A drone photo taken on Aug. 10, 2026 shows a ranger observing on a watchtower near a management station within the Altun Mountain National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Averaging 4,500 meters in elevation, the Altun Mountain National Nature Reserve, a 45,000-square-kilometer haven situated in the southeastern corner of Xinjiang, is subject to harsh environmental conditions.
In early August, a patrol team comprising nature reserve staff, local township officials and police officers ventured into this remote plateau wilderness for a monthly routine patrol.
Established in 1983, the reserve is managed by a team of about 70 people. Over the past 40 years, generation after generation of patrollers have devoted themselves to protecting this land with stark contrasts and rich biodiversity. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)
A participant jumps into the River Soca from a 17-meter-high bridge during a traditional jumping event in Kanal ob Soci, Slovenia, on Aug. 16, 2026. (Photo by Zeljko Stevanic/Xinhua)
Tourists visit the Phoenix Mountain scenic area in Yakeshi of Hulun Buir, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Aug. 16, 2026. The scenic area has rolled out off-season ice-and-snow activities and cultural performances to draw visitors. (Xinhua/Lian Zhen)
People take a stroll on the bank of the Danube River in Belgrade, Serbia, on Aug. 16, 2026. Riverbed of the Danube River was exposed as the water level approached record-low due to severe drought. (Photo by Wang Wei/Xinhua)
An aerial drone photo taken on July 8, 2026 shows the China Coast Guard vessel Hailing patrolling in the territorial waters of China's Huangyan Dao in the South China Sea. Huangyan Dao, located in China's Zhongsha Qundao, features a unique coral reef ecosystem and special geological structures. It is home to numerous rare and endangered species, making it an area of high biodiversity and species rarity.
Huangyan Dao is China's inherent territory. In September 2025, China formally approved to establish the Huangyan Dao National Nature Reserve.
The China Coast Guard has carried out regular patrols and law enforcement to safeguard China's territorial sovereignty, maritime rights and interests, and ecological environment in the waters of the reserve. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (C), presidential candidate of Brazil's ruling Workers' Party, attends his first presidential campaign rally in Sao Bernardo do Campo, Brazil, Aug. 16, 2026. (Photo by Paulo Lopes/Xinhua)
An aerial drone photo taken on Aug. 16, 2026 shows fishing boats departing for fishing from Tanmen port in Qionghai, south China's Hainan Province. The fishing season of the South China Sea kicked off at noon on Sunday after this summer's three-and-a-half-month fishing ban. (Photo by Meng Zhongde/Xinhua)
An aerial drone photo taken on Aug. 16, 2026 shows a view of Hake Scarp and its surrounding areas in Hailar District of Hulun Buir, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Lian Zhen)
Participants compete during the 18th World Air Sports Federation (FAI) European Paragliding Championships in Krushevo, North Macedonia, Aug.16, 2026. The event is taking place from Aug. 8 to 19, bringing together 130 of Europe's top pilots. (Photo by Tomislav Georgiev/Xinhua)
