I am writing this on my way back to India after spending a week in China.
For a country as vast and varied as China, a week is barely enough. Yet, it’s a great way to get a taste of this fascinating land, its people, and a civilization that has thrived for thousands of years.
I have been visiting China for over 15 years: in spite of this seemingly apparent familiarity, every visit gives a fresh new perspective.
At the airport, the immigration system recognized my face and fingerprints within seconds, thanks to data from past visits. That was it—I was smoothly in.
Much of my time was spent on the road and aboard trains—including long-distance, high-speed ones.
China’s bullet trains, cruising comfortably at 350 km/h, offer a stunning glimpse of its diverse landscape: lush green fields, mighty rivers like the Yangtze, colossal factories, power plants, wind farms, and towering buildings. In some areas, I also saw large, mostly unoccupied structures—remnants of ambitious “ghost city” developments aimed at boosting GDP.
The 1,310 km journey from Beijing to Shanghai, roughly the same as Delhi to Mumbai, took just a shade over four hours.
In cities like Beijing and Shanghai, electric vehicles dominate the roads. I’d estimate over 60%, possibly more. The streets teem with electric scooters and mini-bikes, and most major roads have dedicated bicycle tracks.
Pollution levels appear to have declined—likely a result of this electric shift.
In the earlier days of June this year, there was an energetic, pulsating buzz all over China. Over 13 million students sat for the Gaokao, China’s national college entrance exam. It’s a high-stakes event akin to combining India’s IIT-JEE, NEET, and CUET.
On exam day, traffic was rerouted. Even flight timings were adjusted so that students near airports wouldn’t be disturbed. AI-powered educational apps were disabled, and students passed through three layers of security to enter exam centers.
Parents stood outside, many in traditional qipao dresses symbolizing "victory at first battle." Some carried sunflowers, wishing for success. Teachers, dressed in red for good luck, high-fived students, trying to lift their spirits.
After the Gaokao, the 18- and 19-year-old students finally found time to explore other side to life, beyond the books and exams.
- Gadget sales surged
- Driving and swimming class enrollments soared
- Gyms filled up
- Trips with friends commenced
- Teeth-whitening, double eyelid surgeries, anime looks, pink hair—all became par for the course
Over the weekend, I visited the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square. Children waved Chinese flags while security stood watch.
Nearby, Chairman Mao’s mausoleum drew crowds, and the sunset parade was watched by people of all ages. Children sat on fathers’ shoulders for a better view—some girlfriends did so on their boyfriend's shoulders.
Many people wore traditional silk attire in these historical places, many of them could be seen taking selfies.
I noticed the classic "six-to-one" family pattern—one child with two parents and four doting grandparents—remnants of the now-abandoned one-child policy. The government now encourages more births, but many families still opt for only one child or none at all, mainly due to economic and career pressures.
As a result, China’s population is expected to shrink steadily for the foreseeable future.
Speaking with a few students, I asked them about their aspirations. Most hoped to contribute to China’s dynamic growth story post-Gaokao.
China continues to lead the world in several global arenas:
- Electric mobility
- Solar power
- Biotechnology
- AI and robotics
- Deep digital integration
In conversations with Chinese friends and colleagues, discussions frequently turned to global geopolitics: China, the U.S., Israel, Russia—and occasionally, India.
While Indians often perceive an economic rivalry with China, most Chinese don’t see India as a competitor on the economic stage.
If there is one for the Chinese, it’s the U.S.
Yet, there’s deep respect for India’s heritage.
A friend said, “The Buddha came from your country.” Bollywood remains a vibrant cultural bridge. Aamir Khan is widely recognized, and 3 Idiots and Dangal were massive hits.
There’s genuine curiosity about India from a cultural standpoint, though less so in geopolitical or economic terms. However, India’s digital payment ecosystem, powered by UPI, is well-regarded. It mirrors the way most Chinese conduct financial transactions via WeChat.
For India, China presents a huge opportunity: to observe and learn from what China does remarkably well, adapt it thoughtfully, and pursue mutual benefit — much like how India’s digital payment revolution thrived, largely on affordable smartphones made in China.
Like any country, China has its challenges, some big and some not so big. Some of these are-
- A vast, heterogeneous population
- Real estate and housing crises
- Economic headwinds
- Global tensions and tariffs
- Shifting demographics, with an increasing percentage of the elderly population and a shrinking young population.
Yet, if we zoom in to the level of the individual— the human aspirations are strikingly familiar. Like everywhere else, people are working hard, enduring challenges, and striving for a better tomorrow for themselves and their families. Just like you. Just like me.
