By Blagoy Tzitzelkov
Board Member of Union of Bulgarian Journalists, Bulgaria
My first meaningful encounter with Chinese culture came through literature and philosophy – especially the works of Confucius and Laozi, whose emphasis on harmony, balance, and collective responsibility deeply resonated with me. But beyond the philosophical, I gradually began to explore other facets of Chinese civilization that shaped my appreciation on a deeper level.
As a journalist with a strong interest in history and spiritual traditions, I have studied China’s dynastic legacy, religious philosophies like Taoism and Buddhism, and their integration into everyday life. I was particularly fascinated by how the spiritual path in China is not isolated from the world, but flows into aesthetics, governance, and even agriculture.
My research also led me to the world of Chinese tea – not just as a beverage, but as a symbol of hospitality, ritual, and cultural refinement. From the production in the misty mountains of Yunnan to its ceremonial use, tea revealed a tactile connection between people and nature.
Tourism opened another window into this rich culture. From ancient towns and imperial cities to the futuristic skylines of places like Shanghai and Shenzhen, China left me impressed by its ability to embrace modernity without severing its roots.
One of the most striking discoveries was how China approached the challenges of industrial growth. I read how China was among the first to explore large-scale use of coal, yet also among the first major powers to implement firm environmental policies. This duality – the pragmatic and the visionary – defines, for me, the enduring spirit of Chinese culture: a civilization grounded in deep memory, but never afraid to evolve.
*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.