200,000-year-old human fossil discovered

A newly discovered fossil of an early modern human's skull has been estimated at around 200,000 years old. It will help scientists study human evolution over the past million years.

The Zhoukoudian site Location No. 15 is in the suburbs of Beijing and was discovered in 1932, before being excavated from 1934 to 1937. A large number of stone tools and mammal fossils dating to 200,000 years ago have now been identified.

The fossil was identified using new techniques such as CT scanning and 3D reconstruction by a research team from the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Chinese service robot industry thriving

The idea of robots integrating into everyday life might once have been in the realm of science-fiction, but in the midst of an artificial intelligence (AI) development boom, China's service robot industry is thriving as various home-grown companies make giant strides in innovation.

First Chinese-built cruise ship sails on trial voyage

The Adora Magic City, the first Chinese-built large-scale cruise ship, began its trial voyage on July 17 in Shanghai. 

During the nine-day trip, technical indicators and key systems required for certification are being tested and verified. The vessel has a total tonnage of 135,500 tonnes and can carry more than 6,500 passengers. 

It has a luxury hotel, several cinemas and a water park on board. It is expected to be delivered for use by the end of 2023.

Film studio shows off giant panda installation

The Xi'an Film Studio, once a well-established movie set, is now a popular tourist attraction with a giant panda art installation and a colorful array of activities.

This summer, the studio park became a popular tourist destination, attracting young people in particular, with a giant panda art installation set on the studio's office building.

Ballroom dancers strut their stuff

More than 5,800 contestants competed in the 18th ballroom dance championship in Shenzhen. 

Contestants aged between three and 72 showed off their dance skills in the tournament, one of the three most prestigious dance competitions in the Asia-Pacific region. The Ballroom Dance Championship was making a comeback after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Qin Qin queen for a day

Giant panda Qin Qin giant panda celebrated her 10th birthday with a special cake made of bamboo leaves, carrots, apples and watermelons. 

Staff at the Qinling Giant Panda Research Center in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province prepared the feast. 

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