Come to New York to See the World

If you're a foreigner and looking for the place that has everything, there's only one place to visit, and that's New York. It's a whole world in city.

The world of theater

All of New York is a stage, and it begins with Broadway. Where else can you find so many shows in one place? Only in New York!

The world of music

Spend an evening with Beethoven at Lincoln Center. Swing to the great jazz of Greenwich Village. Or rock yourself silly at the hot dance sports found anywhere.

The world of art

From Rembrandt to Picasso, from Egyptian tombs to Indian teepees(圆锥形帐篷). Whatever kind of art you like, you will find it in New York.

The world of fine dining

Whether it is a Beijing roast duck in Chinatown, lasagna in Little Italy, or the finest French coq au vin (chicken cooked in wine) found anywhere, there is a world of great taste waiting for you in New York.

The world of sights

What other city has a Statue of Liberty (自由女神像)? A Rockefeller Center? Or a Bronx Zoo? Where else can you take a horse­drawn carriage through the Central Park? Only in New York!

Surviving treasures from the National Museum of Afghanistan

AFGHANISTAN

CROSSROADS OF THE ANCIENT WORLD

3 MARCH — 3 JULY 2013

At the heart of the silk road, Afghanistan linked the great trading routes of ancient Iran, Central Asia, Indian and China, and the more distant cultures of Greece and Rome.

Nearly lost during the years of civil war and later Taliban (塔利班) rule, precious objects that reveal this diverse past were bravely hidden in 1989 by officials from the National Museum of Afghanistan to save them from destruction.

The surviving treasures date from 2000 BC to the 1^st century AD and included rich gold ornaments (装饰品) found at a burial site and limestone (石灰石) sculptures of a Greek city.

This is a unique opportunity to discover the story of Afghanistan’s ancient culture, its immense fragility, and the remarkable dedication (奉献) shown to its survival and protection.

The “ice city” of Harbin in Northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province has captured widespread attention online due to its stunning ice sculptures, enchanting ice-snow world, and an artificial moon drawing in record numbers of tourists from across China. Visitors, despite enduring temperatures as low as —10℃, flock to experience the city’s cultural traditions and festive atmosphere.

During the three-day New Year’s Day holidays, Harbin saw over 3 million tourists, generating approximately 5.91 billion yuan ($832 million) in tourism revenue, setting a new record. The International Ice and Snow Festival marked the beginning of the peak winter tourism season, with videos of tourists enjoying themselves in Harbin going viral on social media platforms like Sina Weibo.

Harbin’s tourism success is attributed not only to its unique attractions but also to the swift and thoughtful response of the local government and the warmth of its residents. Visitors are greeted with live performances at the airport, free transportation, and samples of local products, creating a welcome atmosphere. The city’s tourism boom has drawn attention internationally, with media outlets highlighting Harbin as a model for successful tourism development. This success is seen as reflecting the region’s rich cultural heritage and its commitment to providing high-quality services.

The surge in tourism has also had economic implications, driving up bookings for hospitality and entertainment services in neighboring cities like Qiqihar. Investors have shown enthusiasm, with stocks related to Northeast China’s revitalization experiencing significant increases in value. The revitalization of Northeast China, including provinces like Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning, is seen as a key priority for the region’s development. Efforts are underway to leverage the region’s resources, industrial capabilities, and geographical advantages to inspire innovation and attract investment.

In 2023, Northeast China saw positive economic growth, with provinces like Jilin and Liaoning experiencing GDP increases. The region has also attracted foreign investment, with projects such as a major chemical venture in Liaoning and new energy vehicle initiatives in Jilin. The integrated development of tourism is viewed as a catalyst for broader economic growth in Northeast China, encouraging innovation, opening up new markets, and fostering talent retention. The region aims to embrace new opportunities, enhance its innovation capacity, and pursue sustainable development to achieve full revitalization.

As reflected in social media posts, the success of Harbin’s tourism industry serves as a testament to the region’s progress and determination, signaling a prosperous future for Northeast China’s economic revival.