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Experience Japanese contemporary art at Roppongi Crossing 2025. On now at the Mori Art Museum

TOKYO, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Mori Art Museum, on the 53rd floor of Tokyo’s iconic Roppongi Hills, is again hosting the triennial exhibition Roppongi Crossing, providing a comprehensive look at Japan’s contemporary art scene and rising social trends. Roppongi Crossing 2025: What Passes Is Time. We Are Eternal. takes “time” as a theme, featuring 21 artists, both solo and groups, some active in Japan, and some with roots in Japan, but active overseas. Fully bilingual, with a trial AI audio guide in approximately 20 languages available. Photography permitted.

Wada Reijiro "MITTAG" 2025 Glass, brass, bronze, and brandy 238 x 212 x 79 cm Production Support / Courtesy: SCAI THE BATHHOUSE, Tokyo Installation view: "Roppongi Crossing 2025: What Passes Is Time. We Are Eternal.", Mori Art Museum, Tokyo, 2025-2026 Photo: Takehisa Naoki Photo courtesy: Mori Art Museum, Tokyo
Wada Reijiro “MITTAG” 2025 Glass, brass, bronze, and brandy 238 x 212 x 79 cm Production Support / Courtesy: SCAI THE BATHHOUSE, Tokyo Installation view: “Roppongi Crossing 2025: What Passes Is Time. We Are Eternal.”, Mori Art Museum, Tokyo, 2025-2026 Photo: Takehisa Naoki Photo courtesy: Mori Art Museum, Tokyo

Key Highlights of the Roppongi Crossing 2025 Exhibition

1. Mystical AI-Controlled Bubble Installation, The Moon Underwater (A.A.Murakami)
This work evokes ephemeral beauty unique to Japan, such as the moon in the night sky and cherry blossoms falling.

2. Subway Exit (ZUGAKOUSAKU & KURIEITO) 250 Meters Up!
Humorous and impactful. A clear exhibition highlight.

3. MITTAG (Wada Reijiro) offers a unique, amber-colored view of Tokyo.
A massive sculpture featuring brandy poured between two panes of glass. View Tokyo from this unique perspective.

These highlights are in addition to a variety of other stimulating works, from traditional crafts to AI.

Exhibition Title:    Roppongi Crossing 2025: What Passes Is Time. We Are Eternal.
Dates:                  Wednesday, December 3, 2025 – Sunday, March 29, 2026
Venue:                 Mori Art Museum

For more information, please visit Mori Art Museum website: www.mori.art.museum

About the Mori Art Museum

The Mori Art Museum, Tokyo, opened in 2003 seeking to become a contemporary art museum of international importance, symbolic of the status of Roppongi Hills in Tokyo as Cultural Heart of the City. The Museum with a global outlook is committed to presenting cutting-edge visual arts, architecture, design and other modes of creative practice from around the world, from a unique viewpoint informed by its ongoing dedication to the contemporary and international. Above all, it plays an especially vital role as a center for contemporary art from Japan and the wider Asia-Pacific, by focusing on the art of the region, decoding individual cultural backgrounds and positioning emerging trends within a broader global context. Last but not least, the Mori Art Museum is committed to the principle of Art + Life, encouraging to realize an enriched, vibrant and well-rounded society where art relates to all aspects of life.

TECNO Launches POVA Curve 2 5G: Ultra-Slim 7.42mm Design Meets 8000mAh Mega Battery

HONG KONG, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TECNO, the AI-driven innovation technology brand, today unveiled POVA Curve 2 5G, the latest addition to its POVA smartphone lineup. It combines an ultra-slim design with TECNO’s largest Mega Battery to date, crafted for users whose fast-paced days demand a smartphone that keeps up. The POVA series is renowned for its futuristic design, powerful performance, gaming experiences, and dependable battery life without compromise.


With POVA Curve 2 5G, TECNO continues to evolve the POVA series to meet changing user needs. As smartphones and AI increasingly become ever more central in work, entertainment, and communication, devices must now pair robust endurance with maximum comfort and modern styling. TECNO POVA Curve 2 5G embodies this shift, bringing together reliable performance, extended battery life, and a refined, ultra-slim form factor.

Bold Futurism, Built Slim for Everyday Power

TECNO POVA Curve 2 5G carries forward the POVA series’ bold yet refined design language — where futuristic imagination meets clean, confident simplicity. Inspired by interstellar spaceship design cues, TECNO POVA Curve 2 5G features a refined curved AMOLED display that enhances its immersive, modern feel. Outstanding textures combined with flowing lines balance visual impact with everyday usability, giving the POVA series a distinctive futuristic, premium aesthetic. Available in Melting Silver, Storm Titanium, and Mystic Purple, TECNO POVA Curve 2 5G blends bold expression with everyday practicality.

Despite housing TECNO’s largest battery to date, TECNO POVA Curve 2 5G remains remarkably compact. At just 7.42mm thin and 195g, it stands among the slimmest and lightest smartphones in its class with an 8000mAh battery. This design embodies TECNO’s philosophy of “more power without added bulk”, delivering strong power in a sleek profile that feels modern, sits comfortably in a palm and pocket, and lasts all day.

Built to withstand daily demands, TECNO POVA Curve 2 5G is protected by IP64 dust and water resistance, SGS-certified 1.5-meter drop protection, and Corning® Gorilla® Glass 7i. Together, these features provide everyday confidence and durability, so users can focus on living, moving, and creating without worry.

Power That Keeps Up, Wherever You Go

Engineered for intensive use, TECNO POVA Curve 2 5G delivers a balanced blend of endurance, efficiency, and connectivity.  At its core is TECNO’s largest Mega Battery to date. The 8000mAh high-density battery, 2500mAh larger than the previous generation, enables extended travel, gaming, streaming, and multitasking, all within an ultra-slim design.

With 45W fast charging and bypass charging technology, it manages heat and protect battery health during prolonged sessions. TÜV SÜD certified for long battery life and engineered for up to six years of durability,

TECNO POVA Curve 2 5G performs reliably in extreme conditions, smoothly charging and operating from -20°C to 60°C. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7100 5G processor, TECNO POVA Curve 2 5G handles everyday tasks, streaming and gaming smoothly, while the 144Hz curved ALMOLED display ensures ultra-fluid motion and rich visuals. 

Supporting this performance, TECNO’s dual-signal enhancement chipsets strengthen cellular and Wi-Fi connections in weak, crowded or network-free areas. TECNO POVA Curve 2 5G also supports offline voice, text, and image communication up to 1.5km in open areas, keeping you connected even when off the grid.

Practical AI for Smarter Daily Experiences

Running on TECNO’s HiOS 16, TECNO POVA Curve 2 5G integrates system-level AI features that simplify daily interactions and save users’ time. The experience is designed to feel natural and unobtrusive, quietly helping users save time, stay organized, and interact more efficiently with their device.

AI tools help users summarise content, streamline writing, reduce background noise during calls, and automatically enhance photos. These features operate seamlessly in the background to make daily tasks faster and more intuitive. Locally relevant functions, such as AI-powered Muslim prayer reminders that reflect TECNO’s commitment to meaning, region-aware innovation.

For capturing and organizing ideas on the go, One-tap FlashMemo and Mind Hub are a dream team. One-tap FlashMemo allows users to instantly capture and summarise on-screen information with a single tap, while Mind Hub acts as a central space to organise AI-generated content, notes, and saved insights for clearer thinking and more efficient daily workflows.

As part of TECNO’s broader AI ecosystem, the device also enables personalised experiences through the Ella Assistant, allowing for more natural interaction across various scenarios. Combined with playful visual elements and intuitive system design, HiOS 16 delivers an experience that feels both smart and expressive.

Designed for Long-Term Use

TECNO POVA Curve 2 5G reflects TECNO’s commitment to delivering smartphones built for longevity. With support for two major Android OS upgrades and a focus on sustained smooth performance over time, it’s designed to remain a reliable companion well into the future.

Availability

The TECNO POVA Curve 2 5G will be available in India in February 2026, with pricing and specifications announced at launch. Following its release, the device will be showcased at MWC 2026, offering visitors a first-hand experience of its cutting-edge design and powerful performance.

Shanghai Records Surge in Inbound Tourism in 2025, Welcoming Over 9.36 Million Visitors

SHANGHAI, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Shanghai’s tourism market rebounded strongly in 2025, with inbound travel rising sharply throughout the year. The city received 9.3602 million inbound visitors over the year, further cementing its position as a leading gateway for international travelers visiting China.

Diversified and Balanced Source Markets

According to data from the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, inbound arrivals climbed 39.58% year-over-year to 9.3602 million, with momentum accelerating toward year-end. December alone saw 1.0777 million inbound visits, up 45.56% from the same period a year earlier. Overnight stays accounted for the largest share of inbound travel. The city recorded 1.0397 million overnight visitors in December, an increase of 47.72% year-over-year, bringing the annual total to 8.7894 million, up 45.09%. The growth highlighted Shanghai’s renewed appeal to international travelers and its continued role as a major urban destination in Asia.

Arrivals from major source markets rose markedly. Arrivals from South Korea more than doubled to 909,100, a rise of 103.62% from a year earlier. Visitor numbers from Russia increased significantly, with December arrivals jumping 93.58% and the annual figure reaching 385,100, up 59.23%. Thailand contributed 513,700 visitors, up 70.16%, while Indonesia and Italy recorded annual increases of 62.13% and 52.43%, respectively. Traditional source markets such as Singapore, Malaysia and Australia maintained steady momentum, each posting growth of more than 30%, contributing to a more diversified inbound visitor mix and reflecting broad-based demand across both regional and long-haul markets.

Inbound tourism services expanded in tandem, with travel agencies playing an increasingly central role. Agencies organized 180,500 inbound visits during the year, up 97.39% year-over-year, including 13,300 in December alone, a rise of 102.48%. Travel agencies received 274,900 inbound visitors overall, an increase of 55.49%, of which 231,700 were overnight stays, up 55.04%, reflecting steadily improving service capacity.

Accommodation Sector Sees Strong Demand

Thanks to visa-free policies and Shanghai’s distinctive urban landscape, several boutique hotels reported robust performance. International travelers accounted for 66% of guests at the Yangtze Boutique Shanghai, with Europeans making up the largest group. Broadway Mansions Hotel, known for its panoramic views of the Bund and the Huangpu River, has become a popular stop for overseas visitors; international guests represented 20% of its clientele, with South Koreans making up the largest share. Moller Villa and InterContinental Shanghai Ruijin reported foreign guest shares of 21% and 25%, respectively, underscoring the city’s cultural and architectural heritage and the enduring appeal of its historic properties.

Overall, Shanghai’s accommodation market remained buoyant overall in 2025. In December, occupancy rates for star-rated hotels and other lodging establishments were broadly level at 63.30% and 63.29%. Star-rated hotels recorded a full-year occupancy rate of 65.86%, up 2.00 percentage points from a year earlier, reflecting sustained travel demand throughout the year.

Five-star hotels, representing the high-end segment, delivered particularly strong results. Occupancy reached 70.71% in December, up 4.45 percentage points from a year earlier, while the annual average stood at 71.30%, an increase of 2.81 percentage points. Average daily room rates also climbed, reaching RMB 1,045.32 in December, up 9.29% year-over-year, with the annual average at RMB 978.80.

As more targeted, high-end travel experiences come to market, Shanghai is expected to attract a growing number of international visitors in the coming years amid the continued recovery and evolution of global travel.

Shaima from Dubai poses with her daughter for a portrait at Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai. Photo by Yang Yuhong / Xinmin Evening News
Shaima from Dubai poses with her daughter for a portrait at Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai. Photo by Yang Yuhong / Xinmin Evening News

 

Coda Launches Regional Anti-Scam Campaign to Help Gamers Stay Ahead of Online Scams

SINGAPORE, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Coda, a global leader in digital content monetization and distribution, has partnered with Indonesia’s Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency (EKRAF) to launch ‘Guard Your Game’, an anti-scam awareness campaign designed to help Indonesian gamers spot, avoid, and report common online fraud tactics in gaming commerce.

As online gaming continues to grow into a vibrant digital economy, scammers are increasingly targeting players through phishing links, fake reward claims, impersonation, and fraudulent top-up offers, often disguised to look like trusted platforms. Guard Your Game equips consumers with practical knowledge and tools to protect themselves, including guidance on how to identify fraudulent websites impersonating legitimate services such as Coda’s digital content marketplace, Codashop.

The launch of Guard Your Game in Indonesia marks the start of Coda’s wider regional campaign to combat scams across Southeast Asia and support a safer ecosystem for gamers to play and pay. Gamers can also access Coda’s Online Safety URL Checker to verify legitimate websites and avoid scam or impersonation links: https://www.coda.co/online-safety/

The initiative comes amid rising online fraud across Indonesia’s digital economy. According to the Indonesia Financial Services Authority (OJK), e-commerce fraud was the most frequently reported scam category as of November 2025, with 64,933 reports and losses of IDR 1.14 trillion. Impersonation scams and fake calls followed, accounting for 39,978 reports and IDR 1.54 trillion in losses. Phishing attempts and malicious APK files distributed via messaging platforms were also widely reported. Overall, OJK noted that public losses from online scams reached Rp7.9 trillion over the past year from more than 350,000 reports.

Endorsed by EKRAF, Guard Your Game reflects a shared commitment to strengthening digital awareness and supporting safer online experiences within Indonesia’s fast-growing creative economy. By combining public education, practical tools, and collaboration with government partners, the campaign aims to build long-term digital resilience among gamers and reduce exposure to fraudulent schemes.

Liz Adam, VP Corporate Affairs at Coda, said: “At Coda, we believe that a truly trusted digital ecosystem is built on informed users. This anti-scam campaign is a testament to our proactive commitment to consumer protection, empowering individuals with the critical knowledge and tools needed to detect and avoid fraudulent sites. With Guard Your Game, our aim is not just to mitigate risk, but to enable our users to navigate the digital world with confidence, fostering a safer collective environment for everyone online.”

Muhammad Neil El Himam, Deputy Chairman for Digital and Technology Creativity at the Indonesian Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency, added: “The rapid growth of Indonesia’s gaming and digital content subsectors presents significant opportunities for creativity, innovation, and contributions to the development of the creative economy. However, as digital participation continues to expand, strengthening public and user awareness of fraud risks – particularly among gamers – has become increasingly crucial. We highly appreciate initiatives such as Coda’s Guard Your Game campaign, which helps gamers have more awareness and understanding in recognizing and avoiding scams on gaming transactions. This collaboration between the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency and Coda reflects the shared responsibility between government and industry in building a convenient, inclusive, and safe digital creative economy ecosystem.”

To follow the campaign on Codashop social channels, visit:

For more information and to access the anti-scam resources, please visit: https://www.coda.co/online-safety/

About Coda

Coda is a global leader in digital content monetization and distribution. We’re trusted by 300+ publishers—including Activision, Electronic Arts, and Riot Games—to grow their audiences and revenue worldwide. Our out-of-app solutions include Custom Commerce, a fully customizable web store; Codapay, which enables seamless direct payments through a single API integration on publishers’ websites; Codashop, the go-to marketplace for millions of gamers to purchase in-game content; and Distribution, which extends content reach through a network of trusted commerce partners. Founded in 2011, Coda is headquartered in Singapore with a team of 550+ Codans around the globe. Coda recently acquired Recharge, Europe’s leading prepaid payments platform. Coda is backed by Apis Partners, Insight Partners, and Smash Capital, and has been named an APAC High Growth Company (2023) by Financial Times, one of Granite Asia’s NextGenTech 30 (2024), a payments leader on Fortune’s Fintech Innovation Asia list (2024), and listed among The Straits Times Fastest Growing Fintechs (2024). For more on Coda, visit coda.co.

Zoomlion to Showcase Intelligent Construction Solutions and Flagship Equipment at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. (“Zoomlion” or “the Company”; 1157.HK) has announced its participation in CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, one of the world’s leading construction machinery exhibitions running from March 3-7, 2026, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The Company will present its latest intelligent construction solutions and a broad lineup of flagship equipment at Booth F42027 in the Festival Grounds area of the exhibition.

Zoomlion to Showcase Intelligent Construction Solutions and Flagship Equipment at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026
Zoomlion to Showcase Intelligent Construction Solutions and Flagship Equipment at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026

Zoomlion’s exhibition theme, Vision Creates Future, aligns with its broader focus on intelligent construction, digital management, and sustainable development. The Company aims to share its latest practices in automation, digitalization, and smart equipment management with global industry professionals through on-site demonstrations and product presentations.

Zoomlion will showcase equipment covering multiple major product categories, including earthmoving machinery, construction hoisting machinery, mobile crane machinery, and concrete equipment. The display is designed to highlight the Company’s comprehensive product portfolio and its continued investment in intelligent and digitalized construction technologies.

An interactive 5G remote operation experience will be a key feature of Zoomlion’s exhibition which will allow visitors to observe and engage with real-time remote equipment control. The demonstration is intended to illustrate the application of advanced connectivity technologies in construction scenarios, as well as Zoomlion’s progress in developing intelligent construction site solutions.

Zoomlion will also highlight its localized operations in the Americas, including manufacturing, sales, and service networks designed to support customers across the region. The exhibition will reflect the Company’s integrated global approach that combines research and development, production, and after-sales support.

CONEXPO-CON/AGG is organized by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) and is held every three years. The event brings together construction equipment manufacturers, suppliers, and industry stakeholders from around the world to explore the trends, technologies, and solutions that are shaping the future of the construction industry.

Zoomlion is looking forward to engaging with industry partners, customers, and visitors at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, and to sharing its ongoing exploration and practical experience in intelligent and sustainable construction solutions.

About Zoomlion

Founded in 1992, Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. is a global leader in high-end equipment manufacturing, specializing in construction, mining, and agricultural machinery. With 13 overseas R&D and manufacturing bases and operations in over 180 countries and regions, the company delivers intelligent, sustainable solutions powered by cutting-edge technology and innovation.

GO Guangdong, Your Smart Gateway to Authentic Cantonese Culture This Spring Festival

GUANGZHOU, China, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As travel to China rebounds and the vibrant Spring Festival approaches, there’s no better time to explore Guangdong, a province where ancient traditions meet cutting-edge innovation. To help international visitors discover its hidden gems, the GO Guangdong Platform serves as your intelligent, culturally rich travel companion.

 

GO Guangdong, Your Smart Gateway to Authentic Cantonese Culture This Spring Festival

Why GO Guangdong? 

Looking forward to a more in-depth exploration of China, beyond the usual tourist attractions? GO Guangdong Platform offers curated travel routes with diverse themes, including natural landscapes, urban landmarks, rural highlights, cultural customs, wholesale markets, and local arts. We have developed a user-friendly online database to help you immerse yourself in the unique charm of Guangdong by providing smart and efficient touring information.

Experience More Than Sightseeing 

This Spring Festival, GO Guangdong turns travel into a deep cultural experience, offering access to lively celebrations and authentic local stories. Through the “Discover Guangdong” video series, the platform brings to light the human and ecological stories behind each destination, told by the people who call these places home. These narratives help travelers understand not only what they are seeing, but also its significance, connecting everything from ancient trade routes to contemporary green initiatives.

Designed for Global Travelers 

GO Guangdong seamlessly blends official accuracy with visitor-oriented design. It effectively bridges language and cultural barriers by integrating resources throughout the province to provide standardized bilingual signage, organizing international exchange events, and offering professional guided services.

This Spring Festival, step beyond the guidebooks. Visit the platform now and journey smarter, deeper, and brighter in Guangdong! Explore events, watch stories, and design your trip at https://goguangdong.southcn.com/.

GO Guangdong, Your Smart Gateway to Authentic Cantonese Culture This Spring Festival
GO Guangdong, Your Smart Gateway to Authentic Cantonese Culture This Spring Festival

Global Times: A French girl living in Beijing’s hutongs

BEIJING, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — This year marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the opening year of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30). A new year begins with new resolve and new momentum. The call to “fight for our dreams and our happiness, and turn our great vision into beautiful realities” continues to inspire action across China.

In the column “New Year on the Frontlines,” reporters from the Global Times traveled to the grass roots to witness the vitality of a vast nation, see its mountains and rivers in motion and its fields in abundance, and listen to the stories of people finding fulfillment in both life and work.

Through these stories, the column seeks to present a vivid portrait of Chinese modernization.

“Hello, I’d like to buy some loose pastries. Do you have any flavors this year that weren’t available last year?”

“Yes, we have a flavor of red date and Chinese yam. They are only sold for seven days before the Spring Festival.”

On a Sunday morning at a store of the traditional bakery brand Daoxiangcun in Beijing’s Dongzhimen, Helene Lemerle from France, leaned close to the counter, her finger resting on a pastry adorned with a small horse design. “I’ll take one of these too.” She spoke Chinese fluently, even with a Beijing accent.

Helene, who also goes by her Chinese name Li Na, shared that she has lived in Beijing’s hutongs for over 20 years.

“It’s incredibly quiet and full of warmth,” she said, recounting her daily interactions with neighbors while strolling through the alleys of blue-tiled, gray-brick courtyards.

“Sometimes I’d be startled by the sound of knocking on the door. Then I’d open it to find a neighbor holding dumplings or pancakes, saying, ‘Eat while they’re hot!'” She mimed opening the door, her laughter warming the crisp winter air.

In 1997, China and France signed a joint statement, making France the first major Western country to establish a full partnership with China. The tides of history reshaped the lives of ordinary people.

That year, Helene participated in a China–France student exchange program, staying with her Chinese host family led by Wang Jing. This marked the beginning of her connection with China.

“To ensure we could catch a nap on the shuttle bus, Wang Jing’s mother would get up early every day to queue for seats for us. It gives me a warm feeling inside just thinking about it.”

To Helene, China holds a unique appeal. “It’s so vast – over 17 times the size of France; everything you see is fascinating.” Chinese culture, she adds, is utterly captivating: “It is like a huge cake; once you take a bite, you just want to keep eating.”

In 2002, after completing her exchange program and returning to France, Helene resolved to come back to Beijing. Her original plan was to study for a year before returning home to teach Chinese. “After that year, I didn’t want to leave. China was just too vibrant,” she noted.

That year marked China’s GDP surpassing 10 trillion yuan ($1.21 trillion) for the first time, the launch of the Shenzhou-3 spacecraft and the commencement of two monumental projects: the West-to-East gas pipeline and the South-to-North Water Diversion Project.

This dynamic China made Helene want to stay. Her decision to “not rush to go back home” led to a 24-year stay. She found love in China and made her home in a Beijing hutong.

“Does your family worry about you living in China?”

“China’s public safety is excellent – what’s there to worry about?”

Helene lifted her chin, her expression as proud as any Chinese person’s, smiling as if the questioner simply didn’t understand.

To her, China’s everyday vibrancy, human warmth, sense of security, as well as the confidence and inclusivity rooted in its culture are becoming a source of reassurance for the world.

After 24 years in China, Helene has come to understand the warmth and pace of this land. She has transformed from an observer into a participant, becoming part of China’s story.

“I grew up at the stables. I had a horse named Didou, and my equestrian company is named after him.”

When China’s equestrian industry was just beginning, Helene worked as a consultant at clubs, helping them plan and operate. Now, she has shifted her focus to “equine-assisted guidance.”

“I hope to help more people understand themselves through interaction with horses.”

This is Li Na’s new year’s wish for the Year of the Horse.

In Beijing’s hutongs, the aroma of stewed meat fills the air as households make final preparations for the Spring Festival. Helene’s Chinese father-in-law handwrote a pair of Spring Festival couplets for her: “Blessings fill the springtime, dreams come true in this prosperous era.”

Global Times: ‘Sister Wu’ sells vegetables by ‘slow train’

BEIJING, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — “Sister Wu, can live chickens be taken on the train?”

At daybreak in the Miaoling Mountains, Southwest China’s Guizhou Province, vegetable vendor Sister Wu began her day amid a flurry of flapping wings and barking dogs. The reporter, helping chase down free-range chickens, could not help but ask.

“Of course – there’s even a special carriage for them!” Wu had barely finished speaking when she lunged forward, feinted with her left hand and swiftly reached out with her right – “Got it!”

Wu’s full name was Wu Shoufen. She lives in Wengdang village in Kaili, Guizhou. With the Spring Festival approaching, Wu was busy catching chickens and sorting fresh vegetables and other local specialties from the mountains. After packing them neatly, Wu shouldered her load and waited to board a train to Kaili to sell her goods at the market.

“Look, the train is coming.” Amid a rumble, the train slowly pulled into the station. Wu was taking Train No. 5639/5640 – a “slow train” running between Guiyang and Yuping. The round-trip service stopped at all 16 stations along the route, with the lowest ticket price going for only a few yuan.

Wu took a deep breath, braced her waist and legs, and steadily lifted a shoulder pole weighing more than 100 jin (50 kilograms). The pole creaked as it settled onto her shoulder.

“Long ago, before the slow train, we had to carry more than 100 jin of vegetables, walk one or two hours on mountain roads, and then take a minibus to the town,” Wu said. “By the time we’d arrive at the market, the vegetables would have already wilted and couldn’t fetch a good price.”

Train conductor Hu Guichuan and other railway staff helped villagers carry their shoulder poles onto the platform and into the train. Wu set down her load in a special “rural market” carriage.

To make it easier for villagers to sell their goods along the way, the railway authorities had renovated the carriage – removing some seats and replacing them with long benches so vegetables and local specialties could be arranged neatly, while passengers could browse and shop.

“On this slow train, besides asking passengers to ‘sit in the right seat,’ we added another reminder – the villagers’ chickens, ducks, and geese must also ‘sit in the right seat,'” Hu said.

In the villagers’ baskets were vegetables, chickens, ducks, fish, and geese – some still speckled with soil and glistening with morning dew. The shoulder poles were lined up in neat rows.

“Fresh, affordable vegetables are on sale in Carriage No. 3. All are welcome to buy!” the train broadcast announced. Hu warmly guided passengers to Wu’s shoulder pole. “What do you think of this chicken? It weighs more than 10 jin – free-range and raised by the villager herself.”

Hu oversaw this mobile “farmers’ market” as its “golden salesman” and the villagers’ “chief interpreter.” On board, he patiently promoted the products, helping villagers secure better prices. What seemed like a simple task was something Hu had persisted in for a full 10 years.

“Some people didn’t understand and asked if I was trying to pocket the price difference,” Hu said. “I told them I did want to ‘earn the difference’ – so the villagers could earn a little more!”

When the train arrived, Wu welcomed her first customer of the day. “I’ve bought from her many times!” an old customer said with a smile. “Sister Wu uses farmyard manure to grow her vegetables. They’re especially fresh – my family loves the spinach she grows.”

Thanks to such sincerity, Wu’s local produce was in high demand. Before long, the vegetables and free-range chickens were sold out, bringing in more than 200 yuan. Already fond of smiling, Wu beamed even more brightly.

After concluding her sales, Wu strolled around the market for a while. A pair of Spring Festival couplets, a new outfit, and a new schoolbag – these were the New Year goods she bought that day.

At around 4 pm, the villagers boarded the slow train to return home. Their baskets had quietly been replaced with “trophies,” and they shared with one another what they had purchased at the market.

“I used to work in Guangdong and could only come home once or twice a year,” Wu told the reporter, showing her son’s new award certificate for the semester, her face lit with an irrepressible smile. “Now that the ‘slow train’ is so convenient, I simply came back to sell vegetables. I can be with my child every day.”

The wheels rolled on, the whistle echoed. Carrying the warmth of everyday life, the “slow train” set off – toward a better life for the villagers.