My journey through China’s culture, innovation, charm

Last month, I embarked on a thrilling journey to China as part of a delegation of 40 professionals, top government functionaries and diplomats. We were invited by the Chinese government to participate in a seminar titled, “Experience of China’s Development in Principles of Extensive Consultation, Joint Contribution and Shared Benefits.” The programme ran from July […]

Last month, I embarked on a thrilling journey to China as part of a delegation of 40 professionals, top government functionaries and diplomats.

We were invited by the Chinese government to participate in a seminar titled, “Experience of China’s Development in Principles of Extensive Consultation, Joint Contribution and Shared Benefits.”

The programme ran from July 11 to 24, spanning four provinces and offering a deep dive into China’s development strategies – with the hope of replicating some of their successes back home.

The seminar was more than a formal exchange of ideas – it was a cultural immersion, a technological revelation and a personal adventure. From ancient walls to bullet trains, language barriers to shopping sprees, every moment was a lesson in contrast, resilience and innovation.

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Departure delays and unexpected encounters

Our departure from Abuja was delayed by two days due to ticketing issues, but we finally took off on July 11 via Ethiopian Airlines. Living along the airport road made my trip to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport smooth. Despite battling malaria, I was determined to make the most of the journey.

I arrived at the airport at 9:30am, well ahead of my 1:25pm flight. The terminal was chaotic as usual but familiar to a regular traveller like me. After checking in my modest luggage and completing all formalities, I settled in to wait for boarding.

A quick trip to the restroom led to a heartwarming reunion with my former editor at Daily Trust, Mallam Habib Pindiga. We hadn’t seen each other in nearly a decade, and his familiar smile and candid charm were unchanged. He asked, “Joshua, where are you going this time? I’ve been seeing your posts from all over the world.”

I smiled and promised to tell him after using the restroom, but unfortunately, I couldn’t find him again in the now-crowded terminal.

Before boarding, I remembered to install two VPN apps – essential for accessing platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, which are restricted in China. It was a small but necessary step to stay connected.

 

In the air: Conversations and connections

Onboard, I found myself seated between two fascinating individuals. To my left, a journalist with a newspaper-branded cap sparked a lively discussion on the media, politics and China. To my right, a master’s student returning to the United Kingdom (UK) after Nigeria’s call to the bar ceremony shared her academic journey. These conversations made the six-hour flight to Addis Ababa feel like a breeze.

After a five-hour layover, we boarded the 10.5-hour flight to Beijing – the longest I have ever taken. I passed the time watching movies before drifting off to sleep. The anticipation of arriving in China kept my spirits high despite the fatigue.

 

Beijing: A city of contrasts

We landed in Beijing at 5:20pm, local time. From the sky, the city looked like a futuristic dream – mesmerising skyscrapers, impeccable landscaping and architectural brilliance.

Beijing is a city where ancient traditions and modern advancements coexist. At its heart lies the Forbidden City, once home to emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Surrounding it are temples, gardens and historic hutongs – narrow alleyways that preserve the city’s traditional charm.

Beyond its historical core, Beijing pulses with contemporary energy. It is a hub for politics, finance and culture, with a vast subway system and world-class infrastructure. From the serene Temple of Heaven to bustling shopping districts, Beijing is a city of striking contrasts.

The seminar began in earnest with presentations, site visits and discussions on China’s development model. We explored urban planning, infrastructure, agriculture and digital innovation. Each province we visited offered a unique perspective on how China has transformed itself into a global powerhouse.

 

The Great Wall

No trip to Beijing is complete without visiting the Great Wall of China. The day after our arrival, we set out from the Fenghui Hotel at 14:00 hours for the historic site – over an hour drive away.

The Great Wall is not a single structure but a vast network of fortifications built over two millennia. Initiated as early as the 7th century BC, it was unified under Qin Shi Huang in the 3rd century BC, with the most iconic sections built during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644).

Built by soldiers, peasants and convicts, the materials varied by region – stone in mountains, rammed earth in plains and even sticky rice as mortar during the Ming era. The wall often follows natural contours, using rivers and ridges as part of its defence.

I climbed as high as I could, but my body couldn’t match my spirit. Still, the view from the top was magnificent. At the base, charming shops offered souvenirs and cold drinks – a perfect end to the climb.

The Great Wall is more than a military relic – it is a symbol of China’s enduring strength and ingenuity. 

 

Speed trains: China’s high-speed marvel

On July 19, I travelled from Zhengzhou to Beijing aboard one of China’s famed high-speed trains. Known as Gaotie, China’s high-speed rail (HSR) network is the largest and most-used in the world, spanning over 40,000 kilometres as at late 2022, according to available data.

Operating at speeds between 250 and 350 km/h, these “bullet trains” have revolutionised travel. The Fuxing series, developed with fully independent intellectual property, sets global benchmarks in speed, safety and energy efficiency.

China also boasts of the Shanghai Maglev, the fastest commercial train in the world, reaching 431 km/h using magnetic levitation technology.

According to our liaison, Marco Wang, the HSR network has enhanced regional integration, reduced travel times and opened up new economic opportunities, especially in previously underdeveloped areas.

The train ride was smooth, quiet and incredibly efficient. It felt like stepping into the future – one where distance is no longer a barrier to connection.

 

‘Ni Hao’: Language and connection

One of the first things that struck me upon arriving in China was the language barrier. Unlike many global destinations where English serves as a common bridge, Mandarin Chinese dominates daily life in China, and most locals don’t speak English. This made even simple interactions like ordering food or asking for direction surprisingly challenging.

But where language falters, technology steps in. I was impressed by how seamlessly many Chinese people have adapted to this communication gap. Those who regularly interact with foreigners – hotel staff, tour guides, shopkeepers – often rely on real-time translation apps installed on their smart-phones. These apps are intuitive and surprisingly effective.

Here’s how it works: You speak into the app in your native language. The app instantly translates your words into Mandarin, both in text and audio. The Chinese speaker responds in Mandarin, and the app translates their reply back into your language.

It is like having a pocket interpreter – one that never sleeps and doesn’t charge a fee. This technological workaround made navigating China far easier than I had anticipated, and it is a testament to the country’s embrace of digital solutions in everyday life.

Still, I didn’t want to rely solely on technology. I saw the language barrier not just as an obstacle but as an invitation to grow. So, I challenged myself: learn as much Mandarin as I could before leaving China.

Mandarin Chinese is a tonal language with a complex writing system, but I was determined to grasp at least the basics. By the end of my trip, I had proudly mastered three essential expressions – small victories that felt like major milestones.

The first phrase I learned was “Ni hao,” the standard greeting in Mandarin. Literally translated, it means “you good,” but it functions just like “hello” in English. It is polite, versatile and appropriate in almost any social setting – from meeting someone for the first time to greeting a shopkeeper.

While “Ni hao” is widely used, it leans slightly formal. In casual conversations, Chinese speakers might opt for time-specific greetings like Zao ān” – Good morning, Wǔ ān  – Good afternoon and “Wan ān” – Good evening.

Still, “Ni hao,” served me well throughout my trip. Saying it – even with my Nigerian accent – often earned me a smile and nod of appreciation.

The second phrase I picked up was “Xièxiè”, which means “thank you.” It is one of the most important expressions in any language, and in Mandarin, it is pronounced with a falling-rising tone that gives it a gentle rhythm: “shyeah-shyeah.”

Whether I was receiving change from a cashier, accepting a gift or simply acknowledging someone’s help, “Xièxiè” became my go-to phrase.

Using “Xièxiè” not only showed gratitude but also signaled respect for the culture. Locals appreciated the effort, and it often sparked friendly interactions.

The final phrase I learned was “Bù kè qì”, which translates to “you are welcome.” But its literal meaning is even more revealing:“Bù” means “no” or “not”, and“Kè qì” means “polite” or “formality”.

So, together, “Bù kè qì” means “no need to be polite” – a humble and gracious way to accept thanks. It reflects a cultural emphasis on modesty and mutual respect.

I found this phrase particularly useful in conversations with hotel staff and seminar hosts. Saying “Bù kè qì” after someone said “Xièxiè” felt like completing a cultural handshake.

Learning these three expressions:“Ni hao,” “Xièxiè,” and “Bù kè qì” may seem like a small achievement, but for me, it was deeply meaningful. It allowed me to connect more authentically with the people around me and showed that I was not just a visitor, but a willing participant in their world.

 

German engineering, Chinese roads

China may be the undisputed leader in the global electric vehicle (EV) revolution – with homegrown giants like BYD, NIO and XPeng pushing boundaries – but there’s another automotive story unfolding on its highways and city streets: the enduring Chinese love for German vehicles.

Despite BYD recently surpassing Tesla in global EV sales; and despite the government’s aggressive push toward electrification, the dominance of German brands on Chinese roads is unmistakable. Whether in bustling metropolises or quieter provincial towns, BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen are everywhere. One in five cars sold in China is German, and one in three vehicles produced by VW, BMW and Daimler ends up in the Chinese market – a staggering testament to their popularity.

This affinity is not just about aesthetics or performance, it is deeply rooted in history and strategic foresight. Volkswagen was one of the first foreign automakers to enter the Chinese market, launching operations in 1984 with the Santana model. The car quickly became a household name, widely adopted by taxi fleets and government agencies. Its reliability and affordability helped establish a foundation of trust that German brands have built upon ever since.

Over the decades, German automakers have forged strong local partnerships, invested in joint ventures and set up manufacturing bases across China. These moves gave them a head start over other foreign competitors, allowing them to adapt to local tastes while maintaining their signature engineering standards.

In China, cars are more than just a mode of transport, they are a statement. German brands, especially BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi are seen as symbols of success, sophistication and social status. Among these, Audi holds a special place: it is the preferred brand of senior government officials, often used for official transport and diplomatic events. This association with power and prestige has cemented Audi’s image as a premium, respectable choice.

For many Chinese consumers, owning a German car is aspirational. It reflects upward mobility, professional achievement and refined taste. The sleek designs, luxurious interiors and brand cachet make them highly desirable, even when local EVs offer comparable tech at lower prices.

Beyond prestige, perceived quality and safety play a crucial role in consumer preference. German cars are renowned for their robust build, strong body structures and reliable engineering. In a country where road safety and long distance travel are major concerns, these attributes matter.

During my conversations with locals, several pointed out that German models tend to offer more interior space – a feature that resonates with Chinese families, who often travel together, and business users who value comfort and functionality. Whether it is the roomy backseat of a Passat or the executive feel of an Audi A6, space is a selling point.

Interestingly, German automakers are not ignoring the EV wave – they are actively investing in electric models tailored for the Chinese market. Brands like BMW iX, Audi e-tron, and Mercedes EQ series are gaining traction, blending German engineering with sustainable innovation.

Still, the emotional and cultural connection to traditional German vehicles remains strong. It is a relationship built on decades of trust, reinforced by quality, and elevated by status. In a country racing toward the future, the past still holds the wheel.

 

Bargains over brands

Shopping in China was a delight. The variety is endless, and if you are on a budget, it is a dream destination.

My advice? Forget brand names. You can find high-quality clothing, shoes and accessories from lesser-known brands at a fraction of the cost. The craftsmanship is often excellent and the value is unbeatable.

Another perk? Negotiation is part of the culture. Unlike in the West, where prices are fixed in China, you can haggle. A product tagged at 500 yuan might be yours at 150 yuan if you bargain well.

Shopping in China is not just a transaction, it is an experience. It is about knowing the market, reading the seller and striking a deal that leaves both parties smiling.

My journey through China was more than a seminar – it was a window into a civilisation that balances tradition and innovation with remarkable grace. From the ancient stones of the Great Wall to the sleek speed of bullet trains, from language barriers to cultural bridges, every moment was a revelation.

China is a country that honours its past while racing towards the future. Its cities are alive with ambition, its people resilient and resourceful, and its systems – though complex – are built on a foundation of shared purpose.

For me, it was a privilege to witness that journey firsthand. And as I boarded my flight back to Abuja, I carried with me not just souvenirs but stories, memories and lessons.