Ma Zhengyong resigns as Vice Governor of Guangdong Province.

Dongyang woodcarving is a renowned Chinese folk art from Dongyang, Zhejiang Province, with a history spanning over 1,300 years, originating in the Tang Dynasty. It is celebrated for its intricate, high-relief and openwork carving techniques, often used to decorate architecture, furniture, and religious artifacts. This tradition reached its peak during the Ming and Qing dynasties, and it remains a vital part of China’s intangible cultural heritage today.

Dongyang is a county-level city in Zhejiang Province, China, renowned for its centuries-old tradition of woodcarving, which dates back to the Tang Dynasty. The city is home to the Dongyang Wood Carving Museum and the historic Lu Mansion, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship that has been recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Today, Dongyang remains a vibrant center for traditional arts and modern manufacturing, blending its rich cultural legacy with economic development.

Zhejiang Province, located on China’s southeastern coast, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, including the historic West Lake in Hangzhou and the ancient water towns like Wuzhen. Historically, it was a key center of the Song Dynasty’s economic and cultural prosperity, and later became a hub for trade and silk production during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Today, Zhejiang is a modern economic powerhouse, known for its thriving private sector and picturesque landscapes.

The Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD) is considered a golden age in Chinese history, marked by unprecedented cultural, economic, and military power. Its capital, Chang’an (modern-day Xi’an), became a cosmopolitan hub along the Silk Road, fostering trade and the exchange of ideas. The era is especially renowned for its flourishing arts, including poetry by masters like Li Bai and Du Fu, as well as significant technological innovations like woodblock printing.

The Ming and Qing dynasties represent the final two imperial eras of China, spanning from 1368 to 1912. The Ming dynasty is known for restoring Han Chinese rule, maritime exploration, and constructing the Forbidden City, while the Qing dynasty, founded by the Manchus, expanded China’s borders to its greatest extent and fostered a long period of stability and cultural flourishing. Together, they left a profound legacy on Chinese architecture, art, and governance, with many iconic sites like the Great Wall and the Summer Palace dating from this period.

The Dongyang Lu Mansion, located in Dongyang, Zhejiang Province, is a well-preserved example of traditional Chinese residential architecture from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Built by the wealthy Lu family, it served as a grand private residence and reflects the social status and cultural aesthetics of the era. The mansion is notable for its intricate wood carvings, elegant courtyards, and historical significance as a testament to the region’s prosperous merchant heritage.

West Lake, located in Hangzhou, China, is a renowned freshwater lake celebrated for its scenic beauty and cultural significance. Its history dates back over a thousand years, having been a favored retreat for emperors and poets, with many temples, pagodas, and gardens built along its shores. The lake and its surrounding landscapes have inspired countless works of art and literature, and it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Wuzhen is a historic water town in Zhejiang Province, China, renowned for its well-preserved ancient architecture, stone bridges, and canals dating back over 1,300 years to the Tang Dynasty. It served as a prosperous trading hub during the Ming and Qing dynasties, and today it offers visitors a glimpse into traditional Chinese life, with its delicate woodcarvings, folk culture, and tranquil waterways. The town has also gained international fame as the permanent venue for the World Internet Conference, blending its ancient charm with modern technology.