The crew of China’s Shenzhou-18 manned space mission has completed various tasks, including maintenance and inspection of the station’s environmental conditions and equipment, an emergency evacuation from orbit, and health monitoring and control. More than half of their six-month mission aboard the Tiangong space station is over, recently released footage shows.
The Shenzhou-18 crew, consisting of astronauts Ye Guangfu, Li Cong and Li Guangsu, have spent more than 100 days in space since arriving on board in late April.
Last week, the trio installed a lid and refilled water for the urine treatment system to facilitate recycling and reuse of water inside the space station, according to footage released by the Chinese Manned Space Agency.
The crew also collected environmental data from the station through microbial sampling and testing of total organic carbon, total volatile organic compounds, and the thermal environment in the cabin. Based on this data, soil scientists can evaluate and assess the station’s internal environment to ensure the health and safety of the astronauts.
In addition, the crew conducted a routine fire alarm drill last week to practice emergency evacuation under various working conditions and quickly donning the spacesuit.
They also classified various living things and materials for scientific experiments, carried out garbage transportation and storage, and sorted and counted medical supplies to ensure cleanliness and order on the space station.
To ensure that their physical condition allows them to perform the various tasks, they underwent multiple medical examinations. One of these was a non-invasive cardiac function test, which is safe, accurate, reliable and relatively easy to perform.
Footage shows Chinese astronauts maintaining the space station and dealing with emergencies
Chinese and international tourists celebrate Qixi Festival, also known as Chinese Valentine’s Day, by sightseeing, watching performances and experiencing culture.
The Qixi Festival, which has its origins in a 2,000-year-old legend of two lovers, takes place on the seventh day of the seventh month in the Chinese lunar calendar. This year the festival falls on a Saturday.
In Zhangjiajie in central China’s Hunan Province, many Chinese and foreign tourists dress in Hanfu costumes—costumes worn by people of the Chinese Han Dynasty (202 BC-220 AD)—to re-enact the legendary story of the encounter between Niulang and Zhinyu at the Milky Way and enjoy the breathtaking scenery and magnificent fireworks.
“Today I come to this beautiful place just in time for the Chinese Qixi Festival, so I think it’s wonderful to come here today and see this beautiful scenery. I wish you all a happy holiday. Thank you very much,” said Kseniya Puzanava, a tourist from Belarus.
“When I applied to come here as a tourist, it was really convenient. And they got me the visa. (The process) is so easy. So when I look at the transportation, everything is very convenient and so fast. So I will enjoy my vacation here, and I like this glass bridge. It’s really huge and it has a really amazing view. I really enjoy this trip and I hope the other (tourists) enjoy it too. So thank you very much,” said Alex Alrezami, a tourist from Spain.
With the introduction of China’s 144-hour visa-free transit policy this year, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon has seen a significant increase in foreign visitors, welcoming nearly 450,000 international tourists, a significant increase compared to previous years.
In the southeastern Chinese city of Chongqing, special Qixi Festival activities were held at various locations, allowing visitors to enjoy the festive atmosphere while escaping the summer heat.
In the Cloud Garden Courtyard of Shizhu County, a vast garden filled with blooming flowers such as cleomes and hydrangeas formed a breathtaking sea of blossoms. Couples strolled hand in hand through the floral landscape, capturing memories amidst the bright blossoms.
“Today is the Qixi Festival and I am bringing my wife. We have been married for 44 years,” said one tourist.
As darkness fell, visitors gathered at Flower Square to enjoy traditional ethnic performances, including drum dances and the magnificent Iron Flower performance.
“Today is a beautiful and romantic day. I went to the Cloud Garden Courtyard with my girlfriend. We watched the performance of the Iron Flower intangible cultural heritage. We are particularly happy,” said a tourist.
In Wanling Old Town, another scenic spot in Chongqing, the Qixi River Lanterns created a dreamy atmosphere. Visitors enjoyed the sight of the river lanterns, fireworks and flower boats, immersing themselves in the enchanting and romantic atmosphere.
A brilliant fireworks display lit up the night sky and citizens and tourists stopped to capture the beautiful moments with their cell phones and cameras.
The event lasts until Sunday and includes 13 activities including cultural games, parades and creative markets, allowing residents and tourists to experience the unique charm of traditional Chinese culture.
Tourists at home and abroad are enthusiastic about the Qixi culture in China
