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tepping foot in Mainland China for the first time, I felt a mixture of excitement and skepticism—could this country really be one of the world’s leaders in technological advancement?
Invited by the Xinhua News Agency as a participant in the 3rd Yunnan International Communication Forum, my arrival at Kunming Changshui International Airport late in the evening of Dec 7 gave me a first glimpse of this city’s allure, often dubbed the ‘City of Eternal Spring.’
The breathtaking landscape, coupled with the cool breeze gently caressing me, promised a more laid-back atmosphere compared to other metropolises in the country. At least, that’s what my friends who had travelled to China before told me.
After clearing immigration, I, along with 20 other media colleagues from around the world, were treated to dinner before heading to our accommodation—despite the sun having already set, even though the clock only read 5.30 pm.
‘TAOBAO’ NIGHT MARKET
I had expected to rest after my flight from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Kunming, which lasted about four hours. However, my assumption was quickly dispelled when the forum organiser informed me that I needed to prepare for the next programme immediately after checking into the hotel.
Our destination was the Junfa New Luosiwan International Trade City in Guandu district. During the day, it functions as a business hub for exporters, wholesalers, and retailers. However at night, it undergoes a complete transformation.
The night market, offering a variety of goods, is aptly nicknamed ‘Taobao’ by the locals, a Mandarin term loosely meaning ‘a treasure trove of choices.’ The Luosiwan Night Market is the longest in Yunnan, stretching over 500 metres.
With an extensive range of items, including clothing, souvenirs, and local delicacies, all sold at affordable prices, the market has become a symbol of Kunming’s thriving ‘night economy.’
What makes it even more captivating is its historical significance. The market sits along the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway, constructed by the French in the early 20th century, covering a distance of 859 kilometres (km). Although the railway has been out of use for years, the tracks remain remarkably well-preserved.
By day, the Junfa trade area becomes an international hub, hosting over 40,000 merchants and welcoming more than 300,000 visitors daily.
TECHNOLOGY STREAMLINES EXPORTS
The following day, we were taken on a tour of the Customs Inspection Centre at this international hub. Here, we were introduced to China’s technological advancements and shown how the use of information technology, particularly, streamlines operations at the centre.
Inaugurated in 2022, the customs inspection centre offers a one-stop service that simplifies international trade, including cross-border e-commerce and bulk purchases, benefitting traders significantly.
Md Sabbir Ahamed, a 25-year-old Bangladeshi YouTuber, couldn’t conceal his amazement as he observed the business transaction processes between China and other countries at the customs clearance centre.
‘We usually only see the final results and rarely get to witness how the process unfolds. Here, I had the chance to see firsthand how the export process is carried out, streamlined by technology. There’s so much to learn here,” he shared his thoughts with me.
KUNMING’S FLOWER INDUSTRY
Our second destination also showcased China’s technological prowess. Located in a 26-storey building, Yunnan Huawu Technology Co Ltd leverages technology to market flower-based products.
Yunnan Province is China’s leading flower producer, with fresh-cut flower exports valued at 460 million yuan during the first three quarters of 2024. Yunnan Huawu is among the largest producers of fresh flowers in the region.
Influencer Xiao Yu, showed expertise in decorating flowers during a visit to Yunnan Huawu Technology Co Ltd which utilizes technology to market flower-based products.
If you’re imagining that I had the chance to see a wide variety of flowers there, think again. In reality, the premises function as an online marketplace, with social media influencers appointed as marketing executives.
I was fascinated by how social media platforms like Douyin (or its international version, TikTok) are creatively used to market flowers. Influencers like Seng Seng and Xiao Yu play key roles in popularising the art of floral arrangements, enticing the Chinese public to integrate flowers into their modern lifestyles.
Broadcasting live from the building, influencers demonstrate to viewers how to create both fresh and artificial floral arrangements, as well as other creative products made from flowers, such as roses, tulips, and carnations. On other floors, staff members were busy processing online orders. We were informed that the flowers are delivered across China.
Seng Seng and Xiao Yu even taught us how to arrange flowers. Despite the language barrier and the fact that most of us had never attempted flower arranging before, our group successfully created arrangements that rivalled those made by professional florists.
GUANDU ANCIENT TOWN
Guandu Ancient Town, one of the cradles of Yunnan's culture, captivates visitors with its historical architecture. The town is dotted with temples and shrines, transporting visitors back to the dynastic eras often depicted in Chinese dramas and films.
Of the many temples in the town, Miaozhan Temple, also known as the Shaolin Temple, built during the Yuan Dynasty, stood out to me the most. Famous for its 13-storey stone pagoda, the temple’s stunning architecture left a lasting impression on me as a photographer with 20 years of experience.
Among the ancient temples found in Guandu Ancient City, one of the birthplaces of Yunnan culture.
We were also taken to the Silver Legend Museum and the Yunzi Chess Academy, which houses a traditional Chinese chess-making factory.
Additionally, we had the opportunity to witness up close the traditional metalwork art of wutong zouyin, a silver crafting technique in Yunnan that combines melting, forging, decorative carving, and the embedding of silver onto bronze. This heritage art, dating back to the Qing Dynasty with a history of over 300 years, is recognised as a national cultural treasure.
“Dancing, performing Chinese opera, and making chess pieces and copper engravings gave me a delightful and memorable experience,” said Charitha Jeewanthi Gangewaththa, a television programme director from Sri Lanka, at the end of the visit.
THE GULLS OF WANGGUAN
On the morning of Dec 9, our group visited Wangguan Wetland Park, located at Dianchi Lake, the largest lake in China. The picturesque scenery featured hundreds of red-billed gulls, or Hong Zui Ou in the local language, freely flying across the lake area.
Here, we met Zhang Liyun, a volunteer famously known as the ‘Dianchi Bird King.’ For the past 10 years, he has dedicated himself to feeding these birds. With a simple call of “Aww” and a toss of food, hundreds of gulls would swarm around him.
Environmental volunteer Zhang Liyun, 40, better known as "Bird King" Dianchi, feeds red-billed seagulls at Wangguan Wetland Park, Kunming.
Zhang, 40, not only cares for the birds but also works tirelessly to preserve the Wangguan Wetland ecosystem. He has devoted his time and energy to maintaining the natural habitat’s sustainability.
Through a translator, Zhang shared that feeding the gulls is not a “duty” but a symbol of his love for nature, ensuring the survival of these birds in their habitat.
“These birds are like my family,” he said with a warm smile.
XISHUANGBANNA CITY
By midday, we began our journey to Xishuangbanna, located about 550 km from Kunming, which took roughly three hours by high-speed train.
Situated in a tropical climate and boasting the richest biodiversity in China, Xishuangbanna is also known as the Valley of Elephants because it is home to Asian elephants.
Bordering three countries—Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar—this region is predominantly inhabited by the Dai ethnic community. The architectural styles here reflect influences from these neighbouring nations, making visitors feel as though they are exploring three countries at once. This sentiment was echoed by Juliet Ebele, a PhD student at the Communication University of China from Nigeria.
“I fell in love with this city. Its architecture fascinates me because it’s so different from Beijing,” she said, adding that she admired China’s efforts to preserve heritage and culture while protecting and restoring endangered species.
For Sengthong Phasavath, 47, the city felt like home.
“It’s very similar to Lao culture. The language they speak has several words or phrases that are almost identical to what we use in Laos, making it easy for us to understand one another. Even their traditional clothing is the same,” said the journalist from the Lao News Agency.
The Mekong River, which flows through Jinghong city in this region, breathes life into the area with various activities such as the night market, popularly known as the ‘Starlight Night Market.’
This location is also a haven for photographers, who capitalise on the stunning riverside scenery to generate income by capturing pictures of both local and international tourists dressed in traditional ethnic attire unique to Xishuangbanna.
ELEPHANT VALLEY AND TROPICAL BOTANY
The Wild Elephant Valley in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, spans 3.69 sq km and is a renowned tourist destination.
Located 35 km north of Jinghong, this valley serves as a habitat for approximately 200 wild Asian elephants, one of the world's endangered species.
Among the interesting locations to visit is the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden which is under the auspices of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Visitors might be lucky enough to witness these majestic creatures roaming freely in their natural environment. The valley’s main attractions include a 690-metre canopy walkway and a 200-metre suspension bridge, offering a unique vantage point for observing wildlife from above.
As a photographer, I was eager to capture images of these magnificent land mammals in their natural habitat. However, my hopes were dashed as the dense foliage and towering trees made it difficult to spot the elephants. A similar fate befell my fellow Malaysian, Roystein Emmor, a photographer for The Borneo Post.
“I was ready to raise my camera and capture the moment, but the forest was just too dense. I saw some movement among the trees, and branches swaying, but by the time I aimed my camera, I only caught a fleeting glimpse,” he said.
Beyond being a tourist hotspot, Wild Elephant Valley plays a critical role as a conservation centre to protect elephants and their habitat while fostering harmony between humans and wildlife.
Our journey concluded at the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, managed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Located in Menglun, the garden lies in the Luosuo River Valley, a tributary of the Mekong River, at an altitude of 570 metres above sea level.
Established in 1959, it has since evolved into one of the leading institutions for research, botanical resource preservation, and scientific tourism in tropical ecosystems.
Spanning 1,100 hectares, the garden boasts over 13,700 plant species from around the world and features 39 captivating landscapes. These areas combine stunning beauty with scientific diversity and cultural heritage.
The 3rd Yunnan International Communication Forum, attended by 200 participants from various countries, took place on Dec 10.
I am proud to have been selected for a programme that not only broadened my understanding of China but also provided me invaluable experiences.
The journey from Dec 7 to 12 broadened my perspective, showcasing a remarkable blend of history, culture, modernity, and biodiversity. It also reignited my passion for capturing the world's beauty through the lens of my camera.
Translated by Salbiah Said
