Part-I
Although China is geographically distant from the continent I call home, I feel a deep familiarity with the country-almost as though it were a close neighbor. I grew up reading history books about its ancient dynasties, and my daily life has been touched by Chinese craftsmanship: roads and bridges constructed by Chinese companies connect me to loved ones, and the garments and textiles produced there suit me perfectly. Yet, I had never set foot in China-until now.
My journey to China was prompted by an invitation from the Chinese government to attend a three-week seminar for distinguished journalists from English-speaking countries. As the departure date drew near, my excitement grew.
At midnight, my colleagues and I boarded Ethiopian Airlines flight ET604 from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Most passengers were Chinese, but there were also travelers from other African nations. Ethiopian Airlines, one of the few carriers offering direct routes from Africa to China, welcomed us warmly. “Hello! Welcome on board Ethiopian Airlines, a proud member of Star Alliance,” the flight attendants greeted us. Their hospitality, paired with the pilots’ expertise and diverse in-flight entertainment, made the journey enjoyable.
As we flew toward Beijing, some passengers watched movies, others read books, and a few dozed off. After an 11- hour flight, we landed at the vast Beijing International Airport and were amazed by its scale and flawless organization. A light rail within the airport ferried passengers between terminals, elevators transported travelers between floors, and large screens displayed real-time flight information. To our surprise, our luggage was already waiting for us when we exited the train— an efficiency we hadn’t expected. As we exited the airport gate, we were greeted by a group of young coordinators proudly holding a banner featuring our names alongside the Ethiopian flag. With warm smiles and a spirit of hospitality, they welcomed us. After confirming that no one was missing from the group, they guided us to a bus arranged for our transport. During the ride, they briefed us on our next destination-a hotel reserved for our stay in Beijing.
As we traveled through the city, we were astounded by the towering skyscrapers and the complex network of roads-unlike anything we had ever seen. After about an hour, we arrived at the “Royal Link Zi Liu” Hotel, renowned for its seafood offerings. Once we settled into our designated rooms, we headed to the dining area for dinner. The table was filled with a wide array of dishes, many of which were unfamiliar to us due to our limited prior travel experience in China. We were surprised to learn that none of the traditional offerings had been left out-everything prepared for honored guests was available.
We were genuinely touched by the warm hospitality. One cultural detail that caught our attention was the use of chopsticks instead of forks. While the locals made it look effortless, using chopsticks for the first time was more challenging than expected. As an Ethiopian proverb says, “A drum is beautiful when you see it in someone else’s hands, but confusing when you try it yourself.” After a few failed attempts, we resorted to using forks—at least until we became more accustomed to the new experience.
Later that evening, we took a walk outside the hotel to enjoy Beijing’s nighttime scenery. Carrying our passports and the identification badges provided by the coordinators, we strolled through the brightly lit streets. The city glowed with such brilliance that it felt like daylight at night. Despite its 3,000-year history, Beijing felt youthful and full of life.
Elderly citizens walked their pets leisurely, while young delivery drivers perched on scooters, checking their phones as they awaited new orders. Through the red-painted windows of restaurants nestled beneath modern skyscrapers, we could see diners enjoying their meals. In Chinese culture, dinnertime typically begins at 6:00 PM.
As we continued our walk, we were passed by electric buses, scooters, and an endless stream of bicycles-testament to why Beijing is known as the “City of Bicycles.” We learned that anyone needing a ride could simply scan a QR code, unlock a nearby bicycle, and ride it to their desired destination.
One of the most captivating aspects of China’s urban life is witnessing people gathering in open spaces in front of buildings-playing music, dancing, or engaging in group exercises. The melodies of the Far East have a mesmerizing quality, transporting the listener to another realm. These scenes reflect the vibrancy of Chinese culture, where city dwellers are cheerful, welcoming, and genuinely kind.
Upon arriving in China, the first phrase I learned was “Ni Hao”, meaning “hello.” Despite the language barrier, I quickly discovered that human connection in China transcends words. The Chinese people are warm and curious, often approaching foreigners to take photos-smiling and posing enthusiastically, eager to share a joyful moment.
What surprised me most during my visit was how uncrowded the streets were—-ven in massive cities with populations between 20 and 30 million. I found myself wondering about the residential patterns and daily routines of the local population. During our walks, we encountered only a few people on the streets, each seemingly occupied with purposeful tasks.
Before our arrival, we asked the organizers about safety concerns while walking at night. They reassured us there was no need to worry- and they were right. Chinese cities are remarkably peaceful. There is an apparent absence of petty crime; no fear of pickpockets or phone snatchers. Regardless of nationality or appearance, everyone moves freely, focused on their own lives.
We strolled through the streets late into the evening, surrounded by tranquility, never once feeling unsafe or out of place. The calm, respectful environment left a lasting impression—a testament to the social harmony that defines modern Chinese urban life.
After concluding our city walk, we returned to the hotel to rest, as I needed to wake up early the next morning to prepare for the seminar. Feeling fatigued, I slept soundly through the night. Suddenly, I was awakened by a bright light outside the window. Alarmed, I feared I had overslept and missed the first day of the program. When I checked my watch, it showed 5:00 AM. I doubted its accuracy, but it was functioning properly. Unlike Ethiopia, mornings in China begin with much brighter light. Though I tried to go back to sleep, I couldn’t.
At 7:00 AM, we had breakfast and proceeded to the presentation hall, where journalists from Kenya, Gambia, Zambia, and Zanzibar were also present. On the first day, we were introduced to the historical narrative of both ancient and modern China. The presentation focused on the dynasties that unified the nation and the sacrifices the Chinese people made in shaping their country. We were inspired by stories such as the building of the Great Wall and learned about the various conflicts and hardships China faced. The narrative extended to how the nation rebounded from adversity, highlighting that China’s GDP per capita rose from just $27 in 1949 to $12,359 in 2021. The presenters emphasized that this remarkable transformation was achieved through the collective effort of both the government and the people.
Throughout the morning and afternoon sessions, we gained deep insights into China’s fast-paced development. We listened with admiration, and at times with a sense of regret, imagining how much progress our own countries might have achieved had we learned from similar experiences.
In the days that followed, several half-day presentations were held focusing on how media can be used to inspire public progress. Not long ago, China struggled with environmental degradation and corruption. It was believed that media-both traditional and digital-played a vital role in tackling these issues. Through reports sourced from the public, media institutions were able to expose corruption, including within government entities. Investigative journalism helped the ruling party cleanse itself and implement reforms. Overall, the media prioritized content that promoted better living conditions for citizens.
Editor’s Note: The views entertained in this article do not necessarily reflect the stance of The Ethiopian Herald
BY GASHAW TADESSE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 30 MAY 2025
