BY NIYITEGEKA THEOPHILE
Executive Editor of IGIHE, Rwanda
Before visiting China during the first of the year training organized by the China International Press Communication Center (CIPCC), I had often heard it described as a great nation, a global economic powerhouse, a country known for remarkable technological advancement and one of the most influential players in shaping the world today. However, experiencing China first-hand at different times, offered a deeper understanding of the journey behind its transformation and the vision that has guided its development.
From the bustling streets and modern skyline of Shanghai to the innovative communities of Zhejiang Province and the agricultural landscapes of Shaanxi, every destination revealed different chapters of a country that has undergone extraordinary change while placing the well-being of its people at the centre of its progress.
A key symbol of this journey is the Red Boat in Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, where the Communist Party of China (CPC) traces its origins.
More than a historical landmark, the Red Boat represents a spirit of determination, commitment and service to the people. It became a symbol of the principles that have guided China’s development path, building a stronger nation, pursuing modernization and ensuring that citizens benefit from the country’s progress.
Over the decades, this vision has translated into visible transformation across the country. China’s modernization is reflected not only in its impressive infrastructure, high- speed rail networks and advanced cities, but also in the improvements experienced by ordinary citizens through expanded healthcare, education, social protection initiatives and new economic opportunities.
Travelling across different regions showed that China’s development story goes beyond economic figures and urban landscapes. It is also about villages, farmers, students, entrepreneurs and workers who have become active participants in the country’s transformation. Through various programmes, citizens have been empowered to contribute to development while enjoying improved living standards.
One of the clearest examples of this approach is Yucun Village in Zhejiang Province, which demonstrates how economic growth can go hand in hand with environmental conservation. Once facing environmental challenges due to traditional industries, the village embraced a new development model centred on ecological protection, tourism and sustainable livelihoods. Today, Yucun stands as an example of how communities can achieve prosperity while preserving nature, reflecting China’s broader commitment to green development.
China’s transformation is also evident in its agricultural sector, where modernization has helped rural communities improve productivity and incomes. In Shaanxi Province, jujube plantations illustrate how traditional agriculture has been strengthened through better farming practices, technology, processing and market access. Such initiatives have enabled farmers to create more sustainable livelihoods while maintaining local agricultural heritage.
The country’s technological progress further highlights its ambition to build a modern economy. Shanghai’s global outlook and Zhejiang’s innovation-driven ecosystem demonstrate how digital transformation, research and entrepreneurship have become important engines of growth. Investments in technology have created opportunities across sectors and strengthened China’s role in global innovation.
Beyond its domestic achievements, China’s development journey has also shaped its approach to international cooperation. Through partnerships with countries across the Global South, including African nations, China has promoted cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, agriculture, trade, education, technology and capacity building, based on mutual respect and shared interests.
For Africa, China’s experience offers important lessons on the role of long-term planning, investment in infrastructure, modernization of agriculture, human capital development and technology in accelerating transformation. While every country follows its own development path, China’s journey provides examples of how strategic investment and people-centred policies can contribute to national progress.
My first-hand experience in China, from Shanghai to Zhejiang and Shaanxi, and Chengdu provided a glimpse of what the country has achieved and what it continues to pursue. Beyond the headlines, China’s story is one of transformation, innovation and a continuous effort to improve the lives of its people while expanding cooperation with the wider world.
It is a story best understood not only through statistics, but by visiting its communities, seeing its development and witnessing the aspirations of the people who are shaping modern China.
(At the invitation of the All-China Journalists Association, the author visited Shanghai, Zhejiang, Sichuan and other places of China in June, 2026.)
*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.