Sichuan's Humanoid Robots Train for Real-World Roles Beyond the Stage
Sichuan-based EIR Robotics is advancing its humanoid robots through intensive daily training, simulation, and real-world testing. Its models, including the full-size 'Tianxingzhe-1' and emotion-focused 'Aiqiu,' are being refined with upgraded motion control algorithms and multimodal perception for better human interaction. The company is building a dedicated training facility with simulated scenarios like power corridors and home environments to prepare robots for practical roles in industry, elderly care, and tourism. Partnerships with leasing and cultural-tourism firms aim to deploy robots in real-world settings, while the team plans to showcase 'Made-in-Sichuan' robots at national and international events.
2026-03-02 16:48:07Pickleball's Rise in Sichuan: How a 'Hybrid' Sport Is Winning Over Young Players
Pickleball, a hybrid sport combining elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, is gaining rapid popularity in China, especially among young people. Originating in the U.S. in the 1960s, it features low entry barriers, affordable equipment (ranging from $5–30), and moderate physical intensity. Venues like Chengdu’s JUST Pickleball Park report strong demand, with membership growing steadily since mid-2023. The sport is now included in national fitness events and university courses, and industry insiders project participant numbers in Chengdu alone to exceed 10,000 by 2026. Experts believe wider adoption depends on increased accessibility, standardized training, and continued institutional support.
2026-03-02 16:46:53Sichuan and Guangdong Launch Free Train for 760 Migrant Workers' Return to Work
On March 2, 760 Sichuan-based migrant workers departed from Chengdu East Station on a free dedicated train (D1809) to return to jobs in Guangdong Province. Organized jointly by the human resources departments of Sichuan and Guangdong provinces and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China’s Sichuan branch, this was the first interprovincial employment-focused train arranged after the Spring Festival. Workers boarded at stations in Chengdu, Meishan, Leshan, and Yibin, receiving care packages from local authorities. The initiative aims to ensure safe, orderly, and convenient travel amid post-holiday return-to-work demand.
2026-03-02 16:45:50World's Tallest Concrete-Faced Rockfill Dam in Sichuan Completes Key Turbine Installation
On March 1, the first (Unit 4) turbine runner was successfully installed at the Lawa Hydropower Station, the world's tallest concrete-faced rockfill dam, marking a key milestone in its construction and paving the way for initial units to be ready for power generation by year-end. Located on the Jinsha River between Sichuan's Batang County and Tibet's Markam County, the station features four 500 MW Francis turbines totaling 2,000 MW capacity. The runner assembly, weighing 262.1 tons with a diameter of 6.7 meters and height of 8.87 meters, is critical for converting water energy into mechanical energy. Once fully operational, the plant will generate about 9 billion kWh annually, saving 2.77 million tons of standard coal and reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 7.41 million tons.
2026-03-02 16:45:48Wild Panda in Sichuan Captured Doing Handstand to Mark Territory
Infrared cameras in Pingwu section of Giant Panda National Park recently captured rare footage of wild giant pandas engaging in natural behaviors, including walking leisurely through bamboo forests and performing handstands to mark territory with urine and anal gland secretions. This scent-marking behavior is a key social and territorial communication method among wild pandas. The clear documentation of such behavior indicates good health of the local panda population and improving habitat conditions. Enhanced monitoring and conservation efforts in the area have repeatedly recorded pandas and other rare wildlife, supporting regional biodiversity protection.
2026-03-02 16:45:37Sichuan's Yibin Exports 700 Tons of Vegetables to Hong Kong Amid Standardized Farming Push
Yibin, Sichuan has developed a standardized production system for vegetables destined for Hong Kong, with 58 registered export bases covering 32,600 acres—over 75% of the provincial total. A recent yield test in Xingwen County confirmed 5,500 lbs per acre of high-quality potatoes meeting safety standards. The Yibin Agricultural Development Group coordinates a cooperative model involving state-owned enterprises, large growers, village collectives, and agribusinesses, ensuring strict adherence to Hong Kong’s requirements from seed selection to harvest. Vegetables are pre-cooled and shipped via cold-chain logistics, reaching Hong Kong within 22 hours. Over 700 tons were exported during the Spring Festival, and efforts continue to refine cultivation practices and expand market access.
2026-02-27 17:46:01Why Sichuan's Panda Cub 'Su Jin Zai' Went Viral as a 'Black Coal Ball'
A giant panda cub named 'Su Jin Zai,' born on June 28, 2025, at the Wolong Shenshuping Base in China, went viral online for its unusually dark, muddy appearance, earning nicknames like 'black coal ball.' The discoloration resulted from the playful cub rolling in wet, muddy ground after snowfall. Despite public concern, authorities clarified that washing pandas with water can damage their natural protective skin oils, which help them withstand cold and damp conditions. Staff have gently cleaned the cub instead.
2026-02-27 17:44:56Sichuan's Gaoxian County Reaps Tourism Boom from Early-Blooming Rapeseed Flowers
Gao County in Sichuan's Yibin City has attracted over 240,000 visitors during the Spring Festival holiday with its early-blooming rapeseed flowers and the 'Spring Banquet' tourism campaign. The county enhanced visitor experience through shuttle buses, expanded parking, new restrooms, and volunteer services. Beyond flower viewing, it introduced diverse activities like off-road racing, farm games, art installations in fields, and a repurposed rural school offering nostalgic experiences. Local vendors thrived at spring markets selling regional products, while homestays grew from 7 to nearly 30 in a year, boosting rural income and tourism infrastructure.
2026-02-27 17:44:54Lawa Hydropower Station in Sichuan Set for Impoundment in October
Lawa Hydropower Station, located on the Jinsha River at the Sichuan-Tibet border and featuring the world's highest concrete-faced rockfill dam, is on track to close its gates for reservoir filling in October 2024. Construction is progressing toward commissioning the first generating unit by year-end 2024, with stator installation complete and rotor assembly 80% finished. Once fully operational, the station will generate an average of 9 billion kWh annually, saving about 2.77 million tons of standard coal and reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 7.41 million tons per year, supporting China's clean energy and carbon neutrality goals.
2026-02-27 17:44:30Strawberries at $360 a Pound: Milk-Watered 'King' Variety Sells Out in China
A luxury strawberry variety priced at 360 yuan per jin (about $50 per pound) in Liaoning, China, marketed as being irrigated with fermented milk and grown with non-GMO soybean cake, sold out despite skepticism from experts. Agricultural specialists note that while milk fermentation may slightly enhance flavor, it offers minimal benefit compared to conventional methods like soil improvement and optimized fertilization. The high price is attributed to scarcity, novelty, marketing, and gift appeal rather than significant nutritional superiority. Experts caution consumers against equating high price with high quality or nutrition.
2026-02-27 17:06:56Sichuan's First Air Cargo Bonded Zone Launches in Chengdu
Chengdu Tianfu International Airport Comprehensive Bonded Zone, Sichuan's first air-port-type bonded zone, officially commenced operations on February 27. The zone, covering 1.08 square kilometers and adjacent to Tianfu International Airport, enables integrated customs supervision and one-stop clearance. Its first shipment—a high-value Airbus A321 engine from Hong Kong—was processed in under a minute. The zone will focus on aviation equipment, cold-chain pharmaceuticals, aircraft maintenance, and cross-border e-commerce, offering services like bonded repair, processing, R&D, and leasing. Supported by policies including up to RMB 20 million in subsidies, it aims to cut operational costs by 20% and boost logistics efficiency by 10–30%, strengthening Sichuan’s role in the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle.
2026-02-27 17:06:07Sichuan's CAIG Unveils 2025 Results: Revenue Surges 340% as Drone Deliveries Soar
AVIC (Chengdu) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Co., Ltd. reported 2025 revenue of RMB 3.016 billion, up 340.11% year-on-year, and net profit attributable to shareholders of RMB 885.75 million, turning from loss to profit with a 264.28% increase. The growth was driven by technological innovation, expanded product lines, enhanced system integration, increased product deliveries, and strengthened domestic and international market presence.
2026-02-27 17:05:59Sichuan's Dazhou Draws 300,000 to Ancient 'Yuanjiu' Climbing Festival with Games, Books and Folklore
On February 25 (the ninth day of the first lunar month), over 300,000 residents participated in Dazhou’s annual Yuanjiu Climbing Festival, a 1,200-year-old tradition honoring Tang Dynasty poet Yuan Zhen. People climbed mountains like Phoenix Hill and Cuiping Mountain, engaging in new activities including traditional games, book fairs, poetry quizzes, intangible cultural heritage performances, and themed zones offering food, crafts, and interactive experiences. Evening festivities featured a grand folk parade with lanterns, dragon dances, and iron flower displays, blending heritage with modern celebration.
2026-02-27 17:05:50Sichuan Butterfly Census Reveals 1,002 Species, Nearly Half of China's Total
A butterfly census in Sichuan Province, China, has recorded 1,002 species as of 2025, up from 644 in 2020, accounting for 48% of the nation's total. Led by researchers from the Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Sichuan University, the survey monitors butterfly diversity, distribution, and population trends across 800 ecological monitoring sites and 9 national stations. Butterflies serve as environmental indicators due to their sensitivity to habitat changes. The census informs conservation strategies for endangered species like the Golden Kaiser-i-Hind and Chinese Luehdorfia, and guides ecological restoration and urban planning. Winter monitoring in Chengdu has also revealed active butterfly species previously thought absent in cold months.
2026-02-25 10:52:31Sichuan Team Develops Shrew-Inspired Micro-Robots for Hazardous Environments
Researchers at the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China have developed a 6-gram, shrew-inspired microrobot capable of individual mobility and magnetic-tail-based collaborative linking. Published in Cell Press’s journal Device, the robot uses a combination of magnetic attraction and thermally controlled adhesive to form and break connections on demand. Designed for tasks in confined or hazardous environments—such as search-and-rescue in rubble or inspection in narrow pipelines—the robots can assemble into chains to traverse obstacles, carry loads twice their weight, and operate for about 45 minutes. The team aims to enhance autonomy with sensors and cameras, drawing further inspiration from nature for future micro-robotic systems.
2026-02-25 10:51:25Sichuan Launches 1,000+ Science Education Sites for Immersive Winter Break Learning
During the winter holiday, Sichuan has seen a surge in science-themed educational tourism, with over 1,000 integrated science popularization venues and study-travel routes offering immersive, hands-on experiences.. Highlights include dinosaur-themed activities at Chengdu University of Technology Museum, interactive exhibits at Sichuan Science and Technology Museum—including a new AI gallery—and special programs on topics like horses for the Lunar New Year. Venues such as the Life Mystery Museum and major scientific facilities like the LHAASO observatory are also part of the province-wide initiative.The ‘Tianfu Science Popularization Study Tour’ platform aims to ensure every student participates in at least one high-quality science study tour activity by the mid-2030s.
2026-02-25 10:50:31Sichuan Leads China in Spring Festival Consumption Surge
During the 2026 Chinese New Year holiday (February 15–23), Sichuan Province saw robust consumer activity driven by integrated policies, new consumption scenarios, and cultural events. Retail sales from 411 monitored enterprises reached RMB 2.78 billion, up 10.9% year-on-year, while 120 new consumption venues attracted over 56 million visitors and generated over RMB 4.6 billion in sales. Key drivers included trade-in programs for appliances, electronics, and vehicles—boosting spending by billions—and a RMB 21 million invoice lottery in Chengdu that spurred RMB 1.13 billion in consumption. Cultural and tech-themed experiences, such as AI products, drone shows, and immersive heritage activities, drew both domestic and international tourists. Inbound tourism to Chengdu rose 47.2% to 77,000 visitors, and out-of-province spending in Sichuan totaled RMB 31.088 billion, up 14.05%.
2026-02-25 10:48:16Chengdu, Sichuan, Enters Spring 18 Days Early Amid Record Warmth
Chengdu officially entered meteorological spring on February 13, 18 days earlier than average, marking the fourth earliest spring since 2000. The city recorded a high of 25.5°C on February 24, with no rainfall and an average temperature of 12.2°C last week—3.7°C above normal. The winter of 2025 was shorter by six days. While March temperatures are expected to remain above average, a late-month cold snap could bring 'returning cold' conditions.
2026-02-25 10:47:45Sichuan's Largest Salmon Processor Sees Record Demand During Lunar New Year
During the 9-day Chinese New Year holiday, Meiyan Oceanic Food Co., Ltd.—operator of western China's largest imported fresh salmon processing plant in Chengdu—ran its production lines nonstop due to record-high demand. Output surged to 120 tons this year, up from 50 and 80 tons in the previous two years. With over 100 workers working through Lunar New Year's Eve, even administrative staff were reassigned to assist with packaging and delivery. The company attributes rising demand in Sichuan’s smaller cities like Yibin and Luzhou to improved global supply chains, faster customs clearance, and e-commerce growth. Post-holiday, the firm launched a recruitment drive for about 80 positions ahead of a new production line construction.
2026-02-25 10:47:06Sichuan Railways Break Records as Holiday Travel Surges Past 2 Million in a Day
During the 9-day Chinese New Year holiday (Feb 15–23), China Railway Chengdu Group sent a record 13.753 million passengers, averaging 1.5282 million daily—a 10.3% increase from last year. Peak days saw up to 2,223 trains operated daily, including 560 extra services. Popular routes included Chengdu-Chongqing, Zhengzhou-Chongqing, and Sichuan-Qinghai railways, with tourism hotspots like Sanxingdui and Jiuzhaigou driving significant growth. Multiple stations, including Guang'an South and Langzhong, set new single-day passenger records. Enhanced services included additional security lanes and special migrant worker trains.
2026-02-25 10:46:17Chengdu Airport Sets Record with 316,000 Passengers in Single Day During Spring Festival
During China's longest-ever Spring Festival holiday (Feb 15–23), Chengdu's aviation hub handled a record 2.645 million passengers and 17,000 flights, ranking third nationally. Passenger volume peaked on Feb 23 with 316,000 travelers, the highest single-day figure in history. Average seat occupancy reached 90.7%, with 94.1% on the peak day. International and regional travel surpassed 2019 levels, especially to Europe and Oceania, which grew by 70% and 120.9% respectively compared to 2019. Domestic travelers favored first-tier cities, western tourist provinces, and tropical destinations.
2026-02-25 10:46:07Sichuan Ports Report 33% Surge in Cargo Volume During Lunar New Year
Sichuan's ports reported a strong start to the year, handling 36,600 tons of cargo during the Spring Festival holiday, a 33.04% year-on-year increase. Since the integration of five major ports—Luzhou, Yibin, Leshan, Nanchong, and Guang'an—under Sichuan Port Company last May, operations have intensified. Container throughput reached 4,491 TEUs (flat year-on-year), while rail-water intermodal volume rose 22.07% to 896 TEUs. The ports operated 34 voyages, up 47.83%. Enhanced coordination with customs and railway units ensured seamless cargo handling and transport.
2026-02-25 10:46:07Luzhou's 'Museum Spring Festival' Trend Reflects Broader Cultural Shift in Sichuan
During the 2025 Spring Festival, Luzhou saw a surge in cultural tourism as 'celebrating the New Year in museums' became a popular trend. Driven by a diverse matrix of cultural venues—including national-level museums, historic districts like Yaoba and Taiping ancient towns, and industry-themed sites such as Langjiu Manor—Luzhou offered immersive experiences like the interactive drama 'Shijing Qimiao You' at the Luxian Song Dynasty Stone Carving Museum. The city hosted major exhibitions, including an Austrian silverware display and the Sichuan debut of a digital art exhibition on Sanxingdui–Jinsha relics, attracting over 300,000 visitors in 54 days. Innovative approaches, such as blending heritage with performance, VR, and themed merchandise, boosted both cultural engagement and revenue. Luzhou aims to become a 'Museum City' anchored by the China Liquor Museum and supported by specialized local museums.
2026-02-25 10:45:34Sichuan Freight Trains Run Nonstop Through Lunar New Year
During the 2024 Spring Festival, multiple freight train services in Sichuan—including the Yangtze River, Northbound, and Greater Bay Area routes—operated continuously, running a total of 39 trains and transporting approximately 54,395 tons of goods such as food, daily necessities, home appliances, chemicals, coke, and grain. The Yangtze River service uses a rail-water intermodal system to halve transit time compared to traditional shipping. The Northbound route delivered yuanming powder from Meishan to Shandong, while the Greater Bay Area trains swiftly transported Sichuan specialties like hotpot base and doubanjiang to Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao within 36 hours, with return trips bringing fashion, beverages, and electronics into Sichuan.
2026-02-25 10:44:17West China Hospital Showcases 'Made-in-Sichuan' Innovations at Dubai Health Expo
West China Hospital of Sichuan University showcased its self-developed precision diagnostics equipment, regenerative medicine products, and new drugs at the World Health Expo in Dubai from February 9–12. Highlights included microarray chip detectors, semiconductor and nanopore gene sequencers, decellularized amniotic membrane for tissue engineering, a new anesthetic drug, and a standardized traditional Chinese medicine ointment. The hospital also held in-depth discussions with leading international medical and academic institutions, reaching preliminary agreements on collaborative research, talent development, technology transfer, joint center establishment, and expanding its global cooperation network across North America, Europe, and the Middle East.
2026-02-14 11:02:23Sichuan's 'Panda Express' Launches on China-Europe Rail to Boost 'Made in Sichuan' Exports
The first China-Europe Railway Express 'Panda' train, carrying 55 containers of Sichuan-made Changhong home appliances, departed from Chengdu International Railway Port on February 13, heading to Europe via the Khorgos port. This marks the debut of the 'Panda' brand, launched to support 'Sichuan products going global' and serve as a mobile calling card for 'Made in Sichuan.' The cargo, including Changhong TVs, will be distributed across European retail chains, specialty stores, and e-commerce platforms. The service cuts delivery time to Europe to just over 10 days—more than 60% faster than sea freight—enhancing supply chain resilience. Chengdu plans to increase departures to help more Sichuan products reach global markets.
2026-02-14 11:02:05
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