbei storyteller. Born in a small village in Yulin, Shaanxi province, he dropped out of school when he was 16 and became a storyteller. For Qiao, the appeal of Shaanbei storytelling isn't just in the stories but in the emotional connection with the audience. The rhythmic chanting, the way the storyteller's voice brings characters to life, and the spontaneity of oral performance make it feel like a shared experience. 45岁的乔仰文也是一位陕北说书艺人。他出生于陕西省榆林市的一个小村庄，16岁辍学后开始学习说书艺术。对乔仰文而言，陕北说书的魅力不仅在于故事本身，更在于与观众建立的情感联结。富有节奏的吟唱、说书人赋予角色生命力的嗓音，以及口头表演的即兴发挥，都使得说书表演成为一种独特的共享体验。 " It transcends the need for visuals. We are not just telling a story; we are living in it. The voice paints pictures in the audience's minds — there is laughter, anger and tragedy — all through the voice alone," he says. "这种艺术形式超越了视觉的局限。我们不仅仅是在讲述故事，更是身临其境地演绎着故事。通过声音，我们在听众脑海中描绘出画面——欢笑声、愤怒声、悲剧情节——所有这一切都仅通过声音来传达，"他说道。 However , like many traditional art forms, Shaanbei storytelling is struggling to find a place in today's fast-paced, screen-centric society. One of the biggest challenges artists face is the decline in young people taking up the craft. In fact, both He and Qiao have expressed deep concern over the lack of youth interested in learning storytelling. 然而，与许多传统艺术形式一样，陕北说书在当今这个快节奏、以电子屏幕为主导的社会中很难寻找一席之地。说书人面临的最大挑战之一，就是从事这门技艺的年轻人越来越少。事实上，年轻人对学习说书缺乏兴趣，贺连善和乔仰文对此都表示了深切担忧。 Despite the challenges, both men are dedicated to keeping the tradition alive. They have taken it to schools, giving students a glimpse of the ancient art and stoking their interest, though progress has been slow. "We create new stories relevant to the lives of the young. We also make the performances more interactive. We want to remind people of the enduring power of storytelling, a tradition that is never silent," Qiao says. 尽管面临诸多挑战，两位艺人都致力于传承这一传统艺术。他们走进校园，让学生们领略这门古老艺术的魅力，激发他们的兴趣，然而进展缓慢。"我们创作与年轻人生活相关的新故事，同时让表演更具互动性。我们想让大众领略说书艺术持久不衰的魅力，这是一门永远不会沉寂的传统艺术，"乔仰文说道。

The art of painting pictures with words 陕北说书：绘声绘 色的艺术 Recent boost by popular video game takes Shaanbei storytelling tradition to young audiences 热门电子游戏助力传统陕北说书走入年轻人群体 " I will ask everyone to sit still, and let me tell you a story about the fierce wind in my hometown," says He Lianshan, sitting in the center of the stage, holding his sanxian, a long-necked, plucked string instrument. With a deep breath, He clears his throat and begins. “我们请大家都坐稳！说一个段段刮大风！”舞台中央，贺连善端坐其间，怀抱一把三弦，长颈拨弦乐器。他深吸一口气，清了清嗓子，开始说书。 " In the spring, the wind blows warm and gentle. In the summer, the wind blows hot and dry. In the autumn, the wind blows cool and crisp. In the winter, the wind blows cold enough to freeze you solid," he sings, his face constantly shifting between playful and dramatic, capturing the character and intensity of the wind. His voice, rich, hoarse, and powerful, rises and falls in a rhythmic cadence, each word carefully shaped to evoke the wind in the city of Zichang, Shaanxi province. “春天里刮风暖融融，夏天里刮风热烘烘，秋天里刮风凉飕飕，冬天里刮风冷死人。”他一边吟唱，面部表情时而诙谐，时而戏剧化，生动诠释着风的特点与强弱。他的嗓音沙哑浑厚，抑扬顿挫，富有节奏感，每个字都像被精心雕琢，唤起观众对陕西省子长市大风的无限遐想。 Besides plucking the strings of his instrument, his hands move in the air as if he is painting pictures of the scenes described in his lyrics. The audience is captivated, hanging on his every word and note, laughing at his humorous portrayal. 他的手边弹拨三弦，边在空中挥舞，仿佛用唱段描绘出一幅幅图景，令观众沉浸于每一个词句和音符，因其幽默诠释笑声不断。 Every week, the seasoned 58-year-old artist performs Shaanbei (northern Shaanxi) Shuoshu, a traditional form of oral performance art from Shaanxi province. The term shuoshu means storytelling, and this art form has deep roots in folk culture, particularly in rural northwestern China. This ancient tradition requires neither stage nor props — just the raw energy of the storyteller's voice and the imagination of the audience. 每周，这位58岁的资深艺人都会表演陕北说书，这是源自陕西省的一种传统口头表演艺术。"说书"即讲故事之意，这种艺术形式深深植根于民俗文化之中，尤其在中国西北农村地区广为流传。这一古老传统无需舞台或道具，仅凭说书人声音的原始力量与听众的想象力即可完成。 He is a famous storyteller in Shaanxi who now lives in Yan'an, an important former revolutionary base in the province. One of his disciples, Xiong Zhuying, went viral on social media for performing Shaanbei storytelling during the opening of the second chapter of the Chinese video game Black Myth: Wukong, which became a global hit. Since then, He's schedule has become busier. He performs all over the country to introduce the art form to a wider audience. 贺连善是陕西著名的说书艺人，目前居住在陕西省的重要革命旧址——延安。他的徒弟熊竹英在国产游戏《黑神话：悟空》第二章开场时表演陕北说书，迅速在社交媒体上走红。该游戏后来成为全球热门，贺连善此后的演出安排变得更加密集，他走遍全国各地，致力于将这一艺术形式介绍给更多观众。 According to Huyan Qiang, director of the theater, Shaanbei storytelling dates back to the Western Zhou Dynasty (c. 11th century-771 BC). The major characteristics of the art form include its dialect, instruments and techniques. As they pluck the strings of the sanxian or pipa, it produces sounds to draw the audience's attention. "The performers tell stories in a dramatic, highly expressive manner, using different vocal techniques, gestures, and sometimes physical props to engage the audience. The stories focus on historical figures or popular folklore, ranging from tales of everyday life to major events," says Huyan. 剧场负责人呼延强表示，陕北说书可追溯至西周时期（约公元前11世纪至公元前771年）。这一艺术形式的主要特点包括其方言、乐器和技巧。说书人拨动三弦或琵琶的琴弦，发出的声音引人入胜。呼延强说：“表演者以戏剧化、富有表现力的方式讲述故事，运用不同的声线技巧、肢体动作，有时还会使用道具来吸引观众。故事内容通常聚焦于历史人物或民间传说，从日常生活的小故事到重大历史事件都有。”