【推荐1】The race to introduce the first commercial flying taxi is officially on. Google, Boeing and Porsche are among 20 companies testing their machines, laying the groundwork for wider production and starting to encourage government officials to bring autonomous all-electric vehicles into the skies in just a few years. Lilium, a German start-up company, has raised more than US $100 million from investors. Its prototype jet—which is still seeking certification from European regulators—is able to take off and land like a helicopter, and is quiet enough "to land in some areas that are traditionally off-limits to aircraft"—even midtown Manhattan.

However, the possibility of air vehicles over New York already represents a clear and present danger to public safety. New York skies are already filled with helicopters. Since 1983, there have been at least 30 helicopter crashes in the city. “There are several challenges to overcome before commuters are flying through the air,” said Dalvin Brown in USA Today. Many of the vehicles now being imagined require “magical electric batteries that doesn't exist—yet.” The best that anyone can do right now with an electric battery is 20 minutes of flight. An even bigger obstacle is gaining approval from the FAA(American Federal Aviation Administration), which has strict rules and guidelines for small aircraft, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

That's why the first practical commercial tests of autonomous taxis are likely to be outside the US, said Jeremy Bogaisky on Forbes.com. “EHang became the first company to receive approval from Chinese aviation regulators to establish an autonomous air-taxi service in Guangzhou.” To succeed in the US, air taxi companies will need much more than that. Taking a small aircraft through the regulatory forest of safety certification to production can cost US $75 to US $100 million.

【推荐2】Immersive cultural tourism has recently gained immense popularity, riding on the wave of consumer demand for interactive and engaging experiences.

“Immersive” has become a buzzword in recent years. It involves deep absorption in an environment or activity. It takes two primary forms: one constructs real or virtual worlds, transporting individuals into new worlds; while the other employs online platforms like livestreaming, videos, and augmented reality to immerse people in specific events.

Immersive cultural tourism is reshaping travel by offering deeper, more meaningful experiences that go beyond the conventional aspects of “travel, shopping, and entertainment”. It encourages in-depth exploration and interactive leisure, as demonstrated by various attractions.

In Xi’an, the Tang Dynasty Everbright City transports visitors to the magnificence of the Tang Dynasty, and the Tang Dynasty Treasure Box interactive game has gained popularity. In Yangzhou, the China Grand Canal Museum digitally showcases the Grand Canal’s history and culture, offering a comprehensive exploration experience. In Dunhuang, the Ancient Sound of Dunhuang allows visitors to explore mural paintings in an immersive manner.

These attractions breathe new life into traditional culture and present it in a fresh light. From a content perspective, immersive cultural tourism covers various cultural themes, including historical, revolutionary, and ecological aspects. These experiences immerse tourists in the past, present, and even the world of imagination. From a technological perspective, it makes use of innovations like 5G, high-quality screens, virtual reality and artificial intelligence, enabling visitors to engage in a storyline.

Immersive cultural tourism is transforming the way people travel by offering in-depth exploration, interactive experiences and meaningful learning opportunities. It promotes tourism from the shallow focus on sightseeing to a complete engagement with culture and history. Additionally, it plays an irreplaceable role in promoting cultural heritage, sharing China’s stories, enhancing cultural confidence, and fostering cultural development, making it a vital part of the travel industry.

【推荐3】China’s Chang’e 5 mission to the moon was completed in less than a month after blasting off (点火起飞). A capsule containing samples of lunar (月球的) rocks and soil collected from the surface of our natural satellite landed in Inner Mongolia, where it was taken back for study.

Chinese broadcaster CGTN reported that the capsule had landed back to Earth just after 10am Dec. 16. Search crews were out in the freezing pre-dawn Hours looking to find back the capsule from the snowy grassland during temperatures well below zero. Aerial images (航拍影像) appeared to show the capsule safely resting on the ground.

China's National Space Administration announced on Thursday, Dec. 3, that its ascent module (上升器) had blasted off from the top of the mission's lunar lander, carrying samples of rock and soil it dug from the lunar surface. It then met with an orbiter circling the moon. The pair made the return trip to Earth where the capsule carrying the samples was sent on its way for a hot and fast going down through our atmosphere only to land on the frozen ground.

The mission lifted off from China on Nov. 23 and landed on the moon on Dec. l. Videos from Chinese media showed the lander’s robotic arm hard at work during its short shift on another world. During its stay, Chang'e 5 also sent back images of a lunar plain of relatively young volcanic moon rock. The image shows both distant hills and how the feet of the lander dug into the soft surface of the moon as it touched down. Enlarging the foot of the lander in particular providers a real sense of the dry, desert-like lunar surface. When the samples were collected, they have been the first pieces of the moon to be returned to our planet since the 1970s.

【推荐1】National Non-Fiction November is the perfect time to pick up a true life story. Here come a series of illustrated biographies (带插图的传记), which surely give you a good try.

Discover pioneering fossil hunter Mary Anning, who once searched the cliffs and seashores for rocks and shells. Her work made the way for some of the most important discoveries about dinosaurs. Lots of illustrations bring Anning’s interesting story to life.

This award-winning book is presented as a scrapbook (剪贴簿) with photos, documents and records to tell the life story of Walter Tull-one of the first black British professional football players and one of the first black officers in the British Army. Follow Tull from his childhood, through his football years, to his death in the First World War.

Meet Eunice, who sang before she could talk, and journey with her from the piano chair of her childhood to the huge concert halls where she performed as Nina Simone. This beautiful biography tells the story of a gifted musician and activist.

As a child, Katherine Johnson loved to count, including her steps along the street and the number of dishes she washed in the sink. She went on to work as a mathematician at NASA, helping to make impressive space missions possible.

【推荐3】Cumbria, England

While London is amazing and definitely a must-go on any traveler’s list, Cumbria is a great destination if you want to see English autumn. Cumbria is often called the English Lake District. So apart from copper hills, green and red woodlands and pine trees, you’re also guaranteed beautiful mirror reflections of autumnal scenery in the multiple lakes around here.

Bruges, Belgium

Those pretty buildings wrapped in vines that go all shades of crimson in the autumn — it’s a feast for your eyes. And the canals, you have to take a boat ride through the canals when you’re there — it’s incredible. Plus, they have the most charming open air markets that work all the way until the end of November, and it’s also a great opportunity to taste the best chocolate you’ll ever have in your life.

Bavaria, Germany

What makes Bavaria a great fall travel destination? All the amazing wine and beer festivals that take place here in the autumn months. Speaking of views, did you know that Bavaria is home to not 1, not 2, but 25 historic Castles? It’s a fairy-tale land, so enjoy it.

Perthshire, Scotland

Scotland is known for the beauty of its nature. But Perthshire in particular is just incredible. It’s often called the Big Trees County. The views of grassy hills, beautiful yellow and red trees, and the golden reflections in the lakes are simply breathtaking. If you want to see autumn in full glory — this is the place to go.