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The Chinese government has recently adjusted its cross-border adoption policy. Henceafter, apart from the adoption of a child or stepchild from one's collateral relatives by blood of the same generation and up to the third degree of kinship by foreigners coming to China, China will not send children abroad for adoption. This adjustment not only respects the spirit of relevant international covenants, but is also an inevitable advance in China's social security system. 

Children in difficult circumstances are one of the most vulnerable social groups in need of care and protection. The adjustment of adoption policies reflects the Chinese government's commitment to protecting children's rights. The principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption emphasize ensuring the best interests of children, which aligns completely with China's commitment to developing children's services. Any policy adjustments regarding child rights protection are made with the utmost consideration of children's best interests, following thorough research, and will help better protect orphans' legal rights under new circumstances.

During the early period of reform and opening-up, China's economy was weak, with an annual per capita GDP of only a few hundred dollars. The living conditions of ordinary families were significantly behind those in Western countries, and the social welfare system was insufficient to support all orphans with the care and environment needed for their growth. Cross-border adoption provided a practical solution for some orphans to change their living conditions. For decades, cross-border adoption has generally provided many orphaned children with the warmth of a family in a foreign country. However, at the same time, some international adoption cases have unfortunately involved abuse, exploitation, and violence, which is deeply troubling.

Today, international adoption has fulfilled its mission in China. In recent years, China has adhered to the principle of "the best interests of the child" as outlined in intercountry adoption conventions and the principle of "the best interests of the adoptee" in the Civil Code of the country, while maintaining the practice of "domestic adoption as a priority."

Currently, domestic adoptions account for nearly 90 percent of the total number of adoptions. This means that even before the introduction of the new policy adjustment, cross-border adoptions had already been significantly declining. This is also consistent with the development trend of cross-border adoption in various countries. This decline is primarily due to the profound changes China has undergone over the past few decades. Rapid economic development has led to continuous improvements in the social welfare system. 

Increased government investment in education, healthcare, and social security has made significant progress in maintaining social fairness and justice, eliminating extreme poverty, and ensuring the wellbeing of the people, thereby laying a solid foundation for the shift in orphan adoption policies.

An undeniable fact is that comprehensive economic and social progress has significantly reduced the number of orphans in China. Statistics show that in 2013, there were 549,000 orphans nationwide. By the end of 2023, this number had dropped to 144,000. Consequently, the number of orphanages and other child welfare institutions has also decreased substantially.

Today, with China having comprehensively built a moderately prosperous society and with per capita GDP exceeding $10,000, improvements in healthcare have greatly reduced the incidence of newborn disabilities, and attitudes toward gender discrimination have also improved significantly. 

With the significant improvement in people's living standards and the continuous improvement of the social security system, Chinese people are increasingly willing to adopt orphans. Under such circumstances, it is logical to adjust the policy of cross-border adoption and cease the practice of sending children abroad for adoption.

In recent years, as China has made continuous progress in economic and social development, it has also increasingly explored a comprehensive social security system for orphans, significantly improving the living conditions of orphans, including disabled children. The average support standard for domestically raised orphans' basic living standards has reached 1,885.4 yuan per person per month. 

Local governments have also established a natural growth mechanism for the basic living guarantee of orphans based on their actual economic and social development. The country has strengthened the professional level of child welfare institutions, and continuously improved the integrated development of orphan care, medical care, rehabilitation, education, and social work. Some healthy orphans with mild disabilities have returned to their families and integrated into society through domestic adoption, family foster care, and "family-like" care. Some severely disabled orphans who are not suitable for family adoption can receive specialized medical rehabilitation within child welfare institutions.

In order to promote the return of disabled orphans to their families, the Chinese government introduced support service policies to encourage domestic families to adopt disabled orphans. 

In regions like Shandong, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Yunnan, Anhui, Guangdong, and Liaoning, mechanisms have been established to encourage adoptions, and activities such as the "Tomorrow Plan on Surgical Rehabilitation for Orphans with Disabilities," orphan education assistance, have reduced the burden on families adopting disabled children in terms of raising, medical rehabilitation, etc., so that disabled children can receive rehabilitation assistance and regain family warmth.

It can be said that with the solid advances of child welfare in China, adjustments to China's cross-border adoption policies have naturally followed. As long as one has some understanding of the relevant situation in China, he or she will not be surprised by the adjustment of the intercountry adoption policy, and there is no need to over-interpret it. Adjusting cross-border adoption policies is a reflection of China's overall development and progress, and also a reflection of China's continuous exploration of the protection and safeguarding of children's rights. We also hope that the international community will continue to work with China to advance global child welfare efforts, ensuring that every child can grow up in an environment of love and care.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday met with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir, who is here for the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

The eighth Conference of Chinese and African Entrepreneurs was held on Friday as part of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Delegates told the Global Times that the forum presents new opportunities for China-Africa industrial chains to further integrate, with significant potential to be unlocked in areas such as digital infrastructure, data centers, and smart cities.

A diverse range of companies participated, representing both traditional industries such as energy, mining, infrastructure, and financial trade, as well as emerging sectors like electronics, technology, communication satellites, and biomedicine. This conference has received significant attention from African countries, with around 1,000 participants, official data showed. 

Phuti Jackson Mampa, chief executive officer of a South Africa-based security company who traveled to Beijing for the first time, told the Global Times he was excited about the increase in Chinese investment in Africa, particularly in key areas such as infrastructure, information technology, communications, and agriculture, as it is extremely important for a continent that needs long-term, sustainable development.

Mampa said that Africa is rich in resources with abundant arable land, and a growing population, as well as mineral resources, but many are unemployed and living in poverty. The collaboration between China and Africa will bring even greater benefits to Africa. 

"[There is] great collaboration potential between China and African countries in digital technology waiting to be unlocked," Didier Nkurikiyimfura, chief strategy and growth officer from Rwanda-based Smart Africa Alliance, told the Global Times.

The use of technology is essential to accelerate the stalled transformation and the internal modernization of Africa, which is an area where China has a competitive advantages, Nkurikiyimfura said.

Many African countries are seeking digital solutions such as digital infrastructure, data centers, smart city solutions, e-agriculture and financial payment solutions - more specific collaborations with China can be discussed based on the needs of each African country, Nkurikiyimfura said.

Echoing Nkurikiyimfura, a spokesperson from China-based AI company 4Paradigm, a firm which assisted in building a smart hydropower system for the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, told the Global Times that his company eyes to empower more industries in Africa with AI technology thus contributing to the upgrade of infrastructure and the modernization of industries.

Another delegate from Tanzania, Joseph Kahama, secretary general of Tanzania-China Friendship Promotion Association, told the Global Times that infrastructure is an area where the two sides can further integrate. 

China has been great in terms of financing, funding, infrastructure, while Africa has an infrastructure gap. With the building of ports, roads, modern railways, movement of products would be easier, faster and cheaper for Africans, he said. 

The business community has always been an important link in the friendly cooperation between China and Africa. China has remained Africa's largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years, with trade volume between the two steadily increasing.

"Hello, boss. This electric wire cannot be wound around the steel pipe frame. Be careful that after the insulation of the wire is worn out, it may cause electric leakage and harm people!" On the evening of August 26, staff members of State Grid Turpan Electric Power Supply Company shuttled among the stalls of the Grape Night Market in Gaochang district, Turpan, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. 

They inspected power consumption equipment such as power strips, power sockets, and electric lights for stall owners, and promptly dealt with potential safety hazards in electricity usage and publicized safety knowledge. This is also a microcosm of the company's initiative to serve the "night economy" and escort the "vitality of city life".

Since the Grape Night Market reopened on May 1, it has become a popular place for tourists to check in. The night market covers an area of 40 mu and is divided into three major sections: the food area, the parent-child activity and amusement area, and the cultural and creative tourism area. There are 70 merchants and 210 stalls in total, and it can accommodate more than 3,000 people to dine at the same time.

The development of the "night economy" cannot be separated from sufficient and stable power support. State Grid Turpan Electric Power Supply Company makes elaborate arrangements and organizes relevant professionals to strengthen the inspection and maintenance of power supply lines in key areas. Intelligent monitoring equipment is used to monitor the operating status of lines in real time to discover and deal with potential hidden dangers in a timely manner. 

At the same time, for temporary power consumption such as night markets and snack streets, a "green channel" is opened, the installation application process is simplified, and a dedicated person is arranged for docking to ensure that merchants can get electricity quickly. In addition, the company also increases the arrangement of nighttime emergency repair personnel, vehicles and materials to ensure that on-site services can be provided in the first time when power failures occur at night market stalls, and makes every effort to ensure the safe and reliable supply of power.

To ensure the safety of electricity consumption in the night market, State Grid Turpan Electric Power Supply Company regularly organizes employees to conduct door-to-door visits to customers, deeply understand the electricity consumption needs and actual electricity consumption loads of stalls, and conduct careful "diagnoses" from aspects such as power supply access, safe wiring, and power facility performance. 

State Grid Turpan Electric Power Supply Company has carried out electricity inspections at night market stalls 20 times, eliminated 16 potential safety hazards in electricity usage in a timely manner, and distributed more than 500 copies of safety electricity usage brochures.

In the next stage, the company will continue to provide electricity services for the "night economy," continuously optimize the business environment, meet the growing electricity demand of night market merchants, and safeguard the "vitality of city life."

"Welcome home!"

On August 22, at the Langjiu Estate by the Chishui River, Chairman Wang Junlin warmly greeted attendees, heralding another grand gathering for Langjiu members.

This festival is crafted by Langjiu to fulfill consumer aspirations, dedicated to its extensive membership.

Hundreds of Langjiu members from across China were invited to convene at the Langjiu Estate, where they partook in a premier intellectual feast.

Professor Zhou Qiren of Peking University, a renowned economist, presented "Breaking Through in Business: Cognition First," discussing how companies can transcend economic cycles and avoid growth pitfalls.

As the host, Langjiu had exciting news for its members on-site:

With immediate effect, Langjiu said it will partner with Pernod Ricard, a global leader in spirits and wines, boasting esteemed estates like Martell and Royal Salute, to establish the World Winery Alliance. This initiative will deepen collaboration and foster development under a global framework.
During a panel discussion with Ji Keliang, former chairman of Guizhou Moutai Group, Ma Yong, vice president of the China Food Industry Association, Guo Binchen, CEO of Pernod Ricard China, and Ding Jiachuan, managing director and Global Partner of Boston Consulting Group, Wang Junlin was asked what this partnership would bring to Langjiu members. He responded with a smile, and said he hopes to take Langjiu members to visit various Pernod Ricard wineries around the world next year.

Following this, the big screen displayed a montage of the past seven years, showcasing the development of the Langjiu membership system. It highlighted the company's commitment to the philosophy "The customer is supreme, serving a beautiful life," illustrating its shared growth with members.

Amid applause, representatives of long-standing members who had accompanied Langjiu's growth for seven consecutive years, including Vice Chairman Chen Genping of Sichuan Xingrui Health Industry Group, Chairman Hu Haiqing of Luohe Hairun Food Co, Ltd, and Chairman Yang Jingcong of Qingdao Guangrunchuan Industrial & Trade Co, Ltd, among 17 others, were invited on stage. They were personally awarded the Membership Honor Medals by Langjiu Group's Vice Chairman Fu Rao and General Manager Wang Bowei, elevating the event's atmosphere to a climax. This ceremony marks the highest accolade given at the Langjiu Estate Members' Festival since its inception in 2021, and it certainly sets a new benchmark for Langjiu's "ultimate service."

Over the next two months, the fourth Langjiu Estate Members' Festival will continue with sub-events in 12 major cities including Nanjing, Shenzhen, Chengdu, and Dalian, facilitating face-to-face interactions with tens of thousands of members nationwide.
Holding an annual Members' Festival, where renowned experts and scholars are invited to share insights and wisdom, is just one of Langjiu's focused initiatives to empower its members.

Adhering to the principles of "service, empowerment, value, and symbiosis," Langjiu has over the years built numerous bridges of value connection for its members, enhancing the ultimate membership experience through various channels including culture, sports, and tourism.

In the realm of culture, Langjiu established strategic partnerships with prestigious academic institutions such as Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business, CEIBS, and Tsinghua University's EMBA program, as well as various chambers of commerce. It also regularly organizes events like entrepreneur forums and introduces fine liquors to renowned companies. In November 2023, Langjiu even constructed the Cheung Kong GSB Sidu Chishui Teaching Center at the Langjiu Estate, providing an excellent educational environment and facilities for the business school students, empowering enterprises with the spirit of Sidu Chishui.

In sports, after more than a decade of development, Langjiu has successfully established two major golf tournament systems: the Hongyun Lang Cup for top Chinese universities and the Qinghua Lang Cup Golf Tour. These events attract thousands of participants annually.

The creation of elite communication platforms has significantly enhanced Langjiu's influence among Chinese entrepreneurs, attracting an increasing number of members to the brand.

According to statistics, before the first Langjiu Members' Festival in 2021, the precursor to Langjiu's membership system, "Qinghua Hui," had already reached over 220 cities nationwide in three years. Through more than 1,000 high-end dinners and over 4,000 Qinghua dinners, it connected more than 20,000 members, facilitating 700,000 instances of high-frequency interactive communication.
Create value with valuable people, in valuable places.

Following the 2021 upgrade of Qinghua Hui, with the activation of the Langjiu Estate Membership Center, Langjiu enriched its elite social networking system for members through events like the Tri-Product Festival (focusing on Quality, Brand, and Taste), the Ceramic Art Festival, and the Qinghua Lang · China TOP20+ Club Development Forum, all hosted at the Langjiu Estate.

Renowned individuals have been invited to experience the Langjiu Estate, becoming key contributors to the gathering and creation of value at Langjiu.

Today, Langjiu Estate welcomes nearly a thousand members daily from across the country, including entrepreneurs, business elites, distributors, and partners from various sectors. Taking photos at Shilixiang Square, experiencing historical shifts at Tianbao Cave, or learning to blend their own signature sauce-flavored Langjiu … Being invited to board a chartered flight to visit Langjiu Estate has become a symbol of prestigious status.

Pernod Ricard China CEO, Guo Binchen, who attended the Members' Festival, was full of praise for Langjiu's various practices in empowering its members. During the roundtable discussions, he repeatedly mentioned the need to "observe and learn." In his view, superior quality is the foundation of any liquor company, but a rich experience is also a crucial aspect that modern consumers highly value. Creating one memorable gathering after another is a shared pursuit of both Pernod Ricard and Langjiu.
"Pernod Ricard is willing to direct its spirits enthusiasts to the Langjiu Estate. For Langjiu's members, Pernod Ricard, with its more than 40 world-class wineries around the globe, can open another window to a different kind of splendor," said Guo Binchen.

As these two leading liquor companies from China and abroad join hands, Langjiu's members can look forward to welcoming new friends into their social circles.

Many countries in the world now face a shrinking, and simultaneously aging, population, which, if not promptly reversed or mitigated, could negatively impact the sustainable growth of their economies. A sufficient number of people is indispensable for running and reinforcing the operation of a functioning economy. 

Consequently, policymakers or relevant government authorities need to take note of the evolution of the ongoing changes of demographic patterns, and readjust and optimize their population policies so as to plan for a resilient future and avert economic upheavals caused by a rapidly aging population. 

Japan and South Korea, the two East Asian countries with fairly developed economies, have been searching, in the past decades, for effective cures to ease their population aging, but to little avail, if any, as many couples in the two countries refuse to get married or to have babies. 

China, currently the world's largest emerging market economy, shares a largely similar Asian societal and family culture as its two neighbors. Increasingly, China's younger generations - the millennials and Generation Z - are reluctant to have a big family, with many couples preferring to give birth to only one child or choosing to be "dink" (double incomes, no kids). As a result, China will most likely encounter a shrinking and aging population, too. 

China's population dropped for two consecutive years in 2022 and 2023. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the country's population declined by 2.08 million in 2023 to 1.409 billion people. In 2023, about 9.02 million babies were born, compared with 9.56 million in the previous year. 

It is of great importance to change this by inspiring and incentivizing couples to have more babies. Chinese demographers advise that a national campaign to spur births is imperative.

As seen in many developed economies, such as Japan and Germany, a continuously plummeting fertility rate will cause a shift toward an aging population that will ultimately strain national health insurance, social security programs and healthcare infrastructure. Any country with a shrinking and aging population will inevitably have to contend with a labor shortage, which may restrict the potential of economic development. 

The resolution adopted in July by the third plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China Central Committee proposed ramping up incentives, including childbirth subsidies, more affordable child-care and other measures of efficacy to spur more births. The country ought to do more to arrest the trend of its population decline and mitigate drastic changes in demographic patterns that may produce unwanted complications for the economy. 

China started to implement the "third-child" policy in 2021, after having adopted the "second-child" policy in 2015. However, new births in 2022 and 2023 did not see year-on-year growth. It won't be easy to persuade young couples to agree to the evolving demographic change in the country and embrace more births. More efforts should be made to support the government's pro-birth push. 

As a matter of fact, many couples in China, especially the wives, are increasingly concerned about the costs in time, labor and money for raising a child, which has led them to eye parenthood with reluctance and fear. The concerns are realistic and sensible. 

Nowadays, Chinese women are more educated and economically independent than ever, and they even outnumber men in attending higher education programs. Naturally, more women prioritize their careers and self-development opportunities over traditional mileposts such as marriage and childbirth. No one is willing to miss out on promotion opportunities in their golden years of careers.

The authorities ought to factor in the changing social dynamics and the younger generation's preferences as well as apprehensions about readjusting population policy. In addition to providing childbirth subsidies, the authorities could consider doling out more benefits, such as child-care grants, free schooling, cheaper housing, higher tax incentives and extended parental leave or taking other effective measures that may motivate couples of reproductive age to give birth to more babies.

Some provinces like Sichuan have tried out dropping stern restrictions on unmarried women giving birth, granting single parents access to the benefits previously reserved for married couples, which is also effective in spurring more births. 

A new set of rules for implementing China's Law on Guarding State Secrets took effect on Sunday, further refining the management of classified information, encouraging technological innovation in this field and enhancing cyberspace management to avoid information breach.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang signed a decree of the State Council to unveil the regulations on July 22, consisting of six chapters and 74 articles, aiming to ensure the effective implementation of the newly revised Law on Guarding State Secrets.

A special clause on the Communist Party of China's leadership in confidentiality work is added to the regulation, further emphasizing the adherence to and strengthening of the Party leadership, improving the system and mechanism of Party leadership, and specifying the responsibilities of central and local levels of relevant institutions. This will ensure confidentiality work follows the correct political direction, a spokesperson with the National Administration of State Secrets Protection said.

It also specified the requirements to establish and promptly update a list of state secrets, as well as clarifying the responsibilities of designated personnel, while outlining specific scenarios for derivative classification.

The "list of state secrets" is one of the highlights of the new regulations, which clearly and visually lists state secret contents, classification levels, confidentiality periods, scope of knowledge and the basis for classification, Liu Changsong, a lawyer from the Beijing Mugong Law Firm, told the Global Times on Sunday.

Furthermore, it clarifies the scope and specific responsibilities of individuals accountable for classification, help prevent issues such as shirking responsibilities due to unclear definition of duties, Liu said. 

Meng Bo, a lawyer at Beijing Jingsh Law Firm, added that another highlight of this regulation is the management of network information and data confidentiality, strengthening the confidentiality management of network usage. This management clarifies the obligation of network operators to cooperate in investigating and alerting on confidentiality violations, and enhances the data confidentiality management system.

"These are important measures to adapt to the era of informatization and digitalization, effectively protecting information and data security," Meng told the Global Times.

Responding to Western media hypes that the new regulation could "scare away" foreign enterprises in China, Liu said such "worries" are completely unnecessary. 

"It only makes it clearer for foreign enterprises to understand what areas involve China's national security concerns and which do not," Liu noted.

Prinat Apirat, Consul General of the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Shanghai, welcomed Major General Pratuang Piyakapho, and the participants in the first group of trainees in Thailand defense for future management training programs at the Consulate General of Thailand in Shanghai.
The Consul General also gave an overview of bilateral relations between Thailand and Shanghai. She exchanged views on issues of interest to the delegation, such as expanding strategic cooperation between Thailand and China, promoting Thai-made products to the Chinese market, and promoting Thailand's tourism market in China and the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region.

At the end of July, the Thai Consulate-General in Shanghai, in conjunction with the Shanghai Foreign Investment Development Board, organized the 7th Bangkok - Shanghai Economic Conference on the topic "Accelerating Innovation Cooperation between Thailand and the YRD" in Shanghai.

The conference focused on creating a comprehensive innovation ecosystem, promoting joint innovation, and expanding business and exploring investment opportunities.

Although it is only 2.5 centimeters in length, a recently discovered artifact made of dried mud at the Jizhong archaeological site in Shaoxing, East China's Zhejiang Province, comes as a striking revelation since it indicates the location of a local government center during the Han Dynasty (206BC-AD220). 

The Chinese characters "Shanyin Chengyin," which means "seal of the magistrate of Shanyin county," were inscribed on the mud object. 

The relics was identified as a "mud seal." Historian Fang Gang told the Global Times that the seal was used on "authoritative documents and confidential letters." The tradition was popularized during the Qin (221BC-206BC) and Han dynasties. Mud seals also "represented one's power and were commonly used as burial objects." 

"Shanyin was the ancient county name representing Shaoxing. We discovered that the mud seal belonged to the 'deputy head' of the county," said Li Longbin, director of the Shaoxing Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology. 

Prior to the new discovery, high-level architectural remains dating to the periods of the Han and the Warring States Period (475BC-221BC) had been excavated at the Jizhong site in Shaoxing. 

The mud seal was found from the Han Dynasty stratum of the dig, which helped date it. 

"The unearthed high-level architectural remains are even more convincing indicators that show that the Jizhong site and its surrounding areas were used as the then government's offices," He Jierao, an archaeological researcher specializing in the Han to Sui (581-618) dynasties, told the Global Times.

In July, after more than five months of excavation, the large foundation of a 2,500-year-old wooden building was uncovered at the site. Covered 3,000 square meters, the building was identified as once belonging to the ancient state of Yue, represented by the "king of resilience" - King Goujian. 

Numerous Han wooden slips with ink writing were also found, adding to the total of 850 artifacts discovered at the site. Among them are some artistically designed objects such as a crystal ring and a bronze jug.  

"The Jizhong site is the first to establish that Yue State architecture ­existed within the historic Shaoxing city, offering crucial hints for researching the Yue State capital," Li remarked. 

China's first triple-A video game Black Myth: Wukong has not only made waves in the global gaming industry, but has also brought the allure of Chinese culture to the world stage. Such a cross-industry breakthrough, combining gaming and cultural tourism, showcases the profound richness of traditional Chinese culture and paves the way for a new cultural tourism trend in the digital age.   

A released list of filming locations shows that Black Myth: Wukong selected 36 sites across China as in-game backdrops. Notably, North China's Shanxi Province stands out with 27 of its locations featured in the game. 

The cultural impact of the game caused local tourism searches on Chinese tourism site Ctrip to spike by three times on launch day, August 20, compared to the previous day. 

Zhang Qing, director of promotion and publicity at the Culture and ­Tourism Department of Shanxi ­Province, told the Global Times that they established contact with the game's creators years ago during the development stage and held numerous exchanges. 

"The game uses a format beloved by modern youth to pass on historical culture, tell Chinese stories and truly bring cultural heritage to life. This collaboration not only showcases Shanxi's rich cultural heritage, but also presents a golden opportunity to promote Shanxi's tourism," Zhang noted.

Zhang emphasized the importance of respecting history and striving for the utmost expression of Chinese aesthetics in presenting Shanxi's cultural heritage to the younger generation through the game. For Generation Zers, this form of cultural communication has genuinely resonated with their preferred lifestyle and interests.

Starting in September, Shanxi will launch official tour routes for visitors eager to explore the game's scenery, and will host a series of related activities, including the release of a "travel pass" and the opening of a Black Myth: Wukong "offline quest."

Multiple national heritage sites will be opened to the public, showcasing Shanxi's rich cultural legacy. 

By integrating these cultural assets with the game, Shanxi can both enhance the visibility of its heritage and raise public awareness of cultural preservation. 

Provinces and cities like Beijing, East China's Zhejiang Province, and Southwest China's Chongqing have responded by releasing promotional videos, launching themed routes, and inviting influencers to visit to boost their local tourism industries.

These transitions from virtual to real-world cultural communication highlight the powerful influence of digital culture on local tourism and provide new approaches for the preservation as well as use of traditional cultural heritage.

Yang Jie, a tourism planner at the Shanxi Cultural Tourism Digital ­Experience Museum, told the Global Times that transforming the iconic ­locations featured in popular IPs like Black Myth: Wukong into tourist ­attractions, and developing game-themed ­cultural routes, exhibitions, and ­interactive experiences, are the right directions for modern cultural tourism development. 

She said she is confident that this crossover can leverage the "long-tail effect" of the game, driving the long-term development of cultural tourism in Shanxi and across China.

Yang further noted that integrating various forms of media, such as films and documentaries, can enhance the connection between popular IPs and local culture. By deeply ­merging the classic game scenes from Black Myth: Wukong with real-world landscapes, a "game + culture + tourism" composite product can be created. 

This not only boosts the appeal of cultural heritage, but also allows visitors to experience a rich cultural atmosphere while enjoying entertainment, thus continuously attracting tourists, and promoting sustainable local tourism development.

The trend of game IPs promoting cultural tourism has already been seen abroad. For example, Grand Theft Auto V, the 2013 Game Awards' Game of the Year, features landmarks from Los Angeles. 

Additionally, a netizen shared online that her husband, who had never been to Paris, became familiar with its streets and architecture through the video game series Assassin's Creed, which has a game set in Paris. 

By developing tourism strategies based on games, Shanxi's rich cultural heritage is being revitalized, attracting attention and exploration from both domestic and international tourists. 

This blend of virtual and real-world cultural promotion can not only infuse traditional culture with new vitality, but also make China's historical legacies shine even brighter.