By Gricelda Melo
President of Colegio de Periodistas, Panama
No matter how much you’ve read or researched about China, stepping onto its soil is genuinely overwhelming, as the Asian giant’s staggering progress across countless fields defies full comprehension. Nothing truly readies you for the unique rhythm that pulses through every facet of life here—from history and language to culture and beyond.
China unfolds as an immense tapestry of awe and fascination. Millennia-old traditions seamlessly intertwine here with breathtaking, pervasive technology, creating a vast, living mural that narrates countless stories steeped in culture and tradition. It is a place where past and future converge, as an ultramodern vision unfolds alongside them.
Chinese architecture is monumental. Glass-and-steel skyscrapers rise like dragons, imposingly emerging from street corners. They bear witness to an ancient civilization evolving at breakneck speed alongside technology.
Wide streets bustle with electric vehicles. Manufactured in China, these electric vehicles are now distributed globally, pioneering a new era in the automotive sector with their cutting-edge technology. Meanwhile, ubiquitous cameras monitor urban activity throughout the city, providing residents with a greater sense of security.
This panorama unfolds amidst a modern jungle of soaring skyscrapers, yet ancient customs and temples remain consciously preserved. While the language barrier is real, solutions abound—translation apps unlock communication, and genuine smiles along with friendly gestures make visitors feel at home.
Equally noteworthy is China’s extraordinarily diverse culinary culture. This sensory odyssey engages sight, scent, and taste in perfect harmony. More than nourishment, food becomes a silent bridge, connecting cultures and hearts.
Yet, amidst these first impressions, what struck me most was not the ever-accelerating technological innovation, nor the teeming crowds, nor the history emanating from every corner. It was the visceral realization of the world’s vast diversity. Stepping outside the self-woven information cocoons of our country, language, and customs, I view every journey as a pilgrimage of self-discovery—revealing not just new worlds, but the uncharted territories within ourselves.
*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.