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ESQUIRE VIETNAM RELAUNCHES WITH A BOLD VISION, CELEBRATING THE AGE OF EXCELLENCE

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Sept. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Esquire Vietnam officially marks its bold return with a refreshed vision and renewed identity. The relaunch celebrates modern masculinity and honors trailblazers shaping Vietnam’s cultural and creative landscape.

Esquire Vietnam’s relaunch celebration
Esquire Vietnam’s relaunch celebration

Esquire Vietnam officially marked its highly anticipated return with a spectacular relaunch event at Sofitel Saigon Plaza, ushering in a bold new era for one of the world’s most iconic men’s lifestyle brands. This milestone not only revives the magazine’s legacy in Vietnam but also signals the beginning of an exciting new chapter, one that will accompany modern Vietnamese men as they define style, assert individuality, and embrace a global perspective.

The relaunch event brought together a constellation of A-list celebrities, top business leaders, and prominent members of the press. This extraordinary evening was made possible thanks to the collaboration of esteemed partners, including Skechers and Sofitel Saigon Plaza, with PR Newswire as the international media partner. With its star-studded guest list and influential attendees, the event highlighted the magazine’s role as a premier platform for connection, creativity, and meaningful dialogue.

A new era for Esquire Vietnam

Pictured at the event: Venus Tran (far right), Founder & CEO of Sun Flower Media, and Dan Q. Dao (far left), Editor-in-Chief.
Pictured at the event: Venus Tran (far right), Founder & CEO of Sun Flower Media, and Dan Q. Dao (far left), Editor-in-Chief.

“Esquire has always stood for timeless style and cultural relevance,” said Venus Tran, Founder and CEO of Sun Flower Media, publisher of Esquire Vietnam.“As Vietnam steps confidently into a new era of excellence, there has never been a better time to relaunch this iconic title to inspire today’s Vietnamese men.”

Leading this exciting new chapter is Dan Q. Dao, journalist and author, who joins as Editor-in-Chief, overseeing all creative and editorial operations. Under his direction, Esquire Vietnam introduces a refreshed, contemporary identity with visually striking, engaging, and practical content designed for men aged 30 to 50 with refined taste, modern thinking, and a desire to elevate their lives.

From fashion and style to travel, culture, cuisine, and entrepreneurship, Esquire Vietnam will be a trusted companion, offering insights and inspiration for men navigating their journeys of self-discovery and reinvention.

Lien Binh Phat – The first cover star marking Esquire Vietnam’s return

Lien Binh Phat on the event's red carpet
Lien Binh Phat on the event’s red carpet

The inaugural issue of Esquire Vietnam shines a spotlight on 35 influential figures who are shaping the nation’s future across technology, business, sports, music, and cinema. Through their journeys, the magazine captures the passion, perseverance, and bold ambition that define The Age of Excellence.

At the heart of this issue is acclaimed actor Lien Binh Phat, the cover star chosen to symbolize resilience and determination. His rise, from a self-taught outsider to one of the country’s most celebrated names in cinema and the arts, reflects the spirit of the modern Vietnamese man: confident, determined, and unafraid to assert himself.


The most anticipated moment of the event was the unveiling of Esquire Vietnam’s new cover, introducing Lien Binh Phat as the face marking its highly anticipated return. By choosing this accomplished actor, Esquire Vietnam seeks to ignite ambition among its audience, affirming that true achievement stems from passion and relentless dedication.

As it enters this bold new chapter, Esquire Vietnam remains committed to its mission: to celebrate style, culture, and individuality, and to accompany men on their journey to confidently express and define themselves.

The unveiling of Esquire Vietnam’s return cover, featuring actor Lien Binh Phat.
The unveiling of Esquire Vietnam’s return cover, featuring actor Lien Binh Phat.

A brief history of Esquire, USA

Arnold Gingrich, David A. Smart, and Henry L. Jackson founded Esquire in 1933 in Chicago, USA. At first, Esquire focused on men’s fashion, lifestyle, culture, and entertainment. Within a short time, it rose to become one of America’s most celebrated men’s publications. 

Renowned writers such as Ernest Hemingway, who published short stories in Esquire during the 1930s. F. Scott Fitzgerald, author of The Great Gatsby, and William Faulkner, a Nobel Prize-winning author, also published articles and short stories in the magazine.

In the 1960s, Esquire helped shape New Journalism, blending journalistic reporting with literary storytelling. The most famous example is Gay Talese’s 1966 article, Frank Sinatra Has a Cold. This piece exemplifies the combination of journalistic accuracy and literary storytelling. Today, journalism schools still use this article as a benchmark for creativity, observation, and character portrayal through language.

For nearly a century, Esquire has served as both a beacon of men’s lifestyle and a distinguished platform for literary and journalistic excellence, featuring works by some of the 20th century’s greatest writers. Today, Esquire remains a global icon of culture, fashion, style, and philosophy for men. Esquire operates in 20 countries, with 200 print editions and 175 websites. It reaches 141 million readers worldwide each month. Vietnam now becomes the 22nd country to host Esquire.

About Esquire Vietnam

First launched in 2013, the cover stars of Esquire Vietnam have always embodied the image of the modern gentleman. The special edition was present on three platforms: print, website, and iPad, while also building a distinctive community through the Esky Club, a gathering place for elite men. After five years of activity, Esquire Vietnam paused to await a more suitable time.

In 2025, Vietnam continues to rise on the regional and global economic stage. This moment marks the perfect time for Esquire Vietnam to return, standing alongside other Esquire editions in the region such as Esquire Singapore and Esquire Thailand. While preserving the core values of a brand with a global legacy and localizing both content and form, Esquire Vietnam aspires to reflect the new image of the Vietnamese man – optimistic, creative, and confident in building a stronger Vietnam.

About the Esquire Brand

Hearst Corporation, USA, owns the Esquire trademark. The group also owns globally renowned titles such as Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, Elle US, Good Housekeeping, Town & Country, Men’s Health US, and is a co-owner of the television network ESPN (together with Disney).

Frost & Sullivan Recognizes Milesight as a Top Innovator in the Global Smart Building Sensor Market

XIAMEN, China, Sept. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Frost & Sullivan has named Milesight one of the leading innovators in the fast-growing global smart building sensor market. The firm’s latest report, Frost Radar™: Smart Building Sensors, 2025, highlights companies that are setting the pace with strong innovation and proven execution.

The global smart building sensor market is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 26% through 2028, driven by demand for energy savings, greener buildings, and people-focused spaces. Since 2021, more than $37.5 billion has flowed into smart building startups, underscoring the strategic importance of the sector.

Milesight stands out on the Frost Radar, ranking among the top three for both innovation and growth. Between 2021 and 2024, the company achieved an average CAGR of 74.8%, making it one of the fastest-rising players in the industry.

With one of the most complete product ranges on the market, Milesight offers sensors for indoor air quality, occupancy and people counting, and energy and facility management. The company has been releasing more than eight new devices each year, introducing features such as LoRa D2D communication, NFC-enabled setup, and AI-powered people sensing. Its design philosophy puts people first, balancing smart insights with privacy and compliance.

Frost & Sullivan also pointed to Milesight’s track record in large-scale projects worldwide. In Canada, more than 47,000 IAQ devices were deployed in schools to improve classroom environments. In the United States, airports use Milesight sensors to track passenger flows and monitor conditions. In Europe, retailers are applying AI ToF sensors to enhance store layouts and reduce energy use.

Looking ahead, Frost & Sullivan notes that the next stage of smart building sensors will be shaped by AI-IoT convergence, sensor fusion, and sustainability-driven design. Milesight’s forward-looking strategy aligns closely with these trends, positioning it to help build greener, smarter, and more connected spaces.

About Milesight

Milesight delivers multi-potential sensing products that capture meaningful data and make it accessible across diverse applications. By applying AI, 5G, and IoT technologies, the company addresses customer challenges with speed and flexibility. With its commitment to “making sensing matter,” Milesight partners with a growing global network to create unique data value. Today, it is making positive impacts in smart buildings, intelligent traffic, intelligent security, smart cities, and beyond.

Press contact:
Yifan Yang
Digital Marketing Specialist
yifan.yang@milesight.com 
+86-13589581863

Mintel Most Innovative 2026: Recognizing the CPG Products Redefining the Future

SINGAPORE, Sept. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Mintel Most Innovative returns for its second year, celebrating the very best in consumer packaged goods (CPG) innovation. This global recognition spotlights brands that are redefining categories, setting new standards, and inspiring the industry to think bigger and bolder. Submissions for the 2026 awards are now open!

Mintel Most Innovative 2026: Now Open for Submissions
Mintel Most Innovative 2026: Now Open for Submissions

This comes at a pivotal moment: only 35% of global CPG launches in 2024 were genuinely new products, a decline from 46% in 2014 and 75% in 1996*. Innovation over the last 30 years is marked by brands increasingly relying on incremental updates to stay agile, even as true innovation is urgently needed in a market defined by constant change.

“CPG innovation has never moved faster or felt more pressured. Consumers of all ages, especially Gen Alpha, Gen Z and Millennials, are eager to experiment and try new things, and they expect brands not just to keep up, but to stay a step ahead. Despite this urgency, true innovation is at an all-time low, with too many launches relying on safe, incremental updates,” said Julie Lizer, President of Global Research and Insights at Mintel. “The tension between the pace of consumer change and the slowdown of breakthrough innovation is a defining challenge for the industry.

“Mintel Most Innovative provides the definitive pulse check on what real innovation looks like today, spotlighting the products and brands that are setting the standard and proving what’s possible when insight and creativity come together.”

Previous winners showcased bold moves that reshaped their categories: Häagen-Dazs expanded beyond frozen for the first time with Vanilla Bean Cultured Crème, a dairy, gluten-free yoghurt that took a calculated risk and opened new growth opportunities for the brand. In beauty, Izzy’s Zero Waste Dew-Bomb Glowy Hydra Milk set a new benchmark for sustainability, rethinking every stage of the product cycle while delivering on-trend, high-performance skincare.

“Innovation isn’t just about launching something new; it’s about creating meaningful change that resonates with consumers and has the potential to influence business, culture, and even society at large,” said Matt Nelson, Global CEO at Mintel. “The most impactful products don’t emerge in isolation. They are grounded in deep insight and a clear vision of what’s next.

“With our global perspective and predictive capabilities, we see where consumer demand is headed and how brands can unlock growth by acting boldly. That’s why we’re shining a light on the brands driving change, defining true innovation in CPG and beyond.” 

Be Part of the Global Innovation Conversation
Mintel Most Innovative recognizes the most forward-thinking CPG brands worldwide. Mintel invites brands to share their breakthrough products and join a community that sets the standard for category-defining innovation.

Recognizing the brands that are rising to the challenge, this year’s winners will be selected by a stand-out jury of industry thought leaders, academics and Mintel experts in marketing and innovation, including the following confirmed judges (more to follow!):

  • Professor Pierre Chandon, The L’Oréal Chaired Professor of Marketing, Innovation and Creativity at INSEAD and Director of the INSEAD Sorbonne University Behavioural Lab
  • Junghoon Moon, Director of FoodBiz Lab, Professor at Seoul National University
  • Jacqui Parr, Managing Editor, The Grocer
  • Kim Berry, Managing Editor, Australian Bartender and Food & Drink Business
  • Kirsty Dolan, Editor, Cosmetic Design Europe
  • Angelia Teo, Strategist, Coach, Storyteller, Future Semiotic System Founder

Submissions for the 2026 awards are now open across three key categories: Beauty and Personal Care, Household, and Food and Drink. Learn more here.

*Source: Mintel Global New Products Database (GNPD), June 1996June 2025

 

Huawei Releases “R.I.S.E” National Government Cloud Reference Architecture


SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 September 2025 – At the 2025 Global Public Sector Cloud & AI Summit, Huawei officially released the “R.I.S.E” National Government Cloud reference architecture, accelerating the nation’s intelligent transformation.

Huawei Solutions Target Challenges in Public Services

Li Junfeng (Wind), Vice President of Huawei and CEO of the Global Public Sector BU
Li Junfeng (Wind), Vice President of Huawei and CEO of the Global Public Sector BU

In his speech, Li Junfeng (Wind), Vice President of Huawei and CEO of the Global Public Sector BU, said that driven by cloud and AI, Huawei has built a centralized, efficient, and secure cloud foundation that supports intelligent transformation of government and public services, while supporting data aggregation, processing, and value extraction.

Shan Zhiguang, Director of the Informatization and Industry Development Dept, State Information Center, highlighted China’s ICT-driven transformation as a valuable model for global smart governance.

Representatives from DPO (Hong Kong), CCK (Tunisia), Ankabut (UAE), and AIPMC (Huadu, Guangdong) also delivered speeches at the event.

At the summit, Mr. Hong-Eng Koh, Chief Scientist of Huawei Global Public Sector BU, unveiled the “R.I.S.E” reference architecture for National Government Cloud, which involves four solutions:

  1. Resilient & Reliable Infrastructure: The National Government Cloud provides a resilient and reliable cloud infrastructure, ensuring data security and stable operation of critical applications.
  2. Secure & Sovereign: To address challenges of national digital self-reliant security, Huawei offers multiple deployment models (e.g. public cloud, full-stack dedicated cloud, and Huawei Cloud Stack). Through a unified architecture, synchronized technologies, and a shared ecosystem, these solutions support secure and reliable data storage, flow, and utilization.
  3. Innovative & AI Ready: The architecture builds three effectiveness platforms for applications, data, and AI to achieve efficient supply and use of high-quality data. Huawei provides government-specific intelligent agents and digital IDs as core capabilities of the digital public platform layer, supporting upper-layer government applications.
  4. Enriched Ecosystem: Huawei has partnered with over 100 ecosystem players across government and public sectors, helping countries accelerate digital and intelligent transformation of public services.

Huawei continues to invest in innovation, committed to delivering comprehensive solutions that address critical needs of digital and intelligent transformation in public services. Leveraging the powerful cloud-AI synergy, Huawei helps tackle key challenges. The release of the National Government Cloud reference architecture marks the beginning of a new era of “intelligent collaboration” in public service delivery.

Looking ahead, Huawei will continue to deepen cloud-AI integration, driving high-quality development in the new era.

Hashtag: #Huawei

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Kelun-Biotech’s New Drug Application for Its Novel Next-generation Selective RET Inhibitor A400/EP0031 Accepted for Review by the NMPA for the Treatment of RET-fusion positive NSCLC

CHENGDU, China, Sept. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sichuan Kelun-Biotech Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (the “Company“) announced that a new drug application (NDA) for the Company’s small molecule rearranged during transfection (RET) kinase inhibitor A400 (also known as EP0031) was accepted for review by the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China for the treatment of adult patients with RET-fusion positive locally advanced, or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This acceptance for review is based on the positive results from the two pivotal Phase 2 cohorts of the KL400-I/II-01 study for both 1L and 2L+ advanced RET-fusion positive NSCLC.

Cohort 1 and 2, the Phase 2 stage of the KL400-I/II-01 study, evaluate the efficacy and safety of A400/EP0031 90mg orally once daily (QD) for the treatment of patients with pre-treated and treatment-naïve RET-fusion positive locally advanced, or metastatic NSCLC, respectively. Primary efficacy endpoints of the two pivotal cohorts were reached, where A400/EP0031 demonstrated favorable efficacy in pretreated and treatment-naïve NSCLC including patients with prior immunotherapy or brain metastases. A400/EP0031 also demonstrated an encouraging, manageable tolerability and safety profile.

Dr. Michael Ge, CEO of Kelun-Biotech said, “We are pleased to report positive results from the clinical study of A400/EP0031 in treating RET-fusion positive NSCLC, which gives us confidence in its future clinical potential. As a tumor agnostic precision therapy, A400/EP0031 represents our significant strategic positioning in the solid tumor field. We look forward to working closely with regulatory authorities to expedite the review process for A400/EP0031, bringing this innovative therapy to patients with RET-fusion positive NSCLC as soon as possible.”

About RET-fusion positive NSCLC

RET gene fusions represent one of the rare yet significant driver mutation types in NSCLC. In Chinese NSCLC patients, the incidence of RET gene fusions ranges from 1.4% to 2.5%[1]. Patients with RET fusions derive limited benefit from conventional treatments. In recent years, the emergence of novel highly selective inhibitors has led to breakthroughs in the clinical management of advanced RET-fusion positive NSCLC patients. However, their therapeutic benefits are limited, in part, by acquired RET drug-resistant mutations and safety issues such as hypertension and hematological toxicity, underscoring the need for novel selective RET inhibitors with improved safety and better efficacy against drug-resistant mutations.

About A400/EP0031

A400/EP0031 is a novel next-generation selective RET inhibitor for NSCLC, medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) and other solid tumors with a high prevalence of RET alterations. The Company is currently conducting a phase 1b/2 clinical study for RET+ MTC and solid tumor in China. The results from the Phase 1 study of A400/EP0031 in patients with advanced RET-mutant MTC were presented at the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting.

In March 2021, the Company granted Ellipses Pharma Limited, a U.K.-based international oncology drug development company, an exclusive license to develop, manufacture and commercialize this agent outside Greater China and certain Asian countries under the code EP0031.

In March 2024, it was announced that EP0031/A400 was granted Fast Track designation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of RET-fusion positive NSCLC. In April 2024, EP0031/A400 was cleared by the FDA to progress into Phase 2 clinical development and is now open in the United States, United Kingdom, Europe and United Arab Emirates.

About Kelun-Biotech

Kelun-Biotech (6990.HK) is a holding subsidiary of Kelun Pharmaceutical (002422.SZ), which focuses on the R&D, manufacturing, commercialization and global collaboration of innovative biological drugs and small molecule drugs. The company focuses on major disease areas such as solid tumors, autoimmune, inflammatory, and metabolic diseases, and in establishing a globalized drug development and industrialization platform to address the unmet medical needs in China and the rest of world. The Company is committed to becoming a leading global enterprise in the field of innovative drugs. At present, the Company has more than 30 ongoing key innovative drug projects, of which 3 projects have been approved for marketing, 2 projects are in the NDA stage and more than 10 projects are in the clinical stage. The company has established one of the world’s leading proprietary ADC and novel DC platforms, OptiDC™, and has 1 ADC project approved for marketing, 1 ADC project in NDA stage and multiple ADC and novel DC assets in clinical or preclinical research stage. For more information, please visit https://kelun-biotech.com/

Reference:

[1].Chinese Anti-Cancer Association Professional Committee of Cancer Pathology Molecular Pathology Collaborative Group, et al. Chinese Journal of Pathology, 2021, 50(6): 583-591.

 

8th Silk Road Cultural Expo Opens in Gansu

DUNHUANG, China, Sept. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A report from Xinhuanet: 

Opening ceremony of the 8th Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo, September 21, 2025. Courtesy of the Organizing Committee
Opening ceremony of the 8th Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo, September 21, 2025. Courtesy of the Organizing Committee

The 8th Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo began on September 21, 2025 in Dunhuang City, Gansu Province, under the theme “Strengthening Cultural Exchanges and Promoting Mutual Learning Among Civilizations”.

The Dunhuang Expo is billed as a major international cultural gathering held under the umbrella of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, intended to deepen exchanges in culture, scholarship and the arts among participating countries. This year’s program includes 17 events across seven categories—ranging from exhibitions and performances to academic forums and trade promotion—drawing more than 1,200 representatives from eight international organizations and 97 countries and regions.

The exhibition hall covers roughly 24,000 square meters, the largest in the event’s history, and features displays on global heritage conservation, new findings in Dunhuang studies, preservation efforts for Gansu’s intangible cultural traditions, and new cultural and creative industries. In addition, artistic performances are scheduled alongside flash mobs in tourist spots such as the Dunhuang Night Market and the Mingsha Sand Dunes.

In his keynote address, Hu Changsheng, the Communist Party secretary of Gansu Province, emphasized the region’s goal of building cultural influence through Belt and Road exchanges, heritage protection, tourism development and “mutual benefit” partnerships.

Qu Xing, deputy director-general of UNESCO, said the Expo reflects the nearly eight decades of cooperation between UNESCO and China and signals renewed momentum behind the Chinese government’s Silk Road Initiative.

Other officials offering remarks included Prasop Riangngern, permanent secretary of Thailand’s Ministry of Culture; Dmitry Shlyakhtin, first deputy culture minister of Belarus; and Joseph Isaac, speaker of the Parliament of Dominica. They described the Belt and Road Initiative as an important platform for people-to-people cultural ties.

Xinjiang celebrates seven decades of progress

BEIJING, Sept. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — This is a report from Beijing Review: A quiet revolution is underway in the vast cotton fields of Bortala Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture in north Xinjiang where harvesting machines, guided by digital sensors, operate with minimal human intervention. According to Aoqierbate, head of the prefecture’s Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, now hundreds of hectares of cotton can be harvested by just one or two machine operators.

The Grand Bazaar in Urumqi on September 19 (WANG YAJUAN)
The Grand Bazaar in Urumqi on September 19 (WANG YAJUAN)

Dilinur comes from a farming family in Bortala. In the past, the family’s livelihood depended entirely on the weather. Farming was time-consuming and a year’s harvest could be wiped out by heavy rain or thunderstorms. Today, the 42-year-old has found a more efficient way to make money.

She leases her land to a cooperative that has made farming large-scale from the past family-run affair and receives a fixed annual payment. This change has freed up much of her time, and she can take on part-time work like planting and harvesting goji berry in nearby villages and selling Xinjiang specialties online.

“With more sources, my income has multiplied and I have much more time than before. Life is getting better and better,” she said.

Dilinur’s story mirrors a larger transformation. With strategic policies and substantial investments in infrastructure, technology and social programs, Xinjiang is rapidly transforming from a remote border region into a vibrant economic hub, making tangible improvements in people’s daily lives.

Decades of improvement
As Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region celebrates the 70th anniversary of its establishment, average life expectancy has risen from just 30 years in the early 1950s to 77 years in 2024. Gross regional product surpassed 2 trillion yuan ($281 billion) in 2024, an increase of approximately 1,668 times since 1955.

Incomes too show dramatic growth. The average annual urban disposable income is 42,820 yuan ($6,017), climbing up more than 130 times from 1978. Rural per-capita net income jumped more than 160 times to 19,427 yuan ($2,730) in the same period.

There are tangible improvements in people’s everyday lives—better clothing, diverse and nutritious diets, modern housing and upgraded transportation.

Shi Huan, who lives in downtown Yining, Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, is a beneficiary of the improvements. In the past, ferries were the only way for the city’s residents to cross the Ili River, the mother river of the region. For generations, the river—though a lifeline—was also a barrier, separating communities and limiting opportunities.

Today, that is a distant memory. The construction of eight bridges over the Ili River has revolutionized connectivity. The first bridge was completed in 1975, connecting its southern and northern banks. The most recent one will open to traffic on September 30. The 2.86-km bridge links an industrial park in Yining and Chabuchaer (Qapqal) Xibe Autonomous County and will reduce travel time by more than half, unlocking new possibilities for trade, tourism and daily life.

For Shi, who runs a supermarket some 4 km from the bridge, it is more than a convenience—it’s a symbol of progress. “I spent more than 30 minutes to commute from my home to the supermarket in the past,” she said. “When the bridge opens, it will be only 15 minutes.”

Shi called the bridges a testament to how much life has improved for the community. “Back in the day, you saw horse-drawn carts on the bridges, hauling goods. Then came the minivans, and these days, you see more and more modern family cars on the road.”

Xinjiang, accounting for one sixth of China’s land area, is home to some of the country’s most dramatic natural scenery—from the snow-capped Tianshan Mountains and the vast Taklimakan Desert to serene alpine lakes, lush pastures and riverside poplar forests. Thanks to substantial improvements in infrastructure, the region’s tourism industry is now flourishing.

Ili today gets a growing number of visitors from across the country and neighboring regions such as Kazakhstan, drawn to the region’s stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural diversity and deep historical connections to the ancient Silk Road.

The Xinjiang regional government announced in May that it will undertake 500 key projects with a total investment of 3.47 trillion yuan ($487 billion) this year. The projects are distributed across major sectors: building integrated transportation networks, improving water resource efficiency, upgrading power grids, expanding oil and gas pipelines, and enhancing intelligent computing capacity.

Additionally, a number of projects in science and technology, education, culture, tourism, health and sports will be undertaken to advance social development and public services.

Increasing openness
A vast region that has the longest border and most land ports in China, Xinjiang has enhanced its connectivity with the outside world in recent years, boosting mutually beneficial cooperation and people-to-people exchange.

It saw over 16,400 ChinaEurope freight trains, a key Belt and Road Initiative project, pass through in 2024. This was a 14-percent increase from the previous year, and more than half of the national total. The railway enables faster and more cost-effective movement of goods such as electronics, machinery, automotive parts and textiles from China to European markets and countries along the routes. The trains bring back food products, luxury items and industrial equipment. This has strengthened economic ties and supported regional growth.

The number of enterprises in the China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ), inaugurated in November 2023, is also rapidly increasing. The first FTZ in China’s northwestern border regions and the 22nd nationwide, it is now home to more than 40,000 enterprises. The number of foreign-invested enterprises is now 1.5 times more than when the FTZ opened, according to statistics from the regional department of commerce.

Despite the global uncertainties, Xinjiang’s foreign trade has maintained rapid growth, reaping 27.3 percent year-on-year growth in the first seven months of this year, according to Urumqi Customs. During the same period, Xinjiang conducted trade with 223 countries and regions worldwide, representing a year-on-year increase of 8.3 percent.

Trade with Belt and Road partner countries grew by 17.5 percent year on year, accounting for 85.3 percent of Xinjiang’s total foreign trade volume.

 

All Aboard: Agoda Unveils Asia’s Most Scenic Train Journeys

SINGAPORE, Sept. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda has released a curated list of Asia’s most impressive train journeys, offering travelers a unique and authentic way to experience the continent’s landscapes. These rail adventures turn transit into an attraction, offering a front-row seat to remote vistas that are often inaccessible by road or air.

In keeping with the global trend of slow travel, train travel encourages passengers to unwind, be present, and enjoy the moment. Trains are also one of the most sustainable modes of transportation, providing a way to explore responsibly while minimizing environmental impact. Ideal for all kinds of travelers, these routes offer romantic escapes for couples, captivating views for photographers, and engaging experiences for families.

Here’s Agoda’s list of train journeys in Asia that are not to be missed:

  1. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (India): 
    Nicknamed the “Toy Train”, this railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that travels between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling, offering awe-inspiring views of the Eastern Himalayas. The train journeys through tea gardens and misty mountains, with a key stop at Ghum, the highest railway station in India. Its vintage steam engine adds a charming touch to the experience.
  2. Sagano Romantic Train (Japan): 
    Running from Arashiyama to Kameoka, the Sagano Romantic Train lives up to its name, offering a picturesque 25-minute journey through Kyoto’s lush forests and mountain valleys. The open-air carriages provide an immersive experience, with the sounds of the Hozugawa River below and unobstructed views of the vibrant seasonal foliage that paints the landscape. It’s an ideal option for those seeking a memorable rail experience without a major time commitment.
  3. Argo Wilis Train (Indonesia):
    Traveling between Surabaya and Bandung, this train glides past the diverse beauty of West Java, from volcanic peaks and dense forests to sprawling tea plantations and terraced rice fields. The journey is a visual feast, best experienced from the panoramic carriage where vast windows provide an uninterrupted view of the scenery. Here, comfort is guaranteed, with reclinable seats, footrests, and air-conditioning ensuring passengers can relax in style throughout the ride.
     
  4. Eastern & Oriental Express (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand): 
    This luxury cruise train offers a glamorous journey of indulgence between Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. As lush rainforests pass by outside, passengers can enjoy elegant design, gourmet dining, and world-class service. Beyond the beautifully appointed carriages, the train also boasts exclusive amenities like the dedicated Dior Spa wellness cabin and stylish Piano Bar for evening cocktails.
  5. Alishan Forest Railway (Taiwan):
    Transformed from its industrial past, this heritage railway now offers a scenic ascent from Chiayi to Alishan, winding through misty forests and dramatic mountain passes. Passengers can disembark at key stops to explore the region’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty. The highlight is a spectacular sunrise view from the summit, seen over a rolling sea of clouds. The train’s vintage wooden carriages add to its old-world appeal, making for a truly unforgettable travel experience.

Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply at Agoda, said, “There’s something special about seeing the world by train. Railway travel perfectly blends nostalgic charm with modern comfort and innovation. It’s a reminder that the journey can be just as spectacular as the destination. Agoda is proud to help travelers discover these stunning journeys with our great deals, making it easier than ever to explore Asia’s beautiful landscapes by rail.”

For travelers keen to embark on their own train adventures in Asia, Agoda offers over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all of which can be combined in the same booking. Discover the best deals on Agoda’s mobile app to start planning. Visit Agoda.com for more information.