A delegation of African journalists who had just finished covering a major event on China-Africa cooperation in Beijing traveled to southwest China's Chongqing Municipality to enjoy the charm of the mountainous city.
The three-day 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) concluded in the Chinese capital on Friday. Some African journalists took advantage of being in China to learn more about the country.
At Liziba Station, one of Chongqing's must-visit spots, these journalists were amazed by a surreal scene that light rail trains run through a residential building.
Thousands of people visit the site every day, not for the public transportation, but to take pictures of the railway line through a 19-story building.
The journalists were curious about the story behind the rail line, such as how does the government reduce the noise and maintain the railway without disturbing residents, and how much was invested to build the station.
"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," said Fortune Egbeji Abang, a Nigerian journalist.
The delegation was also invited to a local teahouse for a rest since it was scorching hot in Chongqing.
The traditional long-spout teapot pouring performance and the Sichuan Opera's face-changing techniques clearly left a deep impression on these African guests.
"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 because as you can see we are here, so many people from African countries just to explore and see and experience about Chinese culture. And I think, because we, as African people, we have our own culture. And I think we are sharing now," said Abubakar Harithi Bakar, a Tanzanian journalist.
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 say, they want to promote more cultural exchanges and understanding between China and Africa.