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The successful test flight at Shengle International Airport highlights Hohhot’s emergence as a key hub on the “Air Silk Road”

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8 months ago

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Hohhot Shengle

HOHHOT,CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 December 2025 – On November 25, the calibration aircraft landed smoothly, marking the successful completion of the on-site verification test flight at Hohhot Shengle International Airport. This important milestone indicates that Inner Mongolia’s first 4F-class airport has moved from the construction phase to the final stages of preparation for its official opening.

As Inner Mongolia’s first 4F-class airport—the highest standard in civil aviation airfields—this airport is fully equipped to accommodate the world’s most advanced commercial aircraft.

Moreover, it functions as a regional aviation hub, a primary alternate landing site within the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei airport cluster, a Class I international aviation port, and a key transportation node in China’s national “Belt and Road Initiative”. Its essential role is to connect domestic and international destinations while linking eastern and western regions.

“Where heaven and earth meet, all things communicate.” Thanks to its unique geographic location, Hohhot has long served as a vital transportation center. During the Northern Wei Dynasty, Shengle, the capital city, controlled the critical passage between the Central Plains, the grasslands, and the desert, fostering thriving commerce and travel. In the Tang Dynasty, Shengle also served as a major commercial route extending north from Baidouchuan to present-day Erenhot, Manzhouli, and further into Russia and Mongolia. During the Qing Dynasty, Guisui City was a key node on the Grassland Silk Road. From the late 17th to early 20th century, the 13,000-kilometer Tea Road began at Wuyi Mountain in Fujian Province in the south, passed through Hohhot in Inner Mongolia, continued north to Mongolia, and ultimately reached Russia. In modern times, Hohhot has emerged as a crucial transportation hub under the “Belt and Road Initiative,” linking the mainland of China with Russia, Mongolia, and the heart of Europe. For centuries, merchants from home and abroad have gathered here, fostering vibrant trade and rich cultural exchanges.

The echoes of history continue to resonate. This ancient route, once bustling with camel caravans and travelers, is now being revitalized with new significance for the modern era. Shengle International Airport is dedicated to becoming a key hub on the new “Air Silk Road,” serving as a vital gateway across North China and connecting Eurasia. It aims to make a unique and meaningful contribution to this important legacy.

From above, the airport’s terminal is designed to resemble a finely crafted saddle, reflecting the dynamic heritage of the horse-riding cultures in the region. The main facade of the terminal features a 600-meter-long eave inspired by the flowing khata scarf, offering a warm and inviting welcome to visitors from around the globe. The terminal’s skylights are thoughtfully crafted using spindle columns, cables, and inflatable membranes, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a traditional Mongolian yurt. Looking upward, travelers can enjoy views of the expansive grassland sky and clouds, celebrating Inner Mongolia’s rich cultural heritage and sharing the distinctive beauty of grassland culture with the world.

Shengle Airport’s appeal extends beyond its striking design to its thoughtfully planned interior layout. More than just a transportation hub, it serves as a vital platform connecting the world. As a key node on the “Belt and Road” land corridor and the northern gateway of the China-Mongolia-Russia economic corridor, Hohhot is utilizing this state-of-the-art airport to accelerate its integration into the global network.

In the near term, Shengle International Airport aims to achieve an annual passenger capacity of 28 million, handle 320,000 tons of cargo and mail, and manage 244,000 aircraft movements by 2030. Looking further ahead to 2050, these figures are expected to grow to 65 million passengers, 800,000 tons of cargo and mail, and 511,000 aircraft movements.

To enhance the travel experience for international passengers, Shengle International Airport has proactively upgraded its communication infrastructure. Previously, the construction of civil communication facilities at Hohhot Shengle International Airport was successfully completed. To meet the demands of international travelers and business passengers, the regional communication system has implemented a “seamless access” plan in advance. All three major telecom operators share a jointly built network, ensuring passengers enjoy “uninterrupted” connectivity from arrival through boarding and departure.

Looking forward, Shengle Airport will continue to expand its international routes with exceptional performance. By 2025, Hohhot Airport will establish strong partnerships with Xi’an and Qingdao airports. Leveraging Qingdao Airport’s connections to Japan and South Korea, and Xi’an Airport’s access to Northwest China, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia, new transfer services will be launched connecting Hohhot via Xi’an or Qingdao to other domestic and international destinations.

Additionally, capitalizing on Hohhot’s strategic location facing Russia and Mongolia and linking Northeast and Northwest China, transfer services will be introduced from Xi’an or Qingdao through Hohhot to various regional cities as well as Russia and Mongolia. These initiatives will create aerial bridges fostering economic exchange and cultural communication across regions.

As the morning sun brightens the northern frontier, Shengle International Airport stands out like a shining gem above the grasslands. This young and dynamic airport is not only Hohhot’s new gateway but also a crucial hub connecting China to the world. From here, Inner Mongolia’s high-quality development will gain fresh momentum, and China’s northern frontier will embrace broader opportunities for global engagement.

 

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Business

Emirates and South African Airways Expand Codeshare Partnership

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2 days ago

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August 6, 2026

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Emirates

Reciprocal agreement adds nine cities and expands connectivity across central and southern Africa

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, August 5, 2026/APO Group/ –Emirates (www.Emirates.com) and South African Airways (SAA) today announced an expansion of their codeshare partnership, enabling access to nine cities and establishing the start of a reciprocal codeshare agreement between both carriers. The expanded partnership opens more destinations across central and southern Africa, simplifying connectivity for customers.

Since launching their codeshare agreement, Emirates and SAA have operated on a unilateral basis, with SAA placing its code on Emirates-operated flights between Dubai and Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, as well as interline access to 68 Emirates destinations worldwide via Dubai. With regulatory approvals secured, the new agreement will see Emirates place its code on SAA-operated flights, extending its network deeper into South Africa and neighbouring countries.

The expansion covers nine new routes including three domestic South African links connecting Johannesburg with Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth, in addition to six regional routes linking Johannesburg with Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo), Gaborone (Botswana), Windhoek (Namibia), Lusaka (Zambia), Harare (Zimbabwe) and Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe).

Emirates and South African Airways have been partners for almost 30 years, marking one of the longest partnerships in Emirates’ portfolio. Since 1997, millions of passengers have benefitted from the partnership, with frictionless, single-ticket travel. This extension to the codeshare underscores the ongoing commitment to providing greater access, convenience and choices to travellers from South Africa and neighbouring countries.

The move builds on Emirates’ longstanding commitment to providing reliable, consistent connectivity for passengers travelling to, from and within South Africa and the broader region. It also responds to strong demand for travel to South Africa from key international markets, particularly across Europe, while providing customers with greater access to destinations throughout southern and central Africa.

 

This reciprocal codeshare partnership with South African Airways is a natural evolution of a relationship that has served our customers well for many years

Adnan Kazim, Emirates Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, said, “This reciprocal codeshare partnership with South African Airways is a natural evolution of a relationship that has served our customers well for many years. By placing our code on SAA’s domestic and regional network, we are opening up seamless access to destinations across South Africa and neighbouring countries, backed by the reliability and consistency our customers expect from Emirates. It reinforces our long-term commitment to South Africa and wider region, and our confidence in the continent’s continued growth.”

Matshela Seshibe, Acting Group CEO of SAA, said, “The expansion of our partnership with Emirates marks an important milestone in SAA’s strategy to strengthen connectivity across Africa while enhancing access to global markets. Through this reciprocal codeshare agreement, customers will benefit from a more seamless travel experience and greater choice across our combined networks. This partnership is about more than connecting destinations. It is about connecting people, businesses and opportunities across the continent and beyond. By combining SAA’s growing African network with Emirates’ extensive global reach, we are creating greater value for our customers and reinforcing Johannesburg’s role as a key gateway for travel, trade and tourism in Africa.”

Emirates in South Africa

Emirates has been flying to South Africa since 1995, starting with its inaugural flight to Johannesburg. Since then, the airline has scaled operations, increased frequencies and gateways to Cape Town and Durban and served over 20 million passengers to and from the market. Currently, Emirates operates 56 weekly flights across the three gateways. South Africa is also the only market on Emirates’ Africa network to receive all three widebody aircraft types: the Boeing 777, the Airbus A380 and the A350.

As part of its commitment to offering best-in-class products to travellers in South Africa, the airline’s award-winning Premium Economy experience is available on flights between Dubai and both Cape Town and Johannesburg.

 

Customers travelling on the new codeshare routes will benefit from convenient single-ticket bookings, coordinated schedules and through-checked baggage to their final destination.

Tickets can now be booked on www.Emirates.com, via travel agents or at Emirates’ retail stores.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Emirates Group.

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Business

Emirates Skywards unlocks over 12,000 European rail destinations, turning Miles into seamless journeys

Published

1 week ago

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July 30, 2026

By

Emirates

By expanding redemption opportunities beyond air travel, Emirates Skywards continues to evolve as a lifestyle loyalty programme, enabling members to travel more freely and seamlessly across Europe

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, July 28, 2026/APO Group/ —

Emirates Skywards is expanding how its global base of members can explore Europe, unlocking access to more than 12,000 rail destinations across the continent with the newly launched Skywards Rail (https://apo-opa.co/4wvGmPw).

 

With access to over 40 major operators across 12 European countries, Emirates Skywards members can now use their Miles to purchase rail tickets seamlessly via the dedicated booking tool (www.SkywardsRail.com) either online or via their mobile devices, in five different languages.

With the ability to search a variety of schedules, select cabins and ticket types, members can choose to pay fully with their Miles or by using a combination of Cash + Miles. Miles can even be used to purchase rail tickets for family and friends. Once purchased, e-tickets are conveniently delivered via email.

Dr Nejib Ben Khedher, Divisional Senior Vice President Emirates Skywards, said:

Our members are looking for more flexible ways to use their Skywards Miles, and Skywards Rail is another step in expanding the programme beyond air travel

‘Our members are looking for more flexible ways to use their Skywards Miles, and Skywards Rail is another step in expanding the programme beyond air travel. By unlocking affordable access to more than 12,000 rail destinations across Europe, we’re giving members the freedom to create seamless journeys using Miles, whether that’s travelling between major cities, connecting onwards from an Emirates or flydubai flight, or discovering somewhere new. It’s all part of our commitment to offering more choice, greater value and rewarding travel experiences at every stage of the journey.’

Popular routes, exceptional value

With unparalleled access across domestic, international and high-speed rail travel, Emirates Skywards members can unlock some of Europe’s most popular routes from leading rail operators including Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn, SNCF, Trenitalia, TGV, Renfe, ÖBB, as well as extensive UK services such as Heathrow Express, Gatwick Express, Thameslink, Great Western Railway and ScotRail:

  •        Heathrow Express starting from 4,700 Skywards Miles
  •        Barcelona to Madrid from just 5,400 Skywards Miles
  •        Rome to Milan from just 8,100 Skywards Miles
  •        London to Paris from just 9,400 Skywards Miles
  •        Berlin to Frankfurt from 4,100 Skywards Miles

Turning Miles into meaningful travel experiences

By expanding redemption opportunities beyond air travel, Emirates Skywards continues to evolve as a lifestyle loyalty programme, enabling members to travel more freely and seamlessly across Europe.

Since its inception in 2000, Emirates Skywards has grown at a rapid pace into a multi award-winning loyalty programme serving a global customer base. Having recently celebrated 25 years of success, Emirates Skywards is now used by more than 39 million members across 190 countries, with more than 78,000 new enrolments every week.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Emirates Group.

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Entertainment

2026 Sichuan Ganzi Mountain Culture & Tourism Festival Takes Place in Daofu County

Published

1 week ago

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July 30, 2026

By

Culture

DAOFU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 July 2026 – On July 24, the 2026 Sichuan Ganzi Mountain Culture & Tourism Festival opened at Yuke Grassland in Daofu County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China.

Featuring a diverse range of activities, including nomadic culture performances, intangible cultural heritage (ICH) exhibitions, and folk customs experiences, this year’s festival showcases the region’s unique nomadic culture with modern cultural tourism development. The event has attracted numerous visitors eager to experience the charm of grassland culture.

The opening ceremony transformed Yuke Grassland into a natural stage. Local herders drove cattle across the vast grasslands, carrying black yak-hair tents traditionally used by Kham pastoralists and holding urdah—traditional stone-throwing ropes used by Tibetan herders for livestock management. The scenes vividly recreated the millennia-old nomadic lifestyle of Kham communities, who have long followed seasonal migration routes in search of water and pasture.

Behind them came a grand procession of heavy cavalry and the legendary Gesar riders. Riders in traditional attire galloped across the grassland, valiant and heroic in bearing. A vibrant parade of ethnic costumes then took the stage, showcasing pulu—a traditional Tibetan handwoven wool textile—alongside modern tailoring designs, highlighting the blending of ancient culture and modern fashion.

“As the scenes of nomadic migration gradually unfolded before my eyes, a long-lost yearning for a simpler pastoral life suddenly welled up within me,” said Mr. Zhang, a visitor who traveled from Beijing especially for the event. “My whole family loves the grassland lifestyle in Daofu. It is something you cannot experience in the city.”

The Sichuan Ganzi Mountain Culture & Tourism Festival has been successfully held for seven editions to date. Running through July 26, this year’s festival features eight major events, including the opening ceremony, the Ganzi 1,000-person ICH livestream showcase, and the fashion-inspired Guozhuang gala. Moreover, a range of grassland market activities—including ICH workshops, local produce exhibitions, local food tasting, and music-themed leisure gatherings—are being held in parallel, offering visitors an immersive cultural experience.

Daofu County, where this event took place, is situated in northwestern Sichuan Province, with an average summer temperature of around 24°C. The county boasts a remarkable blend of natural landscapes—including Yala Snow Mountain, Stone Forest Park, Yuke Grassland, alpine meadows, and Tianlong Lake—and cultural heritage, such as Kham traditions and the Highland Silk Road. From July 2021 to June 2026, Daofu County received a cumulative total of 10.4123 million tourists, generating nearly 11.454 billion yuan in tourism revenue.

 

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