–a place of wonders and great innovation

By Trina Williams in China
THE most rewarding journeys frequently necessitate venturing beyond one’s comfort zone, and as a Guyanese living in China, this is my daily reality.
Almost three months ago, I arrived in China with only the impressions of what I previously read in news outlets.

However, within such a short span of time, I have seen countless sights that still have me in awe and took hundreds of pictures of unique landscapes and architecture, which seem nearly unreal.
Earlier this month, I visited Shanghai and honestly, the city has stolen my heart with its modernness, vibrancy, and diversity. So let’s talk about it.
On November 2nd, I departed from the Beijing Capital International Airport, which was bustling with people who were trying to board different flights.

At last, after finding my way through the crowd and checking in, I boarded my flight. After two hours, I arrived at the Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport.
I never doubted that Shanghai would be lovely, but witnessing the breathtaking blend of tradition and modernism, and the stunning skyscrapers that touch the clouds, is an unforgettable experience.
During my trip, I visited a plethora of tourist spots and historic sites, but sadly, it will take, as we Guyanese say, ‘donkey years,’ to share all of my experiences.
So, I’ll highlight what sites stood out to me the most in the city that redefines modernisation.

Firstly, I must say that Shanghai’s nightlife invigorates a spark within you that you never knew you had, as the streets come alive with the neon glow from signs which reflect off sleek, glass buildings.
The streets are abuzz with the constant hum of chatter and laughter, along with a kaleidoscope of lights and music. Shanghai at night was the perfect combination of integrating tradition with modernisation.
With every corner telling a story of innovation and ambition, I indulged in both traditional cultural practices and present-day ones.

On my first night in the city that never stops evolving, I tasted traditional beverages and foods while conversing with the locals, who might I add, made me feel at home with their hospitality.
As the night progressed, the air continued to carry the delightful aroma of street foods and aromatic traditional teas.

Despite walking for hours, my feet only reminded me of the distance later on, when it was time to sleep.

The following day, I went to see the Bund, one of Shanghai’s many cultural sites.

The Bund, also known as Waitan, is a prominent waterfront area in central Shanghai, renowned for its historical significance and stunning architecture, stretching approximately 1.5 kilometres along the western bank of the Huangpu River. It serves as a symbol of Shanghai’s rich colonial past and modern transformation.

Although it is currently Autumn in China, the weather in Shanghai reminded me of home, as the sun was casting its golden glow everywhere.
The weather was ideal as it gave me the perfect opportunity to appreciate the architectural beauty of the Bund’s historic buildings.
However, can you truly understand the development of a city and the country, overall, without visiting a museum?

China’s journey to modernisation emulates strength and resilience and it demonstrates how a nation can attain economic growth while prioritising social equity and environmental sustainability while contributing to global prosperity through shared cooperation with other nations.

And what better way to understand how the country got to where it is today than to visit the Site of the First Communist Party of China (CPC) National Congress?
As soon as you enter the national first-class museum, it is as if history comes alive as the exhibition halls accurately reflect the birth of the party.
As I walked through the halls, the air completely shifted, and I felt as if I was suspended in history.

The Site of the First CPC National Congress is a typical Shikumen-style building of Shanghai. It was constructed in the autumn of 1920. On July 23, 1921, the First National Congress of the CPC was held at this location. During the congress, the CPC adopted its first manifesto and resolution, elected the central leadership, and declared the founding of the CPC. In September 1952, the site was restored, and a memorial hall was established and opened to the public. In March 1961, the State Council designated the site as a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level.

NEW HORIZONS
While I did enjoy the cultural and historic sites, the talk of the city was the China International Import Expo (CIIE), which I had the privilege of attending.
CIIE is a significant step China has taken to open its market to the world on its own initiative and to support high-level opening up in the new era.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang, during the seventh CIIE opening ceremony and the Shanghai Hongqiao International Economic Forum, had made the commitment to expand opening up and turn China’s massive market into a worldwide opportunity.
Also, foreign leaders and heads of international organisations said in their statements during the ceremony that the CIIE has developed into a significant global forum for advancing investment and trade as well as collaboration.
They reaffirmed their faith in the Chinese economy and its future, and they indicated their readiness to work with China to further cooperation in the Belt and Road initiative as well as in areas like the economy, trade, connectivity, and green development. They also pledged to uphold free trade and advance global equality, progress, and sustainable development.

Additionally, after the opening ceremony, I visited the exhibition halls, which, might I add, took me hours to cover only a few exhibits because of how massive the expo was. And this was a clear demonstration of China’s firm stance in opening up its enormous market further.
And while I visited countless countries’ booths from different continents, I must admit I loved visiting my fellow Caribbean brothers and sisters’ own such as Trinidad and Tobago where I got to listen to music that took me back home and observed products, which spelled Caribbean to the bone.

FASTEST COMERCIAL TRAIN IN THE WORLD?
Yes, you read that right. The Shanghai Maglev Train, also known as the Shanghai Transrapid, holds the title of the fastest commercially operating train in the world.
And I got to travel on it when I was returning to Beijing.
As I moved toward the platform, the efficiency of the station was as clear as day. Spacious, comfortable, modern and efficient. Those words perfectly sum up my experience on the train.