BY SACHIN GUPTA
Principal Secretary, Indian Newspaper & Journalist Society, India
China is one of the world’s oldest civilizations, but it is also one of the most modern and fast-developing countries today. I have had the opportunity to visit China three times, and each visit has given me a new understanding of its culture, people, technology, and development. These journeys have helped me see China not only through news reports but through personal experiences and direct interactions with its people.
My interest in China began before my first visit. I attended several programmes organized by the Chinese Embassy in India, including National Day celebrations, Lunar New Year events, and cultural exchanges. One event that touched me deeply was a programme on Mount Kailash, where I received a ceremonial vessel containing sacred water. It reminded me that India and China share a long history of cultural and spiritual connections. That experience inspired me to know more about China and its people.
My first visit to China was in 2017, when I travelled to Shenzhen to attend an international conference . Shenzhen immediately impressed me with its clean environment, modern buildings, excellent public transport, and advanced technology. Everything was well organized and efficient.
Like many first-time visitors, I faced some language problems because most people spoke Mandarin. However, I never felt alone. One day, after arriving in Shenzhen, I had difficulty finding my hotel. A police officer, despite the heavy rain, helped me carry my luggage and personally guided me to the hotel. His kindness reminded me of the Indian saying, “Atithi Devo Bhava” – The Guest is God. It was a simple act, but one I will never forget.
During my stay, I visited Window of the World, where famous landmarks from different countries are displayed in one beautiful park. It showed me that China respects not only its own culture but also appreciates the cultures of other nations.
Another memorable experience happened in Beijing when I accidentally left my luggage at a metro station. When I returned several hours later, I found it exactly where I had left it. This reflected the honesty, discipline, and civic responsibility that I noticed throughout my journey.
I also visited some of China’s most famous historical places, including the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Tian’anmen Square. These places gave me a deeper understanding of China’s long history and rich cultural heritage. They reminded me that while China is moving quickly towards the future, it continues to respect and preserve its past.
My second visit was in 2018, when I travelled to Shanghai for another international conference . Shanghai was completely different, yet equally impressive. The city’s beautiful skyline, modern metro system, smart infrastructure, and use of digital technology showed me how China is preparing for the future . I also visited local markets and found that Chinese products were of very good quality. Many items that I bought during that visit are still in use today, proving the high standards of Chinese manufacturing.
Over the years, I have also had the opportunity to interact with Chinese diplomats in India. They have attended Diwali celebrations at our residence and showed great interest in Indian traditions, food, and culture. These exchanges made me realize that cultural understanding begins with personal relationships. When people learn about each other’s traditions and respect different cultures, stronger friendships naturally develop.
My third visit to China came in July 2025, when I had the honour of representing India at the Belt and Road Journalists Forum (BRJF) 2025 in Jiangxi Province. This was one of the most memorable experiences of my professional life.
Organized by the All-China Journalists Association (ACJA), the forum brought together more than 100 journalists and media professionals from over 50 countries and regions. The theme of the forum was “Promoting Civilizational Dialogue and Global Modernization with the Power of Journalists. ” Throughout the week, journalists from different parts of the world exchanged ideas, discussed global issues, and shared their experiences. Although we came from different cultures and backgrounds, we all believed that journalism should promote truth, understanding, and cooperation.
The organizers also arranged visits to many important places in Jiangxi Province. We explored Yangming Mind Valley, World Hakka Folk Culture City, Meishu Yuan Village, Jiangnan Song City, the historic Floating Bridge, and the Fushougou Museum. These visits showed how China is preserving its cultural heritage while also encouraging modern development and tourism.
Another interesting visit was to Nankang Home Furnishing Town, where we learned about China’s internationally recognized furniture industry. We met local officials and industry experts who explained how innovation, technology, and skilled craftsmanship have helped the region become a global manufacturing centre. We also experienced the fast-growing sport of pickleball, which became a fun way for participants from different countries to interact and build friendships.
The forum included keynote speeches, panel discussions, and roundtable meetings on journalism, cultural exchange, media responsibility, and international cooperation. Listening to journalists from different countries made me realize that although our working environments may be different, our responsibilities are the same. We all aim to report facts, build public trust, and encourage better understanding among people.
The forum also helped me understand China’s approach to global governance. Today’s world faces many common challenges, including climate change, public health, economic development, digital transformation, and sustainable growth. No country can solve these challenges alone. Countries need to work together, share ideas, and learn from one another. Platforms like the Belt and Road Journalists Forum create opportunities for dialogue, cooperation, and stronger people-to-people connections.
In my opinion, global governance is not only about governments and international organizations. Journalists also have an important role to play. By reporting honestly, encouraging dialogue, and presenting different perspectives fairly, the media can reduce misunderstandings and help build trust between countries. During the forum, I saw how meaningful conversations between journalists from different nations created respect, friendship, and better understanding.
Looking back, my three visits to China have given me much more than professional experience. They have allowed me to understand the country through its people, culture, history, technology, and development. Every visit taught me something new and helped me appreciate how China combines ancient traditions with modern progress.
These journeys have strengthened my belief that friendship begins with understanding, and understanding begins with direct interaction. Whether through cultural exchanges, international conferences, or simple acts of kindness, every experience has shown me the value of respect, cooperation, and open communication.
As a journalist, I believe that the future of global governance depends not only on political and economic partnerships but also on stronger cultural connections and responsible journalism. My experiences in China have shown me that when people meet, share ideas, and learn from one another, they build bridges that are stronger than differences. That is the most valuable lesson I have taken from my journey, and it is a lesson I will continue to carry throughout my professional life.
*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.