International Delegation Tours China, Experiencing a Mix of Urban and Rural Wonders
In a week-long exploration, a diverse delegation of international non-governmental representatives, invited by the China Foundation for Peace and Development, embarked on a journey across several cities in China. The tour, which took place from October 9 to 16, offered the delegates a unique blend of urban sophistication and rural development, encapsulating China’s strides in poverty alleviation and innovations in new energy and environmental conservation.
The delegation, composed of members from Pakistan, Tanzania, Papua New Guinea, Malta, Turkmenistan, Bangladesh, and South Africa, featured a broad spectrum of professionals, including scholars, a ping pong player, a student, a teacher, and a TV anchor. Some had previously resided in China, while for others, this marked their maiden visit to the nation. It was a remarkable opportunity for many to witness the transformation China has undergone since their last visits, which, for some, dated back nearly a decade.
From Yan’an to Shanghai: A Glimpse of China’s Revolutionary History and Modernization
The delegation’s journey began in Yan’an, a city synonymous with the revolutionary history of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Here, they immersed themselves in the stories of the CPC’s revolution and the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), a crucial chapter in World War II.
A poignant highlight of their visit was the excursion to Liangjiahe village, where a young Xi Jinping had been sent during the nationwide campaign that saw millions of urban youth labor in rural areas. It was in this modest village that Xi embarked on the path that would eventually lead him to the presidency of China.
Delegates explored the sites where Xi and the villagers had toiled and lived together, offering them a unique insight into the personality of the Chinese leader and the political ideals that have steered China’s remarkable transformation.
From Yan’an, the delegation journeyed to Shanghai, China’s most cosmopolitan and developed metropolis. Known for being the birthplace of the CPC’s first national congress, Shanghai showcased its remarkable modernization and vibrant city life, leaving the delegates deeply impressed.
They visited the “People’s City” museum in Yangpu district, which shed light on the latest urbanization concepts and achievements. Additionally, the delegation toured the Gubei Civic Center, where they learned about grassroots democracy in China.
Yahaya Esmail Nawanda, the head of the delegation and the regional commissioner of Tanzania’s Simiyu Region, emphasized the importance of taking their newfound knowledge back to their respective countries. He expressed the need to apply what they’ve learned in China to benefit their people and nations.
Discovering “Two Mountains” in Hangzhou and Anji
From the bustling capital city of Hangzhou in East China’s Zhejiang Province to the serene Anji county, the delegates witnessed a swift transition from urban landscapes to pristine waters and bamboo groves beneath clear skies. Anji, with its 1.01 million mu (approximately 67,300 hectares) of bamboo groves, proved to be a striking example of China’s burgeoning eco-tourism economy.
President Xi Jinping’s “Two Mountains” theory, which advocates the value of clear waters and lush mountains, was first proposed in the Yucun village, located in this county. The delegation was in awe of the ecological progress achieved in the village and its transformation into a model of eco-tourism. In 2021, Yucun received international recognition as one of the “Best Tourism Villages” by the United Nations World Tourism Organization.
Amangeldiyev Sapargeldi, a PhD student from Turkmenistan specializing in energy and resources engineering at Peking University, gained a deeper understanding of Xi’s environmental philosophy during the trip. Witnessing how the “Two Mountains” concept had improved the lives of locals through better living conditions and increased employment, Sapargeldi expressed confidence in China’s green development.
China’s success in environmental improvement and poverty eradication were key themes of the delegation’s tour. In 2021, President Xi declared victory in eliminating absolute poverty in China, marking the upliftment of nearly 100 million impoverished rural residents above the poverty line.
A Journey of People-to-People Connectivity
People-to-people connectivity emerged as a central theme of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) construction, with the belief that friendship and close contact between people lay the foundation for strong state-to-state relations.
During their visit, the delegation engaged with local Chinese citizens, fostering cultural exchanges and learning about grassroots democracy, entrepreneurship, and local practices. These interactions left an indelible mark on the delegates, who commended the warmth and diligence of the Chinese people.
On a boat ride on Hangzhou’s West Lake, the delegates exchanged smiles and shouts of “We love China! We love each other!” with Chinese journalists, emphasizing the message of friendship connected by the BRI. This message of unity and collaboration, echoing across the picturesque lake, is hoped to resonate worldwide, symbolizing the enduring bonds formed during their enlightening journey through China.
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