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The China Storyteller Partnerships is a content co-creation mechanism for foreign content creators like foreign influencers, journalists, and expats from different countries, languages, cultural backgrounds, who have a connection with China. Through participating in themed interviews and exchanges on topics such as technology, culture, "sports, scenery, food, fashion, and travel, as well as cultural exchanges and creative training, high-definition photos, commentary articles, vlogs, themed music, and illustrated posters from their perspective will be created and published by them.
By leveraging the advantages of China Daily's integrated media and three-dimensional communication matrix, this mechanism aims to build a platform for the members to collaboratively create Chinese stories, share resources and grow together.
After my November trip to Luoyang city, (which happened to be exactly during Mabon, the pagan Halloween), there were so many things I saw, experienced, heard about ancient China and Chinese history that inspired me, that I could probably write a book about just this one trip.
After I came back, I had to create a painting for China Daily exhibition that would highlight my inspiration, and I knew exactly what I was going to create: I visualized it, I loved that artwork and I created exactly what I imagined.
The story that touched my heart the most was the story of Wu Zetian, the only Empress of China. She ruled from 660 to 705 - in total 45 years! How incredible is that!
Under her 45-year reign, China grew larger, becoming one of the great powers of the world, its culture and economy were revitalized, and corruption in the court was reduced.
Empress Wu is considered one of the greatest emperors in Chinese history due to her strong leadership and effective governance, which made China one of the world's most powerful nations. She improved the educational system, supported Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism.
Wu was encouraged by her parents to read books and pursue her education, an uncommon situation for women at the time. She read and learned about many topics, such as music, calligraphy, literature, history, politics, and other governmental affairs. At age 14, she was taken to be an imperial concubine of Emperor Taizong of Tang.
What impressed me the most, and how I started learning about Wu Zetian-was a visit to Longmen Grottoes, where a Big Buddha is placed inside the mountain. This Buddha is associated with Empress Wu: when you get to the mountain, look into her eyes and you will eventually find all the answers you were looking for. She's that big accepting mother. That is how I witnessed Wu Zetian.
It is a miracle, a ray of light, an example from such long time ago, that we shall pursue our dreams and goals. If things are meant to happen, there will be nothing to stop us.
As a woman, coming from a different culture, I can only admire what I've learned. This story impacted me so much that after a really dark time in my life, I found the strength to come back to myself.
An empress of China gave me, a Ukrainian artist, strength, hope for the better future and motivation to never give up. I felt the strength to come back to my art, to my projects and to the things that make me me.
The three objects at the bottom are the first artifacts of the dragons found in Luoyang city. Different from what we know of dragons.
The round red and indigo petal Yin Yan I saw in the Porcelain Museum of Luoyang, this piece represents the balance of feminine and masculine that it's essential for us humans to embrace, especially when it comes to ruling the whole country. And I can imagine that Empress Wu nailed it.
The dress and the pose on the artwork were painted from my own photo: we changed into stunning hanfu dresses on our last day of the trip, and it felt amazing to walk around the ancient city in royal cloths. Through this choice I would like to highlight the never-ending connection in between all and everything-the past, the present, the different backgrounds. I felt powerful, and gracious and charming wearing my dress, having that mesmerizing hair style. I danced and it felt natural.
Embracing the universal power of synchronicity, precisely at the time when I finished the artwork, I received a gorgeous qipao with the very special pattern that is called "Tom Nyol" from Xafer Wear, a Cameroonian designer living in Shanghai, beautifully combining the depth of various cultures through the clothing pieces he creates.
The reminder of Tom Nyol pattern: Never give up.
The colors of the patterns on the qipao perfectly match the major colors on my painting.
Coincidence? I don't think so.
We connect on different levels much more, that we can imagine. The different past has the undeniable impact on the present, I am only happy to grasp it and enjoy the synergy of my existence with the history, with the living souls that show up on my path.
Tom Nyol to all of you.
I don't know what Wu Zetian looked like, she's a collective of my feelings, imagination and impression of her from everything I have learnt and found online.
I know for sure, she was the power.
Thank you, dear Empress Wu, for touching my heart and my soul.
The author is a visual artist from Ukraine. The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.
If you have a specific expertise, or would like to share your thought about our stories, then send us your writings at opinion@chinadaily.com.cn, and comment@chinadaily.com.cn.
In recent years, an increasing number of Chinese volunteer teachers have stepped onto the international stage, spreading the charm of the Chinese language worldwide. "Nepal now has more than 70 Chinese teachers teaching children Chinese almost for free," said Moksada Regmi, a Nepali student studying clinical medicine at Peking University. He said learning Chinese under the guidance of those volunteer teachers offered many young students in Nepal a new window to the world. Let's hear the story of Moksada Regmi and his Chinese teacher.
"Nepal and China have a lot of cooperation in terms of not only people-to-people exchanges, but also trade and investment and the education sector," said Raunab Singh Khatri from Nepal, a PhD student in strategic management at Peking University. In his view, China and Nepal's relations now encompass a much wider dimension.
In terms of the Belt and Road Initiative, Raunab thinks that the biggest advantage of the initiative has been China's ability to speed up the construction of infrastructure projects, and Nepal should make use of this to develop itself.
Moa, a Swedish student who came to Beijing in June, is deeply enchanted by the prosperity and vitality of Beijing. Compared with the quietness of her hometown, Stockholm, there are countless opportunities here. She is amazed at the development of China and feels the enthusiasm and friendliness of the Chinese people. She studies Chinese, hoping to help Chinese enterprises expand into the European market. At the same time, she spreads Chinese culture through social media, and the positive feedback motivates her. Moa firmly believes that there are many things that make learning in China worthwhile, and she is willing to pursue her dreams here and looks forward to growing together with China.
As China and Brazil celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations, their collaboration not only reflects historical milestones but also sets the stage for future growth in a rapidly changing global landscape.
Brazil remains China's largest trading partner in Latin America, with bilateral trade reaching a record $157 billion in 2023. Both nations reiterated their commitment to fostering economic growth through trade diversification. Agreements signed include opening Chinese markets to Brazilian agricultural products like sorghum and fresh grapes, while Chinese companies plan investments in Brazil's food processing and industrial sectors.
These deals reflect Brazil's growing role as a critical supplier to China's food security strategy. Meanwhile, China seeks to diversify imports amid increasing geopolitical uncertainties. Brazil, as a global agricultural powerhouse, stands to benefit significantly from this mutual dependence.
A memorandum of understanding was signed with China's SpaceSail and the National Data Administration to explore the provision of low-Earth orbit satellite internet in Brazil. This move, prioritized by Brazil, aims to diversify options and reduce reliance on existing foreign providers. The agreement includes feasibility studies to ensure compliance with Brazilian data protection laws and to establish SpaceSail as a viable option for civil and military use. This initiative represents a step forward in Brazil's drive for technological independence while benefiting from China's advanced space technology expertise.
The agreements between China and Brazil extended beyond trade, touching on areas like satellite technology and renewable energy. A memorandum of understanding with Chinese firms will provide satellite internet to underserved Brazilian regions, reducing dependence on foreign providers. In the energy sector, the two nations aim to cooperate in biofuels and green hydrogen, promoting sustainable solutions for global decarbonization.
Brazil's unique expertise in ethanol production and China's advances in electrification create synergies for innovation in green mobility, particularly for industries like aviation and shipping. These initiatives could redefine the way the two countries address climate challenges while creating new economic opportunities.
Recognizing the importance of people-to-people connections, the leaders announced a Brazil-China Cultural Year in 2026 to enhance cultural exchange. Such initiatives strengthen diplomatic ties and deepen mutual understanding, reflecting shared aspirations for global peace and prosperity.
Moreover, Brazil and China committed to working collaboratively within multilateral organizations, including the United Nations, BRICS, and the G20. Together, they aim to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, regional conflicts, and global inequality. China emphasized the importance of amplifying voices for peace, particularly in addressing conflicts in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip, advocating for political solutions and humanitarian assistance.
By focusing on long-term collaboration in innovation, sustainability, and cultural ties, China and Brazil are charting a path toward a shared vision of prosperity.
As the world faces mounting challenges, the strategic partnership between China and Brazil offers a model for how nations can collaborate across continents to foster inclusive development. With their combined influence, these two major players are well-positioned to shape a more equitable and sustainable future.
The author holds a Master's degree in Management, specializing in strategic guidance and solutions for Chinese companies, both domestically and internationally. The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
If you have a specific expertise, or would like to share your thought about our stories, then send us your writings at opinion@chinadaily.com.cn, and comment@chinadaily.com.cn.
The 2024 APEC meeting in Lima, Peru, highlighted the shifting dynamics in global leadership, with China taking center stage both symbolically and substantively.
China has long emphasized its commitment to fostering economic integration and shared growth among the APEC member economies. Over the years, Beijing has promoted the concept of a "community with a shared future," advocating for multilateralism and free trade. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has brought significant investment to infrastructure projects across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, aligns seamlessly with APEC's mission of economic collaboration.
China emphasized sustainable development, digital transformation, and the importance of supporting developing economies—a message that resonated strongly with Peru, a major beneficiary of Chinese investments.
Just days before the APEC meeting, the partnership between China and Peru celebrated a milestone with the opening ceremony of Chancay port. China underscored the port’s importance, describing it as more than just an infrastructure achievement under the Belt and Road Initiative. Highlighting its strategic value, the project envisions the port as the inception of a transformative Asia-Latin America corridor linking Chancay and Shanghai through both land and sea.
For Peru, Chancay port represents a gateway to increased trade opportunities with Asia. Peruvian President Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarr emphasized that this development not only benefits Peru but also positions the country as a vital hub in the global logistics network. This project encapsulates how BRI investments extend beyond construction to create long-term economic synergies.
Peru’s role as the host of the 2024 APEC meeting is significant given its close economic ties with China. As one of the largest trading partners in South America, Peru has benefited immensely from Chinese investments in mining, infrastructure and energy. The meeting served as an opportunity to reinforce these ties and explore new areas for collaboration.
By investing in infrastructure and fostering trade agreements, China is positioning itself as a long-term partner for economic growth in the region. For countries like Peru, this partnership offers access to capital and technology needed for development.
As the Asia-Pacific region continues to face challenges such as climate change, geopolitical tensions, and economic uncertainties, APEC’s role in fostering collaboration is more critical than ever. China’s active role at the meeting suggests a possible shift in the organization’s focus, with greater emphasis on inclusive growth, green development, and digital innovation. By prioritizing dialogue and cooperation, China is demonstrating its ability to lead in addressing the shared challenges of the region.
The author holds a master's degree in management, specializing in strategic guidance and solutions for Chinese companies, both domestically and internationally.
The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
If you have a specific expertise, or would like to share your thought about our stories, then send us your writings at opinion@chinadaily.com.cn, and comment@chinadaily.com.cn.
From Olympic Park to Liangma River, two Chinese reporters talked about their view of Beijing during their discovery of this constantly changing and international city. In Beijing, every encounter leaves an indelible mark, promising a new story with each sunrise.
My China journey began in September 2011 when I moved to China to study Chinese, not knowing how deeply this experience—and learning the language—would impact me. I never would have thought that China Daily, which became my only source of global news while I was in China, would one day serve as the platform where I would write my opinions more than 10 years later.
In 2011, I arrived in China to study Chinese language at a university in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, and came across China Daily in an unexpected way. I noticed other foreign students not paying attention to the newspaper, which was offered to us at our dorms, and this intrigued me. So, I started to read it myself. In those pre-smartphone days, our main sources of information were websites and physical publications, so the newspaper quickly became a crucial resource.
Through China Daily, I learned about the Chinese economy, culture, and perspectives. I was struck by the non-aggressive tone compared to what I was used to from Western media, which often seemed more critical. The newspaper helped me understand China's unique point of view and gave me valuable insights into Chinese society.
There was much about China that fascinated me, but perhaps most remarkable was the hardworking spirit and the cultural habits of the people. I remember wondering why the campus seemed so empty after meals. I soon learned that this was because everyone was in the library, dedicated to their studies. Observing this commitment, I began spending time in the library myself, inspired by the drive for growth and learning that I saw everywhere.
Before I arrived, my perception of China was based on common stereotypes: a poor country, with people living in small apartments and surviving on a simple diet of rice and water. Yet when I first walked through Hangzhou's city center, I realized just how inaccurate those ideas were. The city was modern and vibrant, and I saw that Chinese cities had developed in ways that often exceeded my expectations. It felt as though my home city was the one that had been left behind.
Looking back, I am grateful for my time studying in China between 2011 and 2015. It transformed my understanding of the country, its people, and its rapid development. My time in China was not just about academics; it was a journey of personal growth and a reshaping of my worldview. Through new friendships, cultural experiences, and the chance to witness China's progress firsthand, I gained a richer, more nuanced understanding of a place often misunderstood. But my journey was not over yet; it was the beginning of another stage in my life.
In 2015, I began researching the Belt and Road Initiative, which was beginning to gain global attention. As the initiative became a hot topic worldwide, I found myself focusing on the multifaceted aspects of this initiative — not only its financial investments but also its emphasis on connectivity between nations, improvement in education, and cultural cooperation. Little did I know at the time, this initiative would go on to shape my life in profound ways.
In 2017, I enrolled in a master's program in management at a university in Harbin. Over the next two years, I became an integral part of the university community and gained a deeper understanding of the Belt and Road Initiative. After completing my studies, I left China to start my own venture. The personal growth I experienced in China, supported by my Chinese language studies and the education I received at the university, helped me build a business solutions platform that has been successful.
As I reflected on my decade-long journey with China, everything I experienced began to make sense. I often asked myself how it was even possible for China to lift hundreds of millions out of extreme poverty in just 40 years, creating an economic miracle and becoming the second-largest economy in the world. I was asked too many times whether the "dragon" had awakened, which was often asked by many, particularly in Europe and the US,. I always tell them one thing: The dragon was never asleep. It has been there for nearly 5,000 years, evolving and integrating new influences while changing the lives of not just its citizens, but people all over the world. Throughout this evolution, it has retained its core philosophy and governance system.
China's governance‘s enduring continuity has contributed to cementing its status as the world's oldest continuous civilization. Today, China is a superpower, having achieved its standing not through war, as some Western countries have, but through hard work, creativity, open-mindedness, and sacrifices for future generations.
I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to witness and experience China's remarkable transformation firsthand between 2011 and 2019. The lessons I learned from the Chinese people — their perseverance, hospitality, and vision for the future — will stay with me forever.
The author holds a master's degree in management, specializing in strategic guidance and solutions for Chinese companies, both domestically and internationally.
The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
If you have a specific expertise, or would like to share your thought about our stories, then send us your writings at opinion@chinadaily.com.cn, and comment@chinadaily.com.cn.
Antoine Bunel, a French food expert residing in Beijing, China, is deeply enamored with Chinese culinary traditions and fervently explores the fusion of French and Chinese cuisine. Alongside pursuing his passion, he has garnered significant recognition on Chinese social media platforms. Throughout his journey in China, Antoine has not only achieved professional success but has also found joy in building a loving family. Watch the video to learn more of the inspiring story of Antoine.
Meet Antonio Florez, a vibrant soul from Peru who embarked on his Chinese adventure back in 2009.
For over a decade, Antonio has immersed himself in the rich tapestry of Chinese culture, marveling at the stark differences between his homeland and the bustling streets of Beijing. Join him as he uncovers the essence of two worlds interwining, painting a colorful portrait of cultural exchange and personal growth.
In recent years, Bangkok and other parts of Thailand have experienced an increase in Chinese business activity, including Chinese-owned dining, tourism and transportation investments. While some local Thai communities have expressed concerns about the competition these investments may create for local businesses, this expanded presence presents significant opportunities for both Thailand and China to build a mutually beneficial, interconnected future. By addressing these economic shifts through cooperation, open dialogue and shared understanding, both nations can strengthen their ties, foster economic growth and nurture lasting prosperity.
Sino-Thai trade and investment landscape
China is Thailand's largest trading partner, while Thailand is China's third-largest partner within ASEAN. In 2023, the two nations achieved a bilateral trade volume of US$126.28 billion. China continues to be the primary destination for Thai agricultural exports, consistently importing over 40 percent of these products. Meanwhile, around 80 percent of China's exports to Thailand comprise capital and intermediate goods.
China also ranks as the leading source of foreign investment in Thailand, with over 2,400 Chinese companies operating in Thailand. Over the past two years, 588 new investment projects have been registered, totaling close to US$7 billion. Chinese investments are largely focused on sectors such as electric vehicles, the digital economy, new energy and advanced manufacturing industries. These investments contribute to Thailand through job creation, investments and social and educational initiatives aimed at a variety of small businesses. For instance, Bangkok is home to more than 700 Sichuan hotpot restaurants.
Promoting economic connectivity and innovation
The growing presence of Chinese businesses has the potential to create new economic pathways, encouraging the sharing of expertise, resources and innovations. As Chinese and Thai businesses collaborate in diverse sectors, from technology to clean energy, they foster knowledge transfer that benefits local industries and enhances Thailand's role as a regional economic hub.
China's expanding role in the Thai economy also has a positive impact on local employment. New job opportunities arise as Chinese businesses enter or expand within Thai markets, enabling skill development and economic mobility for the Thai workforce. For example, investment in emerging fields such as electric vehicles and digital technologies opens doors for Thai professionals to develop their expertise in high-demand industries.
Opportunities for growth through tourism
Chinese tourism has long been a vital contributor to Thailand's economy, with millions of Chinese tourists visiting annually. The expansion of Chinese-owned hotels, restaurants and tour operators can enhance Thai tourism by offering services that cater to a diverse range of tourists and meet evolving consumer preferences. Moreover, investments in hospitality and infrastructure create a more robust tourism industry that benefits both local and international visitors.
Addressing concerns through dialogue and cooperation
If perceptions and attitudes towards Chinese investments are constructively addressed, it could prevent potential misunderstandings and foster a smoother trade relationship with China, ultimately strengthening Thailand's export and tourism sectors. Establishing forums where Thai and Chinese businesses, policymakers and community members can openly discuss challenges and identify joint solutions is essential. This cooperative approach promotes mutual understanding while maximizing the economic and cultural benefits of Sino-Thai collaboration.
Building a lasting partnership
Through active engagement and cooperation, Thailand and China have the opportunity to build a lasting, prosperous partnership. By welcoming Chinese investments, Thailand can leverage China's market size, technological advancements and financial resources to fuel its own economic progress. Similarly, China can benefit from Thailand's strategic location and strong ties within ASEAN to enhance its regional influence.
With a commitment to cooperation, respect and mutual growth, the path forward promises a future where both nations thrive together. As Thailand and China work side by side, they can foster an environment of shared prosperity, forging a resilient partnership that enriches the lives of their citizens and strengthens their role within the global economy.
The author holds a Master's degree in Management from Harbin Institute of Technology and has a background in business and management, specializing in strategic guidance and solutions for Chinese companies both domestically and internationally. The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.
If you have a specific expertise, or would like to share your thought about our stories, then send us your writings at opinion@chinadaily.com.cn, and comment@chinadaily.com.cn.
Over the past decade or more, under the strategic guidance of the leaders of China and ASEAN countries, China and ASEAN have jointly crafted a new chapter of practical and friendly cooperation. Since the establishment of the China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership in 2021, significant progress has been achieved in advancing the China-ASEAN community with a shared future.
As China and ASEAN continue to enhance political mutual trust, bilateral exchanges and cooperation are also intensifying in various fields. Looking at the economic relationship between China and ASEAN, China has been ASEAN's largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years, and ASEAN has been China's largest trading partner for four consecutive years. Bilateral trade has not only promoted economic growth on both sides, but also provided new impetus and opportunities for Technological and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) development and cooperation.
Leaders of China and ASEAN countries highlighted on many occasions the importance of TVET development and international cooperation in improving national education level, adapting to the demand of globalized labor market and promoting economic development and technological innovation, and expressed the intention to strengthen practical cooperation in the field.
Particularly in recent years, China and ASEAN are collaborating wholeheartedly to enhance connectivity. Magnificent projects like the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway have been implemented and put into service, thereby escalating the demand for talents armed with an international perspective and professional skills.
At the end of 2023, China Daily and the ASEAN-China Centre organized The "Song of Our Homeland" China-ASEAN International Media Tour, which was launched at the Halim Railway Station of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway in Jakarta, Indonesia. Coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative, the event aims to showcase the achievements of Chinese enterprises going overseas and tell stories of mutual benefit between China and ASEAN. They reported on key projects of Chinese enterprises such as Cainiao Cikarang Logistics Park in Indonesia, Singapore Meetsocial, vivo Indonesia, and Sensetime International in Singapore.
The voices of those Chinese brands on the international stage all tell the same story of how the Belt and Road Initiative has benefited people in participating countries and provided more job opportunities for the locals. All these projects not only support the local economy but also create employment opportunities for locals in various roles such as production, technical, engineering, and managerial positions, thus necessitating in-depth Technological and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) cooperation between China and ASEAN.
Since 2021, China-ASEAN education cooperation has entered the stage of high-quality development with deepening educational cooperation at all levels and fruitful outcomes yielded in talents cultivation and sci-tech collaboration. In 2023, ASEAN students take up almost 30% of the total number of international students in China and the number of Chinese students studying in ASEAN countries returns to the pre-pandemic level. Both sides are joining hands to move toward a more innovative, inclusive and sustainable educational partnership.
Facing a changing manufacturing landscape and increasing demand for skilled workers, the Chinese government is calling for investment in vocational education and looking for its partners in ASEAN to create a regional development community for deeper cooperation on vocational training and economic integration.
As China's latest initiatives in vocational education, including such concepts of "integration of industry and education", "integration of science and education", and "integration within vocational education" are widely accepted by ASEAN countries, we should further enhance cooperation in the following three aspects:
First, further synergize policies and resources for ASEAN-China educational cooperation, especially in critical areas such as vocational education. Second, continue to innovate brand programs in ASEAN-China vocational education cooperation to set more exemplary models and best practices in this area. Third, further enrich channels and deepen exchanges among youth, especially in areas related to pragmatic social development, so as to inspire the youth to discover, reflect on, and showcase the vivid bonds between ASEAN and China.
Zhang Yuyan is a deputy researcher at School of Foreign Languages, Remin University of China. Zhou Tongyao is a lecturer at Shijiazhuang Information Engineering Vocational College. The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
If you have a specific expertise, or would like to share your thought about our stories, then send us your writings at opinion@chinadaily.com.cn, and comment@chinadaily.com.cn.
Music connects the world, while Chinese links us together. Since 2020, the Center for Language Education and Cooperation has launched a brand new project - "Sing & Learn Chinese", which aims to get more people interested in Chinese language and culture. It includes a music video collection campaign, Chinese music culture teaching, performances, and exchange activities.
From August to September this year, the Center for Language Education and Cooperation together with China Daily Website introduced the #singchinese overseas social media creation activity. Participants from nearly 60 countries and regions worldwide shared their stories of singing and learning Chinese. Through posts on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn and VK, they shared nearly 1,000 posts, garnering over 275,000 likes, shares, and comments, with over 5 million views. This initiative has popularized Chinese, allowing more people to experience the unique charm of Chinese songs, language, and culture.
From August 26 to September 4, the "Sing & Learn Chinese - Chengdu Study Camp" was held. Sixteen foreign teenagers from countries such as the United States, Germany, Russia, and Thailand, who love Chinese and music, immersed themselves in an offline experiential learning program combining music and Chinese culture in Chengdu. Concurrently, the Center for Language Education and Cooperation together with China Daily Website launched an overseas social media creation activity to tell Chinese stories and promote Chinese culture, further expanding the impact and outreach of the project.
During the camp, participants visited the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and wrote about their love of giant pandas in Chinese at panda-themed post office. They explored the ancient town of Chongzhou, experienced intangible cultural heritage projects, learned to sing local folk songs, and felt the vibrancy of Chengdu. In Kuanzhai Alley, participants collaborated with the 24 Musicians Orchestra to host a special performance. They also actively shared their experiences on social media platforms, deepening their understanding of Chinese culture and expanding its influence through their posts.
Among them, participants from the United States, Camden Thomas Beckstrand and Victoria Holden, shared how the camp helped them meet friends from different countries and backgrounds. Camden Thomas shared his experience of learning the guzheng, a traditional Chinese instrument, and expressed his admiration for its beautiful sound, while Victoria Holden shared her joy in visiting the Sanxingdui Museum and trying on traditional Chinese clothing, Hanfu, and expressed her happiness in learning about Chengdu's culture, history, and traditions.
Elizaveta Sidneva and ШalKoBa HataIbЯ OлeroBHa are students from the Confucius Institute at the Siberian Federal University in Russia, and they shared their experiences and insights from their trip to Chengdu on the Russian social media platform VK. Through this firsthand experience in China, they gained a deeper understanding of Chinese songs, the language, Chinese cuisine, and social customs. ШalKoBa HataIbЯ OлeroBHa expressed that it was her first time learning that all giant pandas originate from China.
Ashiawo Kingsford from Ghana shared the cultural diversity of the study camp, describing it as a fascinating project that not only allows one to meet new friends but also enhances their Chinese proficiency.
In addition to individual participants' stories, the China Daily WeChat account leveraged video releases to boost the spread of the event. During the event, the China Daily account shared videos like "Primary School Students and Foreign Friends Recite 'Spring Night Rain'" and "Foreign Youths Sing 'Chengdu' in Kuanzhai Alley." These videos garnered interactions and likes from many foreign experts and diplomatic personnel, such as the Mexican diplomat in Sao Paulo, Mr. Jose Alberto Limas Gutierrez, and Harvey Dzodin, a senior researcher at the Center for China and Globalization (CCG), senior advisor at the National Image Communication Research Center of Tsinghua University and former Vice President of ABC Television.
The event also attracted foreign friends and overseas influencers who love listening to and singing Chinese songs. Daniel from Belarus, who has lived in China for many years, not only speaks fluent Chinese but can also rap and create music in Chinese. He shared his experiences and life in China through various original Chinese rap songs like "I'm in China," which garnered over 1.07 million likes on Douyin, Chinese TikTok, receiving praise from numerous netizens. Daniel plans to continue using Chinese music on his social media platforms to help more people understand life and culture in China.
In addition to fast-paced rap, there are also slow-paced Chinese songs. Carly Beth, a singer from the United States who has participated in China's TV programs and concerts, and has over 1 million followers on TikTok, joined the event. She performed and shared Chinese songs, bridging communication between China and the United States.
Beatrice Fanetti, a teacher at the "Rinaldo Franci" Music Academy in Siena, Italy, and an Italian opera singer, shared her performance of the song "I Love You, China," expressing how learning and singing Chinese songs has deepened her emotional connection to learning Chinese and understanding China. Eliaquim Uegile Bravo, a Chinese song enthusiast from Angola, shared a clip of himself singing "Wan Jiang" on TikTok, expressing his love for traditional Chinese musical instruments and his respect for China's profound culture.
In addition to singing, foreign friends also shared how listening to Chinese songs has greatly helped them in learning the language. Artem, a Russian with over 10,000 followers across his social media platforms, recommended his favorite Chinese songs on TikTok. Ishanov Dostonjon from Uzbekistan used his favorite Chinese song as the background music for his travel vlogs.
Aside from social media influencers, Jingcun Wu, a Ph.D. and analytical chemist from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Canada, shared on LinkedIn how significant Chinese songs like "Walking on the country road" and "Love Song of The West Sea" were to him, interpreting the stories and deep emotions within the songs. He also shared how practicing Chinese songs helps maintain his Chinese language proficiency.
Many international Chinese language teachers and volunteer Chinese language teachers actively participated in the event, sharing videos of their students learning and singing Chinese songs in the classroom on overseas social media platforms.
Liu Xianjun, an international Chinese language teacher in Uzbekistan, not only incorporates children's songs into Chinese teaching but also introduces Chinese classics like "Jasmine Flower" to cultivate students' enthusiasm for learning Chinese from a young age. In Russia, international Chinese language teacher Mu Wenping combines Chinese teaching with Chinese rap, satisfying young people's pursuit of individuality and novelty while enhancing their Chinese proficiency.
In addition to using entertaining methods to teach Chinese, Deng Haodong, a teacher at the Confucius Institute at Altai State University, a branch of the Siberian Federal University in Russia, shared his experience of teaching international Chinese through songs on YouTube. Chen Dandan, an international Chinese language teacher in Indonesia, incorporates Chinese songs into tests as a way to encourage students to improve their Chinese proficiency through diverse and multi-channel methods.
Liu Shuo, a Chinese teacher in Russia, demonstrated her innovative Chinese teaching methods on TikTok. She creatively integrates a sense of rhythm and musicality with Chinese vocabulary to make learning Chinese easier, receiving numerous praises from viewers. Netizens on TikTok commented that incorporating music into learning Chinese makes the process simpler.
During the event, the Chengdu Plus Instagram account reported on the study camp, while the Study in China Facebook account reposted high-quality content from the event. The official VK account of the Siberian Federal University also reported on the camp.
"Sing & Learn Chinese" is an innovative project that combines music and language learning, playing a vital role in cultural exchange between China and other countries. This activity has attracted significant attention and support from individuals in the cultural and educational sectors. Both music and language serve as crucial bridges for communicating with one another, and the activity not only showcases the unique charm of the Chinese language but also contributes significantly to building a closer international cultural exchange network.
Yuan Liao (Cecilia), Wang Jian, Pan Shaokang and Wang Yangzi contributed to this story.
My first encounter with Xinjiang was at a family-owned ethnic restaurant in Dongguan, where my student's family took me for lunch over two decades ago. As you can see in this 2019 video, "My Favorite Restaurant," BaoBingYangRou was my initial introduction to the region. All this was before I had ever visited Xinjiang.
Challenging Western Narratives
Over the years, I've encountered numerous Western headlines about Xinjiang. Having lived in China for more than a decade, I found such coverage difficult to believe. In April 2021, I decided to embark on a journey with my wife and a friend to Xinjiang. Our goal was to counter the prevailing narrative by demonstrating that anyone can freely visit and document their experiences. These are the videos I made then.
Since then, I've created over 30 videos about Xinjiang, exploring various aspects of western narratives about the region. During my 2023 five-month RV road trip, I covered over 15,000 kilometers and visited more than 40 locations while posting videos. While I can't say if I've changed anything, it's clear that my content faces censorship on Western social media platforms. Western mainstream media have little interest in my story and the recent allocation of $1.6 billion by the US Senate to vilify China has reignited the same old debunked allegations.
The Limitations of Popular Xinjiang Content
With China's recent relaxation of visa policies, more and more bloggers are visiting Xinjiang. Unfortunately, many of them are constrained by time or budget, leading them to focus on the same three popular destinations: the Grand Bazaar, the ancient city of Kashgar and the food market in Hotan. This is precisely the itinerary I followed on my first trip in 2021.
The "Xinjiang Disney" Myth
Western NGOs have coined the term "Xinjiang Disney," falsely suggesting that tourists are restricted in their exploration of Xinjiang. Unintentionally, popular video creators reinforce this false narrative by repeatedly showcasing the same limited set of locations.
A Call for Responsible Content Creation
While I don't have a solution to this dilemma, I condemn the exploitation of Xinjiang's struggles for clickbait by some bloggers. While they may attract interest in the region, I believe all visitors to Xinjiang share a responsibility of how we portray it, as this can significantly impact the livelihoods of the people we care about.
As for me, I will continue to work to fight disinformation. I have recently created my own website and new social media accounts - mediawithoutmeans.org - to collaborate with journalists from around the world to tell their untold stories. I’m glad to announce that next month, I will participate in an international forum organized by the Centro Social Gomes Gaioso, in Galicia, Spain, where I have been invited to do a presentation and a Q&A session on Xinjiang.
Together we can continue to create the Xinjiang of tomorrow.
The author is a commentator from Colombia.
The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.
If you have a specific expertise, or would like to share your thought about our stories, then send us your writings at opinion@chinadaily.com.cn, and comment@chinadaily.com.cn.
It's been said many times that the Chinese have curious appetites, but perhaps fun is more telling for what was in store for the China Storyteller Partnerships' trip to the Yutangfu seafood restaurant.
Hold off on eating that rice paper menu until the head chef explains the layers of puns and double entendres. The number of flavors in an entree soup is the lucky eight. "Fish" sounds like "surplus".
A dish of angus beef with leeks takes on the name of philosopher Lao Zi's green cow. These were just a few playful examples from a course list of 19 where the "nine" sounds like "longevity".
The real fun began as dishes were set out on a massive rotating platter. The first time around was for pictures, and the second time, people couldn't resist any longer.
The creative and sometimes quirky presentations broke down reservations inlanders had toward seafood. Fried sand worms brought a smile instead of a scowl because they looked like crispy sticks next to a coral reef. And while coconut-flavored pineapple balls are a crowd favorite, why not drop them in a nest overlooked by a bird of carved fruit?
The restaurant's approach is about having a fresh approach in a business where freshness is everything — and what better place than Zhanjiang! Even people from the coastal city of Shenzhen come down for that extra fresh flavor.
Restaurants here have fish boats and fisheries right on their doorstep, so the flavor is always something seafood lovers (and newbies) can smile about.
They're just mud and grass, right? Walked upon as the most basic parts of the earth, free from smelting, refining, and/or synthesizing. They can be found everywhere. Metals, glass, and plastics have replaced most of what we use today, including the few remaining items that are still made from clay however are now produced by machines instead of basic human hands.
The Leizhou Kiln, however, has kept its hand in the medium passed down from generation to generation. Their tea pots showcasing aesthetically pure craftsmanship. Everything that transforms mud into masterpieces remains intrinsic to each artisan who are happy to pass on the skill to others knowing it was passed on to them.
Guests of the China Storyteller Partnerships were invited to try their hand at the potter's wheel, and despite the dense clay which proved harder to mold they were assisted by the potters sitting opposite from them who swooped in to get the wobbling stacks back to its symmetrical spin.
Rhythmic pounding echoes off a large stone wall of the Maodegong Drum City giving its lively streets a proper heartbeat. Among the performance is a shop where flat strips of grass lay on woven mats: green strips taped along one edge to be held vertically and dyed strips to be wefted horizontally.
A piece of paper explains that the purple grass is to be weaved in following a two-above-two-below pattern, but even with the help of a teacher, one finds themselves doubting their own abilities. It's something so simple, but our typing, swiping, and clicking fingers can't make sense of it. The experts rush over to quickly find the problem, and show us how to do it. Congratulations, you've made a bookmark!
On our way out, we pass a woman working on a purse, and were it not for the dyed strips behind her, we would not have known that she was doing the same process that we did… only way better. The stacks of hats, bags, and boxes around her suddenly seemed like treasures once we realized how hard weaving really is.
It's all too tempting to see clay pots and grass sundries as primitive simply because the materials used were readily available to the earliest of civilizations. After encountering it ourselves, its real value becomes apparent — the mastery needed to turn a lump of clay or a pile of grass into something beautiful is what we're really looking at.
We refer to the skills behind this masterpieces as “intangible cultural heritage” and the few who continue the legacy as “inheritors”. But it is those of us who are enriched by these continuations of human history that are the real inheritors of something truly valuable.
The China Storyteller Partnership interview group delved deep into the Leizhou Peninsula, having a perfect "encounter" with the Chinese rare white dolphins.
"I thought we would be lucky if we saw a dolphin in the distance, but the dolphins have come all the way up to us," Danish self-media blogger Julie Odsgaard Laursen expressed great surprise at being able to interact with dolphins up close.
Turkish self-media blogger Neslihan Kilavuz, when talking about China's environmental protection efforts, said that China attaches great importance to nature and has taken practical actions, which deeply moved her.
Douglas Dueno, an American expert from China Daily, invites people from around the world to come to Zhanjiang to see Chinese white dolphins. He said that witnessing and capturing the moment when the white dolphins lept out of the water was a truly unforgettable experience.
The China Storyteller Partnership interview group closely observed the Chinese white dolphins in Leizhou Bay, South China’s Guangdong province, on September 25.
The nearshore waters of the Leizhou Peninsula are scattered with numerous islands and reefs, where the rare Chinese white dolphins thrive and reproduce healthily.
The population of Chinese white dolphins here has become the second largest in the country. There are only over 6,000 Chinese white dolphins in the world, and a thousand of them gather off Leizhou.
The municipal-level nature reserve for the Chinese white dolphins in Leizhou Bay, Zhanjiang, was established on April 26, 2007, with an area of 2,058 hectares.
"It's really great to be here at this plantation, I'm trying to drink more green tea
because it's more healthy," Torbjorn Sassersson, the editor-in-chief of NewsVoice said during his visit to a tea plantation in Zhanjiang, located in South China's Guangdong province. "I'm still addicted somewhat to coffee though, so it's still a fight between coffee and tea in my life, but I think tea is gonna win," he added.
The Chinese tea culture impressed Danish vlogger Julie Odsgaard Laursen a lot. "Tea is something you can share with people very easily," she said during her visit to Zhanjiang, South China's Guangdong province. "The tea here that we had today was very, very good," she added.
