A multifaceted journey: discovering the modern pulse of China

Editor’s note:

China has experienced spectacular growth economically, socially, and in many other ways over the years. International students residing here have some amazing stories to tell. Today, let’s delve into the story of our British student, Tudor Finneran, and his social practice trip to Shaanxi Province!

From Beijing to Xi'an: A Window to the Future

The journey from Beijing West Railway Station to Xi'an via high-speed train became a window to the changing landscapes of China, both literal and metaphorical.

Xi'an revealed itself as a crucible of China's future aspirations. The group's itinerary, encompassing the Xi'an International Port Area and the Future Industry City, unfolded narratives of strategic urban interconnectedness and communal innovations, such as the dining facilities for city workers. Both showed absolute promise for the future of trade via the new Silk Road,which begins in Xi’an and heads West via rail. Across China, the authorities are building cities to then source investors and sponsors who will invest and profit from the developments several years later.

The scale is unfathomable and shows a distinct Chinese characteristic of planning and preparing for the next few generations. The area we walked through is used for large events but is largely empty now, with the goal of the area slowly filling with residents over the next one hundred years. Every aspect of this brand-new metropolis, from infrastructure to city planning is marvelous. We stopped at the football stadium, leisure districts, and even lovely apartment buildings. The air was clear, the sun high in a blue sky and it felt like a fascinating place to live.  

Yan'an: Echoes of the Past, Visions of Tomorrow

Upon arriving in Yan'an as part of the itinerary, the Soviet-inspired architecture and memorial halls stood as testaments to history, while the Future Agricultural Demonstration Park showcased the forward thrust of China's agrarian reforms. Here, the resurgence of the Communist spirit intertwined with the practicalities of intergenerational planning.

Delving deeper into Yan'an's historical gravitas, participants explored sites that were both shrines to the past and beacons for the future, gaining insights into China's evolving governance and economic paradigms. The Nangou Village and Nangou Ecological Agricultural Demonstration Park is a new development showcasing the future of localized development deep in China. It bore several resemblances to the future city of Xi’an with bold architecture built around a primary business. In this case, it was the apple and grape farms stretching off into the horizon. We wrapped up the tour with a meeting with the Party branch of Nangou Village.

Reflections and Realizations

The journey culminated in reflections on the palpable revival of communist ethos, particularly amongst the youth, reinforcing the sense of China's commitment to a unified and long-term national vision.

The "Explore Modernization with Chinese Characteristics" program, inspired by Edgar Snow's historic 1937 journey, granted participants a rare glimpse into the inner workings of China's strategic planning. The interplay of history and modernization observed across Beijing, Xi'an, and Yan'an provided a profound understanding of China's unique trajectory toward a future where the past informs the present, and the present is already reaching for the future.

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My China Story | A multifaceted journey: discovering the modern pulse of China

Writer: Tudor Finneran

Editors: Gillian Tang, Liu Shutian

Designer: Liu Zhengyu

Reviewers: Chen Ken, Lin Yuan