Unveiling Yunnan and Chongqing: A Journey Through Bridges, Blossoms, and Cultural Wonders
In September, I embarked on my third journey to China, this time attending the 2025 Media Cooperation Forum on Belt and Road in the breathtaking Yunnan Province. Known for its rich history spanning over 2,400 years, Yunnan has been a pivotal crossroads of civilizations and a major stop on the Southern Silk Road. The forum was graciously hosted by People’s Daily, which deserves special recognition for its warm hospitality. My previous travels took me to Guangdong and Xinjiang, but Yunnan was a unique experience, raw and enchanting, reminiscent of the Amazon rainforest.
Kunming: Gateway to the Plateau
The first two days of the forum, September 16 and 17, were filled with meetings and events in Kunming, the provincial capital. As the sessions concluded, our real adventure began—a whirlwind of visits, discoveries, and encounters.
Our first stop was Dianchi Lake, often called the “Sparkling Pearl of the Plateau.” Covering 300 square kilometers, it serves as a tranquil escape for city dwellers seeking solace in nature. Standing at its shores, one feels both humbled and rejuvenated.
At the lake, we met Toyama, a young man who had returned to rural Yunnan with his wife after years of success in Paris. Now running a modest bakery in a quiet village, Toyama shared his journey, which felt like a poignant homecoming—a quest for meaning through simplicity.
An Ocean of Flowers
In Kunming, the highlight was undoubtedly the Flower Market and Exchange, the heart of China’s floral trade and the second largest in the world. Each year, the market sells over 14 billion stems, almost two for every person on Earth!
Inside the market, the air was thick with the scent of blossoms, and the vibrant colors were overwhelming. I felt like a butterfly lost in a sea of petals. Young traders worked diligently behind glowing monitors, selling flowers online in real time to clients around the globe. Here, prices fluctuate in seconds through a fast-paced digital auction.
Each flower holds a story—bringing joy to lovers, reconciling friends, celebrating milestones, or providing comfort at a grave, reminding me that like people, flowers carry their own destinies.
Smart Your Future
Transitioning from blossoms to innovation, we visited Changan Automobile, one of China’s leading automotive manufacturers. Their motto, “Smart Your Future,” reflects their commitment to innovation and quality, as they export vehicles to nearly 100 countries.
At the Avatar production line, robotic arms worked tirelessly, assembling vehicles with remarkable precision. Though cameras were not allowed to protect trade secrets, a wall adorned with handwritten notes from workers revealed the human side of this high-tech operation, showcasing their thoughts and aspirations.
Other Significant Visits
Throughout our journey, we explored numerous other fascinating sites, including:
- Chongqing High-tech Zone
- Hydropower Culture Exhibition Hall
- Western Science City
- Chongqing High-Tech Industrial Development Zone
- Yunnan Energy Investment Group
- Liquid Metal Production Area
- Tongquan Wind Farm
- Avatar Smart Digital Factory
- The world’s largest 5G automotive factory
- Xuanwei Museum
- Changan Automotive Global R&D Center
- Tianshu Intelligent Lab
- Shizitan Hydropower Plant
- Fishing village of Nylian
New Friends Around the World
This trip also offered the invaluable opportunity to connect with professional friends from various countries. Journalists from Africa, Europe, and several Asian nations joined us, fostering exchanges, collaborations, and friendships that I will treasure forever.
Chongqing: The City of Rivers
Next, we traveled to Chongqing, a city that never ceases to amaze. With a history that spans 3,000 years, Chongqing is nestled between the Yangtze and Jialing rivers. The city’s skyline is illuminated at night, creating spectacular light shows that attract numerous tourists.
Historically, Chongqing served as China’s wartime capital during World War II, enhancing its significance. Today, like Beijing, Shanghai, and Tianjin, it is directly governed by the central government, a testament to its strategic importance.
In Chongqing, modern skyscrapers rise alongside ancient alleys, showcasing the city’s contrasts. The bustling inland port serves as a vital hub for the Belt and Road Initiative. One unique attraction is the Liziba Monorail Station, where trains pass directly through a residential building, a surreal sight that has made it famous worldwide.
Persian Poetry with Chinese Flavor
Beyond the grand landmarks, what struck me most was the rhythm of everyday life. Each evening, despite my exhaustion from the day’s activities, I ventured out to explore the lively street markets. Groups gathered over steaming dishes, their laughter echoing through the streets.
In Xuanwei, I stumbled upon a wedding, where the groom warmly invited me to join their photos. To my surprise, some of their customs mirrored those in Iran, highlighting our shared cultural heritage.
In Kunming, a friend introduced me to a small halal eatery owned by an elderly man named Ibrahim, who spoke a bit of Persian and Arabic. He recited verses from Saadi’s Gulistan and Bustan, and even Rumi’s Masnavi. Over bowls of steaming noodles, the essence of Persian poetry blended seamlessly with the warmth of Chinese hospitality.
Human Connections at the Heart of the Belt and Road
On September 25, my fellow Iranians and I boarded a flight from Ürümqi back to Tehran, carrying a treasure trove of memories. I realized that China is a land of endless surprises.
As our plane soared over the snow-capped mountains of Xinjiang, I reflected on the Belt and Road Initiative. While its visible aspects may focus on economic and developmental goals, its true foundation lies in the human and cultural connections between nations. In this mission, the media plays a crucial role—not merely as a conduit of information but as a thread weaving together people and societies.
This journey transcended a simple visit to China; it was a poignant reminder that behind every city, enterprise, and initiative lies the essence of humanity: our shared stories, traditions, and dreams.
