Despite China waiving visa requirements for citizens from over a dozen more countries and making local digital payment services more international-user friendly, flights and the flow of visitors from countries such as the US are still nowhere near 2019 levels.
Tourism
Society
Dubbed the "8D magical mountain city", Chongqing is famous for its complex and perplexing urban landscape. You may have seen one of its trains passing through a residential building or the deepest metro station in China, but have you heard of its underground city?
Economy
Launched in 2013 as a place for users to share things like travel and beauty tips, and acting as a conduit for lifestyle reviews, Xiaohongshu is again reshuffling its e-commerce ventures, hoping to transform into an e-commerce platform.
Economy
One of Shanghai’s commercial areas has seen a boost in consumption since the New Year, partly driven by the popularity of the Blossoms Shanghai television series. Even as consumption returns to pre-pandemic levels, officials will need to do more to ensure that this recovery remains sustainable over the long term. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Chen Jing tells us more.
Society
Harbin has seen an explosion of tourists this Chinese New Year season, and it is pulling out all the stops to welcome them, sometimes to the chagrin of locals. However, can this wave of tourism be sustained, and improve Harbin’s economy? Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Daryl Lim takes a trip to China’s land of snow and ice.
Economy
Melaka Gateway, earlier touted as a mega project that would generate substantial economic benefits, fresh foreign direct investment and access to technical know-how from China, is now a shadow of its former self. There remains, however, significant challenges for the envisioned cruise terminal.
Society
As the Chinese New Year approaches, many Hong Kongers have the tradition of travelling to Shenzhen to enjoy reunion dinners at lower cost with better service compared with back home. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Daryl Lim speaks with diners and restaurant managers to find out more about this trend during the festive season.
Politics
Mohamed Muizzu, the newly elected president of the Maldives, seems to be pivoting away from India and moving closer to other sources of support, such as the Arab countries and China. With a wary eye on China's ambitions in the Indian Ocean, India is expected to push back strongly.
Economy
Following the pandemic, pent-up demand for live concerts is driving up ticket prices to astronomical levels. Amid a less than encouraging economy, people are generally cutting down on non-essential spending, but the hope is that concerts will encourage travel and consumption and revitalise the economy. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Chen Jing takes a closer look at the situation.