The online series Story of Yanxi Palace has attracted viewers both for its storyline and props that highlight traditional Chinese culture, such as headwear made of velvet flowers.[Photo provided to China Daily]
Chinese show most Googled 'Story of Yanxi Palace' was a hot search on Google "Story of Yanxi Palace" is a Chinese period drama set in the 18th century during the Qing dynasty, and topped Google's list for the most-trending TV series worldwide. The South China Morning Post reports that in Hong Kong, people were more curious about the drama than they were about the US-China trade war or Typhoon Mangkhut. Worldwide, there was a bigger spike in searches for the Chinese series compared to Netflix's offerings, including "Altered Carbon" and "The Haunting of Hill House". The show has been streamed more than 15 billion times on iQiyi, China's leading video website and was the most watched series online in China for 39 consecutive days. The Chinese period drama "Story of Yanxi Palace" recently topped Google's global TV drama search list. According to the South China Morning Post, Hong Kong people are more concerned about the plot of this TV series set in the Qing Dynasty in the 18th century than the Sino-US trade war and Typhoon Mangkhut. Globally, the increase in search volume for "Story of Yanxi Palace" has also exceeded that of TV series on the Netflix platform such as " Carbon " and "The Ghost Invasion". "Story of Yanxi Palace" has been played more than 15 billion times on iQiyi, a major domestic video website, and has topped the list of domestic TV dramas on the Internet for 39 consecutive days.
Britain's Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, applaud after Germany's Angelique Kerber won the women's singles final against Serena Williams of the US at Wimbledon in London, Britain, July 14, 2018. [Photo/Agencies]
Kate and Meghan 'truce' Kate and Meghan have been ordered by the Queen to put on a show of unity together at the Christmas Day church service in Sandringham, British media reported. Her Royal Highness and Prince Charles allegedly made it clear that any rift between the two duchess must be kept out of the public eye as they arrived together at the St Mary Magdalene Church. The two appeared to take the advice on board as they were seen laughing and joking while photographers captured the pair walking towards the church. A source told The Sun: "The Queen and Charles have allowed the situation to play out without overtly interfering - but they both made it clear that Christmas was for the whole family to really come together." Rumors of the feud surfaced when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced they were moving out of Kensington Palace to live in Frogmore House in Windsor. There were also reports of a falling out between Meghan and Kate during Princess Charlotte's bridesmaid dress fitting before the royal wedding earlier this year. British media reported that the Queen ordered Kate and Meghan to present a harmonious image when attending a Christmas church service at Sandringham Estate. It is said that the Queen and Prince Charles gave clear instructions that the two Duchess must not show any signs of discord in public when they arrived at St. Mary Magdalene Church together. The pair appeared to heed the advice, chatting and laughing as photographers filmed them walking into the church together. A source told The Sun: "While the Queen and Prince Charles have turned a blind eye to rumors of a rift, both have made it clear that Christmas is a time for the whole family to come together." Kate Rumors of discord with Meghan first emerged when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced that they would move out of Kensington Palace and move to Frogmore Cottage in Windsor. There were also reports that earlier this year, on the eve of Harry and Meghan’s wedding, Meghan and Kate had a quarrel over Princess Charlotte’s fitting of a bridesmaid dress.
Office workers walk along a street at the fringes of a business district in Tokyo, on Oct 30, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]
Record population drop in JP Statistics released by the government of Japan show the country has suffered its biggest natural population decline in history this year. In 2018 Japan posted a record-low birthrate, with the estimated number of children born in the country as being 921,000. That's 25,000 lower from 2017 and it marks the third year in the row that the figure has remained under 1 million, according to a report published by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. Deaths in 2018 hit a postwar high of 1.369 million, making a natural population decline of 448,000 overall. The country's total population is 124 million this year , but with more than 20% of the country's population older than 65, that number is expected to drop to about 88 million by 2065. Data released by the Japanese government show that this year the country suffered the largest natural population decline in history. According to a report released by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare , Japan's birth rate hit a new low in 2018. The number of babies born in the country is expected to be 921,000, a decrease of 25,000 from 2017. The number of new births has been below 1 million for three consecutive years. In 2018, the number of deaths in Japan reached 1.369 million, a new high since World War II, bringing the total natural population decrease to 448,000. This year, Japan's total population is 124 million, but since more than 20% of the population is over 65 years old, Japan's total population is expected to drop to around 88 million by 2065.
[Photo/Chinaculture.org]
New deals by Mogao Grottoes The renowned Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang city, Gansu province, will launch new tour packages starting from April 1 to better meet the needs of tourists. According to the Dunhuang Research Academy, which is responsible for overseeing the UNESCO World Heritage site, full-price tickets for the six types of packages will range from 238 yuan to 50 yuan and the discount fare will be between 148 yuan and 20 yuan. Children under four years old will enjoy free admission. Luo Huaqing, deputy chief of the academy, said the new plan aims to adapt to rising visitor numbers and more diversified tourism needs, while ensuring sustainable development of the tourist attraction. Visitors can book tickets one month in advance through the official website or on the social networking app WeChat. In order to better meet the needs of tourists, the Mogao Grottoes, a famous scenic spot in Dunhuang City, Gansu Province, will launch a new travel package starting from April 1 next year. The Dunhuang Research Institute, which oversees the UNESCO World Heritage Site, said full-price tickets for the six packages range from 238 yuan to 50 yuan, while discount tickets range from 148 yuan to 20 yuan. , children under 4 years old are free of charge. Luo Huaqing, deputy director of the Dunhuang Academy, said the new plan aims to adapt to the increase in the number of visitors and more diversified visiting needs, while ensuring the sustainable development of the tourist attraction. Visitors can book tickets one month in advance through the Mogao Grottoes official website or the social network application WeChat.
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