Eurasian journalists venture into Henan: Where history meets the future

12 media reporters from nine Eurasian countries visited Luoyang and Dengfeng, in central China's Henan Province, where they documented and experienced Henan's achievements in cultural-tourism integration, the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and open economic development.

In the National Peony Garden of Luoyang, the Eurasian journalists immersed themselves in the charm of blending Tang Dynasty (618-907) heritage with modern horticulture technology. At the Erlitou Site Museum of the Xia Capital, they explored the earliest recorded history of Chinese civilization. The Longmen Grottoes showcased the peak of ancient Chinese stone carving art.

Roxolana Golea, a journalist from Infotag of Moldova, said she was amazed by the protection of historical and cultural relics. "This is actually my first time in Luoyang, and I was immediately impressed by how well the city preserves its history and heritage," said Golea. "For example, using digital tools in museums, so we can know more by experiencing, and probably just clicking with our fingers."

Russian journalist Maksim Nachinov, from a regional newspaper of Russia's Sverdlovsk Oblast, stressed the importance of visiting Chinese ancient capitals like Luoyang and Xi'an in order to have a full understanding of China. "If you want to understand China, you need to visit Luoyang and Xi'an," said Nachinov. "Compared with (China's) modern appearance, Luoyang can better reflect ancient China's thousands of years of history."

At the Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng, the journalists took part in Kung Fu training, experiencing the principles of martial arts. Sohbet Amantyyev, a reporter from the International Information Center of the State Committee for Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography of Turkmenistan, was deeply impressed by Shaolin Kung Fu. "This is my first time coming to the Shaolin Temple. It really lives up to its reputation. Shaolin (Kung Fu) symbolizes the unity of body and mind," said Amantyyev.

Luoyang has not only witnessed the great changes of history, but has also become a cultural hub connecting the past and present under the Belt and Road Initiative. At the Dongfanghong International Land Port, the journalists witnessed the tangible connectivity created by the Belt and Road Initiative between China and Eurasian countries.

Nozimbek Mardonov from the Uzbekistan National News Agency mentioned that the Silk Road served as a cultural artery in Uzbekistan's history. "Nowadays, the Belt and Road Initiative is turning this ancient passage into a multifunctional, modernized corridor," said Mardonov.

Luoyang, emerging from the depths of history, is using the Belt and Road Initiative to write a new chapter of cultural exchange. The city showcases its profoundness as a thousand-year-old ancient capital while maintaining a future-oriented mindset. This place is not only a treasure of Chinese civilization, but also a vivid example of a community with a shared future for mankind. Under the blueprint of the Belt and Road Initiative, Luoyang will continue to use culture and development as a bridge, painting a beautiful picture of cultural integration with the world.