By Amir Kassenov
Chairman of the Astana Branch of the Union of Journalists of Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan
My first encounter with China was unexpected: in August of last year, I visited the Belt and Road Journalists Forum in the city of Chongqing at the invitation of the All-China Journalists Association. It seemed I spent only a few days in a foreign country, but in that short period, China left such a powerful impression that the memories remain vivid and fresh until today.
The first thing that struck me was the modernity. Chongqing, one of the world’s largest cities, turned out to be an ultra-modern metropolis with futuristic skyscrapers, advanced infrastructure, and silent electric vehicles on the streets. The city is infused with cutting-edge technology. At the same time, the Chinese are already living in the future – and they do it naturally, effortlessly, without any pathos.
The second was the incredible sense of safety and order. Even though I was a foreigner, I never felt anxious or uncomfortable. The streets are clean and well-lit. There are surveillance cameras, but they aren’t oppressive – on the contrary, they give a sense of security. In fact, you rarely see police officers on the streets – everything is so well-organized and calm that their visible presence isn’t necessary.
The people deserve special mention. I expected a neutral or even cold attitude, as it often happens in large cities. Instead, I encountered friendliness, genuine interest, and smiles. People in China are open, polite, and willing to help – even if they don’t speak your language, they try to communicate using gestures or translation apps on their phones. You can feel it right away – from the staff at Beijing Airport, where we connected to Chongqing, to the vendors and customers in small street shops.
The everyday culture made a particular impression, from architecture to food. China is felt in the details: in the delicate paintings on buildings, the flavour of cuisine, the calligraphy on signs. Tradition and modernity do not compete here – they coexist side by side, complementing and enhancing each other.In Chongqing, modern industrial enterprises exist in harmony with historical landmarks. Whether it’s a car manufacturing plant or a temple with a giant reclining Buddha, there is a deep respect for both technological and cultural heritage. Everything is blended with practicality – for example, I learned that tourism can also be agricultural, which is really exciting and memorable.
Another unexpected aspect was the rhythm of life. Despite the rapid urban pace, people don’t seem tired. Some are leisurely exercising along the riverbank; others are strolling with loved ones, admiring the evening city. It feels like the Chinese have found a way to combine progress with inner balance.
My trip was short, but it changed how I perceive China. I saw a country that knows how to be modern without losing its roots, where technology doesn’t replace people but supports them. It wasn’t just a business trip – it was a meeting with a living culture, with warm people, and with a different, uniquely harmonious view of life.
People often ask me, “What do you think of China?”
And I always give the same answer:
“I fell in love with this country!”
*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.