BY MAREK TRACZYK
Chairman of Polish Media Association, Poland
I find it impossible to describe my experience of China in terms of a “first impression. ” The phrase is too fleeting and superficial to capture the depth of my relationship with this extraordinary country. My journey with China began in the early 2000s. Since then, I have returned many times, becoming a firsthand witness to an era of historic transformation, unprecedented economic development, and profound social evolution.
My reflections are therefore not the product of a single, brief visit. Rather, they are the result of more than two decades of careful observation of a civilization that has masterfully combined deep respect for its millennia-old heritage with a remarkably bold and integrated vision for the future.
From Tradition to Modernity: A Journey That Inspires the World
I vividly remember my first visit in 2002. Even then, China captivated me with its unique aesthetic, rich cultural heritage, and the genuine hospitality of its people, who proudly and generously shared their traditions.
Every subsequent visit also became a culinary journey. In gastronomic terms, China is a continent in itself—a fascinating mosaic of flavors, aromas, and regional identities. The richness of Chinese cuisine, where every meal is both a celebration and an expression of life’s philosophy, has made me one of its devoted admirers and ambassadors.
Over the years, however, alongside my appreciation for China’s history and culture, I began to recognize something equally remarkable: the extraordinary dynamism of its economic development.
Before my eyes, China accomplished a civilizational leap by carrying out infrastructure projects on a scale unprecedented in the modern world. Its impressive international airports, world‑class metropolitan areas, and the world’s most extensive high-speed rail (HSR) network stand as tangible evidence of what can be achieved through long‑term planning, unwavering determination, and disciplined implementation of strategic goals.
Harmonious Urban Development and Green Transformation
Having worked in the tourism sector for many years, I have watched the evolution of China’s public spaces with particular admiration. I remember the streets of the early 2000s, crowded with thousands of bicycles. Today, those same streets have become models of urban order, featuring thoughtfully designed infrastructure, green micromobility facilities, and environmentally friendly public transportation.
This is an outstanding example of people-centered development combined with a genuine commitment to environmental sustainability.
Equally impressive is the way China revitalizes its historical heritage. Temples, palaces, and historic districts are not treated merely as museum exhibits. Surrounded by lush greenery, parks, and modern infrastructure, they have become vibrant, living parts of contemporary cities. China demonstrates that it is possible to move confidently toward the future without losing sight of one’s cultural roots.
The Chinese Governance Model: Long-Term Vision in Practice
From the perspective of management theory and practice, China represents one of the world’s most complex governance challenges. It is a vast, multi-ethnic nation with a population exceeding 1.4 billion people. Successfully administering a country of this scale requires exceptional coordination and strategic capability.
For an international observer, perhaps the most striking feature is the continuity and consistency of China’s long-term strategy. While many Western political systems are shaped by relatively short electoral cycles, China has pursued its long-term objectives step by step with remarkable consistency—from building world-class infrastructure and fostering innovation and artificial intelligence to steadily improving living standards and eliminating extreme poverty.
Equally significant is the practical way in which advanced technology serves everyday life. A notable example is the widespread use of AI-powered services and automatic translation tools in public spaces. These innovations have greatly reduced language barriers for international visitors, making travel throughout the country remarkably intuitive and convenient. It is technology designed with people in mind.
An Enduring Source of Inspiration
For me, China remains a country of endless discovery. My “first impression” has now lasted for more than twenty years, and it continues to evolve with every visit. The greatest privilege of these decades has been the opportunity to observe not a static image, but the determined and dynamic journey of a nation that has not only caught up with the future but, in many respects, has begun to shape it.
For anyone seeking to understand the dynamics of today’s world, China remains one of the most important reference points and an enduring source of inspiration.
*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.