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Beijing, China | CGTN | The 2024 FOCAC Summit has concluded in Beijing. Some African journalists are taking advantage of being in China to learn more about the country. A delegation of reporters from over thirty African countries is now visiting southwest China’s Chongqing, enjoying the charm of a city built on mountains and rivers.
HUANG YUE Chongqing “This is Chongqing’s famous Liziba Station, where you can see light rail trains run through this residential building. It has been a must-visit spot in the city. You can see there are so many tourists waiting here to take photos and videos, including me and my colleagues from Africa.”
Thousands of people come to this station every day – not for the public transportation, but to take pictures of the railway line through a 19-story residential building. It’s like a scene out of a sci-fi movie.
But what’s been done to reduce the noise? How does the government maintain the railway without disturbing residents? And how much was invested to build the station? The reporters were curious about the story behind the rail line.
FORTUNE EGBEJI ABANG Nigerian Journalist “Many lessons to learn, many things to behold, it’s amazing to see things made easy, soft touch. That’s the kind of work we do. But I think we only desire that this be done in Africa. It’s a desire that in our generation, our children will grow up to see what parents have really done to make life worth living. Kudos to China, kudos to concepts of modernization.”
The delegation was also invited to a local teahouse for a rest since it’s scorching hot these days in Chongqing. The traditional long-spout teapot pouring performance, and the Sichuan Opera’s face-changing technique, clearly impressed.
ABUBAKAR HARITHI BAKAR Tanzanian Journalist “They really like their culture, and they protect their culture. And this is the message for me that I’m taking from now that it’s better to protect your culture. As you can see we are here, so many people from African countries just to explore and see and experience Chinese culture. And we as African people, we have our own. I think we are sharing now.”
As media professionals, the reporters said they hope to use the visit as an opportunity to introduce Chongqing to audiences back home. Through their lenses and articles, they said they want to promote more cultural exchanges and understanding between China and Africa.
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Huang Yue, CGTN, Chongqing.
