By Jamile Barreto
Board Member and member for Ethnic and Racial Equality of Associação Brasileira de Imprensa – ABI, Brazil
When I first received the invitation to visit China, I could not have imagined how deeply transformative this experience would be both professionally and personally. Representing the Brazilian Press Association and Latin American journalists at this international forum has far exceeded my expectations. Being here, at such a pivotal moment, surrounded by cultures that are so distinct yet profoundly connected, has allowed me to immerse myself in deeper layers of perception.
From the moment I arrived, everything left a mark on me. It is difficult to fully articulate what one feels upon entering a country so vast, so different from one’s own, and yet—surprisingly—so welcoming. There is an atmosphere of thoughtful attention in every detail: from the kind gaze of the organizers to the respectful gestures of the volunteers; from the warm airport reception to the smooth coordination of daily logistics.
I was particularly moved by the way the Chinese people relate to visitors. There is a sincere kindness in their actions, a silent attentiveness that speaks volumes about the values that shape their society. It is not merely formal politeness, but a deep-rooted cultural courtesy that honors the presence of others, values collective harmony, and respects shared spaces. Even in bustling metropolises, where crowds seem endless, the sense of calm and order is truly striking.
Each day offers a new discovery—be it a unique flavor, a breathtaking landscape, a centuries-old tradition, or innovative technology that both surprises and inspires. China is not simply a destination—it is an immersive universe. Every street corner holds a new lesson, each dish tells a story, and every gesture carries ancestral wisdom still alive in the present.
Looking back at what I wrote before this journey, I now realize how abstract my expectations were. What was once intellectual curiosity has become a lived, multisensory experience. The ideas I carried with me have now gained shape, scent, and substance. What was once theory has turned into genuine enchantment.
I am in awe of a millennial old civilization that not only honors its roots with reverence but also embraces reinvent with boldness and strategy. The coexistence of past and future is not a contradiction here—it is an ongoing dialogue. Walking through the streets, one often finds ancient temples standing beside cutting-edge architectural marvels. State-of-the-art technology does not erase tradition; on the contrary, it often enhances it. This fusion of innovation and heritage is one of the most striking features of contemporary China. Time here seems less linear, more cyclical interwoven with collective memory and enduring values.
Another aspect that captivated me is the country’s deep respect for education and knowledge. I visited cultural centers and universities that reflect a profound dedication to learning. Students, researchers, professors, and professionals demonstrate a commitment that goes far beyond academic obligation. There is evident pride in the nation’s development path—a conviction that economic growth must be accompanied by cultural preservation, scientific advancement, and thoughtful reflection.
This respect also extends to traditional knowledge. I encountered initiatives focused on preserving ancestral arts such as calligraphy, traditional medicine, ceramics, and dance. These practices are not treated as relics of the past but remain vibrant and relevant, often integrated into daily urban life or adapted to new contexts. Each generation feels responsible for faithfully transmitting the cultural legacy it has inherited.
During all this, I must emphasize the invaluable role played by the volunteers who accompanied us throughout the forum. These young individuals, attentive, respectful, and committed—have made our experience smoother, more human, and more connected. Their smiles, patience with cultural differences, and constant willingness to help exemplify the very best of Chinese hospitality. It is no exaggeration to say they are living bridges between distant worlds. Their care reflects a society that, despite its internal challenges and immense diversity, knows how to welcome others with dignity and grace.
Conversations with fellow journalists from various countries have made it clear: many of us are being prompted to reassess our prior notions of China. Much of what we thought we knew came from filtered, fragmented, and sometimes distorted narratives. Being here, seeing for ourselves, listening directly to people, and living the everyday reality has changed everything. It dismantles stereotypes, broadens our understanding, and allows us to form more nuanced, informed perspectives.
Even with the heat, the time zone differences, and the demanding schedule, I end each day with a sense of rare fulfillment. My body may ask for rest, but my mind and heart remain in motion. The images, sounds, scents, and sensations accumulate into a kind of sensory memory that will not easily fade.
This is far more than a professional assignment. It is a life-changing journey. I already imagine returning to China one day with more time, fewer constraints, and a freer itinerary—exploring lesser-known regions, visiting small villages, engaging with locals, learning new words, experiencing rituals, and tasting new dishes far from the urban centers.
I wish to understand more deeply the ties that hold this country together with such strength, discipline, and cohesion. This trip has been, above all, a school—of humanity, of listening, of humility. It has taught me to slow my gaze, to pay attention to what is often overlooked, to appreciate the collective without losing sight of the individual. It has invited me to view the world from a less hurried, more contemplative perspective.
China fascinates me because it resists easy categorization. It simultaneously reveals and conceals, explains and reinvents itself. Perhaps this is its greatest beauty: the recognition that there is far more to learn than to judge—far more to listen to than to conclude.
With this mix of wonder, respect, and gratitude, I continue my journey here—fully aware that being in this place, at this moment, among these people, is a rare privilege. An experience that will stay with me forever. And one, I hope, that inspires others to approach the world with greater openness, deeper attention, and more generous eyes.
*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.