I recently returned from a vacation through China—and what I brought back was far more than memories of monuments and skylines. What struck me instead was not technology but the rhythm of daily life. Here progress felt deeply human.
My journey took me through Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai – three cities that together represent China’s past, present and future. At every step, I was overwhelmed by a sense of pride in culture and heritage. I felt that culture is not preserved in museums, it flows seamlessly into everyday living – it is alive, breathing and celebrated.
Beijing was my first encounter. Standing before the Forbidden City, I felt the weight of centuries pressing gently against the present. The vast courtyards and ornate roofs spoke of a civilization that has always thought in dynasties rather than decades. Yet step outside, and the city comes alive with efficient metros, electric taxis, and glass towers. The old and the new coexist seamlessly, reminding me that progress, when rooted in tradition, acquires both strength and depth.
The Great Wall: Discipline in Motion
Visiting the Great Wall was one of the most unforgettable moments of my journey. The sheer scale of the monument is awe-inspiring, but what struck me even more was how well coordinated the visitor experience was. Despite the thousands of tourists present, everything—from ticketing to entry, from guided movement to safety precautions—was orderly and respectful. There was no chaos, no pushing, and no confusion. Visitors moved in a flow that was clearly designed to maximise both efficiency and experience. It reflected the same spirit I encountered throughout my trip: that progress and discipline go hand in hand.
Xi’an itself was a revelation. The terracotta warriors stood in silent testimony to vision and endurance—qualities that still define the people I met there. In the bustling markets, I was welcomed by smiles and gestures that transcended language. I noticed the care families give their elders, guiding grandparents through streets and public spaces with gentle patience. Elders are woven into modern life, their dignity preserved—a reminder that true progress carries everyone forward.
The Travel Impact
Traveling from Beijing to Xi’an and later from Xi’an to Shanghai, I experienced one of the clearest symbols of China’s rise: the high-speed train. The platforms were vast, orderly, and spotless. The large, spacious waiting halls effectively absorbed crowds, ensuring that the platforms remained uncluttered. Entry to the platform was opened only about ten minutes before the train’s arrival, and people walked calmly through the gates. The train itself halted for barely four minutes in one case, yet embarkation was smooth, efficient, and entirely stress-free. Despite the crowds, everything moved with quiet efficiency. Inside, the interiors were clean and comfortable, the ride smooth, and the countryside streamed past at astonishing speeds. It was not only technology on display but also discipline, respect, and thoughtful planning—a reflection of values that sustain China’s growth.
Even the streets spoke of order and care. Traffic in Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai flows with surprising calm. Drivers exhibit patience, pedestrians cross confidently, and people told me it is normal for women to return home late without fear. That sense of safety, combined with discipline and respect, creates an environment where citizens can live, work, and move freely. It is a subtle yet profound contributor to happiness.
Another detail that stood out was people’s efforts to learn English. From taxi drivers to shopkeepers, young students to professionals, even small phrases were spoken with warmth and eagerness. It was not fluency that mattered, but openness—a willingness to connect with the wider world that mirrors China’s growth in both ambition and mindset.
Shanghai – A City of Contrasts and Continuity
If Beijing is about history and Xi’an about heritage, Shanghai, my final stop, felt like tomorrow arrived early. Its skyline gleams with ambition, yet beneath the neon lights, the same values endure—family, respect, and community. Progress has not erased them; it has amplified them.
The Huangpu River Cruise was one of the highlights of my journey. As the boat glided along the water, I watched the futuristic skyline of Pudong shimmer on one side while the colonial – era Bund stood proudly on the other. It felt like looking at two eras shaking hands across the river – one whispering of China’s past connections with the world, the other roaring with ambition and innovation.
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower standing tall with its glowing spheres, embodied this spirit of modernity. From its observation decks, the city spread endlessly, a tapestry of life. Yet what struck me most was the calm discipline with which thousands of visitors moved through the tower, never overwhelming, never chaotic – orderly and efficient like everything else I experienced in China.
But Shanghai is not just glass, steel and speed. A visit to the Yu Garden and adjacent bazaar took me back in time. The classical Chinese garden, with its intricate pavilions, rockeries, and tranquil ponds, was a living poem of balance between man and nature. Just a few steps away, the bustling bazaar with its colourful stalls reflected how deeply China values its traditions amidst dizzying modern growth. As I stood at one end of the Bazaar, I could not help reflect on how a nation can hold on to its roots while racing ahead into the future.
A Small Act of Kindness in Shanghai
Among the many experiences I carried home, one stood out for its sheer humanity. It was evening in Shanghai, around 7 pm, and I found myself at a busy intersection, struggling to find a taxi to return to my hotel. My wife, who had difficulty walking, was with me. Unsure of what to do, I waved at a young girl passing on a bicycle.
To my surprise, she stopped immediately. When I asked if she spoke English, she hesitated before replying, “Little.” But language was no barrier to her kindness. Sensing our difficulty, she took it upon herself to help us. For the next thirty minutes she tried everything- hailing passing taxis, using her phone to book one through an app, and explaining to the driver in Mandarin about our destination. She did not leave until she was sure we were safely seated inside a cab. In that moment, amidst the towering skyline of Shanghai, I felt the true heart of China.
Silent Impressions
What struck me most on this journey was not just infrastructure or technology, but the values flowing quietly through life: care for elders, respect for community, a desire to learn, and a collective spirit that nurtures both safety and opportunity. China’s rise is often described as an economic miracle. But walking its streets, riding its trains, meeting their people and witnessing everyday life, I realized that China’s true story isn’t in towers or numbers, but in the dignity, care and optimism of its citizens. It is also a pursuit of happiness in a uniquely Chinese way.
If there is one constant across my journey – from Beijing’s Forbidden City to Xi’an’s Terracotta Army, and Shanghai’s glittering riverfront – it was cleanliness. Streets, railway stations, monuments, gardens, bazaars all bore the stamp of order and pride. It spoke of a society where progress is not measured only by the speed of trains or height of skyscrapers, but also by the care with which everday life is kept dignified and pleasant for all.
And this led me to a question I kept returning to: are people happy? Happiness in China is not displayed loudly, but it is visible in the rhythms of everyday life—in parks where people dance at dawn, markets where vendors laugh together, and streets where families stroll in safety and comfort. It is present in shared meals, family bonds, and the pride with which people embrace their country’s progress. In Beijing’s history, Xi’an’s culture and Shanghai’s modernity, I saw three different faces of one nation, all bound by a common thread: a deep belief that progress must remain people centric.
As I boarded my flight home, I carried with me more than admiration. I carried clarity. The true measure of China’s growth is not only skyscrapers or statistics but the happiness of its people—the dignity of elders, the optimism of youth eager to learn, the confidence inspired by safe streets and reliable services, and the quiet joy of families who belong to something larger than themselves. A society where a young girl on a bicycle would stop to help two strangers find their way home. That, to me, is the real miracle of China’s rise.