Six stories you may have missed from China this week – from hidden killers (of insects) to a record-breaking spacewalk...

China's first-quarter economy grows

China's gross domestic product (GDP) expanded 4.5 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2023, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics. The growth rate was higher than the 4 percent predicted by analysts.

First-quarter retail sales of consumer goods rose 5.8 percent year-on-year, with a notable consumer spending surge in March of 10.6 percent year-on-year, 7.1 percentage points higher than the first two months.

The investment in fixed assets grew by 5.1 percent year-on-year in the first quarter, while the total added value of large industrial enterprises grew by 3.0 percent in the same period. China has set a GDP growth target of around 5 percent for this year. 

Shenzhou-15 crew completes record-breaking spacewalk

The Shenzhou-15 astronauts aboard the orbiting Tiangong space station completed their fourth spacewalk, setting a domestic record for the most spacewalks by a single crew.

Fei Junlong and Zhang Lu, helped by Deng Qingming inside the space station and the supporting team on the ground, completed all their set tasks before safely returning to the Wentian lab module.

The trio have now performed extravehicular activities on four occasions since their launch into space in November 2022.

Canton Fair pulls in the visitors

The first phase of the 133rd China Import and Export Fair attracted better-than-expected traffic exceeding 1.25 million. The long-standing event, also dubbed the Canton Fair, will run until May 5 in three phases.

The first phase, for categories including household appliances, building materials and bathroom products, attracted 12,911 companies of which 3,856 were new exhibitors. More than 800,000 items on display attracted buyers from 229 countries and regions.

Launched in 1957 and held twice yearly, the fair is considered a major gauge of China's foreign trade. 

"Disguise master" orchid mantis found in Yunnan Province

The rare and elusive orchid mantis has been found in southwest China's Yunnan Province, exciting locals and entomologists with its beautiful appearance and incredible floral mimicry skills.

The orchid mantis, known to scientists as hymenopus coronatus, is a master of disguise. Its body resembles an orchid flower and its legs resemble white and pink petals, which allows it to blend into its surroundings – making it a formidable predator of other insects.

The orchid mantis is typically found in Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia. Its discovery in China is a significant development, as it expands the range of this species and raises awareness on the importance of protecting natural habitats.

Wildfire extinguished after six-day battle

A wildfire which had raged for six days in Lijiang, Yunnan Province was completely extinguished.  

The fire broke out in Tacheng Town on April 11 and fanned by strong winds, producing billowing plumes of thick smoke. Six helicopters were used in the operation.

Staff continue the cleaning and monitoring work, with the cause of the forest fire still under investigation. 

China launches its first satellite with rainfall monitoring

China's first satellite allowing scientists to monitor the Earth's precipitation from space, Fengyun-3G (FY-3G), was sent into space. It is one of only three such satellites in the world.

The 20th member of the Fengyun series, the FY-3G, will highlight the strength of China's low-orbit meteorological satellite constellation and significantly improve the early warning capability for global rainstorms.

Precipitation data has previously been obtained mainly by ground-based rain gauges and radar. However, equipment shortages and uneven distribution made it difficult to acquire large-scale and high-precision information.

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