by Goran Sivački
Member of the Board of Directors of UNS President of Serbian Association of Photographers, Photo Editor, Serbia
Introduction
As a Serbia-based photo reporter, I’m accustomed to capturing diverse landscapes and cultures through my lens. However, my current visit to Chongqing, China, has provided an entirely new perspective. This trip has been a deep dive into the city’s modern developments while also exploring its rich historical tapestry. Chongqing, with its blend of ancient heritage and rapid modernization, has offered a unique narrative that unfolds through three main themes: transport, tourism, and industry. This experience has been truly remarkable, providing a wealth of material both behind the lens and through my own observations.
The adventure began with an exploration of Chongqing’s ambitious transport and logistics infrastructure. Our first stop was the Changqing Railway Logistics Hub, which showcases China’s future in transportation. This cutting-edge facility has become a cornerstone of the “Belt and Road” initiative, aiming to connect high-speed railways, highways, and major ports. Witnessing the scale and precision of these operations has been both impressive and enlightening.
Following this, we visited the Chongqing Railway Container Terminal Station. Here, we observed the intricate process of cargo handling and transportation, gaining insights into the practical side of logistics. This visit has highlighted Chongqing’s strategic importance as a transport hub and its role in supporting China’s economic ambitions.
The next day was dedicated to discovering Chongqing’s historical depth and natural beauty. We started at the Chongqing Planning Exhibition Gallery, where the city’s past and future are vividly portrayed. The exhibits have offered a comprehensive view of Chongqing’s transformation over the years.
Our journey then took us to the Wulong District, an area known for its burgeoning tourism industry. Nestled in the mountains, Wulong has become a testament to Chongqing’s efforts to develop its tourism sector. We had the pleasure of discussing the district’s tourism strategies with He Qing, the Party Secretary of Wulong District, who shared valuable insights into their future plans.
One of the highlights of the day was visiting the Three Bridges Scenic Park. The natural beauty of this park, with its dramatic landscapes and breathtaking views, has offered a serene escape from the city’s hustle. We also made a brief visit to Jingzhu Village, a rural area that, while less notable, has provided a glimpse into the local way of life.
Although still under an amalgam of rich experiences we then focused on Chongqing’s industrial sector, particularly its food production industry. We traveled to Fuling District, renowned for its role in this sector. Meeting with the mayor, Li Yong, we have learned about the district’s efforts to advance its food production capabilities and its impact on the local economy.
A fascinating part of the day was our visit to the Fuling Zhacai Group factory. Here, we explored the production processes of pickles and spices, essential components of Chongqing’s culinary landscape. Additionally, a stop at the underwater museum in Fuling has provided an engaging look into the region’s history and cultural heritage.
Our experience then continued with a blend of high technology and urban exploration. We visited the SEERES electric vehicle factory, an impressive example of innovation in the electric vehicle sector. The facility’s integration with Huawei’s technology has showcased Chongqing’s commitment to advancing in high-tech industries.
Our day concluded with a delightful boat cruise on the Jianbeizui Two Rivers Night Tour. This scenic cruise has offered a unique perspective on Chongqing’s skyline, beautifully illuminated against the night sky. We also visited the Chongqing Zoo, where observing pandas in their natural habitat has been a charming and memorable experience.
Conclusion
This visit to China has convincingly demonstrated that it is indeed possible for a densely populated nation living across such an expansive territory to achieve a high level of economic, technological, and environmental advancement. I am particularly encouraged by China’s willingness to fully embrace openness to the outside world, which not only aids other countries in accelerating their growth but also ensures a promising future for China itself. The experience has offered me a profound insight into China’s remarkable progress and its potential to shape global development.
Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to the organizers of this forum, as well as to all the participants. During my time here, I have made many friends from China and other participating countries. This, I believe, is the greatest wealth that we, as journalists, should leverage to make the world a better place.
*The views and opinions expressed in the articles are solely those of the individual authors and do not reflect the position of the Secretariat of the Belt and Road Journalist Network.