"A Journey to Chengdu: Exploring the 'Travelogue of China'"

By: Ali Ramay
Published: 06:35 AM, 11 Sep, 2023
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On a crisp September 6 morning, the journey began. A flight from Beijing to Chengdu marked the commencement of an exciting adventure with the Asia Pacific Group of Journalists and the MFA Team. The theme of our expedition was aptly titled the "Travelogue of China," a voyage co-hosted by the China Public Diplomacy Association and Global Times Online.

As we landed in Chengdu, the warm embrace of the Chengdu team, led by the gracious hosts from Global Times Online, awaited us. Our anticipation grew as we were ushered to a lavish state guest house where we were treated to a delectable dinner, offering us a taste of the city's culinary delights.

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Unveiling the BRI 5th Video Competition


Thursday morning brought us to the heart of our expedition. We found ourselves attending the BRI 5th Video Competition program, a captivating event that shed light on the remarkable global presence of Chinese companies. This event showcased the Corporation of Chinese companies in various countries, with a particular focus on countries like Pakistan.

The program featured a series of short documentaries that provided insightful glimpses into the operations and impact of these Chinese companies abroad. It was a testament to the Belt and Road Initiative's reach and influence, as we witnessed companies being honored with souvenirs and awards for their outstanding contributions.

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The Enigmatic Ms. Zeng Kexin

Among the many unforgettable aspects of our Chengdu journey, one intriguing highlight was our assistant, Ms. Zeng Kexin, from Global Times Online. Her role in our adventure deserves a dedicated space in this diary.

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Chengdu's Vibrant Charms

As we continued our journey through Chengdu, our trusty assistant, Ms. Zeng Kexin, remained an invaluable companion. However, we received an unexpected group notice informing us of a change in our itinerary. Our next destination awaited, and it was time to check out of the splendid state guest house.

As we left the opulent state guest house behind, we checked into our new hotel. Chengdu had more culinary treasures in store for us. Being a Muslim traveler, I was particularly touched by our host's considerate arrangement of Halal food at the hotel, ensuring that everyone felt welcome and comfortable.

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With our appetites satisfied, we set out to explore the Trunk Market on the bustling Sanse Road. The local community welcomed us with open arms, creating an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie. A highlight of the evening was the mesmerizing performance by an opera face changer, who not only dazzled us with his art but also showcased his culinary skills, whipping up delectable dishes.

The night continued with games and the opportunity to savor more delicious local treats. Global Times Online ensured our experience reached a wider audience by live streaming our adventures on various platforms. It was during this broadcast that we had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Jun Zhuo, who added an extra layer of excitement to our market visit.

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After an evening filled with fun and laughter, we returned to our hotel with a new group notice echoing Ms. Zeng Kexin's ever-punctual reminder: "Be on time, don't be late."

Our next day held the promise of exploring the picturesque Jinping Loah's Greenway and experiencing the beauty of Riverside Park. Cycling along Tianfu Greenway awaited us in the days to come. Stay tuned as we embark on the next leg of our adventure in Chengdu.
Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the enigmatic world of Chengdu and the captivating experiences that unfolded during our "Travelogue of China."

Categories : Opinion

Ali Ramay is a Senior Investigative Reporter associated with Pakistan's City News Network (CNN). He has been associated with the CNN group since 2013 and mainly covers investigative stories in departments under the Punjab Government.