SINGAPORE, Jan. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Produced by iQIYI, the historical epic series “The Unseen Qin Empire” was officially announced on January 9. The series brings together director Lü Xing, known for “Burning Ice”, and screenwriter Chang Jiang of “The Advisors Alliance”, and stars Chen Xiao, Zhang Xincheng, Dai Luwa, Dai Xu and Xu Hao, with special appearances by Wang Jinsong and Chen Shu. With film-level production values, the drama uncovers the thrilling, lesser-known stories behind the unification of the six states under China’s first emperor Qin Shi Huang (personal name Ying Zheng). This is not treated as a sealed-off chapter of the past, but as an intense, character-driven retelling engraved in history, and a focused exploration of Eastern classical aesthetics.

The poster presents a newly designed, meticulously researched image of a Qin Dynasty grand hall, highlighting a creative distillation and reimagining of “Qin-era aesthetics” in all their grandeur, order and sharp intensity. Abandoning the lavish, colorful look typical of traditional historical dramas, it adopts a minimalist black-and-gold palette and rigorous architectural composition, aiming to make every architectural line, contrast of light and shadow and ornamental pattern a vehicle for conveying the spirit of that era. It seeks to deliver to global audiences a visual language of “order, power and systems”, translating Eastern historical perspectives into a visual narrative that can be broadly understood, and reflecting a confident, outward-looking cultural dialogue.

“The Unseen Qin Empire” is expected to premiere in late 2026. The release of this international poster is not only the drama’s first public appearance, but also a clear statement that Chinese historical dramas are moving with confidence toward the center of the global stage with a new aesthetic language, deeper thematic ambition and industrial-level production standards, inviting audiences worldwide to explore enduring Qin-era questions of order and civilization.

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SANYA, China, Jan. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Hainan (Sanya) Marathon, held over the last weekend of 2025, marked the inaugural Class A-certified event sanctioned by the China Athletics Association (CAA) since the commencement of operations in the Hainan Free Trade Port (Hainan FTP) under its independent customs and trade regulations. Hainan FTP’s advantages in easier visa access, air connectivity, duty-free trade, and international mobility were reflected in strong participation and on-the-ground activity. The marathon boosted local tourism, dining, and accommodation, with hotel occupancy reaching 92% and commercial spending along the course rising by about 35%.

Yang Yong, General Manager of Events and Commercialization at event partner Orange Lion Sports (formerly Alibaba Sports), said organizers drew on resources across the Alibaba ecosystem – including Taobao, Fliggy, Alibaba Health, Ant Chain, and Amap – to broaden the event’s reach and connect more effectively with domestic and international running audiences, encouraging greater participation in event-related spending.

Hainan FTP offers visa-free entry to citizens of 86 countries, and its international air network links 25 destinations across Asia and Europe, further improving accessibility for international participants. Under the new customs and trade framework, the list of items eligible for duty-free import expanded from 1,900 to over 6,600, allowing previously duty-bound race equipment and supplies to be brought in tax-free, which helped significantly reduce event costs.

According to the organizers, the expanded list lowered procurement expenses for timing systems, professional supplies, and audio equipment. The resulting savings were reinvested in operations, runner services, and marketing, enhancing overall quality and reach, while also strengthening commercial appeal and attracting more sponsors and partners.

The marathon’s impact extended beyond race weekend. Fliggy data show hotel bookings rising steadily since late October, with partner hotels maintaining this upward trend during the event. Coinciding with the first New Year and Spring Festival holiday under the new customs arrangements, the event further stimulated consumer spending. According to the Sanya Bureau of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports, the city welcomed 650,800 visitors during the 2026 New Year holiday, generating RMB 1.299 billion in tourism spending. The combined momentum of the event and holiday travel contributed to a notable increase in overall market activity.

The success of the Hainan (Sanya) Marathon demonstrates how major sporting events now bridge tourism, hospitality, and international spending.

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GUANGZHOU, China, Jan. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — From March 18 to 31, 2026, the 57th China International Furniture Fair (CIFF Guangzhou 2026) will be held in Guangzhou under the theme CONNECT•CREATE. The Home Furniture Exhibition, as one of the three key exhibitions of CIFF Guangzhou, will take place from March 18 to 21. Spanning 430,000 square meters, it will allow overseas brands, buyers, and designers to engage with China’s supply chain, track global trends, and explore emerging business opportunities.

The upcoming edition will expand its scope with more brands in commercial design, upholstered, dining&living, outdoor furniture, and home décor, reflecting structural shifts in the global furniture market.

CONNECT Global Design, Lifestyle, and Future Trend

Design continues to shape the industry’s future, and CIFF 2026’s East Design Show will span 40,000 square meters, featuring 100+ brands driving soft furnishings innovation.

In response to global demand, the fair will spotlight solutions shaped by evolving lifestyles and demographic shifts. In Area D, curated showcases will highlight age-friendly furniture and smart eldercare solutions from around 150 companies in the Silver Life section, while the Pet Life section will explore design influenced by the growing trend of human–pet co-living.

Complementing this, a 10,000-square-meter smart living area will present solutions such as intelligent sleep systems and health monitoring technologies, aligning with growing demand for healthier home environments.

Outdoor living will remain a key focus, with a 50,000-square-meter zone highlighting innovation across the outdoor ecosystem and nature-inspired lifestyles. The home décor segment will emphasize sustainability and cultural heritage, responding to rising interest in environmentally responsible design.

CREATE New Possibilities, Growth, and International Reach

The dining and living room furniture sector will further reinforce the fair’s positioning as “Made for the World.” Covering 120,000 square meters and uniting 800+ manufacturers, the showcase will highlight supply chain efficiency and design-driven manufacturing. High-end products will demonstrate how advanced production capabilities translate into competitive designs, while dedicated platforms will enable more direct connections between manufacturers and international consumers.

SOFA PLUS will return with more brands, improved navigation, and enhanced services for global audiences, positioning itself as a key gateway for Chinese sofa brands worldwide.

As one of the world’s largest furniture exhibitions, CIFF Guangzhou serves as a key bridge between China and the global furniture industry, delivering tangible value in trade matchmaking and trend insight. Visit https://www.ciff-gz.com/en for more information.

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BEIJING, Jan. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — iQIYI, China’s leading online entertainment platform, is redefining creative collaboration by integrating AI into the heart of content production. Over the past year, the company has continued to turn innovation into practice, launching two flagship initiatives, the “Beyond Tools, Toward Teammates” AI Short Film Creation Competition and the”Peter Pau × iQIYI AI Theater” Storytelling Lab. These initiatives have brought together more than 2,600 creators from over 30 countries and regions, aiming to connect, support, and uncover the creative voices shaping storytelling in the AI era.

In July 2025, iQIYI launched the “Beyond Tools, Toward Teammates” AI Short Film Creation Competition in partnership with Google and ByteDance’s Volcano Engine, showcasing how AI is reshaping creative expression in filmmaking. Two months later, iQIYI unveiled the “Peter Pau × iQIYI AI Theater” Storytelling Lab, led by Academy Award-winning Cinematographer and Director Mr. Peter Pau. The program cultivates professional filmmakers in AI-powered production, bridging artistic vision with emerging technologies. The selected works from the lab are expected to premiere on the iQIYI platform in Q1 2026.

Through interviews with participating creators, iQIYI found that, despite the rapid and visible advances in AI over the past year, most creators arrived at the same conclusion: while AI is a powerful amplifier of imagination, it can never replace the unique spark of human creativity.

Different Creators, One Shared Curiosity

Youxue CHEN – First-prize Winner of”Beyond Tools, Toward Teammates” AI Short Film Creation Competition

“For me, the value of AI isn’t just about efficiency or lowering costs, it’s making the impossible tangible,” said CHEN, whose film “Happy Land” won first prize. Using AI, CHEN revisited a story he had once shelved for being “too hard to shoot”, discovering new emotional depth through experimentation. “The real challenge wasn’t showcasing AI’s spectacle, but moving the audience. With this work, we found a reliable creative method and that’s just the beginning. We stand at the threshold of a new era, where imagination knows no limits.”

Mario and Linda – Finalist of “Beyond Tools, Toward Teammates” AI Short Film Creation Competition

The Indonesian husband-and-wife team behind “Grow” describes their project as a reflection on life’s journey and resilience. Using AI, they combined emotional storytelling with artistic cinematography. For them, AI wasn’t a replacement but an enabler: “It is a useful tool that helps us bring our creative ideas to life more easily, quickly, and efficiently. It has also empowered parents like us to create from home, surrounded by our children at play, bringing our stories and imagination into the captivating world of cinema.”

Liu ZHENG – Finalist of “Beyond Tools, Toward Teammates” AI Short Film Creation Competition

 “AI isn’t a substitute, it’s a superpower,” said ZHENG, a professional producer. “I used to have vivid images in my mind that I couldn’t bring to life on my own; now, AI has become my most direct translator, turning boundless imagination into reality. Seeing all those prompts evolve into a coherent story and watching the parallel world I envisioned come alive was an unparalleled sense of accomplishment. My goal for 2026 is to take on a new challenge as a producer and create a larger, more ambitious AI-powered film.”

Contact:
iQIYI Press, press@qiyi.com

Source: iQIYI Inc.

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HONG KONG, Jan. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ribo Life Science Co., Ltd. (“Ribo” or the “Company”, stock code: 06938.HK), a leading company in small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapeutics, today successfully listed on the Main Board of Hong Kong Stock Exchange, marking a significant milestone in the capitalization of Chinese biopharmaceutical enterprises in the siRNA field and injecting new momentum into the industry.

In its global offering, Ribo issued a total of 31,610,400 shares at an offer price of HKD 57.97 per share, raising gross proceeds of over 1.8 billion Hong Kong dollars, HKPO was over 100x oversubscribed, International Placing was 16.7x oversubscribed, reflecting strong global investor confidence in the value of the siRNA sector and the Company’s capabilities. The IPO proceeds will provide solid financial support for the advancement of the Company’s core business. In addition, the offering attracted 12 cornerstone investors, including Arc Avenue, Ivy Rock, Springs Capital, China Asset Management, Dacheng International and Dacheng Fund, and Taikang Life Insurance etc., demonstrating the strong confidence of leading institutions in the Company’s long-term prospects.

Dr. Zicai Liang, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ribo, commented: “Listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange represents a major milestone in Ribo’s journey. We extend our sincere gratitude to global investors for their trust and support. Moving forward, we will leverage the international capital markets to accelerate the global clinical development and commercialization of siRNA therapeutics, further strengthen our technologies, deliver breakthrough therapies to patients worldwide while creating sustainable value for shareholders.”

Proceeds from the offering will be allocated across four key areas: (1) Advancing global multicenter clinical trials for core products; (2) Supporting preclinical and clinical development of the pipeline; (3) Iterating and upgrading siRNA delivery and other technology platforms; (4) Replenishing operational capital and earmarking funds for routine corporate purposes.

Ribo has built a fully integrated R&D platform with independent intellectual property rights. Its innovative liver-targeting RiboGalSTAR^TM delivery technology has successfully advanced multiple products into Phase II clinical trials. The Company has established R&D centers in Suzhou, Beijing and Gothenburg, Sweden, and a global R&D network capable of supporting end-to-end drug development from discovery to global clinical trials.

The listing was jointly sponsored by China International Capital Corporation and Citigroup, which provided professional support for the Company’s successful entry into the capital markets.

About Ribo Life Science
Suzhou Ribo Life Science Co., Ltd. (06938.HK) is a global biopharmaceutical company engaged in the development and commercialization of small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapeutics. Powered by its proprietary and innovative siRNA technology platforms, the Company has built a rich and differentiated pipeline targeting major disease areas including cardiovascular, metabolic, liver and kidney diseases. Ribo is committed to delivering revolutionary treatment solutions to patients worldwide through continuous innovation.

For more information, please visit: www.ribolia.com.

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LAS VEGAS, Jan. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — From January 6 to 9, CES 2026, held in Las Vegas—brought together 4,112 leading enterprises from around the world. As a leading Chinese medical device company, Yuwell Medical made its debut at CES.

At the exhibition, Yuwell Medical showcased a comprehensive product portfolio covering respiratory health, chronic disease management, first aid, and smart wearables. Respiratory products such as the Pocket S portable breathcare device, SP-6Pro portable oxygen concentrator emphasize mobility in medical use scenarios. Meanwhile, the YE699 fully automatic electronic blood pressure monitor are dedicated to making chronic disease management more precise and intelligent.

Making its first public appearance, the Yuwell R3 Health Ring became one of the highlights of the booth. Crafted from titanium alloy and medical-grade resin, it features an ultra-lightweight design with a skin-friendly finish for all-day comfort. The ring enables continuous monitoring of multi-dimensional vital signs, including sleep, heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and physical activity. Powered by AI-driven health insights and abnormal condition alerts, it also delivers an impressive seven-day battery life under regular use.

Yuwell has partnered with several professional medical institutions to combine its sensor technologies—developed over more than 20 years of experience in medical-grade monitoring of blood oxygen, heart rate, and sleep—with proprietary AI algorithms. This effort addresses the long-standing challenge in wearable technology of balancing data accuracy, wearing comfort, and actionable health insights.

Yuwell Medical’s participation at CES reflects its clear vision for the evolution of AI-driven health devices. Artificial intelligence is transforming medical monitoring tools from simple “data recorders” into intelligent health stewards. This transformation is unfolding across four key dimensions: first, achieving medical-grade precision by upgrading devices from providing reference data to delivering reliable health analysis and insights; second, enhancing invisibility by seamlessly integrating health monitoring into daily life through ultra-thin and lightweight wearable designs; third, enabling predictiveness by shifting from retrospective data tracking to early risk warnings through AI modeling; and fourth, building a systematic ecosystem in which devices function as collaborative nodes connecting personal and family health management.

Hua Hao, General Manager of Yuwell’s AI Wearable Medical Business, stated: “Our product innovation is closely aligned with our core strategies of globalization, digitalization, and wearability. By integrating hardware, algorithms, and services, we are extending professional monitoring and evaluation—once limited to hospital settings—into everyday life, enabling a prevention-first, closed-loop health management approach.”

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SYDNEY, Jan. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — With cherry season in full swing and families making the most of the summer school holidays, road trips and short getaways remain a popular way for Australians to travel together.

Tapping into this seasonal moment, Chery has launched Chery Cherry Trails, a state-by-state guide to cherry-inspired road trips across Australia, designed to help families and food lovers turn simple day trips or overnight escapes into memorable summer adventures.

Designed as relaxed, flexible journeys rather than long holidays, Chery Cherry Trails showcase the diversity of Australia’s cherry-growing regions and the local experiences that surround them. From pick your own orchards and farm gate stalls to wineries, bakeries and regional towns, each trail celebrates the simple pleasure of getting out on the road and exploring closer to home.

Chery is one of Australia’s fastest-growing car brands, with a range of vehicles designed to suit Aussie roadtrips and family travel. Built for long distances and varied conditions, Chery vehicles combine comfort, space and advanced hybrid technology to make road trips and short getaways easy and enjoyable.

Cherry season in Australia stretches through to late summer, with different regions producing fruit at different times depending on climate and elevation. As a result, many orchards continue to offer fresh cherries, farm gate sales and seasonal produce experiences beyond peak harvest, making these trails just as appealing for food lovers as for hands-on pickers.

For those who love the taste of cherries but prefer not to pick their own, the trails are designed to be just as rewarding. Many stops focus on tasting, buying and enjoying cherries alongside other local produce, turning each journey into a foodie led road trip rather than a single activity.

Chery Cherry Trails by state include:

• New South Wales: A scenic loop from Sydney through the Southern Tablelands and Central West, taking in regions such as Young, Mudgee and Orange. These areas are known for family-run orchards, cellar doors and village markets, with routes that move through varied landscapes and historic country towns
• Victoria: A one-to-two-day escape from Melbourne into the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges, where orchards sit alongside wineries, cafés and local producers. The mix of elevations means cherry experiences and fresh produce are available across much of the summer period
• Queensland: A short break from Brisbane to the Granite Belt around Stanthorpe, a cooler climate region where small-scale growers combine cherries with broader farm gate and market experiences. The trail pairs food stops with national park scenery and relaxed regional towns
• South Australia: A one-to-two-day itinerary through the Adelaide Hills and surrounding regions, where cherries are grown across a range of microclimates. The trail blends orchard visits with scenic drives, historic villages and wine regions, making it ideal for a weekend escape
• Western Australia: A longer southwest road trip from Perth through orchard country, including Donnybrook, Manjimup and Pemberton. These routes pass through forest landscapes and agricultural regions where cherries are part of a broader local produce offering
• Tasmania: A two-to-three-day journey from Hobart through the Coal River Valley and into the north of the state, taking in historic towns, family-run orchards and cool climate growing regions. Tasmania’s later season means cherry-related experiences continue well into the summer months

While cherry season runs through summer, orchard opening days and times vary, so travellers are encouraged to check ahead before setting off.

For Chery, the initiative is about celebrating everyday Australian moments, from spontaneous road trips to discovering regional towns and local producers and encouraging people to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

ABOUT CHERY

Chery Australia is a leading automotive brand recognised globally for its commitment to innovation, style, and performance. With a rich history spanning over two decades, Chery has established itself as a pioneer in the industry. Known for producing technologically advanced and visually striking vehicles, Chery offers a diverse range of models that cater to different lifestyles and preferences. Each Chery vehicle embodies the brand’s passion for pushing boundaries and redefining the driving experience. 
For more details on Chery visit www.cherymotor.com.au or Instagram @cheryaustralia  

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Cherrapunji, Pelling, and Kalimpong are also enjoying increased domestic interest

SINGAPORE, Jan. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda has revealed its latest insights into domestic travel interest to India’s North-East. Darjeeling (West Bengal) emerging as the most searched destination in the region on Agoda for the period of October to December 2025. The picturesque hill station, Gangtok (Sikkim) in second, and Shillong (Meghalaya) in third, together form the top trio of destinations in the region, drawing travellers with their scenic beauty and unique cultural experiences.

The data, based on accommodation searches made on Agoda by Indians between July and September 2025, underscores the appeal of these hill stations as quintessential retreats for domestic travelers in the holiday season.

Following the top 3 closely are Guwahati (Assam) and Siliguri (West Bengal) in the fourth and fifth spot, respectively. Guwahati’s lively city life and Siliguri’s strategic location as a gateway to the region make them integral parts of many travel itineraries.

To underline the growing popularity of India’s North-East, smaller towns like Cherrapunji (Meghalaya), Pelling (Sikkim), and Kalimpong (West Bengal) are also drawing increased attention from domestic travelers. Cherrapunji offers lush landscapes and stunning waterfalls, Pelling provides breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga range, and Kalimpong delights with vibrant flower markets and colonial architecture. These hidden gems are also enriching the North-East travel experience with their quaint offerings.

Commenting on the trend, Gaurav Malik, Country Director for the Indian Subcontinent and Indian Ocean Islands at Agoda, said, “It’s great to witness travellers embracing the diverse landscapes of India, in this case the North-East. The region’s natural beauty and serenity captivate those seeking both popular and quaint experiences. In recent years, many accommodation providers, including hotels, hostels, and non-hotel accommodations like villas, serviced apartments, and homestays, have partnered with Agoda to capture the growing interest from domestic and inbound travelers alike. I would encourage any hotelier or other accommodation provider, big or small, that isn’t listed on Agoda yet to take advantage of our easy 30-minute onboarding program to ensure they aren’t missing out.”

With over 130,000 flight routes, more than 6 million holiday properties, and over 300,000 activities, Agoda offers flexible options and deals to help travelers discover destinations that suit their plans and preferences. Discover the best deals on Agoda’s mobile app and visit Agoda.com to plan the perfect year-end trips. 

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