by Denisa Petrilaková
Chairman of the Czech Media Agency z.s., Czech Republic
I would like to share my experience which I gained during a three-day trip to Chongqing, organized by the All-China Journalist Association. This trip was carefully planned and executed. It allowed me to witness with my own eyes the remarkable fusion of modernity and tradition, as well as the unprecedented progress in environmental protection and development that China has achieved. Before I begin, I would like to express my deep and heartfelt thanks to our organizers from the association for such a great program and for the most warm hospitality that we all received during our stay.
Upon our arrival in Chongqing, I was immediately drawn to the city’s unique and highly original architectural style, a distinctly compelling blend of minimalism and futurism that deeply resonates with my personal inner aesthetic preferences. The city’s round, elegant buildings are not only visually striking, but also reflect a progressive approach to urban planning and urbanism. The lively energy, dynamism, movement of the city and remarkable architectural designs were just the beginning of an extremely interesting journey.
The organizers from the association who carefully prepared our program ensured that we experienced the best of what Chongqing has to offer. Our visit started with a tour of the Chongqing Logistics Hub and the Chongqing Planning Exhibition Gallery. The Logistic Hub is a testament to China’s prowess in integrating logistics with urban development, very visibly embodying efficiency and innovation. The Planning Exhibition Gallery, with its advanced LED displays and interactive models, presented the city’s ambitious plans and visionary projects. The use of state-of-the-art technology to showcase the future of Chongqing was impressive and enlightening.
Known for its mountainous terrain – 91% of the area is mountainous – Chongqing offers a unique geographical and cultural landscape. This natural characteristic has profoundly shaped the city’s identity and development strategy. In Wulong, a region celebrated for its success in balancing development and environmental protection, I witnessed the harmonious relationship between human progress and nature. Wulong’s success in winning the Best Village award is a prime example of how China is successfully integrating sustainable practices into its development model.
Our exploration of Wulong also took us to the breathtaking Wulong Three Bridges and then to a demonstration of POLO competition. The Three Bridges, natural rock formations that span the dramatic landscape, were a testament to the region’s stunning natural beauty. The POLO competition provided an insight into the local culture, showcasing the vibrant community life in the region and its appreciation for traditional sports. We also delved into rural Chongqing with visits to the Guiyang Tea House and Intangible Heritage Center. These experiences highlighted the richness of culture in the region and offered insight into the preservation of traditional arts and crafts.
Our program itinerary included another visit to Fuling, an important center of China’s opening to the world and a beacon of international cooperation. Fuling’s Chongqing Baiheliang Underwater Museum was a marvel of both historical preservation and modern technology, providing a unique window into the region’s past. A visit to the Fuling Zhacai Group’s automated food production factory was equally impressive and showed yet again other distinctive aspects such as innovation and efficiency that characterize the distinctly Chinese approach to modern manufacturing.
Another highlight of our trip was the SERES Phoenix Intelligent Factory, where we witnessed the future of smart manufacturing. This facility represents China’s commitment to integrating advanced technology with industrial processes and sets a very high standard for global manufacturing practices. Which is very important for both China and the whole world in the future.
We also enjoyed a relaxing cruise on the Yangtze River one evening, which offered a breathtaking scenic view of Chongqing’s illuminated skyline. The cruise was the perfect way to end our trip, allowing us to reflect on the beauty and dynamism of the city while being serenaded by the gentle river breeze and plenty of illuminated skyscrapers and bridges.
During our visit, I was impressed by China’s ability to combine the advantages of socialism with the advantages of capitalism to create a people-first system that serves as a model for other nations. The country’s balanced approach to poverty alleviation, environmental protection and innovation is unparalleled anywhere in the world and provides valuable lessons for the global community. China’s determination to create a sustainable and equitable society is evident in every aspect of its development and is proving it in balanced way. I have to say one more thing, I will always like to come back to those places. There remains not only wonderful experiences but also a kind of inner balance. Apparently, this is also due to the fact that the relationship between human and nature is harmonized here, which comes from the roots of very deep Chinese history.
Through honest and open communication, the profound potential for transcending cultural borders and overcoming entrenched prejudices becomes possible. When individuals from diverse backgrounds engage in genuine dialogue, they unveil shared human experiences and aspirations that bind them together. This transparent exchange fosters mutual understanding and empathy, eroding barriers that typically separate us. As conversations deepen and perspectives broaden, there emerges a collective sense of unity—a realization that despite our differences, we are part of a larger, interconnected human family. This shared resonance creates a strong feeling of community and a common direction, guiding us towards a unified journey. The experience of coming together in this way enriches our collective consciousness, allowing us to envision and work towards a shared future. The transformative power of such connections lies in their ability to dissolve preconceived notions and prejudices, highlighting our commonalities rather than our differences. In this space of mutual respect and shared purpose, we can build a more inclusive and harmonious world where the richness of diverse backgrounds enhances our collective strength and solidarity.
*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.