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As the winter season approaches, Dunhuang, a historical gem in Northwest China's Gansu Province, has joined the growing list of destinations vying to attract international tourists. Known for its rich history and cultural heritage, particularly the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mogao Caves, Dunhuang is gearing up to entice travelers with a range of appealing offers and an expanded visa-free policy that promises a warm welcome to visitors from around the world. Starting December 1, 2024, Dunhuang officially launched its winter tourism season with exciting new initiatives designed to boost tourism in the region. Among the most notable is the introduction of winter and spring discounts at several of the city's top attractions, including the world-renowned Mogao Caves, Mingsha Mountain, Crescent Moon Spring, and the Yumen Pass. These sites, known for their natural beauty and cultural significance, have been made more accessible to both domestic and international visitors. One of the key highlights of the new tourism season is the 50% discount on tickets to the Mogao Caves, which will run until February 28, 2025. Additionally, the number of caves open for public viewing has been increased from eight to ten, with additional access granted to study tour groups. These groups will benefit from professional guides who will lead them through the caves, providing a deeper understanding of the site's significance and history. This move aims to enhance the visitor experience and attract more academic and cultural tourism to Dunhuang. Dunhuang's cultural significance is immense. The city, which served as a crucial crossroads on the ancient Silk Road, is home to one of China's most significant cultural treasures: the Mogao Caves. Dating back to the 4th century AD, the caves house thousands of Buddhist artworks, scriptures, and relics that tell the story of China's ancient civilization and its cultural exchanges with the rest of the world. These caves have long been a focal point for tourists, researchers, and art enthusiasts interested in learning about China's Buddhist heritage and Silk Road history. In addition to discounts on admission, Dunhuang is also making it easier for foreign travelers to visit with a new visa policy. As of December 1, 2024, the Chinese government expanded its unilateral visa-free entry policy to include travelers from nine additional countries, including Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, and Japan. This new policy extension increases the duration of stay for tourists and business visitors from these countries from 15 days to 30 days, further facilitating travel to China. The city's tourism authorities have emphasized that these changes are part of a broader strategy to promote cultural exchanges and make Dunhuang's historic sites more accessible to a global audience. Feng Yingchao, Director of the Dunhuang Culture, Sports, Radio, Television, and Tourism Bureau, stated, "These new ticketing policies aim to lower the threshold for tourists, both domestic and international, making Dunhuang's World Heritage sites more accessible. We are always promoting the intersection of culture with tourism, and we aim to attract more tourists worldwide." Dunhuang's appeal goes beyond its cultural landmarks. The city is also a natural paradise, offering visitors a chance to experience the stunning desert landscapes of Northwest China. Despite the cold temperatures in winter, the days are often sunny, providing ideal weather conditions for outdoor activities. Whether it's exploring the ancient caves or trekking through the dunes of Mingsha Mountain, Dunhuang offers a unique winter getaway experience. The growing interest in Silk Road tourism has also contributed to the city's rising popularity. In 2024, Dunhuang received 19.53 million tourists and generated 16.1 billion yuan (approximately $2.2 billion) in tourism revenue, marking a significant year-on-year increase of 25% and 21%, respectively. The city's combination of rich history, cultural landmarks, and stunning natural beauty has made it a top destination for both domestic and international travelers. Dunhuang is not alone in its efforts to boost winter tourism. Other regions across China are also introducing promotions and incentives to attract visitors during the quieter winter months. For instance, on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, all A-level tourist attractions, excluding temple sites, are offering free admission during the winter. Similarly, Southwest China's Guizhou Province is offering discounts and cash rewards to foreign tour groups in an effort to stimulate tourism. Data from the China Tourism Academy reveals that the winter tourism industry in China is experiencing robust growth. In 2023, the number of winter sports tourists in China increased by 38%, and revenue from winter tourism rose by 50%. These figures highlight the success of the seasonal promotions and demonstrate the growing demand for winter travel in China. The city of Dunhuang is also working to cultivate a global cultural and academic presence. In September 2024, the Dunhuang Forum on cultural heritage emphasized the importance of preserving intangible cultural heritage and promoting sustainable development. Dunhuang's efforts to attract academic and cultural events, such as exhibitions and performance troupes, are helping to position the city as a key player in the global cultural tourism scene. Dunhuang's enhanced accessibility, coupled with its rich cultural offerings and the expanding visa-free policy, marks a new chapter in the city's tourism journey. As winter sets in, the city's desert landscapes, historic sites, and cultural treasures are more accessible than ever before, making it an attractive destination for travelers from around the world. With these efforts, Dunhuang is not only preserving its heritage but also inviting the global community to experience its beauty and history. As travelers seek new, off-the-beaten-path destinations, Dunhuang's combination of history, culture, and natural beauty makes it an ideal winter escape. Whether you're exploring the ancient Mogao Caves or soaking in the sun on the dunes of Mingsha Mountain, Dunhuang promises an unforgettable travel experience that blends the ancient with the modern.
Dehradun/New Delhi, Jun 8 (PTI) Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi on Sunday visited forward posts in Uttarakhand's Garhwal region and reviewed the operational and administrative readiness of the forces deployed in the region, officials said. During his interaction with members of the troops there, he emphasised the importance of maintaining high standards of operational preparedness and constant vigilance. "The Army Chief interacted with troops guarding the frontiers and commended them for their unwavering dedication, resilience, and professionalism," according to a an official statement. The ...Read More >
Ahmedabad, June 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) The MSC IRINA, recognised as the world's largest container ship by TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) capacity, is set to dock at the Adani Group's Vizhinjam International Seaport on Monday and will be berthed till Tuesday. The monumental arrival marks a significant milestone for the seaport, which was dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 2. The MSC IRINA boasts an impressive capacity of 24,346 TEUs, making it a formidable player in global shipping. With a length of 399.9 metres and a width of 61.3 metres, the vessel is approximate ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Axiom-4 crew members, including Shubhanshu Shukla, were welcomed with hugs and drinks as they stepped into the International Space Station on Thursday. The newly launched spacecraft -- the fifth in the Dragon series and named Grace -- successfully completed a soft docking with the International Space Station at 4.01pm while orbiting above the North Atlantic Ocean."At 6:31 am EDT (4:01 IST) on Thursday, the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft docked to the International Space Station for the fourth private astronaut mission to the orbiting laboratory, Axiom Mission 4," the National Aeronautics ...Read More >
Srinagar- Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday urged all stakeholders to join hands in restoring Jammu and Kashmir's position as India's premier tourist destination, saying it was a shared responsibility that must be met with urgency and vision. "It is the collective duty of the government and tourism stakeholders to restore Jammu and Kashmir's position as the country's pre-eminent tourist destination and ensure it remains so," Omar said while addressing the J&K Tourism Revival Dialogue organised jointly by the Department of Tourism and FICCI at SKICC in Srinagar. Emphasising the need for ...Read More >
Bengaluru: Mysuru Dasara is set to run for 11 days this year -- a rare extension driven by celestial alignment and cultural planning -- with the inaugural ceremony on Sept 22 and the grand Jamboo Savari taking place on Oct 2, coinciding with Vijayadashami and Gandhi Jayanti.Chairing a high-level meeting at Vidhana Soudha Friday, chief minister Siddaramaiah said, "Mysuru Dasara in 2025 will be celebrated for 11 days, due to a unique astronomical occurrence -- the Panchami tithi (fifth lunar day) will appear on two consecutive days, Sept 26 and 27, a rare alignment that hasn't occurred in nearly ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasised that the initiative to share the holy relics of the Buddha with Vietnam has sparked a profound cultural and spiritual phenomenon, drawing more than 15 million pilgrims to nine different sites across Vietnam. According to the Vietnam News Agency's correspondent in New Delhi, during the 123rd edition of his radio programme Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Modi said "Can you imagine that in Vietnam - a country of around 100 million people, over 15 million have paid homage to the sacred relics of Lord Buddha? "The images and videos I've s ...Read More >
Telangana has launched a weekend tour package connecting Hyderabad, Warangal, and the UNESCO-recognized Ramappa Temple. Departing from Hyderabad every Saturday and Sunday, the tour offers a full-day exploration of spiritual and historical landmarks, including Bhadrakali Temple, Padmakshi Temple, Thousand Pillar Temple, and the stunning Ramappa Temple. Priced at ₹2,800 for adults and ₹2,240 for children, this affordable package showcases Telangana's rich heritage. The 13th-century Ramappa Temple, known for its architectural innovation and intricate carvings, is a masterpiece of Kakatiya craftsm ...Read More >
Assam Beef Ban: A political row has erupted over the Assam government's decision to ban the public consumption of beef in the state with the Opposition labelling it "against the right to freedom" while the ruling BJP lauding the state Cabinet's call. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had announced on Wednesday that his government has decided to ban the consumption of beef in restaurants, hotels and public places, drawing sharp reactions from the Opposition. Samajwadi Party MP Iqra Hasan ...Read More >
Digha: Hoteliers in West Bengal's Digha have experienced a 20 per cent surge in occupancy as travellers in large numbers are thronging the seaside town since the opening of the Jagannath temple in April, an official said Friday. Around 90 per cent of the boarders are coming for a two-day stay in hotels to visit the town and offer puja to Lord Jagannath in the new temple, Digha Hoteliers Association joint secretary Bipradas Chatterjee told PTI. "Since the opening of the Jagannath temple in April this year, the room occupancy in all hotels has increased by 20 per cent on average. Most of the v ...Read More >
Digha, Jun 27 (PTI) Hoteliers in West Bengal's Digha have experienced a 20 per cent surge in occupancy as travellers in large numbers are thronging the seaside town since the opening of the Jagannath temple in April, an official said on Friday. Around 90 per cent of the boarders are coming for a two-day stay in hotels to visit the town and offer puja to Lord Jagannath in the new temple, Digha Hoteliers Association joint secretary Bipradas Chatterjee told PTI. "Since the opening of the Jagannath temple in April this year, the room occupancy in all hotels has increased by 20 per cent on averag ...Read More >
VISAKHAPATNAM: Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar inaugurated Andhra Pradesh's first Super ECBC (Energy Conservation Building Code) compliant building at Sagar Nagar in Visakhapatnam on Friday. Terming it a landmark in sustainable infrastructure, he emphasised the government's commitment to energy efficiency and green design in public facilities. The facility will serve as a national-level training hub for power sector staff. He urged power utilities to expedite 20 lakh rooftop solar connections, targeting 10,000 in each Assembly segment. He reaffirmed nine-hour uninterrupted power for agri ...Read More >
The Supreme Court halted new temple-mosque legal battles. The court will review the 1991 law impacting religious site status. This law froze the status of religious sites as of August 15, 1947. Several cases, including Gyanvapi and Shahi Idgah, challenge this law. The law's validity is being questioned. The court's decision impacts ongoing and future disputes.In its ruling on the keenly-watched Place of Worship Act case, the Supreme Court said on December 12 that no new Mandir-Masjid suits are to ...Read More >
Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the naval dockyard for the commissioning ceremony of three naval vessels -- two warships INS Surat and INS Nilgiri, and the submarine INS Vaghsheer -- on Wednesday. The event will take place between 9.30 am and 12.30 pm. According to a defence spokesperson, thies commissioning represents a crucial advancement towards fulfilling the national ambition to emerge as a global force in defence production and maritime security. Later, Modi will be at Kharghar in Navi Mumbai at 3.30 pm. Officials said that as part of his initiative to streng ...Read More >
Srinagar, Jun 06: Political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir have extended greetings to the people on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Adha. They expressed hope that the revered occasion brings peace and prosperity to the region. Dr Farooq Abdullah National Conference (NC) president, Dr Farooq Abdullah conveyed his heartfelt greetings to the people on Eid-ul-Adha, wishing them peace, prosperity and unity. In his message, Dr Abdullah reflected on the profound significance of the day, saying, "As the Muslim Ummah comes together in celebration of Eid-ul-Azha, I extend my warmest greetings to ever ...Read More >
Mumbai, June 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana joins names such as Kamal Haasan, Ariana Grande, and Jeremy Strong at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences this year. Ayushmann along with names such as Kamal Haasan Naomi Ackie, Gillian Anderson, Branford Marsalis, Conan O'Brien, Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Graham, Jodie Comer and Jason Momoa are among 534 individuals who were invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences on June 26. "We are thrilled to invite this esteemed class of artists, technologists, and professionals to join the Academy," said Ac ...Read More >
Vijayawada: Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu on Friday unveiled an ambitious vision to position Andhra Pradesh as a global destination of tourism, emphasising its role as an engine for economic growth, employment generation, and cultural promotion. Addressing industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders at a tourism conclave here, the Chief Minister said his goal is to make Andhra Pradesh a wealthy, healthy, and happy state. "Andhra Pradesh will be the future destination for wellness and happiness. My goal is a wealthy, healthy, happy Andhra Pradesh - that is the goal I have set," h ...Read More >
Srinagar- Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday said foreign countries were told clearly during the post-Operation Sindoor diplomatic outreach that in case of a fresh provocation, India would repeat its action. Speaking at a discussion at the Ahmedabad Management Association, Tharoor said Indian delegations which visited foreign countries in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor managed to convey that India acted with restraint and responsibility. "In other places, we actually were able to get some very high-placed people to say not only that they respected and supported India's right of self- ...Read More >
Gaya (Bihar) | Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Tuesday visited Bodh Gaya in Bihar's Gaya district and prayed at the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO world heritage site. After arriving at Gaya International Airport, Dissanayake went straight to the 1,500-year-old Mahabodhi Temple, one of the four holy sites related to the life of the Lord Buddha, and particularly to the attainment of Enlightenment. The Sri Lankan president was received by Bihar ministers Prem Kumar and Santosh Kumar Suman and senior officials of the district administration at the airport. Dissanayake, accompanied ...Read More >
Jaisalmer: The 17-year old man and 15-year-old girl from Pakistan, found dead due to dehydration near the India-Pak border in Jaisalmer on June 28, were cremated on Tuesday after their bodies were handed over by police to their distant relatives in Jaisalmer late Monday night. The last rites were performed in the presence of police. Relatives said the two were married four months ago in Pakistan's Ghotki district and wanted to settle in Jaisalmer, which led them to illegally enter India after their visa applications were turned down. They lost their way on the sand dunes of Bibiyan desert and ...Read More >
VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has unveiled an ambitious vision to position Andhra Pradesh as a global leader in tourism. Addressing a gathering of industry leaders, policymakers and stakeholders at the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Conclave here Vijayawada on Friday, Naidu termed tourism as the engine of future growth. He cited its central role in economic transformation, employment generation and cultural integration. The special guest at the event was Yogrishi Baba Ramdev. Naidu appreciated the efforts of the global forum for sustainable transformation particularly in tourism ...Read More >
The Indian government has announced a 375km rail network expansion, aimed at enhancing economic growth and connectivity in North Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. With a total cost of approximately Rs79.27bn ($1.05bn), these projects are aimed to be completed within four years. Union Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, detailed the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs' approval of three railway infrastructure projects. The projects include the Jalgaon-Manmad fourth line (160 km), Bhusawal-Khandwa third and fourth lines (131km), and the Prayagraj (Iradatganj)-Manikpur thir ...Read More >
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday directed courts across the country to refrain from admitting or passing any new orders on pleas seeking surveys of mosques to determine if temples lie beneath them. This decision extends to existing suits, halting any further orders on the matter. The directive was issued as the apex court continued hearing petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991. This Act prohibits filing lawsuits to reclaim places of worship or alter their character from what existed on August 15, 1947. Judicial Revie ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 8 (ANI): BJP MP Gulam Ali Khatana, who was part of the all-party parliamentary delegation to Europe, said that during their recently conclued visit they successfully communicated India's development story and its resolute stand against terrorism, particularly emanating from Pakistan. Highlighting the delegation's key discussions during the tour, Khatana told ANI, 'We discussed how we dismantled the terrorism factory in Pakistan by responding... We also talked about tourism infrastructure, G20 Summit, and projects like the six-lane roads, bridges, solar initiatives, our ...Read More >
Guwahati, November 27 (IANS): Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Wednesday underscored the northeastern region's legacy, cultural diversity, and natural wealth emphasising its rich cuisine, crafts and biodiversity while inaugurating the 12th edition of the four-day long International Tourism Mart (ITM) in Assam's Kaziranga. Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister said that the ITM is a remarkable opportunity for the northeast India to showcase its rich culture and diversity to the world, adding that the event also offers a platform for people from across the g ...Read More >
Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth tied the knot for the second time in a grand ceremony at Alila Fort, Bishangarh, Rajasthan. The dreamy wedding featured celebrity guests like Farah Khan, Malaika Arora, and Huma Qureshi. Inside photos shared by designer Gaurav Gupta showcased the couple’s magical moments, including lively dance performances to Chaiyya Chaiyya. Aditi dazzled in ethnic attire, while Siddharth serenaded guests with heartfelt songs. Their first wedding in September was a private South Indian ceremony in a 400-year-old temple in Telangana. The couple’s celebrations have left fans swoo ...Read More >
Jaipur: Chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma Friday flagged off the first air-conditioned 'Rajasthan Vahini Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train' from Durgapura railway station under the Devasthan department's Senior Citizens Pilgrimage Scheme-2025. This initiative marked the beginning of the pilgrimage to Rameshwaram, carrying around 800 passengers.Under the scheme, 50,000 senior citizens will travel to 13 different pilgrimage sites via AC trains for the first time this year. The eight-day journey is the longest among the Devasthan department's pilgrimages, including visits to the Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlin ...Read More >
Katra, June 06: Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a powerful message to Pakistan and ter-rorists today, reaffirming India's resolve to protect Jammu and Kashmir from terrorism and ex-ternal aggression. "Whenever Pakistan hears the name Operation Sindoor, it will be reminded of its humiliating de-feat," Modi declared, referring to the recent successful military operation that struck terror infra-structure inside Pakistan. He said Operation Sindoor demonstrated the strength of Aatmnirbhar Bharat and praised the armed forces for their trust in 'Make in India.' "You have seen how Operation ...Read More >
Srinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday condemned the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam as a deliberate attempt by Pakistan to undermine "insaniyat (humanity) and Kashmiriyat (Kashmiri ethos)," targeting not only peace but also the livelihoods of Kashmiris dependent on tourism. Addressing a massive public rally in Katra after inaugurating the first direct train service to the Kashmir Valley, Modi called the assault "a sinister effort to incite communal violence in India and cripple the tourism sector that sustains thousands of hardworking Kashmiris." Highlighting the symbolic signi ...Read More >
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh tourism department and Union ministry of external affairs organised a six-day familiarization trip, 'Bodhi Yatra' from June 2-7 under the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) initiative.The trip featured a 50-member delegation from five ASEAN countries - Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam - which explored key Buddhist heritage sites and other attractions across UP.Tourism and culture minister Jaiveer Singh said the special journey was to promote India's Buddhist circuit globally and strengthen cultural and tourism ties between India and Southeast Asian countries ...Read More >
Patna: The Bihar government decided on Tuesday to develop Goddess Sita's birthplace at Punaura Dham in Sitamarhi district, around 140km north of the state capital, at a cost of Rs 883 crore. The foundation stone of the project, modelled on the lines of the Ram Temple and pilgrimage area of Ayodhya, would be laid in August. A cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar gave its nod to the plan provided by the tourism department, which comes in the run-up to the state Assembly elections, expected to be held in October-November this year. "Punaura Dham is of much religious and touris ...Read More >