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From Old Channel to New Garden: How Chaoyang’s “Sakura River” is Dazzling Spring

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BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 April 2026 – As the spring breeze sweeps across the banks of the Beixiao River in Chaoyang District, a spectacle that has captured the heart of the entire city is unfolding. This is Beijing’s first-ever “Sakura River.”

Spanning a 4.2-kilometer waterfront, nearly 6,000 cherry blossom trees of 68 varieties are blooming in succession from late March to late April. A continuous tide of flowers—ranging from powdery white and soft pink to crimson and pale yellow-green—has transformed the spring season into a poetic garden inviting exploration.

On April 3rd, the Beixiao River Spring Boat Tour set sail. Sculling boats carve out an oriental charm on the water, car-shaped boats glide steadily between flower-lined banks, and sightseeing boats brim with urban vitality. As these three types of vessels glide along the waterway, the poetic line “boats gliding among flowers, people wandering through a painting” is no longer just a verse—it is a tangible spring experience.

Additionally, five themed stationary flower-viewing boats are moored on the river. Decorated with tulips, hydrangeas, and bougainvillea, they are docked artistically along the banks, offering picture-perfect photo opportunities at every turn.

If you had seen the Beixiao River in its former life, you would appreciate the preciousness of this beauty even more.

Once an ordinary urban flood channel with rigid banks, fragmented spaces, and disconnected paths, the river underwent a comprehensive renovation in 2024. Chaoyang District removed fences and constructed 8.4 kilometers of high-quality greenways. Seventeen new access points now connect 14 riverside communities directly to the water, with the nearest residential compound just 50 meters away. For approximately 80,000 residents, the vision of “stepping out onto a greenway and walking into a park” has become a reality.

This “cosmetic” transformation has turned an inner-city river into a “Waterfront Reception Hall” that integrates ecology, commerce, and leisure. The Beixiao River has achieved a seamless fusion of water and parkland. Visitors can stroll along the banks to admire the blossoms or step directly from the greenway into Beixiaohe Park, Dawangjing Park, and Wanghe Park to continue their search for spring blooms.

Connecting the Wangjing and Donghu districts and linking five major business hubs, the river has turned flower viewing from a short trip into a vibrant part of daily urban life. Whether jogging, cycling, walking the kids, or simply sitting idly, cherry blossoms are now right outside your window, by the roadside, and along the riverbank—offering healing snapshots and moments of joy anytime, anywhere.

New York has the Hudson River Park, reshaping dilapidated industrial banks into a world-class waterfront green corridor; London’s Thames riverbanks see spring flower seas contrasting beautifully with classical architecture. Now, Beijing has its own Sakura River—the Beixiao River. It is not a copycat, but a story of a megacity “grooming” a forgotten waterway to give it back to its citizens and to spring.

This spring, come to Chaoyang, Beijing. Take a boat and glide through a 4.2-kilometer sea of pink blossoms to experience the ultimate oriental romance.Hashtag: #Chaoyang #SakuraRiver

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Motorist study: Singapore used car buyers are doing more research than ever before, but trust still falls short

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  • Singapore car buyers still lack confidence due to unclear pricing and inconsistent information, even after weeks of research.
  • Consumers spend up to four weeks researching before visiting a dealership, yet gaps in consumer trust persist.
  • Buyers are up to 3 times more likely to return to the same dealership when pricing is clearly itemised.
  • Trust is becoming a stronger decision driver than price when comparing similar vehicles.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 April 2026 – More than half of Singapore used car buyers compare multiple options before making a purchase, yet many still experience uncertainty due to unclear pricing and inconsistent information across the market.
Navigating the Market: The Motorist SmartBuy Guide 2026 provides Singaporean car buyers with data-driven insights and a clear path toward transparent vehicle purchases.

This tension between effort and confidence is a key finding from the Motorist SmartBuy Guide 2026, based on insights from over 5,000 respondents, pointing to a growing gap between how informed buyers are and how much they trust the process.

More effort, same uncertainty
Consumers today are spending significantly more time researching before committing. On average, buyers take between two to four weeks to evaluate listings, compare options, and review information online before visiting a dealership.
Yet, despite this increased effort, confidence remains uneven. Many respondents cited persistent concerns around hidden fees, unclear valuation methods, and inconsistent inspection standards and issues that continue to undermine trust at the point of decision.
Transparency emerging as the deciding factor
The study found that transparency – particularly in pricing, vehicle condition, and trade-in valuations – is now a key driver of consumer confidence.
Buyers who received clear, itemised pricing breakdowns were up to three times more likely to return to the same dealer, underscoring how trust directly influences long-term customer relationships.
While price remains important, factors such as warranty clarity, after-sales support, and dealer credibility are increasingly shaping final decisions, particularly when comparing similar vehicles.
Persistent risks continue to shape buyer behaviour
The findings reflect ongoing challenges in Singapore’s used car market, where buyers continue to encounter issues such as:
– Hidden or unexpected charges
– Disputes over warranty coverage
– Lack of clarity in transaction processes
These risks reinforce the importance of due diligence and consistent standards across the industry.
Industry context: strengthening consumer protection
The findings come amid broader efforts to improve transparency and accountability within the sector.
The Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) has consistently encouraged buyers to transact with accredited dealers that adopt clear contractual practices and provide additional consumer safeguards.

“Consumers are encouraged to look out for CaseTrust-accredited motoring businesses when making a purchase,” said Mr Melvin Yong, president of CASE. “These accredited dealers are required to adopt clear agreements and maintain safeguards that provide an added layer of protection for consumers.”

A market at an inflection point

The findings suggest that Singapore’s used car market is entering a more mature phase – where informed, cautious buyers expect greater transparency, consistency, and accountability.

As expectations continue to rise, the ability to provide clear information and build trust will increasingly define both consumer confidence and long-term competitiveness in the market.

For a deeper look into the factors and data which shapes today’s car-buying decisions, please access the full Motorist SmartBuy Guide 2026 for more information on the used car landscape.

Download the Motorist SmartBuy Guide 2026: link
Hashtag: #Motorist #Automotive







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Motorist

Motorist is a Singapore-based automotive platform dedicated to help drivers manage vehicle ownership through services such as buying and selling cars, insurance comparison, and financing tools. The Motorist Super App provides a comprehensive range of services, catering to all aspects of vehicle ownership and management.

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2026 Jinshan Sulfuric Fire Fishing Kicks Off in May

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World’s Only Sulfuric Fire Fishing Method: Come Witness a Maritime Marvel

NEW TAIPEI CITY, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 April 2026 – As the “bong sound bursts out, the firelight pierces the night and illuminates the sea surface off Jinshan. The spectacular sight of blue-scale fish leaping from the water unfolds every summer and autumn in Northern Taiwan. The 2026 Jinshan Sulfuric Fire Fishing land-and-sea tours will take place from May 9 to September 27. Be sure to seize the opportunity during this limited five-month annual window to experience the unique charm of the world’s only sulfuric fire fishing method.

Jinshan Sulfuric Fire Fishing is the world’s only sulfuric fire fishing method. (Photo by FuJi Fish Studio)

“Bong-hué-á” (Sulfuric Fire Fishing) is a traditional fishing method passed down in Taiwan for a century. It uses sulfuric fire to attract fish and is named after the “bong” sound produced during ignition. With promotion by the North Coast and Guanyinshan National Scenic Area Administration and local teams, it has gradually transformed into a featured experience with both cultural and tourism value, making its way onto the international stage.

The land-based tours include the popular “Fire Captain’s Lighting Experience,” allowing the participants to feel the immersive shock of holding a torch in a safe environment. Additionally, it combines guided tours of the Huanggang Fishing Village, readings of the Fish Road Historic Trail, and drying fish experiences to showcase the history and living culture of the village.

After boarding the boat in the evening, visitors can taste fresh squid rice noodles. At night, a maritime ecological experience begins, offering views of the Twin Candlestick Islets from afar and engaging in sea fishing. When the sulfuric fire is ignited and the light reflects on the sea, lucky visitors can witness the precious sight of fish leaping out of the water and taste freshly caught fish.

Every sulfuric fire journey is a precious gift presented by nature and cultural history. The North Coast possesses world-class landscapes such as the world’s only sulfuric fire fishing method, the Jinshan and Wanli hot springs, and Yehliu Geopark. Domestic and international travelers are welcome to the North Coast to enjoy sustainable travel.

Hashtag: #JinshanSulfuricFireFishing #SulfuricFireFishing #Jinshan

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Chinatown Singapore’s Five Footway Festival Returns with Street Performances and Cultural Experiences

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 April 2026 – Australian travellers looking for a short-haul cultural escape to Singapore this May can experience the Five-Footway Festival, which is taking place from 2–10 May 2026 in Chinatown Singapore Smith Street.

Organised by the Chinatown Business Association, the Festival celebrates the theme “Our Living Heritage,” transforming Chinatown Singapore’s iconic five-footways into vibrant spaces of culture, storytelling and community.

Festival Highlights:

Visitors can look forward to a lively line-up of cultural programming, including:

  • Live stage performances by established groups such as Chin Woo, presenting traditional lion dances; Tian Eng, known for their captivating face-changing acts; and Choy’s Brothers, delivering an action-packed musical performance.
  • Visitors can also participate in ticketed cultural including paper folding, tea appreciation, opera appreciation and a hands-on traditional wife-cake baking experience.
  • Cultural experiences such as Beijing Opera makeup experience, where participants can learn about the intricate artistry behind this traditional art form
  • Community storytelling, where artisans and elders share personal histories across generations
  • Game booths featuring traditional childhood games such as pick-up sticks, five stones and glass marbles

More than a festival, the event brings to life the historical significance of five-footways as communal spaces—offering visitors a deeper understanding of Singapore’s multicultural roots while engaging directly with its living traditions.

For Australians planning a May escape, the Five-Footway Festival presents a timely opportunity to experience Singapore beyond its skyline—through culture that is not just preserved, but actively lived.

Set against the backdrop of conserved shophouses, Chinatown Singapore offers a compelling mix of old and new—just minutes from the city centre and key lifestyle attractions. The Festival site is walking distance from Chinatown MRT and Maxwell MRT.

With frequent direct flights from major Australian cities, Singapore remains an easy and appealing destination for a cultural getaway or long weekend escape.

More details of the Five Footway Festival can be found on fivefootway.chinatown.sg.

Hashtag: #Chinatown #FiveFootwayFestival




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