Recently, a kitten perches on a hot-water bottle watching cartoons with a human companion on a cozy winter day in Putian, Southeast China's Fujian Province. (Video source: Douyin abo9424; Compiled by Yao Yuhe)

Twin giant pandas Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei returned to China from a Tokyo zoo on the morning of January 28, 2026, marking the end of more than five decades of giant panda presence in Japan. The pair arrived in Chengdu, Southwest China's Sichuan Province, and will undergo quarantine at the Ya'an base of China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda. Born in 2021, the much-loved twins leave behind warm memories. Hundreds of devoted fans braved the winter chill outside the zoo to bid an emotional farewell as the truck carrying the pandas drove away. (Produced by interns Li Linmo and Tang Kexin)

For over a thousand years, Jingdezhen in East China's Jiangxi Province has been the world's "porcelain capital." Its legendary ceramics are prized for being white as jade, bright as a mirror, thin as paper, and resonant as a chime -- qualities that have captivated generations.​ From timeless blue-and-white masterpieces to the soft elegance of famille rose, each piece emerges from a meticulous 72-step process of clay, skill and fire. More than utilitarian objects or art, Jingdezhen porcelain fuses earth and flame -- a timeless bridge linking ancient Chinese ingenuity to global civilization. (Compiled by intern Li Linmo; Video source: Kuaishou)

China has announced its delegation for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, led by defending freestyle skiing champion Gu Ailing. At 22, Gu is a two-time Olympic gold medalist in women's freeski halfpipe and big air from Beijing 2022, firmly establishing herself as a top contender alongside other skilled Chinese freestyle skiers. After a serious injury in 2025, how is she preparing? Join us for an exclusive interview with Gu Ailing to find out.

Recently, the white-naped cranes parade along the edge of Poyang Lake, in South China's Jiangxi Province. The species is designated a national first-class protected animal in China because of its limited population. Located on the south bank of the Yangtze River, Poyang Lake is China's largest freshwater lake. The wetland supports migratory birds and plays a vital role in maintaining ecological diversity.

In Muling, Heilongjiang Province, three teachers transformed a vast snowy field into a 5,000-square-meter painting of a galloping horse. Using mineral water bottles filled with eco-friendly pigments, they brought the powerful image to life across the winter landscape. As the camera pulls back, the horse's regal form and energy come into full view, symbolizing strength and good fortune for the Year of the Horse. (Produced by interns Li Linmo and Tang Kexin)

In Central China's Hubei Province, Wuhan's guozao ("passing the morning") is a breakfast tradition with over 100 choices, from iconic hot dry noodles to crispy tofu skins—blending northern and southern flavors in the "City of Breakfasts" where street stalls let locals connect, recharge daily and savor its bold, beloved culture. (Produced by interns Liu Jiahui and Tang Kexin; Edited by Guan Haoyu; Video source: Kuaishou)

In a flawless dance of geometry, footprints bloom into a sunflower across untouched snow – artistry carved by patience and precision.

A macaque demonstrates gravity-defying tree-climbing skills to snag an apple at Xueyu Cave in Fengdu County of Chongqing, Southwest China. The scenic spot, known for its crystal-clear stalactites, is designated a national 4A scenic area, a prestigious rating for top-quality tourist destinations of China.

Yulin tea infusions from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region are a traditional tea additive made from winter melon or papaya. Artisans first carve intricate patterns of flowers, birds, fish and insects, which are then preserved in sugar and dried. When steeped in clear tea, their translucent white forms and delicate designs unfold like miniature works of art. (Video source: Kuaishou; Compiled by Wang Ruofan)

Beijing saw its first snowfall of 2026 on January 17, turning an ordinary dog walk into an impromptu snowskate session. Watch as this dog owner stands on a skateboard deck as a 5-year-old border collie sprints through the snow, pulling its owner along a neighborhood street. (Edited by Huang Jingjing and Liu Yunyun)

The fire department for Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, on Friday completed testing of a firefighting drone at a height of 306 meters. During the test outside of one of the city's skyscrapers, the drone, with a payload capacity of 250kg, automatically connected a water hose to a water supply on the refuge floor at 278 meters, after which it sprayed the water up to 36 meters.

As Beijing's largest natural outdoor rink, Kunming Lake at the Summer Palace attracts huge crowds every winter. On opening day, visitors connect their single-seat sleds into a long, playful "sled train," gliding smoothly over the ice and filling the historic imperial garden with wintry joy and laughter. (Edited by Huang Jingjing, Li Zhuoman and Liu Yunyun)

Do you know how much money is involved in China's 2026 trade-in program? It's 62.5 billion yuan — that's about $8.96 billion! Today, People's Daily reporter Wang Zi is breaking it down in plain talk: What's new in this year's trade-in program? How much can you actually save on big-ticket items both online and offline?

A calligraphy enthusiast in Lanzhou, Gansu Province brushed Chinese characters on a windowpane, creating an unexpected visual effect. As the curtain is drawn, the characters appear to leap and dance across the translucent fabric as the sunlight shines through.

Artisans in Jingdezhen, Jiangxi Province, apply traditional Chinese ink-and-wash painting techniques to create hand-painted porcelain. The detailed brushwork reflects centuries of craftsmanship in the city long known for its ceramic tradition. (Edited by Huang Jingjing and Liu Yunyun)