Portion of XM library now open until midnight

The Xiamen Municipal Library wrapped up a major renovation earlier this month. The upgrades include a self-service section where readers can read, borrow and return books. A portion of the library is now open until midnight every day.

The 500-square-meter section includes a self-service kiosk for checking out books, a water dispenser, a security inspection machine and lockers. Library staff noted that the section has an independent entrance and a channel connecting with the main portion of the library.

This year's China Artificial Intelligence Competition kicked off in Xiamen on February 14. Xiamen first hosted the national cyberspace event in 2019. The competition included more than 100 technology teams competing to demonstrate how AI can transform cities through innovation and technological development.

The Gigabit City Summit opened on February 15 in Xiamen. Attendees included government representatives, telecommunication infrastructure enterprises, equipment manufacturers and research institutes from across China. Key topics discussed at the summit include the development of China's dual-gigabit network and applications suited to the high-speed network. Activities included a main forum, an achievement exhibition and six smaller forums as well as the launch of the second Guanghua Cup Gigabit Optical Network Application Innovation Competition.

Local tourism authorities recently announced that trial operations will begin soon for the new campsite in the Shuanglongtan Ecology Sports Scenic Area. Located in the foothills of Xianlingqi Mountain in Jimei, the area includes 3,000 square meters of forest. Shuanglongtan representatives said that the area offers both camping and resort amenities. Guests can participate in a wide range of outdoor activities such as an alpine coaster, zipline adventures and archery.

Local officials last week announced a suite of policies and subsidies designed to boost car sales, improve market confidence and buttress the local economy. The program includes consumer subsidies of between 2,000 yuan and 5,000 yuan in the form of e-vouchers. The vouchers range in value relative to the sales price of the vehicle and will be available through the end of March. Government authorities added that the current Xiamen Consumer Festival will play a positive role in driving local consumption this year.

Haicang officials recently announced a tripartite agreement with Beijing's Central Academy of Fine Arts and the Fujian Huashuo Hengyi Education Technology Company to open a new high school in Haicang. The new school will officially be affiliated with the prestigious art academy in Beijing. The school is slated to open in time for this year's Fall semester.

The China Rural Development Foundation recently sent a team to assist with disaster relief efforts in Turkey in the wake of a major earthquake. The group included members of Xiamens Dawn Rescue team. The delegation also provided 11 tons of relief supplies. Xiamen Dawn Rescue Team's leader Wang Gang noted that the group distributed more than 16,000 items of relief assistance over eight days in the city of Khathai. The supplies assisted displaced persons in a dozen resettlement sites.

The municipality of Manzhouli recently sent a party and government delegation to visit the BRICS Office in Xiamen. Yu Weidong, who is both a member of the Standing Committee of the Hulunbeier Municipal Party Committee and the Secretary of the Manzhouli Municipal Party Committee, led the delegation. The group visited the exhibition hall of the BRICS Innovation Base. The two parties discussed cooperation and signed a strategic framework agreement.  The Municipal BRICS Office is affiliated with the Xiamen BRICS Innovation Base, which was launched more than two years ago. 

This year's C&D Xiamen Marathon will start at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 2. The 42.195-kilometer marathon will host an estimated 35,000 athletes. The marathon will begin and end at the Xiamen International Convention and Exhibition Center, utilizing the same route as in years past.

The Tongan village of Baijiaso will host on February 25 the third edition of its Cherry Blossom and Hanfu Event. Local representatives described the event as a joint celebration of cherry blossom season and of traditional Hanfu attire. Representatives said they hoped the celebration will boost tourism by providing a rich experience of the local countryside.