by Fiifi Nii Nettey Nettey
Member of Ghana Journalists Association, Freelancer, Ghana
Since the renaissance, China has had a significant impact on its history, culture, and customs. It is one of the oldest civilisations in the world that is still going strong, having existed for more than 5000 years and still largely following its ancestral traditions.
Visiting China for the first time confirms my insightful understanding of its native traditional and cultural norms, as well as how these ancient Chinese traditions, through imperial and modern beliefs, have been infused with a modern industrialization model, which has transformed the country with massive developments in all areas, making it a dominant force in the world today.
The Belt and Road Journalists Forum welcomes journalists and other professionals from all over the world to China to showcase and discuss key measures done to improve development by adapting traditional and modern developmental models.
However, these approaches have been utilized to stifle major progress in industrial development. Making China a key player in global trade and investment, while also improving the lives of its citizenry.
This year’s forum took place in Chongqing, one of China’s fastest growing cities.
This located in Southwestern China. It oversees 38 districts and counties. It is one of the major cities pushing China’s next level of industrial agenda. It covers an area of 82,400 square kilometers of land with a population of over 32 million inhabitants. The city is sometimes known as the “Mountain City” or “River City” due to the many mountains and rivers that run through it. However, it is a strategic city positioned on the Yangtze River. The river, has been a trading route for Chinese merchants within china and facilitated International trade since ancient China.
Industrialization
The river is playing a significant role in the industrialization and developmental agenda of China, and for this reason, a logistic corridor has been established on it, linking it in all directions, internally and externally. Example, The New International Land Sea Trade Corridor (IILSTC) aligned with the Belt and Road initiative, has significantly impacted China’s growth throughout the country. It will facilitate the movement of logistics and operations through its hub, accessing 480 ports in 120 countries and areas through the Belt and Road Initiatives. Major tasks and strategic concepts such as large-scale Western development, the Yangtze River economic corridor, and the corridor and Road Initiative have been included.
Chongqing is rapidly evolving into an international logistic hub and internal gateway in China. It has also become a powerhouse in manufacturing, with 39 industries out of the 41 in China. Examples are the automobile manufacturing company known as Seres Phoenix Intelligent Factory located in Shapingba district and the laptop-producing companies.
The Chongqing Fuling Zhacai Group Co. is a government-owned food
processing firm that specialises in pickled vegetables and condiments to improve meal flavours. It is a leader in the manufacturing and research of
pickled.
Transportation
However, due to the recent rapid growth in the railway, water, and air transports, the city is becoming an international transportation hub, linking transportation to the rest of the world. There are high-speed subways that make it easier to navigate throughout the city. Some high-speed trains have railway lines that run through high-rise buildings, which enhances the landscape of the city featuring great levels of architectural designs. There is water transportation that help to relieve traffic congestion in the city, as well as yellow taxis known as “Yellow Ferrari,” which travel quickly through the streets. There are apps designed to display traffic congestion on the road network. The software aids in traffic management by informing commuters and vehicles about areas with less traffic congestion. Airlines are available to transfer passengers from one point to another. All these are effective and efficient in ensuring traffic flow within the city.
Tourism
In the area of tourism, the city can boast of many historical monuments and cultural heritage to showcase historical traditions dating back decades. It gives a true perspective and an explanation of the city’s magnificent infrastructure. The Chongqing Planning Exhibition Gallery House can boost significant materials, both pictorial and architectural, on how the city was some decades ago and its recent infrastructural facelift.
The Baiheliang Underwater Museum housing underwater artifacts. These artifacts engraved on stones, showcasing the rich culture of the ridge. Baiheliang literally means “white crane ridge.” The ridge is famous for its 165 inscriptions carved by renowned writers and calligraphers dating back to ancient China.
The city is endowed with abundant natural resources, like the Karst Eco Museum, which has won the United Nations’ Sustainable Development City Model Awards. The first female polo club known as Club 1003 for tourist relaxation is found.
Personnel
My interactions with majority of Chinese individuals demonstrated a strong sense of humor and hospitality. They are warm, friendly, and sociable. They have a great sense of friendless and are eager to assist you with any problem and ensure all demands raised are met. They demonstrate a high level of respect and are willing to help you regardless of the scenario. I learnt that they provide excellent hospitality and greet you with a deep smile. They are also eager to speak with you about how they can help you in all of your pursuits.
Conclusion
My first trip to China was really rewarding and instructive. Confirm the importance of how traditional standards can be linked or injected with modernization to help every country reach its developmental goals. To achieve greater developmental progress for all nations, we must adhere to historic practices. China is a case study and example that other developing countries, such as Ghana, must follow or learn from in order to meet the people’s requirements. I feel China’s example is the best way forward.
*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.