BEFORE the early 2000s, China often conjured images of smog, poverty and crowded factories. But those days are long gone.
With determined efforts in poverty reduction, industrialisation and tourism, the nation has transformed itself into one of the world’s most dynamic economies – and nowhere is that change more visible than in Hangzhou, the capital of the coastal province of Zhejiang.
During a recent five-day media tour to Zhejiang, a group of Malaysian journalists saw how seamlessly China weaves modernity with heritage.
The journey offered glimpses of futuristic cities, ancient temples, and lush countryside – a mix that speaks to the country’s evolution and ambition.
The group began at the Future Sci-Tech City Urban Exhibition Centre, a showcase of Hangzhou’s technological innovation.
Here, visitors get a sense of how robotics, artificial intelligence and automation are shaping everyday life.
At Rokid, a local tech company, they saw AI-driven gadgets and smart home systems that reflect China’s push towards a fully digital society.
But Zhejiang is not just about sleek glass towers. The itinerary balanced technology with tradition – from the Zhejiang Provincial Museum and Hefang Street’s historic charm to the Memorial Hall of the Doolittle Raid and the Southern Confucius Family Temple.
In Quzhou, the group visited the Meigao Short Drama Factory, a creative space promoting local arts and culture, and wandered through Yudong Future Village, where former farmers have turned their talents to painting, sculpture and crafts.
The once-quiet settlement has become a model for rural revitalisation, with its art studios and coffee corners drawing both tourists and young entrepreneurs.
Another stop, Jiulong Village – known as “Little Iceland” – offered a tranquil escape, complete with green hills, cool air and walking paths by gentle streams.
At LuluPark Nature Park, visitors fed animals and enjoyed open-air recreation – an example of how eco-tourism has become central to Zhejiang’s appeal.
Food, of course, was another highlight.
Malaysian visitors found the cuisine familiar yet distinct – flavours rich but clean, with vegetables so fresh they almost tasted sweet.
Each meal reflected the region’s attention to quality and presentation, from humble tea houses to elegant restaurants.
The tour also underscored how Hangzhou integrates development with environmental care.
In many places, nature is not replaced by progress but embraced within it.
Roads and buildings appear thoughtfully planned around landscapes; traditional shophouses are repurposed as cafes, souvenir stores and small art galleries rather than being torn down.
One memorable stop was Jinhua Market, an old street where retired farmers gather for tea, chat with friends and play board games.
It’s part of a local government initiative to provide income and community spaces for the elderly – a small but telling sign of social innovation at work.
At the end of the trip, the journalists came away with more than just photos.
The experience offered lessons that resonate back home in Sabah.
Like Zhejiang, Sabah has abundant land, rich biodiversity and a vibrant mix of cultures.
What China demonstrates is how clear focus, strong governance and community participation can turn potential into prosperity.
Progress, after all, doesn’t mean paving over the past – it means building on it, thoughtfully and sustainably.
