By Prajwal Nepali (尼振兴，ní zhèn xīng)
As a proud Nepali, I was initially apprehensive about my trip to China as I was travelling alone. However, my experience there completely surpassed my expectations and left an indelible mark on me. The title of my article, “I became Chinese when I went to China”, is not meant to suggest that I am claiming to be Chinese or appropriating their culture. Rather, it is a reflection of how deeply I was impacted by the positive aspects of Chinese culture during my visit there. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the hospitality and warmth of the Chinese people. Despite the language barrier, they went out of their way to make me feel welcome and included. I was also impressed by the rich history and culture of the country, which was evident in the stunning architecture, art, and cuisine.
One aspect of Chinese culture that particularly resonated with me was their emphasis on respect for elders and family values. This was something that I found to be very similar to the values in my own Nepalese culture, and it made me feel a sense of connection with the Chinese people. Overall, my time in China was a transformative experience that taught me a lot about myself and the world around me. I hope that my article can help others understand the positive impact that Chinese culture can have, and encourage them to explore and appreciate cultures that are different from their own.
I’m about to take you on a wild ride through my unforgettable trip to Chongqing, China. From the moment I stepped off the plane, I knew I was in for a treat. The city was a buzzing metropolis with skyscrapers and neon lights galore. But as much as I was excited to explore the modern city, I was even more eager to delve into the history and culture that this vibrant place had to offer. My first stop was Guangzhou International Airport. I had a great time during my 5-hour transit at Guangzhou International Airport! Even though it was just a brief layover, the airport has so much to offer that you can easily find yourself having fun and feeling happy during your time there.
The airport has a truly impressive range of dining and shopping options, which is a great way to pass the time during a long layover. From traditional Chinese cuisine to international fast food chains, there’s something for every taste and budget. You can also find a wide range of shops selling everything from luxury designer brands to souvenirs and gifts. If you’re looking for relaxation and entertainment, Guangzhou International Airport has plenty of options for that too. There are comfortable seating areas where you can kick back and relax, or you can take advantage of the airport’s many amenities, such as a spa, meditation room, or even a miniature golf course. For those who love technology, the airport also has a high-tech virtual reality experience that will transport you to another world. One of the standout features of Guangzhou International Airport is its stunning architecture and design. The terminal buildings are spacious, airy, and filled with natural light, creating a sense of calm and tranquillity. There are also plenty of artworks and installations throughout the airport that are sure to capture your attention and imagination.
Despite being a busy airport, the staff at Guangzhou International Airport are friendly and helpful, making your transit experience all the more enjoyable. The airport is also incredibly efficient and well-organized, so you can move through security and immigration quickly and easily, without feeling rushed or stressed. Overall, Guangzhou International Airport is a fantastic airport that offers so much more than just a place to catch a connecting flight. Even if you only have a few hours to spare, you can easily find yourself having fun, feeling happy, and exploring everything that the airport has to offer.
Then I reached my destination i.e. Chongqing, China. That’s great to hear that my two elder brothers were waiting for me at Chongqing International Airport! It’s always wonderful to have a warm welcome when arriving in a new place, and it sounds like my elder brothers provided just that. Chongqing International Airport is a truly remarkable travel experience. As soon as I step off the plane, I was greeted with a sense of excitement and energy that is truly infectious. The airport is modern, sleek, and incredibly well-organized, making it a breeze to navigate and move through. I thereafter reached the hotel where my brothers had already done the booking for my stay. After taking a rest for 2 hours, they took me outside for the dinner. It was the city areas filled with shops and vendors selling everything from clothes to souvenirs. The energy was electric, and I couldn’t help but what really caught my attention was the food. The smell of sizzling meat filled the air, and I couldn’t resist trying some of the skewered meats. To my surprise, I found myself enjoying every bite, even the ones that I couldn’t quite identify. It was an adventure for my taste buds.
Of course, no trip to Chongqing would be complete without trying the famous hot pot. Now, I’m a bit of a spice fiend, so I was excited to see how I would fare with the famously fiery dish. Thanks to my senior two brothers for taking me to get the experience of a famous hot pot in the Westin in Chongqing, China. Talking about Westin, wow it is a luxurious hotel that offers world-class amenities and services to its guests. Located in the heart of the city, the hotel boasts spacious and elegantly designed rooms, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, and a stunning rooftop pool with breathtaking views of the city skyline. The hotel’s restaurants serve a variety of delicious cuisine, ranging from authentic Chinese dishes to international fare. With its prime location and exceptional amenities, the Westin in Chongqing is a popular choice for travellers seeking a comfortable and upscale stay in this vibrant city. I ordered a medium-spicy broth, thinking it would be manageable. Boy, was I wrong? The heat hit me like a ton of bricks, and I found myself gulping down water between bites. Even with the spice, I couldn’t help but appreciate the complex flavors of the broth and the fresh ingredients. It was an experience that I will never forget.
But the real highlight of my trip was visiting the Three Gorges Museum. The museum was a stunning tribute to the history and culture of the region. As I walked through the exhibits, I was transported back in time to when the Yangtze River was a vital lifeline for the people of Chongqing. The museum had everything from ancient artefacts to interactive displays, making it a perfect way to spend an afternoon. But as much as I enjoyed learning about the history of the region, I was even more fascinated by the people. Everywhere I went, I was met with warm smiles and friendly faces. Even though my Mandarin was limited, the locals went out of their way to make me feel welcome. It was heartwarming to see how open and hospitable the people of Chongqing were.
Likewise, one of my favorite memories from the trip was Chaotianmen Night Cruise in Chongqing, China which was truly unforgettable. From the moment we boarded the boat, we were transported to a magical world of sparkling lights, delicious food, and breathtaking views. As we cruised along the Yangtze River, we were treated to a stunning panorama of Chongqing’s skyline, illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights. The contrast between the bright lights of the city and the dark, tranquil waters of the river was truly mesmerizing. The ambience on the boat was also amazing. We were serenaded by live musicians playing traditional Chinese instruments, adding to the romantic and mystical atmosphere of the cruise. And as the night went on, we were entertained by a lively traditional magical performance, featuring colorful costumes and intricate choreography. Throughout the cruise, the staff were incredibly friendly and attentive, making sure that everyone had a comfortable and enjoyable experience. They were knowledgeable about the history and culture of Chongqing and were happy to answer any questions we had.
All in all, the Chaotianmen Night Cruise in Chongqing, China was a truly unforgettable experience. The combination of stunning views, delicious food, and lively entertainment made for a truly magical evening that I will never forget. If you’re ever in Chongqing, I highly recommend taking this cruise – it’s definitely worth it! The real heart of Chongqing lay in its people. Everywhere I went, I was struck by the warmth and generosity of the locals. From the street vendors selling spicy noodles to the shopkeepers offering samples of their wares, everyone I met seemed genuinely happy to see me and eager to share their culture with me.
As much as I enjoyed the modern attractions, I also made sure to explore the more traditional parts of Chongqing. Thanks to Hanxu Da-ge for helping me to travel to several beautiful places after my two elder brothers returned to their hometown. First of all, the Ciqikou Ancient Town was a charming area filled with narrow alleyways and ancient buildings. The shops were selling everything from handmade crafts to traditional Chinese medicines. I even tried some of the famous Chongqing noodles, which were thick and chewy, but absolutely delicious. All in all, my trip to Chongqing was an adventure that I will never forget. From the friendly people to the delicious food to the stunning sights, it was a trip that had something for everyone. I left the city feeling inspired by the rich culture and history of the region, and I can’t wait to go back and explore more.
Likewise, the highlight of my trip was visiting Baigongguan, a historic site located just outside the city. The site was home to ancient ruins and stone carvings that told the story of a civilization that had long since disappeared. I wandered through the ruins, marvelling at the intricate details of the carvings and the sheer size and scope of the buildings. It was a humbling experience, and I felt a deep sense of reverence for the people who had once called this place home.
The next day, I decided to explore the city on foot, taking in the sights and sounds of Chongqing’s vibrant streets. I walked through the bustling markets, sampling the local cuisine and chatting with the friendly locals. It was an experience that I will never forget. As my time in Chongqing came to an end, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of sadness. The city had captured my heart in a way that I never thought possible. I had fallen in love with its rich history, vibrant culture, and warm-hearted people. As I boarded my flight back home, I knew that I would carry the memories of my journey with me for the rest of my life. Chongqing had left an indelible mark on my heart, and I knew that one day, I would return to this beautiful city once again.
Prajjwal Nepali is a Nepali journalist and International strategic affairs analyst who covers topics pertaining to International Affairs, Nepali politics, society, IT & Technology.
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