BY ZHANIBEK SADYKANOV
Chairman of Public Association Karaganda Regional Branch of the Union of Journalists of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan
The plane had already gained altitude. The outlines of the vast metropolis were gradually disappearing below, while the first Chinese word I had heard upon my arrival echoed in my mind again and again:
“Ni hao!” an airport employee said with a smile.
So simple. So sincere. So warm.
That greeting marked the beginning of my introduction to China—a country that cannot be fully understood through photographs or television reports. It must be seen with one’s own eyes.
China knows how to amaze you from the very first moment. Here, ancient history and modern technology do not compete with each other—they coexist. Majestic palaces and historic streets stand alongside futuristic skyscrapers, glass towers, and entire districts that make you feel as though the future has already arrived.
When evening falls, Chinese cities transform into spectacular shows of light. Millions of lights are reflected in glass façades, while the streets continue to pulse with life long after midnight. It seems as though this enormous mechanism never stops.
China’s level of digitalization is particularly impressive. A smartphone here serves as a wallet, a ticket, a navigator, a translator, and a bank card—all at once. Many people hardly use cash anymore. Everything works quickly, conveniently, and with remarkable attention to detail.
The transport system left a strong impression as well. Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly common on the roads. China confidently demonstrates that environmentally friendly transport is no longer merely a vision for the future—it is already part of everyday life.
Yet the greatest treasure of any country is its people.
One day, we stopped at a small shop where the famous Peking duck was being prepared.
“Ni hao!” the vendor said with a smile.
“Ni hao! Is this your best duck?”
He laughed.
“Today, it is the best. Tomorrow, we will make it even better!”
We both smiled.
When I thanked him for the meal, he unexpectedly said:
“When you return home, tell your friends about the real China.”
That simple sentence stayed with me more than anything else.
Travel teaches us that development begins not only with investment or technology. It begins with respect for one’s work, discipline, and the determination to become better every single day.
Today, China is one of the world’s largest economic centres. Advanced technology, industry, logistics, digital services, manufacturing, and infrastructure are all developing at an impressive pace. Yet behind every skyscraper, every factory, and every innovation stands a person who performs their work with dedication and responsibility.
For Kazakhstan, cooperation with China opens up significant opportunities. We are neighbours, strategic partners, and participants in major economic projects. Kazakhstani businesses have much to learn from Chinese entrepreneurs: the speed of decision- making, a strong production culture, a focus on quality, the adoption of innovation, and the ability to think far ahead.
At the same time, it is especially important to develop this cooperation as equal partners, making effective use of the strengths and potential of both countries.
The journey came to an end surprisingly quickly.
The plane continued to climb.
I kept looking through the window for a long time, until the clouds finally concealed the land below.
And suddenly, I caught myself silently saying a few simple words:
Thank you, Celestial Empire.
Until we meet again … I will miss you.
*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.