BEIJING, CHINA - In Part 1 of My Beijing Beginnings, I shared the first four days of our Journalist Leaders and Gen Z Young Leaders Seminar for Belt and Road Countries—including the Day 1 opening program I sadly missed while still en route to China.
We explored China’s evolving media landscape and its expanding global partnerships, all under the guidance of the National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA).
We also met with executives from the All-China Journalists Association, explored Silk Street for souvenirs, and visited Beijing’s National Base for International Cultural Trade to witness ancient Chinese artifacts being restored up close.
One standout moment? Communication University of China (CUC) Professor Zhang Yanqiu’s powerful lecture on constructive journalism (CJ)—a call to go beyond reporting problems and start spotlighting solutions. “It’s not about sugarcoating,” she said, “but about giving stories depth, clarity, and hope.” It’s an approach that feels especially urgent in today’s media world—offering audiences not just the facts, but also the paths forward. We also toured CUC's massive campus, complete with an amazing Media Museum.
Now, let’s wrap up the journey.
Day 5 (July 11): New media, old problems
At the NRTA’s Research and Training Institute in Xicheng District, Professor Xia Jixuan spoke on how to report international issues in today’s digital age.
He highlighted how digital innovation—from social media to VR and AI—has dramatically reshaped communication.
“Social platforms are replacing mass media as the main source of information, especially for younger generations,” he said.
Yet despite this easy access to information, global challenges persist. In some cases, Xia warned, technology has even deepened misunderstandings and fueled new conflicts.
He underscored that social and new media are just tools—channels for transmitting signals—not substitutes for responsible journalism.
Day 6 (July 12): Lessons from Wuhan
Yao Yuan of Xinhua News Agency shared insights from reporting “Understanding Changes in China Through Xinhua Reports”, drawing on his experience covering the Covid-19 outbreak in Wuhan.
He walked us through the timeline: by February 28, 2020, Wuhan had contained the surge in cases. On March 10, all 16 temporary hospitals closed. By March 19, zero new cases were reported, offering hope to the world. The 76-day lockdown ended on April 8 as travel restrictions were lifted.
When reporting crises, Yao stressed: “Heed fast changes, avoid careless predictions, and focus on lived experience.”
Day 7, July 13: The wall, the heat, the wonder
“You haven’t been to China if you haven’t seen the Great Wall,” said our tour guide, Mr. Burton (his English name). And honestly? He was right. The moment I stepped onto that ancient path, it felt like history came alive beneath my feet.
Grateful doesn't even cover it—being there with fellow delegates from the Journalist Leaders and Gen Z Young Leaders seminar was truly a gift, a testament to God's grace.
But let’s talk about the heat—36°C and unforgiving. I came fully armed with sunblock, a cap, sunglasses, a mini fan, and yes, an umbrella (the only one in the group), and still ended up with a sunburn.
The climb? Brutal but breathtaking. Each station got steeper, and I didn’t reach the top; even a partial hike was more than enough to soak in its grandeur.
More on the Great Wall soon — this quick recap barely scratches the surface of that unforgettable experience.
After sweating buckets, we headed to Big Pizza (again!) in Changping District, where I had my fill of their durian pizza (again!).
The final stop for the day: The iconic Bird’s Nest of the National Stadium, Chaoyang District.
We didn’t stay long (heat stroke was not part of the itinerary), but just seeing it up close was unforgettable. Its nickname fits perfectly — the nest-like weave of steel beams is both artistic and powerful.
Built for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and reused for the 2022 Winter Games, the stadium is a masterpiece of design and engineering. Massive yet organic, bold yet graceful—truly a sight to behold, even if only for a few minutes.
Days 8–11 (July 14–17): Xi’an pause
We flew to Xi’an for the next chapter of the journey (more on this in a separate story!). I spent my birthday there — what a gift to celebrate it in such a historic city.
Day 12 (July 18): Back to base
Back in Beijing with a bit of breathing room. Finally, a much-needed break.
Day 13 (July 19): Storytelling and shaping nations
In the morning’s lecture, Zhu Yun’s masterclass on documentary filmmaking lit a creative spark: “If you have the urge to express, it’s never too late to start.”
As someone still figuring out video creation, I found her class incredibly helpful.
Zhu also shared a roadmap for finding strong documentary topics:
Start with something that genuinely interests you.
Zhu also shared a roadmap for finding strong documentary topics:
Start with something that genuinely interests you.
Expand a single phenomenon into a broader issue.
Examine it through social and historical lenses—how it came to be, and how it's changing.
Finally, return to where you began and uncover the deeper theme behind it all.
In the afternoon, Professor Zhang Weiwei from the University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences delivered a session on “International Capacity Building and Public Diplomacy Practice.” Thought-provoking and timely, especially in today’s global climate.
On Day 14 (July 20): Facing heights, finding perspective
Ran Jijun walked us through China’s path to modernization in a way that made us reflect.
Later that day, we wrapped up the seminar with one last adventure — riding up the towering Central TV Tower, the ninth-tallest building in the world, standing at a mind-boggling 405 meters (1,328 feet).
We took the elevator up to the observation deck at 238 meters (781 feet), and while my brain knew I was safe, my knees disagreed. Still, I stepped out and took it all in—Beijing stretching out below, quiet and endless.
Of course, I went full tourist mode: group shots, solo shots (thanks to my global friends and ever-patient Chinese staff from NRTA), and lots of laughs with my new international fam from 10 countries.
Then came the real challenge—not the height, but the after. Once back on ground level, the spinning hit me. Lightheaded, queasy, and 90 percent sure I’d pass out on the bus. But I didn’t. I rallied. (More about the Central TV Tower soon!)
Fear: faced. Photos: plenty. Friends: global. Memories? Locked in forever. MLSA