By Michael Onjewu, Abuja
When I boarded my flight to Beijing in August 2025, I knew I was headed for something special, but I had no idea just how transformative the next two weeks would be. What began as an academic seminar on the digital economy quickly unfolded into an unforgettable adventure, filled with history, culture, technology, and, most importantly, people who opened their hearts to us.
Learning in the Heart of Beijing
Our journey began in Beijing, China’s pulsating capital and the political and cultural heart of the nation. It was here that the seminar on digital economy officially opened, setting the tone for the two weeks that would follow. The city itself felt like an extension of the classroom, a place where ancient traditions and modern innovation coexist seamlessly, reminding us at every turn that China’s progress is deeply rooted in both heritage and forward thinking.
The seminar sessions in Beijing were intense but inspiring. Delivered by some of China’s most respected scholars and policy experts, the lectures dove deep into the country’s digital transformation. We explored President Xi Jinping’s vision of building “a community with a shared future in cyberspace,” discussed the governance of generative AI, and examined the legal and ethical frameworks that underpin China’s digital ecosystem. What impressed me most was not only the scale of China’s digital economy but also the clarity of its long-term strategy; how each policy, from data regulation to AI innovation, fits into a broader national vision.
The classroom was only one dimension of the learning experience. The discussions with delegates from across Africa (Nigeria, The Gambia, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, and Egypt) added another rich layer. We compared notes on the challenges of connectivity, digital literacy, and policy frameworks back home. It became clear that while our contexts differ, the struggle to balance opportunity with regulation is universal. Beijing, with its mix of tradition and technology, provided the perfect backdrop for such conversations.
Walking Through History
But the magic of Beijing wasn’t only in the lecture halls. One morning, stepping through the towering red gates of the Forbidden City, I felt as though I had crossed into another world. The vast courtyards stretched endlessly, each flanked by ancient wooden halls adorned with golden rooftops that seemed to shimmer in the sunlight. Every stone pathway, every intricately carved dragon motif whispered stories of emperors who once ruled with divine authority. It was more than architecture; it was a living proof of centuries of power, artistry, and philosophy.
Later, we journeyed to the Great Wall of China, a moment I had long dreamt of. Standing at the foot of its serpentine form, snaking over rugged mountains and disappearing into the mist, I felt both humbled and awestruck. The climb was no small feat, but with each stride, I was reminded of the resilience of those who built it centuries ago with little more than their hands, willpower, and a dream of safeguarding their homeland. At the summit, with the wind rushing past and the endless wall rolling over the horizon, I paused. It wasn’t just a monument of defense; it was a monument to human determination, ambition, and the belief that no challenge is insurmountable.
Wuxi: The Charm of Ancient Meets Modern
In Wuxi, I discovered another side of China. The old streets, lined with wooden houses and tranquil canals, looked like a painting. Yet, just a short drive away, the future was already here. At the Xinri Electric Vehicle Company, sleek cars and bikes rolled off production lines powered by green technology. At the National Supercomputing Center, I stood before machines crunching numbers at speeds I could barely comprehend. And then there was the Taihu Tunnel, an engineering marvel beneath the waters, proof that China dreams big and makes it real.
Another fascinating stop was the Urban Rail Company of China Railway First Group Company Limited, where we witnessed firsthand how modern rail systems are reshaping urban mobility. Sleek, driverless trains glided effortlessly along elevated tracks, powered by smart technologies that ensured efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability. As we toured the control rooms and observed the precision engineering, I couldn’t help but imagine the transformative potential of such systems in Nigerian cities; easing congestion, cutting travel times, and opening new corridors of economic activity.
Qingdao: Where Innovation Meets the Sea
If Wuxi was a glimpse into China’s industrial innovation, then Qingdao was a masterclass in how a city can merge cutting-edge technology with the calm rhythm of the sea. Perched along the Shandong Peninsula and kissed by the waves of the Yellow Sea, Qingdao is as famous for its beaches and crisp ocean air as it is for its role as a global logistics and technology hub.
Our first stop was the automated terminal at Qingdao Port, a place that felt like stepping into the future. Towering cranes moved with robotic precision, containers glided seamlessly from ship to shore, and entire operations were managed by artificial intelligence with minimal human intervention. Watching ships from around the world unload cargo in minutes rather than hours revealed why Qingdao is often described as one of the most advanced ports on earth. For me, it was more than logistics; it was a clear demonstration of how innovation can power global trade.
We also visited the headquarters of Hisense and Haier, two household names that have grown from Chinese companies into global titans of electronics and home appliances. Walking through their showrooms, I was surrounded by the future of smart living, AI-powered refrigerators, ultra-high-definition TVs, and energy-efficient air conditioners that felt like science fiction brought to life. It was easy to see why products from these companies have become staples in homes across the world, including Nigeria.
But Qingdao wasn’t only about technology. The visit to the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Centre, built for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, offered a different kind of inspiration. Standing by the marina, with its forest of masts and sparkling waters stretching into the horizon, I felt the serenity of a city that knows how to balance ambition with beauty. The sea breeze carried with it a reminder: innovation doesn’t always have to be cold and mechanical; it can flow harmoniously with nature.
Everyday China: Small Details, Big Lessons
What impressed me most about China was not only its megaprojects but also the little details of daily life. The silence of electric buses gliding past. The way drivers patiently stopped for pedestrians. The clean, reliable infrastructure; water that always ran, power that never blinked, internet that never slowed. And the affordability! A smartwatch for 50 yuan and apples for 3 yuan. It made me wonder what Nigeria could achieve with the same balance of production and consumption.
But above all, it was the people. Whether it was a shopkeeper in Wuxi offering directions with a smile, or a family in Beijing welcoming us to taste mooncakes, there was always warmth, kindness, and pride in being hosts.
A Journey to Remember
China left me with more than knowledge; it left me with perspective. I saw a country that cherishes its traditions while sprinting into the future. I saw how much can be achieved when vision is matched with discipline and innovation. And I saw, in every smile and handshake, the possibility of deeper China–Africa bonds.
My China story is not just about lectures and tours, it’s about inspiration. It is about understanding that the world is moving fast, and that we in Africa must move with it. And it is about friendship; the kind that bridges cultures, nations, and continents.
For anyone who dreams of a journey that will change how you see the world, I say this: go to China. You won’t come back the same.
