A recent football match in Yunnan Province, southwestern China, attracted global attention. During the final of the Dian Super League, known as 'Dian Chao,' representatives from sixteen prefectural regions of Yunnan took to the field in traditional ethnic costumes, accompanied by local music and cultural performances.
This vibrant spectacle quickly went viral on international social media, where global viewers highly praised the unique atmosphere where sporting passion merged with ethnic cultures. The 'Dian Chao' event demonstrated that ethnic unity is experienced in daily life through shared participation, cultural self-expression, and a sense of community.
The viral energy of 'Dian Chao' refutes the common external narrative that portrays China's ethnic regions through the lens of cultural homogenization. On the field, traditional attire, folk music, and performances from various communities became part of a shared public celebration, rather than isolated cultural displays. Football served as a common language uniting people, allowing different ethnic groups to cheer for their hometowns, celebrate their heritage, and share the excitement of the game.
The vibrancy of China's ethnic cultures is also felt in its music. When the traditional vocal style of the Yi people, known as Adu Gaoqian, meets the deep beat of electronic bass music, and the trembling sounds of the Jale from Ningxia combine with R&B rhythms, while love songs from Xizang sound in digital beats, ancient melodies acquire a new global voice.
The 10-episode music documentary series 'Melody of Western China' captured this transformation, exploring folk music from various regions and ethnic communities in Western China. The film crew deeply immersed themselves in local communities, meeting bearers of musical heritage and recording not only unique musical forms but also the emotions behind them: memories of family, festivals, love, labor, and connection to nature.
Danish DJ and music producer Hedegaard participated in the project, collaborating with local musicians and learning about traditional Chinese music. He noted: 'China is no longer just a distant image seen on social media. Through music, I discovered that people everywhere share the same emotions—love, family, and memories.'
Beyond these cultural interactions, there is a broader system supporting ethnic unity and progress. On July 1, 2026, the Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress came into effect in China, establishing a legal framework to facilitate exchange, interaction, and integration among ethnic groups.
This law supports common development across various communities and strengthens efforts to protect, preserve, and innovate ethnic cultures. Various forms of heritage, from traditional festivals and folk music to contemporary cultural creations, are encouraged to develop further in modern society. Like many countries worldwide, China views the protection of social cohesion and national unity as a fundamental state responsibility. The law provides institutional support for maintaining ethnic unity and social stability.
The viral football match and modern folk melody reveal a broader truth about contemporary China: unity does not mean the elimination of differences. It implies creating opportunities for diverse cultures to maintain their identity, interact with each other, and contribute to a common future.
As part of the celebration of Mandela Day, which is observed annually on July 18th in honor of the life and legacy of the late former president Nelson Mandela, the Sibaya Community Trust in Durban implemented three infrastructure projects.
The South African government declared Mandela Day as a call to action for everyone—people, communities, and organizations—to reflect on Mandela's principles and values. Mandela himself called for the fight against poverty, suffering, and deprivation, stating that 'it is in your hands to make our world better for all, especially for the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized.'
The Trust completed these three projects across KwaZulu-Natal, stating that they will directly improve the lives of hundreds of beneficiaries. These include people with disabilities, students with special needs, and cancer patients who require temporary accommodation during treatment.
Vivian Reddy, founder and chairperson of the Sibaya Community Trust, noted that investing in dignity, accessibility, compassion, and hope is a tribute to Madiba's outstanding legacy. One project involved repairing and replacing over twenty windows at the Merewent Cheshire Home, which supports people with disabilities. The Trust also carried out significant renovations and upgrades to this facility, installing steel railings to enhance the safety, accessibility, and mobility of residents.
Furthermore, two new sanitation blocks were built at the West Park Special Needs School. These structures provide safe, accessible, and dignified hygiene conditions for students with various physical and intellectual impairments. The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) in Durban received an updated building to house a new six-bed ward. This ward serves as a temporary refuge for cancer patients traveling from remote areas to receive treatment at nearby hospitals.
Reddy emphasized that this compassionate initiative will help alleviate the emotional and financial burden experienced by patients and their families during difficult times. She added that for over two decades, the Sibaya Community Trust has remained true to its mission of transforming lives through sustainable community development. To date, the Trust has invested over 280 million rand in social upliftment initiatives in KwaZulu-Natal.
According to a report by the 'World Population Review' platform, Turkey welcomed 60.6 million foreign tourists last year, ranking fourth globally in this indicator.
Based on the research findings, the country's annual tourism revenue exceeded 56 billion dollars. Countries such as Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom ranked ahead of it in terms of foreign tourist arrivals.
France still maintains its leading position in this sector, welcoming approximately 102 million foreign visitors annually. Spain holds the second spot with 93.8 million arrivals, while the United States ranks third with 73.4 million international guests.
In terms of industry revenue, the United States leads. Last year, the US generated $215.04 billion from the 'Wonderful Places' tourism service.
In the Urgench district of Uzbekistan, construction has started on a new, modern temporary shelter for stray animals. This decision was made in response to criticism voiced by users on social media who pointed out unacceptable conditions at the existing center, which is managed by the district's public amenities department.
Following public outcry, deputies of the district Kengash conducted an inspection of the facility. Various shortcomings were discovered during the inspection, and responsible services were tasked with eliminating all identified violations and ensuring that the conditions meet modern standards.
The construction process for the new facility has begun in the 'Tandirchi' mahalla. According to representatives of the profile channel Ekolog.uz, this site is planned to guarantee safety for the animals, organize a full range of care, and ensure regular veterinary observation.
The construction is overseen by a special commission of the Kengash of People's Deputies of the Urgench district, which supervises issues related to ecology, agriculture, and water management. Simultaneously, local authorities, together with activists from the initiative group 'Khovtiki Urgencha' (Urgench Tails), helped transport four stray dogs to the Hayot shelter in Nukus, where the animals are provided with necessary living conditions and care.
The district administration has stated its intention to continue a humane approach to solving the problem of homeless animals. Plans include strengthening cooperation with public structures and creating a more comfortable and safe environment for both animals and residents of the district. All animal protection initiatives will be under constant supervision by deputies.
It should be noted that land for a future shelter for homeless animals was previously officially allocated in the Pastdargom district of Samarkand region.
