Discovering Guangxi

Delegates attending the "Opportunities in China: Magnificent Guangxi — Guangxi in the Eyes of International Media 2024" event visit the Qinzhou automated container terminal at Beibu Gulf Port in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region on Oct 26. [Photo provided to China Daily]

"When one thinks of Guangxi, Guilin typically springs to mind. However, this time, we are exploring a broader array of cities — some lesser-known yet equally captivating," said Gloria Tsang, a Gen Zer from the United States.

Tsang took part in the "Opportunities in China: Magnificent Guangxi — Guangxi in the Eyes of International Media 2024" event, held from Oct 26 to 30, co-hosted by the Publicity Department of the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region and China Daily.

This event gathered Gen Z delegates from seven countries — the US, Russia, Italy, Denmark, Mongolia, Pakistan, and Vietnam — alongside journalists and editors from six international media outlets.

As Li Pan, deputy director of the Publicity Department of the CPC Guangxi Committee, introduced at the event's opening ceremony, these young global participants and media professionals would embark on an immersive journey to Guangxi's cities of Qinzhou, Beihai, and Fangchenggang.

"A dynamic representation of modernization with Chinese characteristics in Guangxi will be brought to life through your words and lenses, allowing friends both at home and abroad to appreciate a China that is credible, appealing, and respectable," he said.

Wang Hao, China Daily's deputy editor-in-chief, underscored the pivotal role young people play in global communication.

"Dear young friends, we aspire for you to serve as ambassadors of Guangxi's stories, contributors to the revitalization of the Asia-Pacific region, and pioneers of human advancement," he said at the opening ceremony.

Tsang was impressed by Guangxi's unique cultural heritage. At the Maritime Silk Road Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience Hall in Hepu, Beihai, she was captivated by a traditional horn carving masterpiece titled Ode to Spring, marveling at its intricate depiction of a shrimp within waves, symbolizing nature's anticipation of warmer days.

"As a coastal area, Guangxi's traditional art often revolves around sea animals and maritime themes. It's unique," she said. "The way they've polished that horn — it's almost like glass. How amazing."

The ocean not only enriches Guangxi with abundant tourism resources but also contributes to its economic growth. The region is strategically establishing industrial parks near its borders and ports while developing a robust transportation network that connects waterways, ports, railways, and air travel.

The Beibu Gulf International Cruise Homeport in Beihai is a prime example of this vision in action. It has gradually launched domestic and international cruise routes, including one from Beihai to Halong Bay in Vietnam.

Tran Phuong Linh, a college student from Vietnam, expressed excitement about the cruise route. "Halong Bay is a famous tourist attraction in Vietnam, and now it can be conveniently reached from Guangxi," she said. "Tourism activities can also promote trade between the two countries. I hope this port can become a cornerstone for more economic exchanges between China and Vietnam in the future."

In fact, Guangxi's external exchanges date back thousands of years. As early as the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220), Hepu served as the starting port for the Maritime Silk Road.

At the Hepu Maritime Silk Road Cultural Relics Exhibition in the Hepu Han Dynasty Culture Museum, Raja Saadatullah Khan from Pakistan recognized his homeland on an ancient map. He hadn't expected that Pakistan had established contact and trade with China so long ago, with it all beginning right beneath his feet.

Guangxi's growing international presence also left a strong impression on Zhao Jingnan, deputy chief editor of Sing Sian Daily Newspaper in Thailand.

Zhao was surprised by a local tour guide's fluency in multiple languages, including Chinese, Cantonese, English, and Vietnamese. "This ensures a seamless experience for international visitors, highlighting Guangxi's role as an emerging global hub that welcomes people from all over the world, fostering cultural exchange and international cooperation," she said.

While advancing in modernization and development, Guangxi has also placed great emphasis on environmental protection.

When visiting the Qingnian Water Control Project on the Pinglu Canal in Qinzhou, Rajendra Prasad Rimal, a journalist from Nepal's Jana Aastha News, was deeply moved by Guangxi's efforts to carry out such a major construction project while preserving the local ecosystem.

The project includes animal passageways and fish ladders, ensuring the safe migration of local wildlife.

Romantsova Kseniia, a young woman from Russia, chose the Beihai Golden Gulf Mangrove Ecological Tourism Area as her favorite place in Guangxi. Covering over 3,000 acres (1,214.57 hectares), this area is home to an extensive mangrove ecosystem, known for its resilience against strong winds and waves, earning it the titles of "sea forest" and "coastal guardians".

Learning that these rare plants are now under national key protection, Kseniia felt reassured and delighted. "I believe that environmental protection is the most important issue of this era. The whole world should find ways to address it. Guangxi is doing a great job," she said.

From the ecosystem to its infrastructure and cultural heritage, visitors from around the world are gaining a multifaceted perspective on Guangxi's evolving story in modern times.

"Everything here gives me amazing feelings. Guangxi is a great example of how people can care about everything and shows the hard work of the Chinese government and Chinese people," said Marina Dinaeva from Russia, one of the young participants.