China's central bank on Sunday adjusted the pricing mechanism for mortgage rates, as the country aims to lower the financial burden on property owners. In accordance with the central bank's guidance, China's "big four" commercial banks issued statements confirming that they will adjust the interest rates on existing personal housing loans.
As part of a broader effort to stabilize the real estate sector, the policy adjustment will also help to boost consumption, adding to the optimistic sentiment in the market, analysts said.
The People’s Bank of China (PBC) announced on Sunday a significant reduction in mortgage rates for existing home loans, with an average estimated reduction of 0.5 percentage points, CCTV reported.
The adjustment aims to align the rates of existing loans with the national average for newly issued mortgages, thereby easing the interest burden on borrowers, the PBC said.
Commercial banks are required to carry out the adjustments for eligible existing mortgages by October 31, the PBC said.
Following the announcement from the central bank, China's "big four" commercial banks issued statements confirming that they will adjust the interest rates on existing personal housing loans in accordance with the central bank’s guidance.
“The adjustment of the existing mortgage interest rates has a very positive guiding effect. The reduction in monthly payments should have a positive impact in boosting consumer confidence,” Yan Yuejin, research director at Shanghai-based E-house China R&D Institute, told the Global Times on Sunday.
Additionally, commercial personal housing loans will no longer differentiate between first-time and second-time home purchases. The minimum down payment requirement is now set at no less than 15 percent, the PBC said.
First-tier cities including Shanghai, and Guangzhou and Shenzhen in South China’s Guangdong Province all eased their property policies on Sunday.
Shenzhen announced that the minimum down payment ratio for commercial personal housing loans for first-time homebuyers will be adjusted to 15 percent.
Shanghai introduced seven new policies aimed at stabilizing the real estate market, effective from October 1, 2024.
Highlights among the measures include easing purchasing restrictions for non-resident families and individuals. Specifically, the requirement for continuous payment of social insurance or personal income tax has been adjusted to a minimum of one year prior to the purchase date for those buying homes outside the city’s outer ring.
Furthermore, the minimum down payment ratio for commercial personal housing loans for purchasing first homes in Shanghai has been set at no less than 15 percent, while for second homes it has been adjusted to a minimum of 25 percent.
Guangzhou also issued a notice on Sunday saying that all purchase restrictions for local families buying housing in Guangzhou will be lifted, CCTV reported.
The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held a meeting on Thursday to analyze the country’s current economic situation and make further plans for economic work.
Regarding the real estate market, efforts must be made to address public concerns, adjust housing purchase restrictions, reduce existing mortgage rates, improve land, fiscal and taxation, financial and other policies, and promote the formation of a new model of real estate development, the meeting concluded.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development said in a meeting on Sunday that it will support cities, especially first-tier cities, in effectively utilizing their independent real estate market regulation, and will adjust housing purchase restrictions based on local conditions.
It is expected that the pace of adjustments in housing policies across the country will accelerate. These new measures are expected to foster a positive trajectory for the real estate market, laying a solid foundation for continued development, Yan said.
China has long been committed to addressing global climate change and promoting sustainable development through technological innovation and international cooperation. Recently, the Global Times reporter Shan Jie (GT) interviewed Guo Huadong (Guo), an Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Director-General of the International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals (CBAS), to discuss the role of big Earth data in helping Small Island Developing States (SIDS) achieve sustainable development and improve their disaster response capabilities. GT: How do you view the role of big Earth data in helping SIDS to achieve sustainable development goals and enhance disaster response capabilities? What kind of support can the CBAS provide to these countries?
Guo: We have been done a lot of work in the field of big data technology, and it is widely recognized that big data plays a crucial role in helping SIDS achieve their sustainable development goals and address the challenges of natural disasters.
Moreover, resources are also changing. Through big Earth data, we integrate various data sources, including satellite remote sensing, meteorology, and ecology, to offer a comprehensive, timely, and accurate means of monitoring and analyzing ecological environments and natural disasters. This plays a significant role in facilitating sustainable development goals.
The challenges faced by SIDS make big data especially important. Our research center can contribute significantly in several ways. First, these countries lack data in their development processes, whereas our center has abundant big Earth data resources. Second, these countries also lack methodologies, but we have established a scientific big data platform and identified that our satellite data resources have significant advantages in terms of technological tools and model development. Third, these countries lack the relevant talent, and we can provide training.
Our center has five major missions, with the fourth and fifth missions focusing on training talent in developing countries. The Small Island Developing States Capacity Building Workshop on Utilizing big Earth data for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is one such example of our specific efforts in this regard.
In conclusion, big Earth data provides strong support for SIDS in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development. We are committed to continuing to drive technological innovation and capacity building in this area, supporting these nations achieve safer and greener development.
GT: In September, you and your team released a series of data products for SIDS covering marine and land heatwaves, coral bleaching thermal stress, and etc. What new products will be released in the future?
Guo: Climate change has triggered a series of disasters, which are key global concerns and have a significant impact on sustainable development. Our big Earth data research focuses on greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide and methane emissions, as well as the carbon sequestration capacity of natural ecosystems. In terms of natural disasters, we monitor global floods, droughts, heatwaves, and other disaster types, and analyze the impact of these disasters on populations and economies using spatial information. The released global mangrove remote sensing product has already played a role in combating climate change and promoting sustainable development.
To address global climate change and disaster challenges, we have made contributions in greenhouse gas emissions and natural disaster monitoring. For example, despite the increasing trend of global meteorological droughts, severe drought impacts have decreased due to human irrigation efforts, which shows the vital role of irrigation in mitigating drought. Looking ahead, climate change will continue to pose a long-term threat to humanity.
Recently, we collaborated with scholars worldwide and published an article in Innovation from the perspective of global governance, proposing a synergy between climate change responses and sustainable development goals, aiming to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. GT: You have witnessed the development of China's remote sensing technology alongside the nation. Could you share your observations and insights?
Guo: The development of remote sensing has been synchronized with China's reform and opening-up. China's reform began in 1978, the same year we started large-scale airborne remote sensing experiments, such as the Tengchong Airborne Remote Sensing Experiment, which used domestically developed payloads to observe resources in Tengchong, Southwest China's Yunnan Province. This experiment marked the beginning of China's remote sensing history.
After that, our remote sensing communities conducted environmental remote sensing in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region in North China, followed by remote sensing for site selection for the Ertan Hydropower Station in Southwest China's Sichuan.
We refer to these three projects as the "three major battles," which officially opened the chapter of China's remote sensing history.
At the same time, China's reform and opening-up also unfolded. Therefore, I have always believed that remote sensing has progressed in tandem with China's reform and opening-up. Over the last 46 years, China's remote sensing technology has made significant advances. In satellite remote sensing, China has developed meteorological satellites, ocean satellites, resource satellites, and environmental satellites, and even sustainable development satellite and other scientific satellite systems, with commercial satellites developing rapidly as well. The progress is not only in spaceborne remote sensing but also in airborne remote sensing and remote sensing data processing software.
These remote sensing technologies have been applied extensively in resources, environment, energy, and other fields, achieving significant progress. China has become one of the global leaders in remote sensing technology, which has played a crucial role in monitoring resources and the environment, supporting national economic construction, social development, and national security.
International cooperation has also been integral to the development of remote sensing. In 2016, I initiated the Digital Belt and Road program(DBAR), aimed at leveraging digital technology to promote the Belt and Road Initiative. Initially, 28 countries participated, and it has now expanded to 59 countries with nine international excellence centers. Remote sensing has played a vital role in advancing global cooperation and development.
I also launched the "ABCC Plan," a comparative study of climate change remote sensing involving Australia, Brazil, China, and Canada. The aim of this plan is to utilize these countries' remote sensing capabilities to analyze and compare the impacts of global climate change.
GT: After years of working with remote sensing satellites as your "eyes" to observe the Earth, how do you view the improvement of China's ecological environment?
Guo: The improvements are clear. We often refer to remote sensing satellites as the "eyes in the sky," which offer a broader perspective than our human eyes. Remote sensing technology can observe objects across the full spectrum of electromagnetic waves, enabling effective observations even at night. For example, remote sensing satellites can detect not only the presence of water, but also analyze its transparency. High-resolution satellites can even accurately determine how many solar panels and wind turbines are installed in China.
Every year from 2019, we write a report entitled Big Earth Data in Support of Sustainable Development Goals. These reports provide detailed assessments of progress toward sustainable development goals through big data analysis. For example, in 2023, we found that China had achieved more than half of the total environment-related sustainable development goals ahead of schedule, with over 52 among 92 indicators showing significant improvement. This is especially impressive given the global context of climate change, the pandemic, and economic slowdowns. GT: What role do you think digital Earth plays in global sustainable development? What are the main challenges in its practical application and promotion?
Guo: The concept of digital Earth was proposed at the first International Symposium on Digital Earth in 1999. When a journalist asked me how I would describe digital Earth, I replied: "Digital Earth is about putting the Earth into a computer." Digital Earth gives us a comprehensive view of the Earth. As the concept of big data has evolved, digital Earth has entered the era of big data.
Big data offers a new paradigm for digital Earth. Its primary task is to use various algorithms and tools to extract knowledge from diverse, massive, and complex Earth data, develop relevant theories, and explain the mechanisms of social and physical systems to ensure the protection and sustainable development of the Earth. This is critical for achieving global sustainable development goals.
The challenges mainly lie in several areas: First, we need to strengthen research on theories, technologies, and methodologies to drive science and technology development through data. Second, with the rapid development of artificial intelligence and deep learning, data processing technologies must continuously innovate. Furthermore, it is essential to make our scientific platforms and data model resources accessible globally, especially for developing countries. In the future, we will build think tanks that leverage global resources to accelerate the realization of sustainable development goals.
GT: How does CBAS contribute to national and international sustainable development progress?
Guo: Since its inception, the center has achieved numerous accomplishments. We successfully launched China's first sustainable development science satellite, equipped with thermal infrared, glimmer, and multi-band imagers. The satellite data has been well utilized, with users from 104 countries worldwide downloading our data through SDGSAT-1 Open Science program, continuously promoting global data sharing.
Our data is already being used by several United Nations agencies, including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Additionally, our reports on Big Earth Data in Support of the Sustainable Development Goals arereleased by state leaders at international events. For instance, the 2019 report was one of four official documents submitted by China's delegation to the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The center has made significant contributions to international cooperation as well. We have signed memoranda of understanding with various UN agencies, such as UNEP and FAO. The center's SDGSAT-1 has been highly recognized by the central government and is listed as one of China's seven major actions to implement the 2030 Agenda.
We have also initiated the Internaional Forum on Big Data for Sustainable Development, Goals (FBAS) which has now been held for four years and has become a high-level think tank in the field of sustainable development around the world. The center has established a global cooperation network, attracting eight international institutions and six domestic partners. We also formed a Fellowship program comprising internationally renowned scholars, including former presidents of the UN General Assembly and former directors-general of UNESCO, which has greatly enhanced the center's international influence.
In 2023, Csaba Krösi, the President of the 77th United Nations General Assembly, visited the center and said he saw the most advanced technologies and achievements, and found like-minded partners. He said that his dream had come true that day, which was a great recognition of our work.
GT: What is the state of global data sharing? Are there still barriers?
Guo: In terms of data sharing, we have always believed that if data cannot be effectively shared, the potential of big data cannot be realized. Therefore, since the center's inception, we have attached great importance to data sharing. Our first sustainable development satellite has achieved global open sharing, and 104 countries are now using our data.
I want to emphasize that while our satellite investment is not large, it has already provided significant data support to many countries. For instance, out of the 193 UN member states, 104 have used our data. More than 100 research papers have been published using our data, which is also a recognition of the scientific value of our work.
Moreover, based on these data, we have released several reports for the United Nations and signed cooperation agreements with several international organizations to promote global data sharing and application.
GT: What replicable and scalable experiences can be drawn from the SIDS training program?
Guo: Although the number of SIDS is limited, they face common challenges, especially the threats posed by climate change and rising sea levels. The United Nations places great importance on these countries. In facing these challenges, they have a strong need for data and technical support.
We provide data support and technical training for small island countries. For instance, we promise to offer the data they need and help them compile relevant reports. Through the training workshops, they have learned how to access and analyze big Earth data, enhancing their capacity to respond to climate change and disasters. This training model can be extended to other developing countries.
Overall, the experiences from the SIDS training program can serve as valuable references for other developing nations, helping them address climate change and achieve sustainable development through data-driven solutions, capacity building, and international cooperation.
A launch ceremony for two new law enforcement vessels, namely the new command vessel No. 53108 and the high-speed patrol law enforcement vessel No. 53117, was held recently by the Yunnan provincial public security department's water patrol headquarters in Menghan town of Jinghong, Southwest China's Yunnan Province, marking the official completion of the fourth generation of law enforcement vessels for the Mekong River joint patrols and law enforcement missions by China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand, the Xinhua News Agency reported on Thursday.
Compared with the existing law enforcement vessels, the performance of these two vessels, and their functions have been enhanced and expanded, Xinhua reported. Once commissioned, they will provide enhanced support for the joint patrols and law enforcement missions of China, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand along the Mekong River.
According to Xinhua, to meet the requirements of joint Mekong River patrols and law enforcement missions for the new era and considering the hydrographic characteristics of the Lancang-Mekong waterway, the Yunnan authorities took the lead in designing and supervising the construction of these two vessels.
Construction of the two vessels began on April 1, 2024. According to the mooring test plan, the two vessels will sequentially undergo performance tests for various equipment, and will be commissioned for deployment accordingly.
The latest Mekong River joint patrol by China, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand concluded on June 21, 2024, which covered over 630 kilometers and involved 130 law enforcement personnel.
The Mekong River, also known as the Lancang River in China, is an important waterway for cross-border transportation. Since December 2011, the four countries have been conducting cooperative river patrols, according to Xinhua.
On September 20, State Grid Taizhou Electric Power Company successfully completed a 10kV power generation operation and live-line work on a tension-proof lead wire in the Medical and High-Tech Zone of Taizhou city, Jiangsu Province, through a medium- and low-voltage coordinated operation without power interruption, using a "live-line-led, power generation-supported" maintenance method. This ensured continuous power supply to nine public transformers along the line and facilitated the smooth implementation of the underground wiring project for the North Yangtze River High-Speed Railway.
It has been reported that the North Yangtze River High-Speed Railway, also known as the Shanghai-Nanjing-Hefei High-Speed Railway is a key line of the Yangtze River corridor, one of the main routes in China's "eight vertical and eight horizontal" high-speed railway network. It is also an important part of the coastal and Beijing-Shanghai auxiliary routes. The railway-related road projects in downtown Taizhou, Jiangsu Province, are crucial supporting facilities for leveraging the economic impact of the Shanghai-Nanjing-Hefei high-speed railway along the Yangtze River. They are significant for accelerating the construction of the urban development framework, improving the regional road network structure, and reserving space for the city's future development.
To ensure the relocation and modification project, State Grid Taizhou Electric Power Company promptly sent its key personnel to the site, conducted site surveys, and discussed plans with multiple parties. Taking into account the actual situation, including historical line load data, load forecasting results, and the current road conditions, the company ultimately decided to adopt a "transfer + live-line + power generation" approach to minimize the impact on the power supply during the construction period.
State Grid Taizhou Electric Power Company also took preemptive measures such as converting load-bearing straight poles into tension poles and installing on-pole switches, to prepare for live-line work and power generation operations. On the day of construction, one medium-voltage generator truck and three low-voltage generators were mobilized to the site. Through a coordinated medium- and low-voltage power generation approach, the normal operation of nine transformers was thus ensured.
A total of 5,000 Chinese couples tied the knot simultaneously in 50 places from across the country on Sunday as the nation eagerly awaits the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC). The couples celebrated their love on the day, marking a significant chapter in their lives.
Themed "a celebration by families and the nation to witness happiness together," the group wedding is the largest ever in scale held by the Chinese authorities since the founding of PRC.
At 50 wedding venues set up in provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities, Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, the special administrative regions of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan region, the 5,000 couples dressed themselves up in Chinese traditional wedding gowns, held flowers, exchange gifts, and solemnly read their wedding vows, China Women's News reported.
In addition to their vows to stay together and grow old together, the newlyweds also issued a proposal for simplifying wedding procedures and oppose high betrothal gifts, according to Beijing Daily.
The symbolic significance of this group wedding in promoting marriage customs reform, advocating a new culture of marriage and childbearing, while supporting the happiness of marriages and families are self-evident, the Beijing Daily reported.
A couple from Ji'an in East China's Jiangxi Province told the media that the essence of marriage lies in the love and commitment between two people, whereas high "caili," or betrothal gifts from the bridegroom to the bride's family, often place a financial burden on young people, even affecting the happiness of their marriage, according to China Women's News.
Their opinion echoed with a bride named Yan Huiyin from Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, who thought that finding a soulmate with whom one can share the rest of their life is always the most important value of the marriage.
Demographic expert He Yafu, who has long tracked marriage registration data, stated that one reason for the declining marriage rate in China in recent years is the high cost of weddings, particularly in rural areas where the practice of high "caili" was more common.
"This group wedding aims to promote the reform of outdated customs and encourage simplified wedding practices, opposing high-priced betrothal gifts and extravagant ceremonies. One of its goals is to advocate for reducing the cost of marriage and increase the marriage rate," He told the Global Times on Sunday.
The venue in North China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region saw the largest number with 300 newlywed couples.
US banking institution Citigroup has been working to set up a standalone securities firm in China, but it "has hit a roadblock with US regulators after the Federal Reserve imposed a penalty on the bank for its data management and risk controls," Bloomberg reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the matter. The Global Times reached out to Citi China, but it declined to comment.
Specifically, Citi hasn't yet received a clearance letter from the US Federal Reserve verifying its regulatory standing, as required by Chinese authorities, the report said.
Under Chinese law, foreign banks must meet several conditions to establish onshore operations, including having no major regulatory fines in the past three years. However, Citi was hit with a combined $136 million in fines in July and was instructed to resolve its data management problems at home, according to the Bloomberg report.
Notably, the report said that officials at the China Securities Regulatory Commission have reiterated their support for the bank's expansion, while the bank also said that it has no plans to pull its application, though the report added that the situation is fluid and could change.
In response to the Global Times' inquiry over the report on Monday, Citi China declined to comment, while referring to a pair of recent media interviews with Lu Xuan, president of Citi China.
In an interview with the Securities Times published on Friday, Lu said that Citi will continue to embrace opportunities from China's financial opening-up and was actively applying for securities and futures licenses. "In the long run, I believe China will become more important in Citi's global network," Lu said in the interview.
The remarks underscore Citi and other foreign financial institutions' great interests in the Chinese financial market amid China's continuous opening-up. After China lifted foreign ownership limits on securities and fund management firms in 2020, Citi submitted an application for a securities license for underwriting yuan-denominated shares and to conduct trading for clients, among other businesses. Two other US investment banks, JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs have been approved for fully owned securities firms in China.
Experts said that China's continuous opening-up, including in the financial industry, has and will continue to provide great opportunities for foreign businesses, including those from the US.
"China's commitment to opening-up is very clear and firm. Our market opening-up measures, coupled with the vast size of the Chinese market, have attracted the interests of many foreign investors," Zhou Mi, a senior research fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, told the Global Times on Monday, noting that China's opening-up has been expanded to more areas.
In addition to opening-up in the financial industry, China has also taken a slew of opening-up measures in other industries. In September, China's State Council issued a guideline on high-level opening-up in the services sector, containing 20 specific measures including improving the negative list mechanism for cross-border trade in services.
Meanwhile, China and the US have also set up a bilateral Financial Working Group to discuss financial issues of mutual concern. In August, Chinese and US officials held the fifth meeting of the Financial Working Group in Shanghai, where the two sides signed a document on enhancing cooperation on financial stability.
US barriers
However, in stark contrast to China's continuous opening-up, the US has also been continuously intensifying its crackdown campaign against China by imposing a series of restrictions on normal business cooperation. In August, 2023, the US moved to ban new US investments in China's "sensitive high-tech industries."
By setting up more barriers, the US will not only undermine bilateral cooperation but also deprive its companies of opportunities in the vast Chinese market, Chinese experts said.
"It is clear that the US is continuously tightening restrictions on bilateral investment," Xin Qiang, a scholar and expert on US studies at Fudan University, told the Global Times on Monday.
Xin said that while it remains unclear whether the US regulators' reported move on Citi is a targeted move against the US bank's China operation, it is clear that relevant US regulatory actions have caused uncertainty surrounding specific business operations, which is concerning.
As the Mid-Autumn Festival concluded and the National Day holidays approach, more and more travelers have chosen mountain hikes as a favorite pastime. The rise of "hiking companion" services, which, while not a formal profession, has gained significant attention due to increasing demand, particularly on social media platforms.
Sun Menglei, a college student from Zhengzhou, Central China's Henan Province, told the Global Times that he began offering hiking companion services because of his passion for outdoor activities.
Over the just-concluded Mid-Autumn holidays, Sun received numerous requests, especially for popular routes like Mount Songshan's Luya Waterfall and Taishi Mountain, a peak of Mount Songshan. On Monday, he had even seven bookings.
Just like Sun, most hiking companions are current or recent university graduates who are enthusiastic about outdoor sports and possess in-depth knowledge of local mountain ranges.
Zhang Yuliang, a graduate from Tai'an, East China's Shandong Province, told the Global Times that as a local resident, he is well-acquainted with Mount Taishan.
His primary clients are first-time visitors to the area, and he often assists by carrying their bags, allowing them to focus on the challenges of reaching the summit.
It is reported that more than 300 university students are working part-time as hiking companions in the area of Mount Taishan, charging between 100 to 300 yuan ($14-$42) per service. Social media platforms have seen a surge in posts sharing experiences and tips about using these services.
Apart from providing hiking assistance, some companions offer additional services. Sun, for instance, provides photography services alongside hiking assistance.
"Some of my clients are white-collar workers who don't have time to plan their trips or might lack the willpower to finish the climb. My companionship and encouragement help them overcome difficulties and isolation, making the journey to the top more enjoyable," he said.
Many hiking companions have some level of professional sports training, which enables them to offer expert guidance. Their familiarity with the terrain and weather conditions allows them to tailor routes based on clients' physical abilities, minimizing risks such as injury or getting lost.
While the service is gaining popularity, there are potential challenges. To address safety concerns, Sun has implemented a reservation and deposit system, ensuring a structured and safe experience for his clients.
According to the Xinhua News Agency, hiking companion services are part of a trust-based economy. Tourists should negotiate key aspects of the service, such as fees and liability, with their companions. Tourism and market regulators could develop model contracts for hiking companion services to provide standardized references and guidance for both tourists and service providers.
Despite potential legal and trust issues, Sun values the emotional fulfillment he gains from this work.
"Helping clients reach the summit and seeing their joy and pride when they take in the view gives me a real sense of accomplishment," he said.
In the opening of the second chapter of the Chinese AAA game Black Myth: Wukong, players find their character, "The Destined One," gravely injured on the yellow sands, was only saved by the mournful strains of the folk drama in the north of Northwest China's Shaanxi Province, or Shanbei in Chinese, performed by the headless monk. The evocative lines "Success and failure, life and death, all are beyond reason," and the poignant, melancholic tone of the performance resonate deeply with players.
This piece, lasting less than two minutes, has garnered over 10 million views on social media. It was performed by Xiong Zhuying, the inheritor of the art of Shanbei storytelling, a kind of intangible cultural heritage.
Among all of the striking and exciting elements global gamers reflected on, they shared a common feeling of "ruggedness and desolation" upon hearing the piece of Shanbei storytelling for the first time.
"The traditional elements I used to perform have taken on a new life in the game. Although it may seem very traditional, this collision has actually created something popular that resonates with all audiences," Xiong told the Global Times.
As traditional art forms nowadays struggle to find their place in modern media spaces, Xiong's combination of Shanbei storytelling with modern gaming has attracted world attention. International players, despite not being fluent in Chinese, or Putonghua, find themselves captivated by the rhythm and emotion conveyed, listening to it repeatedly and moving to its beat.
"This collaboration has really made me feel that what is ethnic is also universal," Xiong said.
Extensive revisions
It all began in 2022 when the game's production team reached out to Xiong with an intriguing proposal.
"I was thrilled at the prospect," Xiong recalled. "Shanbei storytelling is a vital part of our cultural heritage, and I saw this as an opportunity to introduce it to a broader audience."
The initial challenge was to adapt the traditional lyrics and performance style to fit the game's narrative. Xiong noted that the original lyrics provided were somewhat rigid and didn't quite capture the essence of Shanbei storytelling.
"The lyrics need to rhyme, with seven characters per line, and be catchy and easy to sing," Xiong explained. He noted that the musical style should allow one person to play multiple roles, expressing a range of emotions like joy, anger, and sorrow. The performer should shift between being a storyteller and the characters within the story, jumping in and out of different roles, reflecting a style of dynamic character portrayal.
After extensive revisions and numerous performances, Xiong crafted a version that harmonized with the game's aesthetic while preserving the integrity of the traditional art form.
The new form complements the eerie and otherworldly environment of the game. Xiong noted that the northwestern singing style and pronunciation have an inherent bleakness that aligns with the character's state. A long path
In 2016, Shanbei storytelling was included in the first batch of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List in China. This significant form of traditional narrative art in the vast and remote area in Northwest China is particularly popular in northern Shaanxi, including areas like Yan'an and Yulin.
Historically, performances were conducted by blind artists, who sang and played instruments such as Sanxian, a three-stringed traditional Chinese lute, or pipa, a four-string plucked lute. It was not only a form of performing art, but also a way to make a living.
"I was exposed to this art form from a young age," he recalled. "Listening to cassette tapes of Shanbei performances and attending local shows instilled in me a deep appreciation for this tradition." He then met his master at a temple fair. The master told him that he might make a better living if he learned Shanbei storytelling.
His professional career began in 2009 when he joined the Hengshan District Cultural Center as a special artistic talent. Over the years, Xiong has refined his craft and expanded the boundaries of Shanbei storytelling. His performances have earned him accolades and opportunities to showcase his art on international stages, including at the Chinese Quyi (folk art forms) Festival in Paris and the Bachshi International Art Festival.
But he still went through a very tough period.
"I could barely support my family at the time, but it was the passion and the opportunity that made me persist," Xiong said.
The opportunity Xiong got was to perform for the animated film Xuanmen: The Faces of All Living Beings. The success of this project, which combined Shanbei storytelling with animation, bolstered Xiong's confidence in cross-genre fusion.
"When I first combined Shanbei storytelling with animation, I wasn't sure how it would be received. But the positive response gave me the confidence to explore other innovative collaborations," Xiong said.
For Xiong, innovation is not about abandoning tradition but rather enhancing it. His approach involves blending traditional Shanbei storytelling with modern elements, including rap and pop music.
"After the collaboration, I found innovation is crucial to keeping Shanbei storytelling relevant," he said.
Beyond his professional achievements, Xiong is also deeply committed to preserving and promoting Shanbei storytelling. He also noted that once the excitement dies down, he wants to actively teach and mentor the younger generations to ensure that the art form continues to thrive.
As the Chinese AAA game Black Myth: Wukong gains widespread popularity, its unique artistic style and profound cultural depth have invigorated the cultural and creative market.
A representative inheritor of the Chinese intangible cultural heritage of boxwood carving, Ye Xiaopeng's original boxwood carving of Sun Wukong, or Wukong, also known as the Monkey King become highly sought after.
Originating in East China's Zhejiang Province, the craft of boxwood carving uses boxwood, known for its tough, smooth texture, fine grain, and yellow hue reminiscent of ivory. Over time, the wood darkens, acquiring a unique and rustic charm.
"Boxwood grows slowly, and the material is limited. The manual carving process is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Initially, I just wanted to showcase a few works featuring China's superhero, Sun Wukong. But after the game became a hit, these works were snapped up in an instant," Ye told the Global Times.
When discussing the boxwood carving's rise in popularity, Ye believes that the integration of traditional craftsmanship with digital technology has drawn more young people to the practice, enabling a "seamless connection" between intangible cultural heritage and modern aesthetics. This fusion breathes new life into traditional crafts, making them trendy. Contemporary feel
"Boxwood carving can draw inspiration from modern media like Black Myth: Wukong. Artisans should seize the opportunity to create works that retain their cultural essence while resonating with contemporary tastes," Ye said. "When creating the Monkey King, I focused on expressing his inner spirit and contemporary significance through details. For example, the Monkey King wears a purple-gold crown and armor, exuding a mighty presence that symbolizes a spirit of perseverance and bravery."
Ye explained that this piece combines traditional boxwood carving techniques such as clay modeling, initial shaping, and final detailing, while also incorporating modern elements like gilding the ends of the Golden Cudgel, Wukong's magical weapon, enhancing the work's beauty and value. This blend not only preserves the essence of traditional craftsmanship but also gives the piece a contemporary feel.
"As inheritors of intangible cultural heritage, we are responsible for helping more people understand and appreciate traditional art. I strive to promote boxwood carving, bringing it to life in modern society," Ye said.
"In contemporary society, the role of traditional craftsmanship is not only to preserve heritage but also to innovate. We must innovate and seek ways to collaborate with the industry, creating works that the public loves, accepts, and resonates with," he noted.
To appeal to younger audiences, Ye recently designed the "Dragon Egg Baby," which features a moveable "lucky bead," with monthly sales exceeding 5,000 units. A symbol of literary achievement, the "Wenchang Star," launched during the high school and college entrance exam season, and followed current trends.
When the Chinese animated film I Am What I Am was released in Japan in 2023, Ye quickly designed and crafted a boxwood carving of a Chinese lion. To add a playful touch, the lion was fitted with a hanging string and bells, making it suitable both as a handheld toy and as a wearable accessory.
In Chinese culture, the lion traditionally symbolizes auspiciousness and good fortune. The sales team also created slogans that appeal to young people, such as "When the bell rings, wealth comes your way," helping the lion carving to become a hit, with sales reaching 60,000 units in a single month. Pulse of times
"Traditional craftsmanship plays a crucial role in continuing culture in contemporary society," Ye told the Global Times. "Some people might associate boxwood carvings with being outdated or unfashionable," Ye noted. "While figurines are popular among young people, boxwood carvings can also keep up with trends."
It is said that the first generation of Ye family boxwood carvers was born in a rural area. As a child, he encountered a statue sculptor who came to the village to make Buddha statues. Impressed by the boy's talent, the sculptor took him on as an apprentice, setting him on the path of professional boxwood carving.
"I've always believed that traditional handicrafts are not meant to be appreciated in isolation; they need to resonate with the times and meet modern needs," Ye said.
As a professor, Ye encourages his students to create freely in their work, and has brought together a team of young teachers with study backgrounds in countries like Italy, Finland, and Japan. Additionally, he has collaborated with Chinese business associations in over 10 countries, including Italy, France, and Spain, to establish the Maritime Silk Road Cultural and Creative Industry Institute.
"I strive to balance preservation and innovation through a young design team, combined with the digital economy, and new media promotion," Ye said.
"It is undeniable that the rapid dissemination of digital products has accelerated the internationalization of our traditional culture. If we can feel the pulse of the times and ride the wave of digitalization, traditional handicrafts can still achieve revival under new historical conditions."
The Shanghai Symphony Orchestra (SSO) kicked off its 2024-25 season on Sunday with a grand opening concert.
Founded in 1879, the SSO, also the oldest orchestra in China, is celebrating its 145th anniversary in 2024.
"The Shanghai Symphony Orchestra's season is highly anticipated worldwide. Here the audience can not only hear the sounds of the world but also experience the vibrant energy of Chinese culture," music director Yu Long said.
The 2024-25 season's program includes 29 band concerts, 12 chamber music performances, five Music Map classes, six rush-hour concerts, and 32 visiting artist concerts.
Renowned German baritone Matthias Goerne, a recipient of classical music's most prestigious awards, joins as the season's artist-in-residence. Notable artists such as Leo Nucci, Daniel Harding, Jaap van Zweden, Charles Dutoit, Chinese conductor Li Xincao and pipa virtuoso Zhao Cong are scheduled to perform during the season.
Highlights include a semi-staged production of Porgy and Bess in October and Verdi's Rigoletto in March 2025. Both Elliot Ho Yat Leung's commissioned work, inspired by Chinese culinary culture, and Zhou Long's new version of Nine Songs, inspired by the ancient text Chu Ci (Songs of Chu) by Chinese poet Qu Yuan (340BC-278BC), will have their world premieres.
Pianist Liu Xiaoyu performed Chopin's Piano Concerto No.1 to open the concert on Sunday. Liu rose to fame after winning the 18th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition in 2021.
This concert also marked Liu's first collaboration with the SSO on a concerto. In 2023, he also made his solo debut on this very stage in Shanghai.
"Last year, when I performed a solo concert here, I found the acoustics in the hall to be very well-suited for solo performances. This time, the concerto is actually more in a chamber music style, which fits perfectly with the world-class sound quality of the Shanghai Symphony Hall," Liu said.
Amid applause from the audience, Liu returned to the stage for an encore, playing Chopin's flowing and moving Nocturne in C-sharp minor, followed by Tchaikovsky's lively Dance of the Little Swans.
Since winning the Chopin competition, Liu has performed over 100 concerts globally each year. Liu said he hopes to share his thoughts with people from different cultures.
"I think it's a rather interesting endeavor. Even with the same piece, the interpretation varies in different cultural contexts," Liu told the Global Times.
When asked if he encourages young musicians to participate in competitions, Liu said, "Everyone has their own path. Competitions aren't the only way. I was aiming for a good platform. It's undeniable that everyone wants to win first place, but during the preparation process, I had already forgotten about that. By the end of the competition, objectively, it's a contest between people, but subjectively, it's a contest with yourself."
Regarding the promotion of classical music through social media, Liu expressed mixed feelings. Noting that he is concerned that people may be addicted to social media, become lazy, and prefer to watch videos from home instead of attending concerts, he said that he hopes more people will come to live performances as a result of his efforts.
"In the past, people didn't have access to so many different versions of pieces, relying entirely on teachers or their own research," Liu said.
He hopes that now with the abundance of video resources, people will cherish classical music more.
