by Milky Jain

BEIJING, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- My recent trip to China felt like reconnecting with an old friend -- familiar yet filled with fresh discoveries. From the electric vibe of Shanghai to the timeless beauty of Dunhuang, every place had its own rhythm, leaving me with stories and insights I'll carry forward in both life and work.

Shanghai was the perfect place to dive back into China's energy. Walking under towering skyscrapers and through buzzing streets, you feel a city that's not just growing but redefining what a future city can be. Seeing China's advancements in clean tech and sustainable urban planning firsthand was something special. There's so much to admire about a country that's putting its muscle into a greener, more sustainable tomorrow.

From Shanghai, we headed to Changzhou, where we had the privilege of touring the BYD manufacturing plant, a global leader in electric vehicles and clean energy solutions. Watching their team in action, crafting some of the most advanced EVs and green tech, was inspiring. Seeing how China is setting the pace in sustainable innovation, especially in industries like automotives, demonstrates potential opportunities for India. It's a reminder of the boundless possibilities when the government and private sector are aligned to prioritize technology, sustainability and ambition all at once.

From Shanghai, we traveled to Lanzhou. This city is a testament to what rapid yet thoughtful growth can look like. Located on the banks of the Yellow River, the city is preserving its water while encouraging rapid industrial growth. With its visionary urban planning, the city has been made more beautiful through street-scaping and urban farming, specifically rose cultivation.

Each stop along the way showed a different side of China and each destination revealed a new layer of China's rich cultural heritage, and Dunhuang was a place that left an especially profound impression. Known for its breathtaking landscapes and historical significance, Dunhuang holds a treasure trove of ancient Buddhist relics and art. The Mogao Caves, with their stunning frescoes and statues, showcase the spiritual and artistic exchanges that took place along the Silk Road. Standing before these centuries-old masterpieces, I was reminded of the Ajanta and Ellora caves in India -- both magnificent symbols of our shared Buddhist heritage. It felt almost poetic to experience this connection in Dunhuang, a sister city to Aurangabad, where the Ajanta and Ellora caves reside.

In Dunhuang, I found myself immersed in the golden sands of the Gobi Desert, with the sweeping dunes of Mingsha Shan (Singing Sand Mountain) stretching as far as the eye could see. Climbing to the peak and gazing down at the iconic crescent-shaped lake nestled within the sands was like stepping into a dream. And walking barefoot down the dunes, feeling the sand underfoot, was a grounding, unforgettable experience. One evening in Dunhuang, we attended a mesmerizing musical performance that felt like a bridge between cultures. As Chinese artists performed traditional dances, I heard familiar strains of Indian Ragas woven into the music -- a beautiful and unexpected reminder of how our cultures have intertwined over centuries.

It was a moving experience that spoke to the deep, shared cultural roots between India and China, echoing the historical exchanges along the Silk Road. The relationship between the two cities beautifully symbolizes how deeply interwoven our cultures have been for millennia, and how art has always been a bridge between us.

One of the highlights of this trip was a seminar at Peking University in Beijing, where I saw Chinese students speaking Hindi. It was genuinely moving, a beautiful reminder that our exchanges are about more than academics -- they're about building true connections and celebrating our shared curiosity. These students weren't just learning about India; they were embracing it, and that's a powerful way to build bridges between our nations. And it wasn't just the seminars or the visits; every meal, every conversation was filled with warmth and hospitality. I didn't just meet people; I reconnected with an extended family that's grown over the years from my time studying and working in China. Each interaction was a reminder of why China feels like a second home to me.

Walking through crisp autumn landscapes with golden leaves swirling around felt like a reflection of my own sense of renewal. This journey wasn't just about seeing the industrial and infrastructure development -- it was a reminder of how deeply connected I am to this place, how invested I am in building people-to-people ties between India and China. I return from this trip more inspired than ever to keep nurturing these connections, to keep bridging our shared values and dreams.

Back from this trip, I'm happy to share these experiences and bring others along on this journey of connection, culture and friendship. Because if there's one thing I believe, it's that each small step in building understanding brings our countries closer together, and that's worth every moment. Enditem

(Editor's note: Milky Jain is an Indian senior manager in transaction banking and global banking at Bank Maybank Indonesia in Mumbai. She recently joined an Indian youth delegation and visited several Chinese cities.)

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