by Mohamed Gaas Mallo
Member excom of Union de la Presse Francophone de Djibouti, Djibouti
I)An Immersive Journey into Chongqing’s Cultural Heritage and Modern Services!
Chongqing, a sprawling metropolis perched on the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, is a city where ancient traditions meet cutting-edge innovation.
My recent visit to this vibrant city was an eye-opening experience, offering a deep dive into its rich cultural history, advanced technological strides, and the seamless integration of modern services. Here’s an in-depth look at the discoveries that shaped my journey.
The Timeless Art of Ceramics
One of the most profound experiences was witnessing the Ceremony of a Ceramics Kiln Opening, a ritual steeped in tradition.
This ceremony is not just about firing clay but is a reverence for an art form that has been perfected over millennia. I was taken back in time as I observed the process, each step meticulously executed as it had been done for centuries.
The Ceramics Museum further expanded my understanding, tracing over 2,000 years of history, particularly from the Han Dynasty.
The museum, a treasure trove of ancient techniques and artistry, showcased thirty steps involved in creating ceramics, illustrated through detailed sculptures.
The pièce de résistance was a rare artifact that encapsulated the ingenuity and craftsmanship of ancient Chinese potters. This visit was more than an educational tour ; it was a journey through time, offering a window into the soul of Chongqing’s artistic heritage.
Preserving Ancient Crafts
At the Weaving Workshop, I marveled at the resilience of traditions that have withstood the test of time.
The workshop showcased textiles that are two thousand years old, a testament to the enduring importance of weaving in Chinese culture. Each fabric told a story, woven with threads of history and tradition, offering a tactile connection to the past.
In the Art Center, I encountered artisans who skillfully crafted delicate insects and other intricate items by hand.
The precision and care that went into each piece were awe-inspiring, reflecting a deep respect for the craftsmanship passed down through generations.
This center was a sanctuary of artistic expression, where modern creativity and ancient techniques coexist in perfect harmony.
Chongqing’s Strategic Modernity
Chongqing is not just a city of ancient traditions ; it is also a hub of modern innovation and strategic importance.
My visit to a Logistics Hub, managed by a remarkable woman as PDG, revealed the city’s pivotal role in China’s extensive trade network. This hub, a critical node in the country’s logistics chain, exemplifies how Chongqing is leveraging its strategic location to boost economic growth and facilitate international trade.
Innovations in Transportation
A highlight of my visit was exploring Advanced Vehicles in Chongqing. These sophisticated cars, equipped with autonomous parking capabilities, were a glimpse into the future of transportation.
The experience underscored Chongqing’s commitment to leading the charge in automotive innovation.
Moreover, a tour of Electric Vehicles provided insights into the city’s efforts to embrace sustainable technology.
Chongqing is clearly positioning itself at the forefront of green mobility, contributing to China’s broader environmental goals.
Urban Efficiency : Chongqing’s Public Services
The Chongqing Metro system, operational for 19 years, is a model of urban efficiency. Navigating this extensive network offered a glimpse into the city’s commitment to providing accessible and reliable public transportation, essential for its millions of residents.
At the Administrative Service Center, I observed a well-organized system where residents could access a wide range of services, from social protection to real estate management and tax services. This center exemplifies how Chongqing has seamlessly integrated modern public services to meet the needs of its growing population.
Nature and Leisure
No visit to Chongqing would be complete without connecting with its natural beauty. A Boat Ride along the Yangtze River was a deeply moving experience, offering panoramic views of the landscape that have inspired poets and artists for centuries.
The river, with its calm yet powerful flow, seemed to embody the spirit of Chongqing itself—ever-changing yet steadfast.
A visit to a Zoological Park added an element of leisure and education, providing insights into the region’s diverse wildlife. This excursion was a refreshing contrast to the urban explorations, reminding me of the delicate balance between nature and urban development.
My time in Chongqing was a rich tapestry of experiences, each thread weaving together the past and the future, tradition and innovation. From the ancient art of ceramics to the cutting-edge advancements in transportation, Chongqing is a city that honors its history while boldly stepping into the future.
This journey not only deepened my appreciation for the city but also provided a unique perspective on the dynamic interplay between culture and modernity in one of China’s most fascinating regions.
II) China’s potential Role in Helping Africa Combine Culture and Modernity for Sustainable Development!
As Africa embarks on a journey towards sustainable development, one of its most significant challenges lies in balancing cultural preservation with modern progress. China, with its remarkable experience in marrying ancient traditions with rapid modernization, offers valuable lessons and potential partnerships that could be pivotal in Africa’s development trajectory.
Drawing on the insights gained from Chongqing, where cultural heritage seamlessly coexists with cutting-edge technology, this essay explores how China can assist Africa in combining culture and modernity to achieve sustainable development.
Cultural Preservation in the Face of Modernization
China’s approach to preserving its rich cultural heritage while embracing modernity provides a model that Africa could emulate.
In Chongqing, the ceramics industry is a prime example. Despite being rooted in techniques that are thousands of years old, the industry has adapted to modern demands and technologies, ensuring its survival and relevance in the contemporary world.
The presence of a Ceramics Museum that educates and showcases this heritage not only preserves cultural identity but also drives cultural tourism, contributing to economic growth.
Africa, with its diverse cultures and traditions, faces the risk of cultural erosion as it modernizes. However, by partnering with China, African nations could learn how to preserve their cultural practices while integrating them into modern industries.
This could be achieved through the development of cultural industries that marry traditional crafts with modern design and marketing techniques, much like China has done with its ceramics and weaving traditions.
These industries could not only preserve African cultures but also create jobs, stimulate local economies, and attract global interest in African heritage.
Technological and Infrastructure Development
Chongqing’s evolution into a modern metropolis, with its sophisticated logistics hubs and advanced transportation systems, highlights China’s ability to develop infrastructure that supports economic growth while respecting the cultural landscape.
For Africa, where infrastructure development is a critical need, China’s expertise could be invaluable. Through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has already invested heavily in African infrastructure, building roads, railways, and ports that are crucial for economic development.
However, the key to sustainable development lies in ensuring that these infrastructure projects do not come at the expense of cultural and environmental preservation.
Africa can learn from Chongqing’s approach to urban development, where modern infrastructure is integrated into the existing cultural and natural landscapes.
For example, African cities could develop transportation systems that not only improve mobility but also respect and highlight local cultures, much like the Chongqing Metro, which serves as a vital part of the city’s modern identity while blending into the historical and cultural fabric of the region.
Sustainable Industrialization and Innovation
Chongqing’s focus on sustainable industrial practices, particularly in the automotive and electric vehicle industries, offers a roadmap for Africa’s own industrialization efforts.
As Africa seeks to develop its industrial base, the challenge will be to do so in a way that is both economically viable and environmentally sustainable.
China’s experience in developing industries that are both high-tech and sustainable could be particularly beneficial.
For instance, the development of electric vehicles (EVs) in Chongqing demonstrates how innovation can be aligned with environmental goals.
Africa, with its abundant natural resources, has the potential to develop a green economy, with industries focused on renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green manufacturing.
By collaborating with China, African nations could gain access to the technology and expertise needed to leapfrog to sustainable industrialization, avoiding the pitfalls of environmental degradation and ensuring that development is aligned with global sustainability goals.
Chongqing illustrates how China has successfully combined cultural preservation with modern development, creating a model that could be highly relevant to Africa’s sustainable development goals. By partnering with China, African nations can learn how to integrate their rich cultural heritage into modern economic frameworks, develop infrastructure that respects both cultural and environmental landscapes, and pursue industrialization that is both innovative and sustainable.
China’s role in Africa’s development must not and is not just about providing financial investment and technological expertise; it is also about sharing the experience of balancing tradition with progress.
As Africa continues on its path towards sustainable development, collaboration with China could play a crucial role in ensuring that this development is both culturally enriching and environmentally sustainable. By following a model similar to Chongqing’s, Africa could achieve a future where culture and modernity coexist, driving not only economic growth but also the preservation and celebration of its diverse cultural identities.
*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.