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[Highlights of China's Environmental, Technological, and Cultural Developments]-[Mount Fanjing in southwest China inscribed in IUCN Green List]

Special English · B1 · 2024-10-21

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📋 Summary

Conservation Milestone: Mount Fanjing’s International Recognition

Mount Fanjing National Nature Reserve, located in Guizhou Province, has achieved a significant global milestone by being officially included in the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas. This recognition serves as a "global standard for measuring the management status" of protected regions. Spanning 775 square kilometers, Mount Fanjing is lauded for its "typical and intact ecosystem of the central Asian subtropical primeval forests." As a World Heritage Site, it acts as a critical "ecological security barrier in the middle and upper reaches of the Yangtze River" and provides a sanctuary for 7,925 species, including the rare Guizhou Golden Monkey.

Wildlife Updates: Hong Kong’s Giant Panda Twins

Ocean Park in Hong Kong is witnessing the rapid development of its first-ever pair of giant panda twins. The cubs, born in August, have successfully transitioned from incubators to showing distinct physical characteristics. Assistant curator El Kewu noted that the siblings can be identified by the shape of their black eye patches: "round for the male cub, and tilted upwards at the outer end for the female." Furthermore, the mother, Ying Ying, who is celebrated as the "oldest first-time giant panda mother on record," is recovering well from the exhaustion of childbirth, with her food consumption reaching 70-80% of normal levels.

The Rise of Beijing’s Low-Altitude Economy

Beijing is aggressively pursuing a new industrial frontier: the "low-altitude economy." An ambitious action plan targets an industry valuation of 100 billion yuan (approximately 14.2 billion USD) by 2027, supported by over 5,000 enterprises. The city intends to integrate "unmanned aerial vehicle logistics delivery" into daily life, with specific focus on "emergency rescue and express delivery" in suburban districts. Beyond logistics, the city is exploring "inter-city air-commuting" routes, including a path linking Beijing Daxing International Airport to the Xiong'an New Area.

Archaeological Breakthrough: A Prehistoric Kingdom in Hunan

Excavations at the Wangzhuang Ruins in Hunan Province have unearthed a "super large" tomb dating back 5,000 years, suggesting the site was the "capital of a prehistoric kingdom" rather than a mere settlement. The discovery of over 100 pieces of pottery and 200 jade ornaments points to a sophisticated society. Experts like Li Xinwei highlight that the site serves as a "cultural melting pot," showing evidence of "cultural interplay between the Dawankou and Yangshao traditions," which provides vital evidence for the "diversity of the Chinese civilization."

Cultural Symbolism: The Origins of Stone Lions

In Chinese architecture, stone lions are ubiquitous guardians, yet their presence is rooted in historical trade and religion rather than native wildlife. Because lions never roamed China, they were introduced via the Silk Road during the Han Dynasty as "tributary gifts." Their status was further elevated by the spread of Buddhism, where the lion is associated with the "lion's roar" of Buddha Sakyamuni. Today, these statues are characterized by "exaggerated features" and are always placed in pairs to represent the "balance of yin and yang." The male is traditionally depicted with an "embroidered ball" symbolizing power, while the female guards a cub, representing the continuity of a "long lineage."

🎯Key Sentences

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The world is changing fast, but you can learn it at a slower pace.
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Here's the news.
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It serves as a global standard for measuring the management status of such areas.
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It not only provides an important glimpse into geological ecological evolution
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It is home to many ancient and relict plants
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📝Key Phrases

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for short
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signify
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glimpse into
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boast
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take on
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📖 Transcript

The world is changing fast, but you can learn it at a slower pace.
You're listening to Special English.
Here's the news. Mount Fanjing National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Guizhou Province has been officially included in the Green List of Protected and conserved areas of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, or IUCN for short.
The green list is a global program established by the Union in order to promote biodiversity conservation based on protected and conserved areas.
It serves as a global standard for measuring the management status of such areas.
According to authorities in Tongren, where the mountain is located, the inclusion of The Mount Fanjing National Nature Reserve in the IUCN green list signifies international recognition of its conservation achievements, and its significant role in global biodiversity conservation.

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