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The Rise of Bread Festivals: Agoda Unveils Top “Bread Pilgrimage” Destinations in South Korea

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Advertorial Desk
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– Goyang, Daejeon, Jeongseon, Suwon, and Seoul emerge as the most popular bakery tourism destinations in South Korea, driven by growing search interest

SEOUL, South Korea, Aug. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Driven by South Korea’s vibrant cafe culture and the growing popularity of bakery-themed events, “bread pilgrimages” have emerged as one of the latest travel trends. Today, South Koreans are willing to travel in search of the perfect loaf, visiting renowned bakeries and bread festivals across the country. The phenomenon gained even greater momentum after actor Beomjun Seo embarked on a bread pilgrimage in the entertainment show “I Live Alone,” inspiring viewers to explore famous bakeries. Reflecting this growing appetite for bakery tourism, digital travel platform Agoda has revealed the top domestic “bread pilgrimage” destinations for travelers to explore in the second half of the year.

Based on accommodation searches made by South Korean travelers between 1 January and 15 June this year, Goyang recorded the largest increase in travel interest among destinations hosting upcoming bakery-related events. Daejeon, Jeongseon, Suwon, and Seoul followed, rounding out the top five destinations for bakery tourism.

Goyang topped the list with a 22% increase in accommodation searches, likely driven by the “2026 Cafe & Bakery Fair Season 2” taking place from 29 October – 1 November this year. The event showcases not only coffee, desserts, and bakery products, but also coffee equipment, packaging solutions, related services, and the latest industry trends. Season 1, held from 4–7 June, attracted more than 200 participating brands and an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 visitors.

Ranking second, Daejeon recorded an 18% increase in accommodation searches. Long regarded as one of South Korea’s iconic “bread pilgrimage” destinations thanks to the legendary bakery Sungsimdang, the city has continued to strengthen its reputation through unique local experiences such as the “Bread Taxi,” where taxi driver Seongwoo Ahn offers visitors exclusive tours of the city’s best bakeries. Interest is also expected to be fueled by two major upcoming events, “Bbangbbangrun 2026 in Daejeon,” taking place on 9–10 October, and the “2026 Daejeon Bread Festival,” scheduled for 17–18 October.

Jeongseon ranked third with a 17% increase in accommodation searches, likely driven by the “Bread Trail Run 2026” taking place from 12–13 September. First launched last year, the event combines running with a unique bakery experience, featuring refreshment checkpoints where participants can enjoy treats, including bread, beverages, snacks, ice cream, and chocolate. Beyond the race itself, participants can enjoy a variety of activities, including a running clinic led by a national team athlete, warm-up sessions, and photo zones.

Suwon placed fourth, with accommodation searches rising 15%. The increase is likely driven by the “Korea Coffee & Dessert Festival Season 2,” scheduled for 11–13 December. As Suwon’s only exhibition dedicated exclusively to coffee and desserts, the festival brings together coffee lovers, home baristas, and bakery enthusiasts to discover the latest dessert trends.

Rounding out the top five, Seoul recorded an 11% increase in accommodation searches, likely driven by the “2026 Cafe & Bakery Fair Season 2” taking place from 27–30 August. The capital also hosted Season 1 earlier this year from 25–28 February, reinforcing its position as one of the country’s leading destinations for bakery enthusiasts and cafe culture.

Alex Park, Country Director, South Korea at Agoda shared, “Food has always been an important part of the travel experience, and we’re seeing more opportunities for travelers who want to plan trips around finding the best bakeries, with bread evolving from a simple dessert into a destination and experience in itself. From iconic bakeries to bread festivals, Agoda is delighted to help travelers discover local culture through food while making it easy to find great-value accommodation for every journey.”

With over 130,000 flight routes, more than 6 million holiday properties, and over 300,000 activities, Agoda ensures bread enthusiasts can seamlessly combine their bookings in one convenient platform throughout their journey. Discover the best deals on Agoda’s mobile app and visit Agoda.com to plan the perfect summer getaway.

Laos National Assembly President Xaysomphone Phomvihane Dies at 69

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Namfon Chanthavong
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Xaysomphone Phomvihane, Laos’ National Assembly president, has died in Vietnam aged 69 after more than three decades in public life.

Xaysomphone Phomvihane, President of Laos’ National Assembly and one of the country’s most senior political figures, has died aged 69, officials announced on 8 August.

Lao authorities said Xaysomphone’s body was taken to National Assembly Hall No. 6, where official funeral preparations are underway. According to state media, Laos will mourn his death from 9 to 13 August, and the final funeral ceremony will be held on 13 August

Born on 12 December 1956 in Houaphanh, Xaysomphone spent more than three decades moving through some of Laos’ most important political and government positions.

Politics was familiar territory for him from an early age.

His father, Kaysone Phomvihane, was one of the founding figures of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and served as its general secretary for more than two decades. His mother was Thongvin Phomvihane, while several of his brothers also went on to hold senior government positions.

Among them is Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Laos’ current deputy prime minister and foreign minister.

From provincial government to parliament

Xaysomphone studied in the Soviet Union, where he earned a doctorate in political economy before returning to Laos and beginning his government career in Savannakhet Province. He served first as deputy governor and later as governor from 1989 to 1995.

His move to the national government came in 1995, when he was appointed finance minister. He remained in the post until 1998 and represented Laos at international financial meetings, including those of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank.

Xaysomphone later served as minister to the Prime Minister’s Office before entering the National Assembly in 2006. His influence within the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party continued to grow, and in 2016 he joined the Politburo while also becoming chairman of the Central Committee of the Lao Front for National Construction.

Five years later, lawmakers elected him president of the National Assembly.

He was re-elected in March 2026 to lead the country’s 10th legislature.

His final years in the role came as Laos faced some of its toughest economic challenges in decades, with high inflation, rising living costs and growing pressure on household incomes.

A familiar face in regional diplomacy

Beyond Laos, Xaysomphone also played a role in regional parliamentary diplomacy.

He served as president of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly from 2023 to 2024. He also led Lao parliamentary delegations on overseas visits and met senior officials from countries including China, Vietnam and Cuba.

His death leaves the National Assembly without the president lawmakers re-elected just months ago to lead the new parliamentary term.

In Vientiane, the Party Central Committee Office and the National Assembly are overseeing preparations for his official funeral.

Xaysomphone leaves behind more than three decades in public life and a political career closely tied to one of Laos’ most influential families.

Lao Gold Festival 2026 Enters Second Year, Set to Bring Lao Gold to the World

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Advertorial Desk
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A picture of Lao Gold Festival 2026 entered its second year following a press conference on 7 August. (Photo by LBB)

On 7 August, Lao Gold Festival 2026 officially entered its second year following a press conference attended by senior officials, representatives of government agencies, associations, financial institutions, business partners, entrepreneurs, and members of the media.

Building on the success of its inaugural edition in 2025, the three-day festival will take place from 4 to 6 September at the National Convention Centre, Km 6, Vientiane Capital.

Lao Gold Festival 2026 is organized by Lao Bullion Bank (LBB) in collaboration with the Lao Gold, Jewelry and Gem Association, the Lao Handicraft Association, government agencies, the private sector, entrepreneurs, and domestic and international partners.

From a Successful Beginning to the Next Stage

The success of Lao Gold Festival 2025 highlighted the potential of Laos’ gold industry, the capabilities of local entrepreneurs and artisans, and strong interest from the public and regional and international partners.

This year’s festival will expand beyond an exhibition and marketplace for gold, jewellery, Lao silk, and handicrafts to provide a broader platform for knowledge exchange, technology, innovation, design, investment opportunities, and business connections.

Held under the theme “Lao Gold to the World: Elevating Lao Gold to International Standards — Connecting • Building Trust • Growing Together,” the festival aims to promote higher quality and standards for Lao gold products while strengthening transparency and market confidence.

The organizers said the event is designed to create new opportunities for Lao gold to connect with regional and international markets, while highlighting the skills, creativity, and cultural heritage behind the country’s gold and handicraft industries.

Promoting Standards, Innovation and Lao Heritage

A key focus of Lao Gold Festival 2026 will be improving quality, purity, weight accuracy, certification, inspection, and transparency in gold trading. The festival will also provide opportunities for manufacturers, artisans, designers, and entrepreneurs to exchange knowledge and technology and develop contemporary products while preserving Lao identity.

The event will highlight the cultural value of Lao gold, jewelry, silk, and handicrafts, including traditional knowledge and craftsmanship passed down among the diverse ethnic communities of Laos. Seminars and knowledge-sharing sessions will bring together leaders, academics, investors, and industry experts from Laos and abroad to discuss the gold market, investment, technology, and future industry trends.

The festival will also connect entrepreneurs, investors, banks, financial institutions, manufacturers, traders, and international partners to explore business opportunities and strengthen market connections. It is expected to attract more than 30,000 domestic and international visitors over its three-day program.

Three Days of Gold, Culture and Business

The first day, themed “Global Gold Market & Investment,” will focus on global gold market trends, investment, wealth management, international standards, and business networking.

The second day, “Lao Gold Heritage & Innovation,” will showcase Lao craftsmanship, contemporary jewellery, innovative designs, live performances, artist meet-and-greet activities, and concerts.

The final day, “Wealth, Culture & a Sustainable Future,” will focus on financial literacy, wealth preservation, cultural continuity, and the responsible development of the gold industry.

Visitors will also be able to explore gold, jewellery, gemstones, silk, handicrafts, and creative products from Lao businesses and international partners. An international exhibition zone will provide space for overseas companies and organizations to present products, technologies, and potential areas of cooperation.

Other activities will include a jewellery fashion show, business networking sessions, high-level seminars, concerts, and artist meet-and-greet activities. The LBB PLUS digital platform will support registration and admission while introducing visitors to digital gold services.

Connecting Lao Gold With the World

Lao Gold Festival 2026 aims to bring together entrepreneurs, investors, academics, financial institutions, associations, and partners from Laos and abroad, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange, technology transfer, business partnerships, and greater international recognition of Lao gold.

The Organizing Committee invites gold shops, manufacturers, artisans, designers, investors, academics, students, media, the Lao public, and international visitors to attend the festival and explore the country’s gold, jewelry, silk, handicrafts, and cultural heritage.

Now entering its second year, Lao Gold Festival 2026 aims to build on its initial success by strengthening industry connections, preserving traditional craftsmanship, improving standards, and creating new pathways for Lao gold to reach regional and international markets.

About Lao Gold Festival 2026

Lao Gold Festival 2026 is an annual national event bringing together stakeholders from the gold and jewelry, finance, investment, Lao silk, handicraft, and tourism sectors. The festival aims to preserve Lao heritage and traditional wisdom, elevate quality and standards, strengthen market confidence, expand business opportunities, and connect Lao gold with regional and international markets.

RiboX Therapeutics Announces FDA IND Clearance for RXIM002, the first Circular RNA-Based in vivo CAR Therapy for Autoimmune Cytopenias

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Advertorial Desk
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The FDA IND clearance supports the initiation of RiboX’s Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating targeted LNP-delivered circular RNA-based in vivo CAR-T therapy for autoimmune cytopenias.

RXIM002 represents the world’s first circular RNA-based in vivo CAR-T therapy achieving FDA IND clearance. RiboX expands its clinical-stage pipeline through its proprietary targeted LNP delivery platform.

SHANGHAI and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Aug. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — RiboX Therapeutics Ltd. (“RiboX”), a global clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering fully engineered circular RNA (circRNA) therapeutics, announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared the company’s Investigational New Drug (IND) application for RXIM002. RXIM002 is the world’s first circular RNA-based in vivo CAR-T therapy delivered by a targeted lipid nanoparticle (tLNP). This marks an important milestone for the field as circRNA-based in vivo CAR-T officially advancing into clinical development.

RXIM002 is an investigational product employing tLNP encapsulated circRNA that encodes a CD19‑targeting chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) for the treatment of autoimmune cytopenias. By delivering circRNA to T cells in vivo, RXIM002 enables durable CAR expression and generating functional CAR-T cells directly within the patient’s body. This “in situ generation” approach fundamentally bypasses the complex, costly and time-consuming ex vivo manufacturing processes required by conventional CAR-T therapies, expanding patient access. In autoimmune diseases, deep B cell depletion driven by the in vivo generated CAR-T cells has the potential to induce immune reset and durable drug-free remission.

Prior to the IND submission, RXIM002 was evaluated in investigator-initiated trials (IITs) in China in autoimmune disease patients. Follow-up of these patients are currently ongoing, with some patients exceeding six months. RiboX submitted complete IIT data as part of the IND package to the FDA, encompassing safety and early efficacy results from all treated patients. Based on the integrity and robustness of this full dataset, the agency permitted an accelerated dose-titration scheme and granted subcutaneous formulation as part of clinical development, paving the way for potentially outpatient administration that could fundamentally transform the CAR-T treatment paradigm.

To the company’s knowledge, RXIM002 is the world’s first tLNP-circRNA in vivo CAR therapy that achieved FDA IND clearance. This milestone validates RiboX’s proprietary tLNP platform and further reinforces the company’s leadership in precision RNA therapeutics.

“The FDA IND clearance for RXIM002 is a pivotal milestone for RiboX and for the field of circRNA medicines,” said Weiyi Zhang, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of RiboX Therapeutics. “As the first-in-class circRNA in vivo CAR-T therapy to enter the clinic, RXIM002 exemplifies our ability to translate robust pre-clinical results and rigorous early clinical evidence into an accelerated development path. This achievement brings us closer to delivering a transformative treatment option for patients living with debilitating autoimmune diseases. We are committed to advancing clinical research of RXIM002 across multiple regions worldwide to address the significant unmet needs.”

About RXIM002

RXIM002 is a first-in-class, tLNP-delivered circRNA therapy encoding an anti-CD19 CAR. It’s designed to generate functional CAR T cells in vivo to achieve durable, non-integrating CAR-expression. By inducing profound depletion of pathogenic B cells, RXIM002 promotes immune reset and sustained disease remission, offering a potentially transformative, off-the-shelf solution for patients with B-cell-driven autoimmune diseases.

About POPULUS-1 Study

POPULUS-1 is a Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating the safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and early efficacy of RXIM002 in patients with relapsed or refractory autoimmune cytopenias. The study will initially enroll participants with relapsed or refractory immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), the most prevalent autoimmune cytopenia, characterized by a low platelet count and an increased risk of bruising and bleeding. ITP is caused by pathogenic autoantibodies driven by aberrant B-cell activation. RXIM002 is being developed to induce transient in vivo CAR T-cell mediated depletion of pathogenic B cells while potentially preserving immune competence.

About RiboX Therapeutics

RiboX Therapeutics is a global, clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to discovering and developing circRNA therapeutics with operations in China, US and Israel. RiboX develops proprietary circRNA and targeted LNP platforms that enable durable expression, precision tissue targeting and broad therapeutic applicability across multiple disease areas.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the development, regulatory advancement, clinical evaluation, safety, efficacy, and commercial potential of RXIM002 and the Company’s circular RNA and targeted lipid nanoparticle platforms. Actual results may differ materially due to various risks and uncertainties. RiboX undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by law.

For Further Information, please visit: http://www.riboxtx.com/

World’s First Long-Duration Energy Storage Integrated Industrial Park Commences Production Rollout: Shandong HiTHIUM Ushers in New Phase of Scalable Delivery

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Advertorial Desk
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HEZE, China, Aug. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Production Rollout Ceremony of Shandong HiTHIUM’s world’s first long-duration energy storage (LDES) integrated industrial park (Heze Base) was held on August 7 in Heze Luxi New Area. As the world’s first intelligent manufacturing base purpose-built for LDES, the Heze Base exemplifies its commitment to “benchmark from day one, leadership from production rollout.” It marks a strategic milestone for HiTHIUM in its unwavering LDES commitment and deepening global integrated industrial layout, propelling the company into a new era of worldwide LDES integrated intelligent manufacturing and scaled delivery.

Shandong HiTHIUM’s world’s first long-duration energy storage (LDES) integrated industrial park
Shandong HiTHIUM’s world’s first long-duration energy storage (LDES) integrated industrial park

Spanning a planned total area of approximately 80 hectares and representing a total investment of over RMB 13 billion across the entire industrial chain, the Shandong Heze project is the world’s first integrated industrial park dedicated exclusively to LDES. The project has been designated as a key national private investment initiative and a flagship project in Shandong Province’s new energy system development.

Built on a whole-industry-chain approach, the facility encompasses intelligent manufacturing of LFP battery cells, module and system integration, new material production, and upstream raw material processing – achieving end-to-end integration from materials to cells and systems.

Wang Pengcheng, Co-founder and CEO of HiTHIUM and Chairman of Shandong HiTHIUM, stated: “The production rollout marks a new phase for the Heze Base in scalable manufacturing, market-oriented delivery, and ecosystem development. Building on this new foundation, HiTHIUM will continue to advance our ‘three pillars of leadership’:

Industrial leadership – building a national benchmark industrial cluster for LDES. With the Heze LDES integrated industrial park as the ‘core engine’, HiTHIUM will gather upstream and downstream partners to cover the full ‘generation-transmission-distribution-consumption’ application ecosystem.

Product leadership – defining full-scenario LDES solutions. HiTHIUM has taken the lead in defining and deploying LDES solutions. Leveraging the Base’s scaled capacity, HiTHIUM will fully unleash the manufacturing potential of thousand-ampere-hour large-capacity products, ushering the global lithium-based LDES industry into an era of large-scale delivery.

Production efficiency leadership – building global competitiveness through integrated intelligent manufacturing. Fully equipped with independently developed fifth-generation intelligent manufacturing lines, the Base enables end-to-end synergistic integration across core materials, cell manufacturing, system integration, and global delivery, ensuring our ability to deliver large-scale, high-efficiency, and high-quality products to markets worldwide.”

The Heze Base’s integrated intelligent manufacturing system covers the entire process from raw materials to prefabricated container delivery. Powered by the fifth-generation production lines – the industry’s first to exceed 15 GWh in single-line capacity – the new generation delivers a 50% reduction in floor space per GWh, 58% reduction in production manpower, 13% reduction in manufacturing energy consumption, and 200% efficiency improvement compared to the previous generation. With an automation rate exceeding 95%, over 1,000 quality control checkpoints reinforced by AI-powered visual inspection, the Heze Base establishes low-cost operational capabilities, high-efficiency delivery, and premium product quality, offering globally competitive LDES solutions to customers worldwide.

Bybit Sues North Korea and Lazarus Group, Secures Preliminary Injunction Freezing Stolen Assets in Landmark Crypto Asset Recovery Effort

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Advertorial Desk
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Lawsuit accuses North Korea and Lazarus Group of orchestrating the $1.5 billion theft, as court-ordered asset freeze supports recovery efforts and  Bybit expands collaboration with law enforcement and industry partners to strengthen accountability for crypto-related cybercrime

DUBAI, UAE, Aug. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, today announced that it has filed a civil lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), its Reconnaissance General Bureau (RGB), and the Lazarus Group, which U.S. authorities have identified as the DPRK-linked hacking group responsible for the February 2025 cyberattack.

Bybit has also secured a preliminary injunction freezing identified stolen assets held by the unidentified individuals and entities holding or moving those funds, named in the case as John Doe defendants. The order is intended to preserve identified stolen digital assets while the litigation continues, representing an important step in Bybit’s ongoing efforts to recover funds, support international law enforcement investigations, and reinforce accountability for large-scale cybercrime. Indeed, the court found that “Bybit has demonstrated a likelihood of success on the merits” in its lawsuit.

The legal action forms part of a broader strategy combining blockchain intelligence, international cooperation, and judicial remedies to pursue the illicit actors responsible for what the court, in granting the initial temporary restraining order, described as “one of the largest cryptocurrency thefts in history.” While criminal investigations remain the responsibility of government authorities, the civil proceedings provide an additional avenue for preserving assets and protecting the interests of affected stakeholders.

“Our focus has never changed: protect our users first, recover what we can, and make sure the people behind these attacks are held accountable,” said Ben Zhou, Co-founder and CEO of Bybit. “The Lazarus attack wasn’t just an attack on Bybit. It was an attack on trust in our industry. That’s why we’ve worked closely with investigators, exchanges, regulators, law enforcement, and now the courts. We hope this marks another step toward making crypto a much harder place for criminals to operate in and  a much safer place for everyone else.”

Strengthening Accountability Through Legal Action

The preliminary injunction prohibits the transfer or dissipation of identified assets connected to the case while litigation continues. Bybit intends to seek additional judicial relief as the proceedings advance.

The civil action is being pursued independently of ongoing criminal investigations conducted by U.S. law enforcement authorities. Bybit continues to cooperate closely with relevant agencies, including the FBI, by sharing blockchain intelligence and investigative findings that may support broader enforcement efforts.

As digital assets increasingly become a target of sophisticated cross-border cybercrime, the company believes legal remedies, alongside criminal enforcement, can play an important role in preserving recoverable assets and strengthening accountability.

Global Collaboration Driving Asset Recovery

Since the February 2025 incident, Bybit has worked alongside blockchain analytics firms, exchanges, custodians, and international law enforcement agencies to trace stolen assets and disrupt laundering networks.

To date:

  • Approximately US$48.4 million in stolen assets has been recovered.
  • Over approximately US$30.5 million has been frozen across more than 28 exchanges and custodians, pending further legal and investigative action.

These efforts have also supported broader enforcement actions targeting infrastructure allegedly used to launder stolen funds. Authorities in Germany dismantled the cryptocurrency exchange eXch, while German and Swiss authorities later disrupted Cryptomixer.io, removing key channels used to move illicit proceeds. Together, these actions demonstrate the impact of effective cooperation between the private sector and law enforcement in combating transnational cybercrime.

“The real test comes after the crisis,” Ben added. “That’s when you show whether your commitment is real. For us, that means continuing to strengthen our security, working hand in hand with investigators and industry partners, and doing everything we can to protect our users. Trust isn’t something you claim. You have to earn it through action, every single day.”

Building a More Resilient Digital Asset Ecosystem

The legal proceedings represent one component of Bybit’s broader commitment to improving security standards across the cryptocurrency industry. The company continues to invest in advanced blockchain intelligence capabilities, deepen cooperation with exchanges and regulators, and support initiatives aimed at making digital asset theft increasingly difficult, traceable and costly for criminal organisations.

This action reflects Bybit’s commitment to holding state-sponsored threat actors accountable and using all available legal avenues, both civil and in cooperation with law enforcement, to disrupt cybercrime targeting the digital asset industry.

The civil proceedings remain ongoing. Bybit will continue to cooperate with relevant authorities and provide updates as permitted by the court.

#NewFinancialPlatform

About Bybit

Bybit is The New Financial Platform.

We believe every person should have access to every financial opportunity on earth. That’s why we’re building the first intelligent platform that connects anyone, anywhere to the world’s finance.

Trusted by more than 80 million users worldwide, Bybit brings together investing, trading, payments, and wealth-building in a single secure and intelligent ecosystem. Through the combination of AI-powered technology, deep global liquidity, robust security, and transparent operations, Bybit makes global finance more accessible, efficient, and empowering for everyone.

Built for everyone. Powered by intelligence. Open to the world.

Learn more at Bybit.com.

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press
For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com
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A Cup of Fresh Durian Coffee: The New Shu Road Comes to Life

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Advertorial Desk
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BEIJING, Aug. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from China.org.cn on the the New Shu Road:


A Cup of Fresh Durian Coffee: The New Shu Road Comes to Life

Have you ever seen durian coffee brewed right inside a fresh durian?

This one-of-a-kind durian coffee has recently taken young people by storm at the Chengdu International Railway Port.

You may be even more surprised to learn these durians were still hanging on the trees just five days ago. Five days later, they “rode” more than 2,000 kilometers via the China-Laos-Thailand all-rail-cold-chain freight service, traveling straight from major growing areas in eastern Thailand to the imported durian distribution center inside the Chengdu-Eurasia National (Commodity) Pavilion in the Chengdu International Railway Port.

Thanks to this regular cold-chain rail route that delivers goods efficiently with minimal damage, and in seamless container journeys, tropical Southeast Asian fruits that once commanded steep prices — such as Vietnamese longans and Lao mangosteens — now reach Chinese consumers at lower prices and in better condition.

If you look at the transport route map of Chengdu International Railway Port, every shipping line runs like a blood vessel, pumping steady vitality into countries and cities along the way.

Since the first Chengdu-Europe Express Rail pulled out of Chengdu bound for Lodz, Poland, back in 2013, the Chengdu-Eurasia international logistics corridor centered on Chengdu has expanded steadily over more than a decade. More than 100 cities at home and abroad, including Moscow, Lodz, Vientiane, Hanoi and Izmir, have joined the network one after another. A land-sea intermodal shipping network focused on overland rail now connects Europe, Asia and North America, together with a backbone network of air cargo routes, has gradually taken shape.

Today’s sophisticated transport network stands in stark contrast to the region’s isolation in ancient times. To reach the Shu lands (the Sichuan Basin around present-day Chengdu), travelers had to cross the formidable Qinling and Daba mountain ranges. The great Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai once sighed, “The road to Shu is harder than climbing to the sky.” The Italian explorer Marco Polo also wrote in his travelogue that traversing the Shu Road took twenty days, with winding paths snaking through mountains, gorges and dense forests.

That is why inland western Chinese cities like Chengdu needed an efficient, stable international logistics corridor to break the shackles holding back development. No matter how hard the ancient Shu Road once was, a new thoroughfare had to be built.

After years of infrastructure construction and strategic planning of international logistics corridors, the New Shu Road is fully open and efficient. Today, setting out from Chengdu, you can “roam” the Eurasian continent in just 20 days: Around 12 days by China-Europe Railway Express to Lodz and Moscow; Around 14 days to Nuremberg and Tilburg; Roughly 3 days to Laos and 5 days to Thailand via the all-rail freight line covering China, Laos, Thailand and Malaysia; And a mere 10 days to travel all across ASEAN via the ASEAN land-sea intermodal transport route.

The smooth New Shu Road has turned into a global “conveyor belt” for the flow of goods. New energy products and specialty agricultural products “Made in Chengdu” and “Made in China” are constantly shipped overseas. Meanwhile, French red wine, German automobiles and other commodities pass through Chengdu to reach inland China, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, as well as Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asia. In the first half of this year, Chengdu’s total import and export volume of goods hit 440.67 billion yuan.

Transportation is no longer a constraint on local development — instead, it has become a force that nourishes and propels regional growth. Chengdu once relied heavily on traditional heavy industry, but the China-Europe Railway Express has rapidly opened it up to the outside world and driven industrial upgrading. This positive impact has spilled over to many more regions along the routes. For example, Malaszewicze, a small Polish border town, has grown into a key EU logistics hub thanks to the railway service.

In ancient times, the Shu Road was hard, because mountains and passes stood in the way. Today, the new Shu Road stretches far and wide, connecting China with the rest of the world.

The ever-improving New Shu Road brings impetus for high-standard opening-up to China’s western hinterland, offering richer opportunities for all countries, cities and enterprises along the routes, and delivering tangible benefits to people everywhere — just like that fresh cup of durian coffee.

China Mosaic

http://www.china.org.cn/video/node_7230027.htm

Agoda Reveals Growing Interest in Cool-Weather Destinations in Japan for Summer 2026

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Advertorial Desk
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― Searches for Tateshina Highlands rise 277% as interest grows in “cool-cations” offering cooler climates and nature escapes ―

SINGAPORE, Aug. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Agoda Company Pte. Ltd. (Headquarters: Singapore; CEO: Omri Morgenshtern), which operates the digital travel platform Agoda, has revealed growing interest among Japanese travelers in domestic cool-weather destinations for late summer 2026, based on accommodation search data.

According to Agoda, accommodation searches increased for destinations offering relatively cool climates and abundant natural surroundings, including Tateshina Highlands, Furano, Yuzawa, Karuizawa, and Matsumoto and Kamikochi. Tateshina Highlands recorded the strongest growth in travel interest among Japan’s cool-weather destinations, with searches increasing by 277%.

The data compares accommodation searches made by Japanese travelers between January and March 2026 for check-ins from April to June 2026 with searches made between April and June 2026 for check-ins from July to September 2026.

Agoda’s insights reveal rising travel interest for “cool-cations,” where travelers choose destinations that allow them to escape the summer heat and recharge in natural surroundings, especially during the late summer months between July to September. The findings also suggest that highland and mountainous destinations offering comfortable climates, hot springs, outdoor activities, and distinctive local cuisine are attracting increasing attention as summer travel destinations.

  • Top Five Cool-Weather Destinations with the Growth in Late Summer Travel Interest

Tateshina Highlands: 277% increase
Furano: 229% increase
Yuzawa: 202% increase
Karuizawa: 161% increase
Matsumoto and Kamikochi: 133% increase

  • Tateshina Highlands, Nagano Prefecture | Searches up 277%

Tateshina Highlands is known as a high-altitude resort destination offering a relatively cool and comfortable climate, even during summer. Visitors can enjoy hiking, scenic drives, and hot springs amid abundant natural surroundings. Its convenient access from the Greater Tokyo area may also be one of the reasons it is attracting interest as a summer travel destination.

  • Furano, Hokkaido | Searches up 229%

Furano offers quintessential Hokkaido scenery, including expansive rural landscapes and colorful flower fields. Its relatively cool summer climate, together with opportunities for scenic drives, outdoor activities, and dining experiences featuring local ingredients, has made it a popular destination for travelers seeking relief from the heat.

  • Yuzawa, Niigata Prefecture | Searches up 202%

Best known as a winter snow resort, Yuzawa is also gaining attention as a cool-weather destination where travelers can enjoy nature during the summer months. In addition to outdoor experiences and hot springs surrounded by mountains, its convenient Shinkansen access from the Greater Tokyo area makes it an appealing choice for shorter trips.

  • Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture | Searches up 161%

Karuizawa has long been one of Japan’s best-known summer retreats, offering both abundant nature and a sophisticated townscape. With a wide range of experiences, including shopping, dining, cycling, and forest walks, the destination is popular among diverse groups of travelers, including families and couples.

  • Matsumoto and Kamikochi, Nagano Prefecture | Searches up 133%

The Matsumoto and Kamikochi area is known for the magnificent natural scenery of the Northern Japan Alps, fresh mountain air, and beautiful alpine landscapes. Travelers can combine walks through Kamikochi with historical and cultural sightseeing at attractions such as Matsumoto Castle, allowing them to enjoy both nature and urban tourism during the same trip.

Agoda’s findings indicate that when choosing summer destinations, an increasing number of travelers are likely to consider not only sightseeing attractions and accommodation options, but also comfortable climates and natural surroundings. Travelers are also increasingly likely to combine stays in cool-weather destinations with hot springs, outdoor activities, local cuisine, and cultural experiences to create more fulfilling summer trips.

Tadashi Ikai, Senior Country Director, Agoda International Japan, shared: “When planning summer trips, more Japanese travelers are seeking out destinations where they can stay cool and comfortable, in addition to enjoying sightseeing and leisure activities. Agoda’s latest insights show growing interest in cool-weather destinations such as Tateshina Highlands, Furano, and Yuzawa, where travelers can recharge amid abundant natural surroundings. The appeal of these ‘cool-cations’ goes beyond simply escaping the heat. They also give travelers opportunities to enjoy experiences unique to each destination, including hot springs, outdoor activities, and local culinary culture. Through our diverse range of accommodation and travel products, Agoda will continue supporting travelers in planning comfortable summer trips that suit their individual preferences.”

Agoda offers travelers access to a wide range of travel products, including hotels, private homes, flights, and activities. By booking activities in advance through Agoda, travelers can better plan their itineraries and enjoy a smoother, more fulfilling travel experience in their chosen destinations.

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