Month: April 2026

• Company is developing prefabricated nuclear power plants designed for faster, more predictable deployment
• Financing was led by VXI Capital with significant backing from Engine Ventures and participation from other existing investors, including At One Ventures and Tamarack Global
• Proceeds will support long-lead equipment procurement, project development and corporate growth
• The Nuclear Regulatory Commission recently approved Blue Energy’s innovative approach to nuclear plant construction

CHEVY CHASE, Md., April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Blue Energy, a developer of financeable, prefabricated nuclear power plants, today announced that it has raised $380 million in financing to advance its turnkey approach to nuclear plant development. The fundraise was led by VXI Capital with significant backing from Engine Ventures and participation from other existing investors, including At One Ventures and Tamarack Global. Proceeds will support procurement of long-lead equipment, project development activities, and general corporate purposes.

Blue Energy is developing prefabricated nuclear power plants designed to be compatible with leading reactor technologies and delivered on an accelerated timeline in as little as 48 months. The complexity of bespoke nuclear plant construction has historically contributed to delays, cost overruns, and financing uncertainty. This uncertainty and risk have sidelined private capital and created an overreliance on taxpayer dollars and consumer rate hikes. Blue Energy believes it can address those challenges through an innovative development model centered on reducing construction risk through centralized advanced manufacturing, skilled labor and more predictable schedules.

“This funding marks an important step in Blue Energy’s mission to make new nuclear more deployable, predictable, and financeable,” said Blue Energy CEO and Co-Founder Jake Jurewicz. “Blue Energy is poised to deliver a significantly de-risked product and finally attract the private capital that nuclear deployment has historically struggled to secure. And for the first time, a nuclear project is designed so that it doesn’t need to rely primarily on taxpayer dollars and ratepayers to backstop risk. By combining offsite prefabrication, standardized plant delivery and a disciplined development model, we believe Blue Energy can reduce cost and compress timelines with the goal of making nuclear power competitive with fossil fuel and renewables – all without sacrificing safety. Blue Energy is developing a nuclear power product designed to scale at a time when the world needs it most.”

By unlocking project financing, Blue Energy plans to deliver on the promise of nuclear power by prefabricating modular plants offsite at existing fab yards from proven components with fixed-price contracting and reliable timelines – aiming to make nuclear power more predictable, faster and more affordable. Blue Energy expects to begin construction on its first project in Texas in Q3 2026. The project is designed to deliver up to 1.5 gigawatts (GW) of affordable, reliable power to large-scale electricity customers, including artificial intelligence (AI) datacenters.

“VXI is proud to partner with Blue Energy as the company unlocks the largest underutilized resource civilization has: nuclear power,” said Orin Hoffman, Managing Director of VXI Capital and Board Director at Blue Energy. “By delivering abundant, affordable nuclear power Blue Energy is perfectly positioned to meet rapidly increasing near-term energy demand from data centers and advanced manufacturing. Our investment reflects our confidence that, by building the world’s first project-financed nuclear power plant, Blue Energy will rewrite the playbook for nuclear power’s next era.” 

“The Blue Energy team has made remarkable progress de-risking the single hardest problem in nuclear — the cost structure that makes it project-financeable,” said Michael Kearney, General Partner at Engine Ventures and Board Director at Blue Energy. “Their manufacturing and development approach is what finally positions nuclear to run down the cost curve necessary for rapid deployment to meet this moment of demand growth, and we couldn’t be more excited to back them on that path.”

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) recently approved Blue Energy’s innovative approach to resequencing major phases of nuclear plant construction by initially energizing turbines with natural gas before conversion to nuclear power. This approval marks an important regulatory milestone and establishes a new precedent for phased nuclear plant construction in the United States.

About Blue Energy
Founded in 2023, Blue Energy develops financeable, turnkey nuclear power plants compatible with leading reactor technology. Our proprietary lower cost of capital solution and offsite pre-fabrication accelerates new nuclear deployment – making it predictable, faster and more affordable. We will deliver baseload power competitive with fossil fuels and renewables to meet unprecedented global demand. Blue Energy’s world-class team has extensive experience in nuclear construction, licensing, engineering, and development. We stem from MIT’s Nuclear Science & Engineering Department and are backed by VXI Capital, Engine Ventures, At One Ventures and Tamarack Global. Visit www.blueenergy.co or follow us on LinkedIn.

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SOURCE Blue Energy

ROSWELL, Ga., April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — To support the critical need for specialized medical care requiring distant travel, World Micro is proud to announce its participation as an Angelic Hole Sponsor for the 2026 Atlanta Tournament of Angels. This annual charity golf tournament directly benefits Angel Flight Soars, a nonprofit organization based out of Peachtree Dekalb Airport in Chamblee, GA.

Angel Flight Soars provides free air transportation for individuals in need of medical care or other critical services. By coordinating volunteer pilots and donated flight resources, the organization helps remove transportation barriers, ensuring patients can access life-saving treatments, specialized care, and humanitarian support.

To secure a sponsorship or learn more about participation in this impactful event, visit Tournament of Angels

“As an Angelic Hole Sponsor for the 2026 Atlanta Tournament of Angels, World Micro is proud to stand behind Angel Flight Soars, a local nonprofit in our community, and support their mission of providing essential, free air transportation for individuals who must travel far from home for specialized medical care,” said Lauren Brown, Director of Business Development.

Supporting Critical Medical Air Transportation

The 2026 Atlanta Tournament of Angels brings together community members and organizations to contribute to a vital cause. Every shot taken during the tournament helps provide essential air transportation for patients requiring specialized medical care far from their homes. This support ensures that geographical distance does not hinder access to critical treatments.

Event Details and Community Impact

The 2026 Atlanta Tournament of Angels will take place on May 13, 2026, at the Chateau Elan Golf Club. As an Angelic Hole Sponsor, World Micro underscores the profound impact of community support for services like those provided by Angel Flight Soars. The tournament offers a unique opportunity for individuals and organizations to contribute to a cause that provides essential medical air transportation, ensuring patients can access critical care regardless of distance. 

About World Micro

World Micro is a global distributor specializing in electronic components and supply chain solutions for military, aerospace, industrial, and high-reliability applications. With a focus on speed, service, and dependable fulfillment, World Micro supports customers worldwide with responsive sourcing, logistics expertise, and value-added distribution services.

Learn more at www.worldmicro.com.

For pricing and inquiries, please contact World Micro at:
Email: info@worldmicro.com 

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SOURCE World Micro

TROY, Mich., April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Charles Schwab Corp.’s recent report has investors wondering if the company’s stock is fairly valued. Or is it in the buy range? As such, the Editorial Advisory and Securities Review Committee of BetterInvesting Magazine considers Charles Schwab (NYSE: SCHW) as worthy of further study and has named the company its “Stock to Study” for the June/July 2026 issue for investors’ informational and educational use.

The fundamental data is eye-opening; investors can view Charles Schwab’s sales, earnings, pre-tax profit, return on equity, and more all on one page, courtesy of the National Association of Investors Corp., at: https://ssg.betterinvesting.org/trial/ssgplus/?ticker=SCHW.

A full report on Charles Schwab will appear in the June/July 2026 issue of BetterInvesting Magazine. 

The same issue of BetterInvesting Magazine will also include a fundamental review of Dollar General Corp. (NYSE: DG), which the independent Editorial Advisory and Securities Review Committee believes is worthy of further study from an undervalued perspective. 

Committee members are Daniel J. Boyle, CFA; Marisa Bradbury, CFA; Philip Keating, CFA; Walter J. Kirchberger, CFA; Anne Nichols, CFA; and Dan Rutter, CFA.

Doron P. Levin, an editor of the magazine, serves as the committee’s chairperson.

Securities mentioned are for study and presented for educational purposes only. They are not to be considered as endorsed or recommended for purchase by NAIC/BetterInvesting. Investors should conduct their own review and analysis of any company of interest using the Stock Selection Guide before making an investment decision.

About BetterInvesting:

BetterInvesting™, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit, investment education organization, has been empowering everyday Americans since 1951. Also known as the National Association of Investors™ (NAIC®), we have helped more than 5 million people from all walks of life learn how to improve their financial future. BetterInvesting provides unbiased, in-depth investing education and powerful online stock analysis tools to create successful lifelong investors. BetterInvesting staff, along with a dedicated community of volunteers across America, teach the organization’s principles and time-tested methodology to individuals and investment clubs. For more information about BetterInvesting, please visit www.betterinvesting.org

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Contact: 877-275-6242

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/betterinvesting-magazine-update-on-the-charles-schwab-corp-nyse-schw-and-dollar-general-corp-nyse-dg-302748155.html

SOURCE NAIC-BetterInvesting

BEIJING, April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On April 15, 2026, during the 63rd Bologna International Children’s Book Fair, the launch event of the video series “Hello, Beijing! Diplomatic Memoirs in the Capital” was successfully held at the Bologna Exhibition Centre in Italy.

In 2026, China National Publications Import & Export (Group) Co., Ltd. (CNPIEC) initiated the international dialogue project “Hello, Beijing! Diplomatic Memoirs in the Capital”. Focusing on Beijing’s development in areas such as economy, technology, and culture, the project invites foreign diplomats stationed in China to share their impressions of Beijing and stories about China, presenting to the world a Beijing that blends tradition with modernity and embodies confidence and openness.

The six-episode video series combines interviews and documentary-style filming, with each episode focusing on the life story of a foreign diplomat in Beijing. The six featured guests (in order of filming) are: H.E. Sergio Cabrera, Ambassador of Colombia to China; Isabel Cervera, former Director of the Instituto Cervantes in Beijing; Federico Roberto Antonelli, Cultural Counselor of the Italian Embassy; Andreea-Ema Stoian, Senior Public Relations Officer of Romanian Cultural Institute in Beijing; H.E. Koula Sophianou, Ambassador of Cyprus to China; and H.E. Hussain Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to China. All episodes have now been released online, showcasing Beijing’s unique charm as an international metropolis where tradition and modernity coexist, and confidence and openness thrive, through the diplomats’ personal observations and everyday moments.

During the launch event, selected clips from the video series were screened. The audience responded warmly to the diplomats’ heartfelt accounts of Beijing’s urban transformation, cultural inclusiveness, and vibrant creativity. Through the lens of diplomats, overseas audiences can more intuitively feel Beijing’s development logic and humanistic warmth.

As globalization continues to deepen, building high-quality international dialogue platforms is of great significance for promoting exchanges and cooperation between China and other countries in trade, culture, education, science and technology, and beyond. By using authentic and diverse personal narratives, the “Hello, Beijing” video series has effectively sparked interest in and identification with Chinese culture among domestic and international audiences, further strengthening China’s cultural confidence and injecting new vitality into the global promotion of Chinese culture.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hello-beijing-diplomatic-memoirs-in-the-capital-video-series-launch-successfully-held-at-the-2026-bologna-childrens-book-fair-302748068.html

SOURCE China National Publications Import and Export (Group) Co., Ltd

BEIJING, April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On April 15, 2026, during the 63rd Bologna International Children’s Book Fair, the launch event of the video series “Hello, Beijing! Diplomatic Memoirs in the Capital” was successfully held at the Bologna Exhibition Centre in Italy.

In 2026, China National Publications Import & Export (Group) Co., Ltd. (CNPIEC) initiated the international dialogue project “Hello, Beijing! Diplomatic Memoirs in the Capital”. Focusing on Beijing’s development in areas such as economy, technology, and culture, the project invites foreign diplomats stationed in China to share their impressions of Beijing and stories about China, presenting to the world a Beijing that blends tradition with modernity and embodies confidence and openness.

The six-episode video series combines interviews and documentary-style filming, with each episode focusing on the life story of a foreign diplomat in Beijing. The six featured guests (in order of filming) are: H.E. Sergio Cabrera, Ambassador of Colombia to China; Isabel Cervera, former Director of the Instituto Cervantes in Beijing; Federico Roberto Antonelli, Cultural Counselor of the Italian Embassy; Andreea-Ema Stoian, Senior Public Relations Officer of Romanian Cultural Institute in Beijing; H.E. Koula Sophianou, Ambassador of Cyprus to China; and H.E. Hussain Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to China. All episodes have now been released online, showcasing Beijing’s unique charm as an international metropolis where tradition and modernity coexist, and confidence and openness thrive, through the diplomats’ personal observations and everyday moments.

During the launch event, selected clips from the video series were screened. The audience responded warmly to the diplomats’ heartfelt accounts of Beijing’s urban transformation, cultural inclusiveness, and vibrant creativity. Through the lens of diplomats, overseas audiences can more intuitively feel Beijing’s development logic and humanistic warmth.

As globalization continues to deepen, building high-quality international dialogue platforms is of great significance for promoting exchanges and cooperation between China and other countries in trade, culture, education, science and technology, and beyond. By using authentic and diverse personal narratives, the “Hello, Beijing” video series has effectively sparked interest in and identification with Chinese culture among domestic and international audiences, further strengthening China’s cultural confidence and injecting new vitality into the global promotion of Chinese culture.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hello-beijing-diplomatic-memoirs-in-the-capital-video-series-launch-successfully-held-at-the-2026-bologna-childrens-book-fair-302748068.html

SOURCE China National Publications Import and Export (Group) Co., Ltd

BEIJING, April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On April 15, 2026, during the 63rd Bologna International Children’s Book Fair, the launch event of the video series “Hello, Beijing! Diplomatic Memoirs in the Capital” was successfully held at the Bologna Exhibition Centre in Italy.

In 2026, China National Publications Import & Export (Group) Co., Ltd. (CNPIEC) initiated the international dialogue project “Hello, Beijing! Diplomatic Memoirs in the Capital”. Focusing on Beijing’s development in areas such as economy, technology, and culture, the project invites foreign diplomats stationed in China to share their impressions of Beijing and stories about China, presenting to the world a Beijing that blends tradition with modernity and embodies confidence and openness.

The six-episode video series combines interviews and documentary-style filming, with each episode focusing on the life story of a foreign diplomat in Beijing. The six featured guests (in order of filming) are: H.E. Sergio Cabrera, Ambassador of Colombia to China; Isabel Cervera, former Director of the Instituto Cervantes in Beijing; Federico Roberto Antonelli, Cultural Counselor of the Italian Embassy; Andreea-Ema Stoian, Senior Public Relations Officer of Romanian Cultural Institute in Beijing; H.E. Koula Sophianou, Ambassador of Cyprus to China; and H.E. Hussain Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to China. All episodes have now been released online, showcasing Beijing’s unique charm as an international metropolis where tradition and modernity coexist, and confidence and openness thrive, through the diplomats’ personal observations and everyday moments.

During the launch event, selected clips from the video series were screened. The audience responded warmly to the diplomats’ heartfelt accounts of Beijing’s urban transformation, cultural inclusiveness, and vibrant creativity. Through the lens of diplomats, overseas audiences can more intuitively feel Beijing’s development logic and humanistic warmth.

As globalization continues to deepen, building high-quality international dialogue platforms is of great significance for promoting exchanges and cooperation between China and other countries in trade, culture, education, science and technology, and beyond. By using authentic and diverse personal narratives, the “Hello, Beijing” video series has effectively sparked interest in and identification with Chinese culture among domestic and international audiences, further strengthening China’s cultural confidence and injecting new vitality into the global promotion of Chinese culture.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hello-beijing-diplomatic-memoirs-in-the-capital-video-series-launch-successfully-held-at-the-2026-bologna-childrens-book-fair-302748068.html

SOURCE China National Publications Import and Export (Group) Co., Ltd

BEIJING, April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On April 15, 2026, during the 63rd Bologna International Children’s Book Fair, the launch event of the video series “Hello, Beijing! Diplomatic Memoirs in the Capital” was successfully held at the Bologna Exhibition Centre in Italy.

In 2026, China National Publications Import & Export (Group) Co., Ltd. (CNPIEC) initiated the international dialogue project “Hello, Beijing! Diplomatic Memoirs in the Capital”. Focusing on Beijing’s development in areas such as economy, technology, and culture, the project invites foreign diplomats stationed in China to share their impressions of Beijing and stories about China, presenting to the world a Beijing that blends tradition with modernity and embodies confidence and openness.

The six-episode video series combines interviews and documentary-style filming, with each episode focusing on the life story of a foreign diplomat in Beijing. The six featured guests (in order of filming) are: H.E. Sergio Cabrera, Ambassador of Colombia to China; Isabel Cervera, former Director of the Instituto Cervantes in Beijing; Federico Roberto Antonelli, Cultural Counselor of the Italian Embassy; Andreea-Ema Stoian, Senior Public Relations Officer of Romanian Cultural Institute in Beijing; H.E. Koula Sophianou, Ambassador of Cyprus to China; and H.E. Hussain Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to China. All episodes have now been released online, showcasing Beijing’s unique charm as an international metropolis where tradition and modernity coexist, and confidence and openness thrive, through the diplomats’ personal observations and everyday moments.

During the launch event, selected clips from the video series were screened. The audience responded warmly to the diplomats’ heartfelt accounts of Beijing’s urban transformation, cultural inclusiveness, and vibrant creativity. Through the lens of diplomats, overseas audiences can more intuitively feel Beijing’s development logic and humanistic warmth.

As globalization continues to deepen, building high-quality international dialogue platforms is of great significance for promoting exchanges and cooperation between China and other countries in trade, culture, education, science and technology, and beyond. By using authentic and diverse personal narratives, the “Hello, Beijing” video series has effectively sparked interest in and identification with Chinese culture among domestic and international audiences, further strengthening China’s cultural confidence and injecting new vitality into the global promotion of Chinese culture.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hello-beijing-diplomatic-memoirs-in-the-capital-video-series-launch-successfully-held-at-the-2026-bologna-childrens-book-fair-302748068.html

SOURCE China National Publications Import and Export (Group) Co., Ltd

BEIJING, April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The 5th Global Solar and Energy Storage Summit 2026, hosted online by JA Solar, brought together over 20+ senior representatives from leading international organizations and industry players to share insights on the accelerating energy transition. The summit featured keynote speeches and panel discussions with influential voices from the IRENA, S&P Global, BloombergNEF, SolarPower Europe, TÜV NORD, as well as prominent utilities, developers, investors, and technology companies worldwide. With a global audience exceeding 20,000 participants from 30+ countries, the event highlighted the growing integration of solar and energy storage as central to a cleaner, smarter, and more resilient energy future.

Record-Breaking Renewable Deployment in 2025

IRENA’s Ilina Stefanova opened the summit by underscoring the scale and urgency of the global energy transition. “2025 marked a record year for renewable energy, with 692 GW of new capacity deployed globally, and solar contributing 75% of the total,” she said. However, she emphasized the need for stronger policy and investment frameworks to sustain this momentum and meet 2030 climate targets.

S&P Global’s Holly Hu followed with the latest market outlook, noting that global solar installations reached 617 GW in 2025, driven by robust activity in China, Europe, and North America. While she acknowledged potential growth moderation in 2026, Hu emphasized an industry shift from scale-dominated competition to smarter, more value-driven strategies.

Solar + Storage + X: The Future of Energy Solutions

Dr. Zi Ouyang, President of Product and Solution R&D Centre and CTO of JA Solar, delivered a keynote on how integrated solutions are shaping the next phase of clean energy deployment. He introduced “Solar + Storage + X” as the industry’s path forward, where combined technologies create new opportunities across utility-scale, commercial, and residential markets.

“The future of energy lies in integration,” said Dr. Ouyang. “Standalone solar PV systems are no longer sufficient to meet today’s increasingly complex demands. By integrating storage and advanced solutions, we can unlock significant value and provide the flexibility necessary for tomorrow’s global energy systems.” He also highlighted JA Solar’s expertise in enabling scenario-specific solutions, including AI-powered data centers, industrial parks, and remote microgrids.

Driving Value Creation Across Global Markets

Two panel discussions explored the changing dynamics of solar and storage integration.

The first, “Global Perspectives: New Value Drivers and Growth Opportunities,” discussed the industry’s pivot toward value-based development. Panelists emphasized how system efficiency, long-term performance, and financial optimization are replacing cost as priorities, with integrated solutions emerging as critical to capturing project value and market flexibility.

The second panel, “Energy Transformation Across Every Scenario: From Deserts to Cities,” explored the application of solar and storage in emerging sectors such as AI Data Centers (AIDC), mining, modern agriculture, and transportation infrastructure. Panelists highlighted innovations addressing diverse energy demands while tackling challenges like system resilience in extreme environments, from remote deserts to urban microgrids.

JA Solar’s Global Leadership in Integrated Energy Growth

The summit reflected the industry’s transition into a transformative phase defined by integration, intelligence, and scenario diversity. As the event organizer and a leading global innovator in solar technology, JA Solar reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating the adoption of high-performance, sustainable energy solutions.

“At JA Solar, we believe collaboration and innovation are fundamental to building a sustainable energy future,” said Dr. Zi Ouyang. “Through advanced technologies and strong partnerships, we aim to deliver scalable, resilient solutions that meet the evolving needs of customers worldwide.”

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ja-solar-summit-highlights-shift-toward-solar-storage-integration-as-global-demand-holds-firm-302747979.html

SOURCE JA Solar Technology Co., Ltd.

SINGAPORE, April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On Earth Day, we are reminded of the vital need to protect our planet. For some, however, sustainability is not merely an annual reflection—it’s something they actively work towards in their daily lives. Meet Wang Zhirong and Zhang Jing, two changemakers from rural China who are reshaping our understanding of what travel can be.

From regenerative farming in the rugged Taihang Mountains to preserving heritage craft in the heart of Ningxia, their work illustrates how local initiatives can foster a more sustainable, inclusive, and meaningful travel experience.

Wang Zhirong: Bringing People, Land, and Life Together

In the steep, rocky expanses of the Taihang Mountains, where ancient cliffs rise, Wang Zhirong is quietly leading a revolution. She manages the Trip.com Group Country Retreat in Shibanyan, Linzhou, Henan, known to visitors as Linzhou Retreat, which is redefining rural tourism. Nestled far from China’s bustling cities, it invites guests to become part of the land’s story.

Originally from Yunnan, Wang arrived in Linzhou with a vision to rekindle the connection between humans and the land—a bond that modern life has somewhat eroded. Since opening in 2021, Linzhou Retreat has been more than another guesthouse; it was conceived as a model for regenerative agriculture. It focuses on restoring soil health, supporting biodiversity, and working with nature rather than against it.

“We don’t just grow food here,” Wang explains, “we grow connections. Connections with the land, with nature, and with each other.”

The retreat combines centuries-old agricultural wisdom with modern eco-conscious practices. Through pesticide-free and chemical-free cultivation, Linzhou Retreat follows natural seasonal rhythms. Farming here is designed to work gently with nature—minimising soil disturbance, using compost as natural fertiliser, and creating space for diverse plant and animal life to thrive.

Guests to the retreat are invited to be part of the experience and gain a greater appreciation for sustainable farming and nature. They can participate in every stage—from planting tomatoes to harvesting sweet potatoes. Once harvested, the vegetables are handed to local chefs, who prepare them using traditional methods. The experience is most rewarding when guests sit down to enjoy meals made from ingredients they have helped harvest or prepare during their stay.

According to records shared by Wang, in 2025 around 40% of guests at the Trip.com Group Country Retreat in Shibanyan, Linzhou, took part in hands-on experiences, including traditional crafts such as paper-cutting and making sachets, daily activities, and planting and harvesting. Of these, 16% joined the planting and harvesting experiences.

“When our guests cook their own meals from the vegetables they’ve harvested, they feel grounded—a direct connection with the food they eat,” Wang says.

Linzhou Retreat’s appeal goes beyond eco-conscious farming. Wang noticed that families travelling with pets were often overlooked in rural tourism. This insight led Linzhou Retreat to become one of the first pet-friendly retreats in the region, providing a space where every household member—including furry companions—can feel at home. Since launching the pet-friendly initiative in September 2025, the retreat has welcomed 52 families travelling with pets. Guest rooms feature private balconies, while the retreat’s open grounds give dogs space to run freely. Cats and dogs are provided with food, bowls, litter boxes, training pads, and a variety of toys, ensuring they are as comfortable as their human companions.

“Inclusivity means creating a space where differences can coexist comfortably,” Wang notes. “Since introducing pet-friendly facilities, conversations among guests—and between guests and staff—have multiplied, creating a livelier, more connected atmosphere across the retreat.”

Under Wang’s leadership, Linzhou Retreat has evolved into much more than a country stay. It is a place to grow, to learn, and to connect with the land in ways that leave a lasting impact. Guests depart carrying a renewed appreciation of nature and enhanced awareness of how their travels can make a difference.

Zhang Jing: Weaving Culture, Community, and Sustainability

In the tranquil landscapes of Yinchuan, Ningxia, Zhang Jing is weaving a future that honors both her ancestors and her community. As a representative inheritor of Ningxia’s intangible cultural heritage, she has dedicated her life to preserving the ancient art of hemp weaving—a craft that once faced the risk of fading into oblivion.

In the village workshops, Zhang is breathing new life into this tradition, transforming it from an art form into a thriving, more sustainable business. As a Guest Teacher at Trip.com Group Country Retreat, she works closely with the Huangyang Guluo Joint Resort, where she has introduced the “Tianma” (literally “Horses in the Sky”) line of zero-waste souvenirs to travellers. Made from locally sourced hemp and handwoven fabric, these items are not just souvenirs—they offer an immersive way to experience the heart and soul of Ningxia.

“These pieces are more than just beautiful,” Zhang explains. “They carry the stories of our ancestors, made with care and respect for the environment.”

Born in the 1960s, Zhang learned hemp weaving—both a practical skill and an art form—from her grandmother at a young age. Over time, she became a skilled artisan of this intangible cultural heritage. While creating her own crafts, Zhang resolved to use this skill to improve the livelihoods of villagers in the surrounding communities. She thus established workshops to pass on the art of hemp weaving.

Thanks to Zhang’s dedicated efforts, over the nine years since her workshops were founded, her hemp weaving programs have delivered training sessions to more than 3,000 participants. Among them, over 300 have taken orders for handmade gifts, such as hemp pouches and ornaments, and 128 now enjoy stable employment. Many of them are rural women and people with disabilities, gaining opportunities for both financial independence and dignity through the initiative.

For some, like Han Xilan, the change has been life-changing. Once struggling to make ends meet, she now supports her family and finds pride in her craft. “I used to know very little,” she says. “Learning from Zhang Jing gave me skills and confidence. Seeing our products sold far and wide, I feel I can really do something with my life.”

Participants in Zhang’s workshops follow strict natural practices. All hemp is locally sourced, and plant-based dyes from herbs are used, with coloring techniques—including boiling, dyeing, and setting—carefully adapted to each piece’s form and craftsmanship. Even years later, when these woven works return to nature, they leave no harm or pollution behind. This is a principle Zhang calls “coming from nature and returning to nature,” a simple truth often overlooked.

“The craft of hemp weaving connects us to our land and ancestors, but it’s also about creating something tangible that empowers our community,” Zhang says. “Every piece we make reflects our commitment to more sustainable practices and inclusion.”

In a time marked by fast fashion and mass production, Zhang’s work exemplifies a slower, more thoughtful kind of tourism—one that values quality, heritage, and culture. Travellers today are no longer seeking just a destination; they are looking for experiences that bring them closer to the places they visit. Zhang’s products allow them to take a piece of that connection home.

A Shared Vision for a Lower-Carbon Future

The stories of Wang Zhirong and Zhang Jing point to the future of travel. As greener solutions, inclusivity and cultural preservation grow ever more important, they embody the kind of travel our planet and society need.

These efforts are similarly reflected in Trip.com Group Country Retreats across China. For inbound visitors, these retreats open a window into local life. Travellers can also experience this at retreats like Dawan Jinzhai in Anhui, Zhangjiajie Manson Joint Resort in Hunan, Yijingzhuangyuan Joint Resort in Guangzhou, and Mount Emei Yixi-Qingyin Joint Resort in Sichuan. Country Retreats serve as flagship initiatives for community-friendly rural revitalisation, blending cultural preservation and local empowerment.

These initiatives are part of Trip.com Group’s broader ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) strategy. Through partnerships with organisations like the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), Trip.com Group helps travellers discover accommodations that received sustainable certifications. The company also applies the Travel Impact Model (TIM), recommended by Travalyst, to highlight lower-emission flights, and offers electric vehicle choices for car rentals.

At its best, travel is a catalyst for positive change. Through the work of changemakers like Wang Zhirong and Zhang Jing, Trip.com Group shows how every journey can create a lasting legacy—nurturing the environment, empowering local communities, and preserving cultural heritage for generations to come.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/earth-day-spotlight-meet-the-farmers-and-artisans-building-a-more-sustainable-way-to-travel-302747044.html

SOURCE Trip.com Group

SINGAPORE, April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On Earth Day, we are reminded of the vital need to protect our planet. For some, however, sustainability is not merely an annual reflection—it’s something they actively work towards in their daily lives. Meet Wang Zhirong and Zhang Jing, two changemakers from rural China who are reshaping our understanding of what travel can be.

From regenerative farming in the rugged Taihang Mountains to preserving heritage craft in the heart of Ningxia, their work illustrates how local initiatives can foster a more sustainable, inclusive, and meaningful travel experience.

Wang Zhirong: Bringing People, Land, and Life Together

In the steep, rocky expanses of the Taihang Mountains, where ancient cliffs rise, Wang Zhirong is quietly leading a revolution. She manages the Trip.com Group Country Retreat in Shibanyan, Linzhou, Henan, known to visitors as Linzhou Retreat, which is redefining rural tourism. Nestled far from China’s bustling cities, it invites guests to become part of the land’s story.

Originally from Yunnan, Wang arrived in Linzhou with a vision to rekindle the connection between humans and the land—a bond that modern life has somewhat eroded. Since opening in 2021, Linzhou Retreat has been more than another guesthouse; it was conceived as a model for regenerative agriculture. It focuses on restoring soil health, supporting biodiversity, and working with nature rather than against it.

“We don’t just grow food here,” Wang explains, “we grow connections. Connections with the land, with nature, and with each other.”

The retreat combines centuries-old agricultural wisdom with modern eco-conscious practices. Through pesticide-free and chemical-free cultivation, Linzhou Retreat follows natural seasonal rhythms. Farming here is designed to work gently with nature—minimising soil disturbance, using compost as natural fertiliser, and creating space for diverse plant and animal life to thrive.

Guests to the retreat are invited to be part of the experience and gain a greater appreciation for sustainable farming and nature. They can participate in every stage—from planting tomatoes to harvesting sweet potatoes. Once harvested, the vegetables are handed to local chefs, who prepare them using traditional methods. The experience is most rewarding when guests sit down to enjoy meals made from ingredients they have helped harvest or prepare during their stay.

According to records shared by Wang, in 2025 around 40% of guests at the Trip.com Group Country Retreat in Shibanyan, Linzhou, took part in hands-on experiences, including traditional crafts such as paper-cutting and making sachets, daily activities, and planting and harvesting. Of these, 16% joined the planting and harvesting experiences.

“When our guests cook their own meals from the vegetables they’ve harvested, they feel grounded—a direct connection with the food they eat,” Wang says.

Linzhou Retreat’s appeal goes beyond eco-conscious farming. Wang noticed that families travelling with pets were often overlooked in rural tourism. This insight led Linzhou Retreat to become one of the first pet-friendly retreats in the region, providing a space where every household member—including furry companions—can feel at home. Since launching the pet-friendly initiative in September 2025, the retreat has welcomed 52 families travelling with pets. Guest rooms feature private balconies, while the retreat’s open grounds give dogs space to run freely. Cats and dogs are provided with food, bowls, litter boxes, training pads, and a variety of toys, ensuring they are as comfortable as their human companions.

“Inclusivity means creating a space where differences can coexist comfortably,” Wang notes. “Since introducing pet-friendly facilities, conversations among guests—and between guests and staff—have multiplied, creating a livelier, more connected atmosphere across the retreat.”

Under Wang’s leadership, Linzhou Retreat has evolved into much more than a country stay. It is a place to grow, to learn, and to connect with the land in ways that leave a lasting impact. Guests depart carrying a renewed appreciation of nature and enhanced awareness of how their travels can make a difference.

Zhang Jing: Weaving Culture, Community, and Sustainability

In the tranquil landscapes of Yinchuan, Ningxia, Zhang Jing is weaving a future that honors both her ancestors and her community. As a representative inheritor of Ningxia’s intangible cultural heritage, she has dedicated her life to preserving the ancient art of hemp weaving—a craft that once faced the risk of fading into oblivion.

In the village workshops, Zhang is breathing new life into this tradition, transforming it from an art form into a thriving, more sustainable business. As a Guest Teacher at Trip.com Group Country Retreat, she works closely with the Huangyang Guluo Joint Resort, where she has introduced the “Tianma” (literally “Horses in the Sky”) line of zero-waste souvenirs to travellers. Made from locally sourced hemp and handwoven fabric, these items are not just souvenirs—they offer an immersive way to experience the heart and soul of Ningxia.

“These pieces are more than just beautiful,” Zhang explains. “They carry the stories of our ancestors, made with care and respect for the environment.”

Born in the 1960s, Zhang learned hemp weaving—both a practical skill and an art form—from her grandmother at a young age. Over time, she became a skilled artisan of this intangible cultural heritage. While creating her own crafts, Zhang resolved to use this skill to improve the livelihoods of villagers in the surrounding communities. She thus established workshops to pass on the art of hemp weaving.

Thanks to Zhang’s dedicated efforts, over the nine years since her workshops were founded, her hemp weaving programs have delivered training sessions to more than 3,000 participants. Among them, over 300 have taken orders for handmade gifts, such as hemp pouches and ornaments, and 128 now enjoy stable employment. Many of them are rural women and people with disabilities, gaining opportunities for both financial independence and dignity through the initiative.

For some, like Han Xilan, the change has been life-changing. Once struggling to make ends meet, she now supports her family and finds pride in her craft. “I used to know very little,” she says. “Learning from Zhang Jing gave me skills and confidence. Seeing our products sold far and wide, I feel I can really do something with my life.”

Participants in Zhang’s workshops follow strict natural practices. All hemp is locally sourced, and plant-based dyes from herbs are used, with coloring techniques—including boiling, dyeing, and setting—carefully adapted to each piece’s form and craftsmanship. Even years later, when these woven works return to nature, they leave no harm or pollution behind. This is a principle Zhang calls “coming from nature and returning to nature,” a simple truth often overlooked.

“The craft of hemp weaving connects us to our land and ancestors, but it’s also about creating something tangible that empowers our community,” Zhang says. “Every piece we make reflects our commitment to more sustainable practices and inclusion.”

In a time marked by fast fashion and mass production, Zhang’s work exemplifies a slower, more thoughtful kind of tourism—one that values quality, heritage, and culture. Travellers today are no longer seeking just a destination; they are looking for experiences that bring them closer to the places they visit. Zhang’s products allow them to take a piece of that connection home.

A Shared Vision for a Lower-Carbon Future

The stories of Wang Zhirong and Zhang Jing point to the future of travel. As greener solutions, inclusivity and cultural preservation grow ever more important, they embody the kind of travel our planet and society need.

These efforts are similarly reflected in Trip.com Group Country Retreats across China. For inbound visitors, these retreats open a window into local life. Travellers can also experience this at retreats like Dawan Jinzhai in Anhui, Zhangjiajie Manson Joint Resort in Hunan, Yijingzhuangyuan Joint Resort in Guangzhou, and Mount Emei Yixi-Qingyin Joint Resort in Sichuan. Country Retreats serve as flagship initiatives for community-friendly rural revitalisation, blending cultural preservation and local empowerment.

These initiatives are part of Trip.com Group’s broader ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) strategy. Through partnerships with organisations like the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), Trip.com Group helps travellers discover accommodations that received sustainable certifications. The company also applies the Travel Impact Model (TIM), recommended by Travalyst, to highlight lower-emission flights, and offers electric vehicle choices for car rentals.

At its best, travel is a catalyst for positive change. Through the work of changemakers like Wang Zhirong and Zhang Jing, Trip.com Group shows how every journey can create a lasting legacy—nurturing the environment, empowering local communities, and preserving cultural heritage for generations to come.

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SOURCE Trip.com Group