1 . On the southern fringe of Beijing, a giant star-fish shaped building is transforming the city’s economy. The new Beijing Daxing International Airport, which cost 80 billion yuan, is one of the world’s largest when it opened in September, 2019. The Chinese government wants the airport to be magnet for businesses and an attraction for locals as well as travelers.

Daxing is one of many airport projects under way in Asia, collectively costing more than $100 billion, to stimulate the development in tourism by rising middle class. Daxing will increase Beijing’s capacity for travelers by more than 70% and reduce congestion at Beijing Capital International Airport, the world’s second-busiest last year with more than 100 million passengers.

Urban planners long have emphasized the roles airports can play in helping cities grow. Now they are focusing on turning the facilities on the suburbs of urban areas into economic centers themselves.

It is too soon to know whether the projections for increasing air travel are overly upbeat(乐观的). The U.S.-China trade war, slowing global economic growth could ground some potential flyers. At the same time, the impact of global climate change could slow the aviation industry’s growth. Many of Asia’s new airport cities are located in coastal areas, putting them at risk from rising sea level and rainstorm-related flooding. “Building bigger and bigger airports—creating more and more greenhouse gases will just heighten the problems we are facing,” Jim Martin says, who is an expert in this field. “We are on the path of no return, and we are not stopping. We are accelerating.”

3 . Zhong Nanshan was born in October, 1936 at Central Hospital in Nanjing, Jiangsu, with his ancestral home in Xiamen, Fujian. Many know Zhong as a famous doctor, but few know that he was once an outstanding athlete. Zhong has displayed athletic talents early on. Although Zhong didn’t choose to be a professional athlete, his love for sports never reduced. Despite his busy schedule as a doctor, Zhong works out three or four times every week. Years of physical exercise gave Zhong a healthy body, allowing him to continue marching forward in the medical field.

“You need to bear in mind that the most important thing is not treating the disease, but treating the patient,” said Zhong during a lecture at Guangzhou Medical University. Zhong’s life has always been closely linked with his patients and with the development of the nation. During the SARS outbreak, “Send all the critically ill to me.” He said. Zhong personally examined the mouth and throat of every critically ill patient in his hospital, giving them comfort and strength to fight the disease.

At the age of 84, Zhong is still fighting on the frontline of the COVID-19 outbreak. With his professional medical skills and unwavering perseverance, Zhong has become a hero at this difficult time. Right now, there are numerous medical staff just like Zhong who are fighting this battle together. “Wuhan has always been a heroic city,” said Zhong during an earlier interview on January 29, 2019. “With vigorous spirit, a lot of problems can be solved. And with the help of the whole nation, Wuhan will be able to defeat this virus.”

At the call of the state, 1.4 billion Chinese people have always been united and show the selfless dedication of the Chinese spirit!

4 . Amazing places need visiting

From man-made marvels such as the Great Wall and Taj Mahal to natural wonders like the Grand Canyon and Iguazu Falls, these amazing sites should be at the top of your travel list.

No.1 The Great Wall is generally considered as a symbol of China. The Great Wall of China is one of the wonders in the world, too. The Chinese call it the wall of 10,000 Li, which goes from the east to the west.

No.2 The Taj Mahal is universally recognized as the greatest building in India. Emperor Shah Jahan ordered to build this architecture for being used as the tomb of his wife.

No.3 The Grand Canyon has been there over the past six million years by Colorado River activity. It is one of the longest and deepest valleys in the world. Its red rocks make it a must-see -before-you-die place. Want to bring your four-leg friend along? The Grand Canyon is also among the best pet-friendly national parks!

No.4 The Great Barrier Reef, off the coast of Queensland Australia, is the largest living thing on earth. It’s so huge that you can see it from outer space! This 1,429-mile ecosystem is home to many sea creatures, including around 400 kinds of coral, 1,500 species of fish. Not surprisingly it is one of the best places for scuba divers.

6 . I often find myself drawn to books that explore rural settings. Here are a few books that I've read and loved.

Rush Oh!

by Shirley Barrett

Rush Oh! is one of the most touching books I’ve read. It follows the Davidsons, a whaling family from Wales. After the death of her mother, Mary Davidson has many worries: her five siblings（兄弟姐妹）and caring for her father. The author Barrett’s exploration of this world and her characters are bittersweet and humorous.

Questions of Travel

by Michelle de Kretser

Questions of Travel, is a portrait of Ravi, a Sri Lankan refugee（难民）who flees to Australia after his wife and son’s death, and Laura, a young woman who moves to London and back again. The writing is beautiful and touching. Never before have I read Sydney brought so vividly to life.

The Life and Loves of Lena Gaunt

by Tracy Farr

Lena Gaunt, in her 80s, looks back on her long and fascinating life. She has eventually traveled widely as a player of an instrument. Lena Gaunt reveals the parts of her life that gave he joy—her music, her daughter, Grace, and her lover-as well as those touched by the sadness of loss.

Too Easy

by J. M. Green

Too Easy is an irresistible novel starring Stella Hardy, a social worker in Melbourne. When one of Stella's clients is murdered and a neighbor goes missing, Stella begins to investigate. The plot sets a cracking pace through police investigations and journeys to Western Australia.