Iris Wong Ping-fan, a Hong Kong deputy to the National People's Congress, joined a delegation of HK commentators on a visit to Wuhan, Shiyan and Xiangyang in Hubei Province.
At YOFC in Wuhan's Optics Valley, hollow-core fibre-optic cables are used in transmission links connected to the HKEX. Wong explained that in AI systems, optical fibre serves as a "neural pathway" connecting GPU computing units. Faster, more stable connections can help robots achieve the kind of dexterity associated with human hands. At the HGTECH Laser Science and Technology Museum, she engraved her signature on a bookmark in just 20 seconds. Describing Hubei as a "hidden gem", she suggested that HK's Northern Metropolis could attract leading technology firms like these and help build a complete industrial chain spanning upstream, midstream and downstream sectors.
At the Hubei Provincial Museum, the bronze chime bells of Marquis Yi of Zeng showcase the region's Jingchu civilization, which dates back more than 2,000 years, while the Sword of Goujian remains remarkably well preserved.
At Mount Wudang, an eternal lamp has reportedly been burning for more than six centuries, dating back to the Yongle era of the Ming dynasty. Visibly excited to be at the birthplace of Tai Chi, Wong encouraged Tai Chi enthusiasts from HK to attend the mountain's annual event, or even take part in the competition. This year's event runs from Oct. 17 to 19.
In Xiangyang, the Tang City film set, built for the movie "Legend of the Demon Cat", recreates the grandeur of the Tang dynasty. Wong marvelled at the new scenes around every corner. At Gulongzhong, the historic site associated with Liu Bei's three visits to Zhuge Liang, she noted that while "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" is familiar to HK readers, Xiangyang itself remains relatively little known. She pointed out that the high-speed rail journey from HK to Wuhan takes just over four hours, with a further journey of a little over two hours to Xiangyang.
Liang Haiming, dean of Hainan University Belt and Road Research Institute, said Zhuge Liang's story holds a special place in the memories of HK people.
Zhou Wenting, a member of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies, said Xiangyang Ancient City offers a promising starting point for deeper cooperation between Hubei and HK.
(Reporter: Lynn Zhou)
Related News：
(Photos) China's transportation network sees travel peak on first day of National Day holiday
Comment