By Gyaneshwar Dayal
Joint Secretary of Indian Press Association, India
I am excited to visit China as it is one country I always wanted to explore. China is not just a country it is a civilization that dates back to thousands of years yet it is modern in its appeal and has always evolved over years. It is the land which sent great travellers to India and imbibed Buddhism and a lot of cultural exchange took place from time immemorial. The Chinese goods found place in Indian market as Indian philosophy found place in the hearts of Chinese people. China indeed has a lot of synergy with India though both countries are separated by Himalayas yet the people to people contact was always there.
Many scholars and travellers visited India and cemented the bond and led to the cultural exchange between the two countries. Between the 4th and 8th centuries CE, several Chinese pilgrims and scholars travelled to India in search of Buddhist scriptures and to witness the land of the Buddha. These travellers played a vital role in documenting Indian history, religion, and culture. Among the most renowned was Fa-Hien, who visited India in the early 5th century. He travelled extensively across the Gangetic plains, documenting Buddhist practices and the socio-political conditions under Gupta rule. Hsuan Tsang followed in the 7th century during Harshavardhana’s reign. His detailed accounts offer rich insights into the state of Indian universities like Nalanda, religious harmony, and the decline of Buddhism in some regions.
As I prepare for my first visit to China, a blend of curiosity, excitement, and admiration fills my heart. Much like India, China is an ancient civilization that carries the weight of thousands of years of history, culture, and wisdom. Yet it is also a modern powerhouse—an economy that has stunned the world with its rapid growth and resilience. To set foot on Chinese soil is not just to visit a country, but to step into a vast living museum, a pulsating industrial hub, and a land of deep human warmth—all at once.
What I know of China begins with its legacy. Just like India, China’s story stretches across millennia. From the philosophies of Confucius to the grandeur of the Great Wall, the depth of Chinese civilization is mesmerizing. I expect to walk through temples and ancient towns I imagine sitting at a quiet tea house, watching the delicate ceremony unfold, knowing it’s a practice as old as the dynasties that once ruled this land.
China’s transformation in recent decades is nothing short of remarkable. It has lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty and built futuristic cities from once-rural landscapes. Skyscrapers, bullet trains, high-tech factories—these symbols of progress contrast yet harmonize with ancient architecture and heritage sites. I look forward to witnessing this duality: the old and the new coexisting in ways that are both inspiring and instructive.
For me the biggest strength of any country is its people. And Chinese people just like we Indians are very warm and friendly. I expect smiles that transcend language barriers, small acts of kindness from strangers, and a sense of shared humanity that brings two ancient cultures closer. Chinese culture is rich and symbolic—from calligraphy to martial arts, from traditional medicine to cuisine—and I’m eager to immerse myself in its many layers.
Another thing I find fascinating is how diverse China is—geographically, linguistically, and culturally. Much like India, no single place defines the whole country. There are deserts in the west, icy mountains in the north, tropical zones in the south, and vast rivers that run like lifelines across provinces. The food alone is a journey—from spicy Sichuan dishes to delicate Cantonese dumplings. Each region has its own identity, just as each Indian state carries its own language, flavor, and rhythm.
Economically, China stands as a global force. Its manufacturing prowess, innovation, and infrastructure development are unparalleled. But what impresses me most is not just the GDP numbers—it’s the story behind them. The resilience of a people who rebuilt after wars, revolutions, and famines. The vision of a country that embraced change while holding on to its roots. There is something to learn here—not just about growth, but about endurance, adaptability, and national purpose.
In essence, I expect my first visit to China to be a journey through time, culture, and transformation. I anticipate moments of awe in front of ancient wonders, and moments of reflection in bustling cities that pulse with modern ambition. Most of all, I look forward to discovering the humanity that connects us across borders—reminding me that though China and India are distinct, we are also kindred civilizations, walking parallel paths through history, into the future.
*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.