As part of continued efforts to increase cultural understanding between China and other countries, four international experts embarked on an exploration of Chongqing Municipality and Sichuan Province from May 24 to 27. Dubbed the "Understanding China" tour, the program was organized by China International Communications Group (CICG) for the judges of the second Orchid Awards, whose shortlist of 30 nominees was announced on May 22.

The Orchid Awards are presented to foreign nationals or organizations that have been committed to the promotion of Chinese culture, and have made important contributions to promoting exchange and mutual learning among civilizations. Established by CICG, the awards aim to implement the Global Civilizations Initiative; promote the common values of humanity of peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy and freedom; consolidate the cultural foundation for building a global community of shared future; and facilitate exchange and mutual learning among civilizations.

These four experts, who are among this year's judges, are Nakano Satoshi, Senior Director of the Japan-China Cultural Exchange Association, Rosalind Oliver, founder and Director of Double Dragon Alliance Cultural Centre in Shanghai, Elsawy Elsawy Ahmed, Coordinator for China Relations and Advisor on China-Egypt Relations at Benha University in Egypt, and Mexican archaeologist and cultural heritage preservation expert Luis Rogelio Rivero Chong.

Open innovation 

Chongqing, a city long renowned for its landscape of mountains and rivers, has continuously redefined the concept of "China speed" in the fields of economy and technology, leading the way in western China's development.

The event's first stop was the ChangAn Automobile Global Research and Development Center in Chongqing's Yuzui Town, Jiangbei District on May 24. ChangAn Automobile sold 536,000 vehicles overseas in 2024, accounting for 20 percent of its total sales. Its vehicles are sold in nearly 100 countries and regions, making it a vivid example of "Made in China" not only going hi-tech but also going global.

International experts of the second Orchid Awards visit ChangAn Automobile Global Research and Development Center in Chongqing Municipality on May 24(COURTESY PHOTO)  

"Chinese automobiles, especially new energy vehicles (NEVs), have developed rapidly in recent years. China's electric vehicles are exported overseas and are very competitive in the international market," Satoshi told Beijing Review after the visit. NEVs are automobiles that are fully or predominantly powered by electric energy, including plugin vehicles, battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and fuel-cell electric vehicles.

How has China's new energy industry developed so rapidly? Xing Ying, an employee at the Corporate Culture Center of ChangAn Automobile, explained to Beijing Review the advantages of China's new energy industry: First, China boasts the world's largest NEV market, leading global production and sales for 10 consecutive years. In 2024, its annual NEV production and sales both surpassed 10 million units for the first time. Booming consumer demand has prompted Chinese car companies to continuously launch new products and technologies, driving the global development of the automotive industry. Second, China has its own complete new energy industry chain and supply chain, with over 1 million enterprises in up- and downstream sectors in total. Third, through independent innovation, China has transitioned from a technology follower to a global leader in areas like power batteries and intelligent driving systems.

After learning about ChangAn Automobile's efforts in improving global transport experiences, on the same day, the four experts also visited the Inland International Logistics Hub Exhibition Center and Chongqing Container Central Station, two places demonstrating the firm steps western China is taking to expand its openness and accelerate its integration with the world.

As the first city to launch China-Europe freight trains, Chongqing has long been a crucial hub of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Since its launch in 2011, the China-Europe Railway Express (Chongqing) has connected nearly 40 countries in Eurasia, running over 15,000 trips, with the total value of transported goods to date surpassing 500 billion yuan ($69.5 billion).

The BRI was proposed by China in 2013 to boost connectivity along and beyond the ancient Silk Road routes and, according to Oliver, is injecting new vitality into the world economy. With trade being the major driver of global economic recovery today, the role of the BRI is more important than ever, she told Beijing Review.

"Egypt is planning to develop land transportation infrastructure, and China will be an indispensable partner, just like the China-Egypt Belt and Road flagship project—the new administrative capital CBD (Central Business District) of Egypt, is a typical example of China's advanced technologies, equipment and experience," Ahmed added.

May 24 was the day for Chongqing's weekly drone light show performance. The city prepared a surprise to welcome the Orchid Awards judges, with the awards' logo lighting up the night sky during the show.

The Orchid Awards logo, featured in Chongqing's drone light show on May 24 in Chongqing Municipality (COURTESY PHOTO)  

Cultural fusion 

After Chongqing, the four experts arrived in Chengdu City, capital of Sichuan, on May 25. On that day, the Eastern Suburb Memory cultural park in the city buzzed with activity. Once part of the state-owned Hongguang Electron Tube Factory, this area has been transformed into a creative hub, blending industrial heritage with contemporary culture. Visitors, including local young people and families, enjoy music festivals, art exhibitions, markets and workshops, all embodying Chengdu's unique urban lifestyle.

On their visit to the park, the judges immersed themselves in this lively atmosphere. "This is my first time in Chengdu. Walking through the streets, I feel relaxed. The city's inclusive and open character reminds me of my hometown—Cairo. I think Chengdu and Cairo share many similarities—both are cities where history and modernity coexist harmoniously," Ahmed said.

Sichuan's rich history strikes a contrast with its modern vitality. On May 26, the delegation visited the Sanxingdui Museum in Guanghan City of Sichuan. The museum showcases over 1,500 artifacts, including the Bronze Divine Tree, the grand Bronze Longe Standing Figure, and gold masks, captivating visitors from around the world.

Dating back 2,900 to 4,500 years, the Sanxingdui site reveals the splendor of the ancient Shu civilization. These archaeological findings provide strong evidence of the diversity and unity of Chinese civilization and the interactions between ancient Shu and Central Plains cultures. The Central Plains, located in the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River, is credited as a cradle of Chinese civilization.

International experts of the second Orchid Awards visit Sanxingdui Museum in Guanghan City, Sichuan Province on May 26 (COURTESY PHOTO)  

The masks are particularly favored by international visitors. Ahmed noted, "The gold masks at Sanxingdui remind me of Egypt's Tutankhamun mask. Both China and Egypt, as ancient civilizations, have produced brilliant cultural achievements over millennia."

Mexican archaeologist Rivero Chong told Beijing Review, "This is a magnificent museum, both in scale and significance. The artifacts are outstanding. I look forward to further research to deepen my understanding of this great and mysterious land."

Chongqing and Sichuan are important windows to observe Chinese modernization and civilization. What the judges experienced there is a reflection of China's openness and inclusiveness. "I think it's a wonderful trip. We have seen so much artistry, history, culture; and made new friends. It's been a really diverse and deep kind of experience for learning about civilizations and connections," Oliver concluded.

Copyedited by G.P. Wilson 

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