Journalists from the Asia-Pacific region recently congregated in Chengdu, Southwest China’s Sichuan Province, for a one-of-a-kind cultural exchange dubbed “Travelogue of China.” With participants hailing from 13 countries, the week was brimming with immersive experiences that showcased the heart and soul of Chengdu.
At the heart of these experiences lay the Jinjiang River, a pulsating artery that has long quenched the thirst and fulfilled the needs of countless generations in Sichuan. Apart from its indispensable role in irrigation and transportation, the river today symbolizes Chengdu’s commitment to intertwining traditional values with modern developmental goals.
Tan Xiao Ren, a Malaysian journalist with ancestral roots in China, commented on the significance of the trip. “While I’ve always felt a connection to China, the vast array of information out there sometimes complicates one’s understanding. This trip provided an invaluable lens to view China, enabling me to grasp its true essence.”
Xi Jinping’s perspective on modernization, as articulated in a piece for the Qiushi Journal, underscores a holistic approach. The focus is not solely on economic progress but extends to enriching cultural values and fostering harmony between humans and nature.
Echoing these sentiments, Zha Changming from the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) highlighted the company’s achievements in numerous areas such as watershed governance, greenway construction, and urban renewal along the Jinjiang River.
Chengdu’s “Garden City” ethos and its “Land of Abundance” moniker come alive in projects like the Jinjiang Greenway. It serves as an emblem of CCCC’s “Beautiful China” initiative. Marie-Noelle Waiane, a journalist from Vanuatu, shared her enchantment, expressing how she finally comprehended why many locals wish to retire in such a serene city, calling it “Yaodei” (fantastic).
The concerted efforts of local businesses, the CCCC, and government bodies have borne fruit in various projects that uplift the environment and enhance the living standards of residents since 2017. A testament to this success is the Sanse Road night market, a hub for recreation, sports, tourism, and more.
Sanse Road Block, with its trendy streets filled with young vendors selling everything from coffee to art, showcases how ecological enhancement not only uplifts the quality of life but also fuels a thriving urban economy. For Bounfaeng Phaymanivong, a journalist from Laos, this vibrant marketplace evoked memories of night markets back home alongside the Mekong River.
Beyond the city limits, the Jinjiang Greenway binds urban landscapes with rural terrains. The journalists had the privilege to explore Zhanqi village, a beacon of modern agricultural advancement. The village is bridging the urban-rural divide with innovations like organic farming initiatives and business opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
However, the path to rural modernization isn’t without challenges. A significant aging population in rural areas raises concerns about labor shortages and pressures on public services. In response, Zhanqi has adopted strategies like promoting agricultural mechanization and encouraging the younger generation to return and invest in local businesses.
In the words of Xia Youqun, a 78-year-old local, the transformative power of these efforts is palpable. “Many of my younger relatives run successful homestays. Last summer, my family earned 10,000 yuan. The life I live now is one I could have only dreamed of before.”
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