In a vibrant showcase of China’s technological prowess and cultural depth, 26 journalists from 11 countries along the Maritime Silk Road embarked on a three-day tour of Shenzhen. The delegation, which included reporters from Vanuatu, Egypt, Fiji, Indonesia, and beyond, experienced firsthand how this pioneering special economic zone has transformed over 45 years into a dynamic hub of innovation and tradition.
The tour kicked off with a visit to BYD, a global leader in electric vehicles and batteries. Journalists were treated to a demonstration of the company’s cutting-edge autonomous driving technology at the Intelligent Connected Vehicle Test Site. “It’s kind of cool to be sitting in a car with no driver,” said Anita Joe Nalau of Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation, who never imagined such an opportunity. Mohamed Alsanhory from Cairo 24 echoed the sentiment, praising the comfort of BYD’s electric vehicles. “You adjust the seat and drive in total comfort—it feels good,” he remarked.
The delegation also explored LAIPIC.AI, where they witnessed the shift from “Made in China” to “Created in China” through AI innovations such as generative albums and digital narrative tools. Ritika Pratap of Fijian Broadcasting Corporation was particularly moved by an AI-generated story of a couple’s life. “It captured their journey beautifully—a wonderful way to preserve memories,” she said.
Beyond the realm of technology, the journalists visited Changzhou Dramaville, a cultural gem that showcases traditional shadow puppetry. Hanni Sofia from Indonesia’s Antara News Agency noted similarities to wayang kulit, her country’s traditional puppet theatre, and described the area as “tranquil and culturally rich—a place where local traditions feel alive.”
For many, the tour highlighted Shenzhen’s unique synthesis of future-forward vision and cultural continuity. Stevenson Liu, also from Vanuatu, called electric vehicles “the future” and stressed that “every driver should experience them.” His comments echoed a broader sentiment among the journalists: that Shenzhen offers not just a model of technological advancement, but a sustainable, culturally integrated example for nations along the Silk Road.
By blending glimpses of AI and automation with immersive cultural encounters, the visit fostered meaningful dialogue and offered international media a nuanced perspective on China’s growing role in both global innovation and cultural exchange. The delegation’s experiences in Shenzhen serve as a testament to the city’s ability to balance progress with tradition, setting a compelling example for the world to follow.