Fujian

Beijing – October 13, 2026 -- A new documentary, From Barren Land to Prosperity: Fujian-Ningxia Partnership, premiered on China Media Group's CCTV-4 channel on October 5. It looks at how one of China's poorest regions changed over three decades.

Xihaigu went from "unsuitable for habitation" to a development model

The United Nations once labelled Xihaigu, at the southern tip of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, one of the least suitable places on the planet for human habitation. Chronic drought and barren soil kept residents in severe poverty. Today the area is described as a model of socio-economic progress and environmental rejuvenation.

Putian – September 24, 2026 -- Meizhou Island, the birthplace of the Chinese sea goddess Mazu in southeast China's Fujian Province, drew about 3.23 million tourist visits in 2025, surpassing 3 million for the first time as the destination shifts from quick temple stops to multi-day stays.

Mazu, born as Lin Mo on the island in 960, is worshipped as a protector of seafarers by more than 300 million followers worldwide. In 2009, UNESCO added "Mazu belief and customs" to its representative list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity.