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Thousand-year-old temple fair held in Central China’s Henan

XUN COUNTY, China, Feb. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On February 6, 2025, the ninth day of the first lunar month, the 17th Central Plains (Hebi) Folk Culture Festival ushered in the Dapishan Temple Fair. The event was a vibrant display of traditional Chinese folk culture, with performances such as stilt-walking, lion dances, and yangko dances captivating the audience. Meanwhile, a large number of netizens tuned in to the live broadcast on Global Times Online (huanqiu.com) to experience the authentic charm of “Celebrating Spring Festival in Xun County, Hometown Henan.”

 

Thousand-year-old temple fair held in Central China’s Henan

Shehuo, a traditional Chinese folk performance with a history spanning centuries, is predominantly celebrated in rural areas. On this day, more than a dozen performance troupes gathered, marching from the ancient city of Xun County to Dapishan. They moved in an orderly fashion to the beat of drums, performing as they walked and turning the one-mile-long street into a grand stage. At the main venue, performances such as stilt-walking, yangko, dragon dances, lion dances, and drumming took turns to showcase their unique skills, highlighting the artistic appeal of these traditions.

A notable feature of this year’s temple fair was the increased participation of young people in community performances. Participants ranged from 4-year-old children to teenagers, injecting new vitality into the ancient festival.

Xun County’s Shehuo has a history of over 1,000 years and is recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage. The performance roles are derived from folk legends, historical accounts, traditional operas, and literary works, and are given new life through the innovations introduced by the performers.

Xun County, Henan Province, known as the hometown of Chinese folk art, is famous for its ancient temple fairs. These fairs are renowned for their long history, rich cultural significance, far-reaching influence, and enduring vitality. The temple fairs last for a month, with the Dapishan Temple Fair opening on the ninth day of the first lunar month and the Fuqiu Mountain Temple Fair, held on the 16th day, being the most historic and famous.

In December 2024, China’s Spring Festival was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In the official video submitted to UNESCO, the temple fair in Xun County was showcased as a vibrant and dynamic celebration of the Spring Festival.

Xun County is a national historical and cultural city. The Xun County section of the Grand Canal and Liyang Warehouse in the ancient city are listed as world cultural heritage sites. Other historical sites, such as the ancient city walls and the Wenzhi Pavilion, provide a strong foundation for the preservation of traditional culture. In recent years, Xun County has vigorously developed its cultural tourism. The image of the ancient city, with its blend of mountains, water, and sightseeing opportunities, has been renewed through the temple fairs, transforming this destination into a new tourist highlight, especially during the Spring Festival.

“Temple fairs are a grand gathering of people, culture, and commodity trade, extending the reunion culture of the Spring Festival to the entire society, from family reunions to social reunions,” said Qiao Taishan, director of the Central Plains Intangible Cultural Heritage Research Institute and consultant to the Henan Folk Artists Association.

“Harmony and reunion are the core of Spring Festival culture. Our culture’s pursuit of harmony is the confidence that drives Chinese traditional culture to go global,” Qiao added.

The Fuqiu Mountain Temple Fair is held on the sixteenth day of the first lunar month each year. Community performance troupes from surrounding areas of Xun County also gather to enjoy this millennia-old cultural feast.

 

Snail Games Celebrates Pivotal Milestones and New Content for the ARK Franchise

CULVER CITY, Calif., Feb. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Snail Games (Nasdaq: SNAL), a premier global developer and publisher of interactive digital entertainment, celebrates new milestones that are reshaping the ARK universe. The franchise has expanded with ARK: Ultimate Mobile Edition achieving 4 million downloads, and the debut of the Greek-themed Astreos Map as an Official Partner DLC in ARK: Survival Ascended . Together, these developments underscore Snail Games’ relentless commitment to innovation and community creativity, setting the stage for a dynamic future for the ARK franchise.

ARK: Survival Ascended – DLCs, Mods and UGC

Snail Games is proud to celebrate the launch of the Astreos Map as an Official Partner DLC for ARK: Survival Ascended—a significant evolution from its origins as a community-created mod by acclaimed map author Nekatus. Now fully supported as a paid DLC, the Astreos Map infuses the ARK universe with a rich Greek mythology twist, delivering immersive new environments and challenges that transform the overall gameplay experience.

This official release exemplifies Snail Games’ dedication to nurturing mods, user-generated content and creativity. With over 3,500+ mods available for ARK: Survival Ascended, including the ARK x Power Rangers Wave 2 Premium Mod, developed in partnership with Hasbro and CurseForge, Snail Games solidifies  its commitment to supporting innovative contributions that drive the ARK franchise’s evolving ecosystem.

By championing community ingenuity and creativity, Snail Games is expanding the ARK universe while paving the way for new opportunities that extend the product’s lifecycle.

ARK: Ultimate Mobile Edition Surpasses 4 Million Downloads

Building on its commitment to expanding the ARK universe, ARK: Ultimate Mobile Edition has surpassed 4 million downloads and shows no signs of slowing down as they’ve recently added the fan-favorite Ragnarok expansion map in ARK: Ultimate Mobile Edition. This massive community-created map is now available for all mobile survivors on the App Store® and Google Play Store™. This milestone highlights the franchise’s growing appeal and the company’s success in delivering engaging, accessible gameplay experiences to a global audience.  ARK: Ultimate Mobile Edition reduces the high hardware requirements that can traditionally limit access to the franchise, expanding its reach at unprecedented levels.

Upcoming Announcements at GDC 2025

Looking ahead, Snail Games has teased additional major updates for the ARK franchise to be unveiled at the upcoming Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2025. These announcements are anticipated to provide further insights into the franchise’s roadmap.

Contacts

For creators interested in collaborative opportunities: creatordirect@noiz.gg
For Media Inquiriespress@snail.com
For Investor Inquiriesinvestors@snail.com

About Snail Games

Snail Games is a leading global developer and publisher, known for delivering innovative, immersive gaming experiences across a range of genres and platforms. With a legacy of technological innovation and a focus on community engagement, Snail Games is shaping the future of interactive entertainment.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements. Many of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “expect,” “should,” “plan,” “intend,” “may,” “predict,” “continue,” “estimate” and “potential,” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places in this press release and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Snail’s relentless commitment to innovation and community creativity, which may set the stage for a dynamic future for the ARK franchise. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, which was filed by the Company with the SEC on April 1, 2024 and other documents filed by the Company from time to time with the SEC, including the Company’s Forms 10-Q filed with the SEC. The Company does not undertake or accept any obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in its expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

 

Kexing Biopharm Obtained IND Approval for Its Self-developed GB05 from U.S. FDA

SHENZHEN, China, Feb. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Kexing Biopharm Co., Ltd. (Stock Code: 688136.SH) recently announced that the Investigational New Drug Application (IND) of GB05, Human Interferon α1b Inhalation Solution, a self-developed product by the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Shenzhen Kexing Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and this approval allows Shenzhen Kexing to initiate its proposed clinical trials in the US. The proposed indications are pediatric lower respiratory tract infections caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis. This significant breakthrough in antiviral drug development brings new hope to the treatment of RSV infections in children globally.

RSV is one of the most causative viruses for acute respiratory infections in infants. Children under the age of five are particularly vulnerable, and the situation is even worse for infants and children with underlying health conditions, who are likely to suffer severe pneumonia when infected. There is yet no effective anti-viral drugs targeting RSV approved globally. GB05, Human Interferon α1b Inhalation Solution, is specifically formulated for pediatric use: it incorporates a mutation to increase stability, is formulated with low human albumin content for increased safety and lower cost, and in inhaled regimen, the active ingredient can be delivered directly to the infection site for better efficacy and reduced side effects. In addition, inhalation delivery enhances pediatric patients’ compliance compared to subcutaneous injection. In summary, the safety, efficacy and compliance of GB05 have been significantly improved. Currently, phase III clinical trials for GB05 are on going in China.

Kexing Biopharm has been deeply engaged in antiviral, oncology, and immunology areas, keeping refining and balancing its product pipeline. The approval of GB05 for clinical trials in both China and the US is not only a reflection of Kexing Biopharm’s prowess in innovative R&D, but also an important achievement after years of efforts in antiviral area. Besides GB05, Kexing Biopharm is also gaining progress in the development of other innovative medicines. For instance, Kexing is actively working on a new biological entity, GB08, a long-acting growth hormone in the form of an Fc-fusion protein. Meanwhile, the IND applications of GB18 indicated for cancer cachexia (a nanobody targeting GDF-15) are about to be submitted in both China and the US within this year.

In recent years, Kexing Biopharm’s R&D pipeline becomes more focused, and the R&D investment is more precise and targeted. Its innovation capability has attracted attention from peers and venture capitals at home and abroad. In the future, Kexing will adhere to the platform-based development strategy driven by innovation and internationalization, bringing more breakthroughs on the road of innovation.

LONGi maintains AAA ranking in Q4 2024 PV ModuleTech Bankability Ratings

XI’AN, China, Feb. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — LONGi has announced the retention of its AAA rating in PV-Tech’s Q4 2024 PV ModuleTech bankability ratings, marking the company’s 20th consecutive quarter at this top tier and underscoring its long-term commitment to quality, innovation, financial stability and leadership in the photovoltaic industry.

PV Module Tech Bankrupcity Ratings
PV Module Tech Bankrupcity Ratings

The PV ModuleTech bankability ratings are derived from a thorough evaluation process that examines manufacturers across several critical dimensions, including value chain strength, production capacity, global shipment profiles, capital expenditure (capex), R&D investment and cash-flow management. LONGi’s consistent AAA status reflects not only its robust operational metrics but also its dedication to advancing solar technology.

Relying on its profound technology accumulation and advanced intelligent manufacturing advantages, LONGi has made continuous breakthroughs in HPBC2.0 technology and forward-looking R&D, and its products for utility and distributed scenarios have been implemented successively.

In May 2024, LONGi launched Hi-MO 9, an utility PV module product based on HPBC2.0 solar cellss, in Spain. The power of the module is up to 660W, and the conversion efficiency can reach 24.43%. In October 2024, LONGi released the Hi-MO X10, a distributed PV module product also based on HPBC2.0 solar cells, at the Shanghai Rolex Masters. With a maximum mass production power of 670W, Hi-MO X10 is more than 30W higher than the power of TOPCon modules in the same area, and the maximum efficiency can reach 24.8%.

Recently, LONGi successfully won the first phase of the 500MW PV power plant project from Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China, which marks a milestone for LONGi’s HPBC2.0 technology products have been highly recognized by the market. These developments highlight the company’s focus on enhancing product efficiency and reliability to meet the evolving needs of global energy markets.

LONGi’s continued success is a testament to the trust and recognition it has earned from stakeholders across the global photovoltaic landscape. The company remains dedicated to adapting to market changes and delivering unparalleled value to its customers and partners.

As LONGi looks to the future, it remains focused on its mission of “making the best of solar energy to build a green world,” furthering its efforts in technology innovation and the development of sustainable energy solutions.

About LONGi

Founded in 2000, LONGi is committed to being the world’s leading solar technology company, focusing on customer-driven value creation for full scenario energy transformation.

Under its mission of ‘making the best of solar energy to build a green world’, LONGi has dedicated itself to technology innovation and established several business sectors, covering mono silicon wafers, cells and modules, commercial & industrial distributed solar solutions, green energy solutions and hydrogen equipment. The company has honed its capabilities to provide green energy and has, more recently, also embraced green hydrogen products and solutions to support global zero carbon development. www.longi.com

Macroeconomics and Crypto Markets Entanglement Intensifies, Revealed Bybit x Block Scholes Feb. Volatility Report

DUBAI, UAE, Feb. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, released its latest joint monthly volatility report with Block Scholes uncovering insights from January’s crypto options trading data.

The report indicated BTC’s and ETH’s growing influence in the global financial landscape, evidenced by the diminishing historical divide between digital assets and conventional markets. By all accounts, key crypto assets are increasingly moving in tandem with macroeconomic signals. From tariffs to the AI race, the digital asset class is no longer insulated from world affairs. The data suggests that crypto is maturing from financial outlier to market bellwether, marking a fundamental shift for traders navigating this new landscape.

Key findings:

  • Crypto Markets — The New Canary in the Economic Coal Mine: Crypto markets are increasingly functioning as early warning systems for broader market movements. In the eventful first month of 2025, digital assets demonstrated heightened sensitivity to macroeconomic developments, often reacting hours or even days before traditional equity markets. While equity markets were asleep, the always-on crypto markets digested key indicators such as CPI, labor market data, and potential rate hikes or cuts.
  • The Weekend Effect: As the convergence between cryptocurrency and traditional financial markets reached new heights in Jan., crypto’s “early warning” feature was exacerbated particularly on weekends. The 24/7 nature of crypto trading has created a unique dynamic where weekend sessions, especially Sundays, have become crucial indicators of market sentiment. Traders saw a pattern of significant Sunday trading activity that consistently foreshadowed Monday market openings.
  • Ethereum’s New Dynamics: While ETH and BTC have historically shared similar trajectories in market movements, the past month revealed a more nuanced relationship. During market downturns, ETH was more vulnerable to negative sentiment, consistently outperformed by BTC. However, the trajectories diverged in options markets, pricing ETH’s implied volatility lower than historical patterns would suggest. This disconnect between market expectations and realized performance points to evolving dynamics in how different cryptocurrencies respond to market stress.

The Bybit and Block Scholes Monthly Volatility Report series is available on Bybit Learn.

#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk /#BybitResearch

About Bybit

Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press
For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com
For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media

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BingX Labs Invests $100,000 in Fireverse to Fuel AI Music Innovation in Web3 Initiatives

PANAMA CITY, Feb. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — BingX Labs, the innovation arm of cryptocurrency exchange BingX, announced a strategic $100,000 investment in Fireverse, a trailblazing AI-driven and blockchain-powered music creation platform. This collaboration aims to accelerate the growth of the Web3 ecosystem by revolutionizing the music industry through cutting-edge AI and blockchain solutions. By equipping artists and enthusiasts with transformative tools for music generation, monetization, and distribution, the partnership seeks to redefine creative ownership and foster decentralized collaboration.

BingX Labs Invests $100,000 in Fireverse to Fuel AI Music Innovation in Web3 Initiatives
BingX Labs Invests $100,000 in Fireverse to Fuel AI Music Innovation in Web3 Initiatives

Fireverse is a next-generation Web3 music platform that leverages AI and blockchain to transform music creation, marketing, and monetization. It enables both professionals and amateurs to produce high-quality music effortlessly with AI-powered composition tools, gamified experiences, and blockchain-backed copyright protection. Through cooperation with Nobody, Fireverse obtained the intellectual property rights of classic films by Stephen Chow to create music NFTs. Users can generate music with one-click AI processing, participate in global competitions, and monetize their work while maintaining full ownership and security. The decentralized model ensures artist control and content integrity, allowing independent publishing and promotion.

BingX Labs is committed to supporting Fireverse’s growth through strategic funding and hands-on collaboration, aimed at strengthening its Web3 infrastructure, smart contract functionalities, and NFT-based monetization models. The funding will be primarily directed towards enhancing Fireverse’s infrastructure, ensuring its long-term scalability and success. Joint initiatives such as BingX Learn to Earn will be launched in the upcoming months, featuring gamified incentives and prize pools to engage users and promote the platform.

Vivien Lin, Head of BingX Labs, highlighted the collaboration’s potential: “Fireverse represents an exciting convergence of AI, music, and Web3 technology. At BingX Labs, we are not only bringing substantial funding to Fireverse but also offering our extensive industry resources and views, driving the expansion of Fireverse’s presence within the blockchain and crypto ecosystem. Our goal is to empower creators across various sectors, and with Fireverse, we aim to make music production more accessible and decentralized. This partnership is a part of our broader commitment to revolutionizing industries through Web3 technology, and we look forward to shaping the future together.”

By supporting projects like Fireverse, BingX Labs continues to bridge the gap between blockchain technology and real-world applications, driving adoption across various industries. As Fireverse advances its AI-powered platform and expands its ecosystem, its collaboration with BingX Labs will play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of digital music creation and distribution.

About BingX 

Founded in 2018, BingX is a leading crypto exchange, serving over 10 million users worldwide. BingX offers diversified products and services, including spot, derivatives, copy trading, and asset management – all designed for the evolving needs of users, from beginners to professionals. BingX is committed to providing a trustworthy platform that empowers users with innovative tools and features to elevate their trading proficiency. In 2024, BingX proudly became the official crypto exchange partner of Chelsea Football Club, marking an exciting debut in the world of sports.

For more information please visit: https://bingx.com/

China Telecom’s Asia Direct Cable (ADC) Capacity Enters Service Ahead of Schedule, Bolstering Regional Economic Development

HONG KONG, Feb. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On February 14, 2025, China Telecom officially announced that the capacity of the Asia Direct Cable (ADC), an international submarine cable initiative led by China Telecom, has been officially in service ahead of schedule, completing two months earlier than originally planned. This marks another significant milestone following the Ready for Service of the ADC wet segment last November.

Over the past eight years, no new submarine cables had been brought into operation within Asia-Pacific, leaving existing resources nearly exhausted and creating a challenging “no rice to cook with” situation in the market. The industry has eagerly awaited the launch of ADC capacity. China Telecom Global Limited, leveraging its leadership role as Co-chair of the ADC Consortium, has taken a proactive approach by coordinating closely with all consortium members and suppliers to overcome unexpected challenges and difficulties. This collaborative effort has successfully brought ADC capacity into service two months ahead of schedule, significantly alleviating the strain on submarine cable resources. The coming online of ADC capacity will provide a robust foundation for the thriving development of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and big data, while offering strong support for digital transformation across industries.

Looking ahead, China Telecom will continue to expand its footprint in overseas markets, actively developing global network resources to make even greater contributions to the advancement of the global digital economy!

HIDDEN and Defence Collective Singapore Announce New Initiative to Strengthen National Security Awareness through “Escape Quest: Operation Broken Oath”

Available from February 2025 at Singapore Discovery Centre, New Interactive Game Aims to Champion National Education


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 February 2025 – In commemoration of Total Defence Day on 15 February, HIDDEN and Defence Collective Singapore are excited to announce the launch of their new, interactive game, “Escape Quest: Operation Broken Oath”. This engaging and educational game is designed to raise awareness of national security challenges while encouraging active participation in safeguarding Singapore’s future. Defence Collective Singapore is the parent company of Singapore Discovery Centre, Singapore Navy Museum and Singapore Air Force Museum. The first stop will take place at Singapore Discovery Centre with plans to expand the programme to Singapore Navy Museum and Singapore Air Force Museum.

Photo of Singapore Discovery Centre

The game features an AI chatbot “Void Deck Cat” to interact with visitors at the Singapore Discovery Centre, placing players in the midst of a simulated national crisis, where they must make quick, strategic decisions to defend the nation and prevent the next attack. Users can jump into action on any mobile device without needing to download additional applications as the gameplay revolves using the Whatsapp chat application.

Total Defence Day on 15 Feb commemorates the fall of Singapore in 1942, serves as a poignant reminder on the need for a strong Defence.

“Escape Quest: Operation Broken Oath” offers a fun and innovative way for Singaporeans of all ages to engage with the concept of national defence and take on a proactive role as stewards of security. This immersive game combines strategy, problem-solving, and teamwork, offering a thrilling experience that challenges players to think like investigators.

Escape Quest: Operation Broken Oath is more than just a game,” says Lim Yee Hung, Group Chief Executive of HIDDEN. “It is an interactive learning experience that empowers individuals to think critically about national security and the vital role that each of us plays in keeping Singapore safe. With the increasing complexity of security threats, it is important that we all stay informed, prepared, and resilient—this game is one way to achieve that.”

“Defence Collective Singapore is happy to collaborate with HIDDEN in launching ‘Escape Quest: Operation Broken Oath’ as part of Total Defence Day,” says Geraldine Loh, Deputy Director, Programmes Cluster Head for Defence Collective Singapore. “Through this initiative, we hope to inspire a culture of security, mindfulness and proactive engagement, where every Singaporean can play a part in making Singapore stronger. By gamifying the concept of national security, we aim to make the learning process both informative and enjoyable.”

Perfect for corporate team-building, school groups, and anyone seeking a unique, interactive adventure, the game starts from S$20 per ticket for each player.

For more information, visit go.hiddenxp.com/brokenoath
Hashtag: #TotalDefenceDay #TotalDefenceSG #NeverAgainSG #SingaporeHistory #SGHeritage #EscapeQuestSG #HiddenXP #OperationBrokenOath #ImmersiveExperience #GamifiedLearning #InteractiveAdventure #DefendSingapore #NationalSecuritySG #StayPrepared #StrongerTogetherSG #SGDefence #DefenceCollectiveSG #SingaporeDiscoveryCentre #NavyMuseumSG #AirForceMuseumSG #HIDDENSingapore #TeamBuildingSG #SchoolExcursionSG #EducationalGames #LearnThroughPlay





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

About HIDDEN

HIDDEN is an award-winning experiences company that combines the physical and virtual worlds to help players uncover hidden gems in a city’s iconic neighbourhoods. Launched in 2022, the company is the brainchild of two childhood friends who wanted to make heritage come alive and easily accessible through games and technology.

As a social enterprise under the United Nations Development Programme, HIDDEN is committed to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all.

For more information, please visit

About Defence Collective Singapore

Defence Collective Singapore (DCS) champions our defence story through immersive galleries and engaging experiences, to inspire everyone to defend what it means to be Singaporean: our home, our identity, and our way of life.

A defence-inspired museum collective, DCS pays homage to Singapore’s resolve and determination and its journey, which has brought the nation to where it is today. The museums include the Singapore Discovery Centre, the Singapore Navy Museum, and the Singapore Air Force Museum. More military-themed museums, like the Army Museum and the NS Gallery, will join the DCS family soon.

For more information, please visit