From August 18 to 23, 2024, the “Chasing Dreams in China, Sailing on the Pu River” event, an interview tour in Shanghai for overseas Chinese media, took place. Journalists from overseas Chinese media outlets in 12 countries and regions, including Canada, Germany, Australia, Indonesia, Côte d’Ivoire, and Macao, China, along with relevant central media involved in overseas Chinese affairs, gathered in Shanghai for a six-day in-depth interview series.
The event, guided by the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese and hosted by the Shanghai Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, aimed to showcase Shanghai’s historical and cultural heritage, as well as its new achievements in modernization, to the world through the perspectives of overseas Chinese media personnel. The goal was to enhance the understanding of Shanghai and China among overseas Chinese and the public in various countries, foster cooperation, and help Shanghai accelerate the construction of its “five centers” and expand high-level opening-up. The interview group explored a range of locations—from Pudong, at the forefront of reform, to Songjiang, the “root of Shanghai”; from Yangpu and Xuhui, the “riverside homes,” to the diverse scenes along Suzhou Creek in Putuo and Hongkou; and finally to Qingpu, where they gathered at the CIIE—recording the unique charm of the city from their perspectives.
[Frontier of Reform]
On the first day of the tour, the group visited Pudong New Area, the bridgehead of reform and opening-up. At the theme exhibition on Pudong’s reform and opening-up, overseas Chinese media journalists observed Pudong’s efforts and achievements in constructing pilot free trade zones, improving scientific and technological innovation capabilities, focusing on hard-core industries, and building a high-quality living environment through vivid graphic displays and real-scene restoration devices. The group then ascended the Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China, to overlook the city’s skyline and appreciate the tremendous progress in China’s manufacturing and engineering. They also visited the Pudong International Talent Port and Zhangjiang Robot Valley to get a close look at the hub of the robotics industry, experiencing the patriotic spirit and innovative strength of overseas Chinese entrepreneurs at Comma Biotech Co., Ltd.
[The Root of Shanghai]
Songjiang is known as the “root of Shanghai.” Here, overseas Chinese media journalists visited the Yangtze River Delta G60 Science and Technology Innovation Corridor Planning Exhibition Hall to understand how Songjiang has driven regional coordinated development through scientific and technological innovation, and made breakthroughs in cross-regional cooperation in advanced industries such as biomedicine and aerospace. The underwater exhibition hall and archaeological site museum in Guangfulin Cultural Relics Park transported the group through time and space to explore the historical roots of Shanghai. While strolling in Thames Town, which combines Chinese and Western styles, the group visited Yan Guilai Group to learn about the entrepreneurial journeys of overseas Chinese entrepreneurs in Songjiang through interactive exchanges.
[Riverside Homes]
Yangpu District not only has a profound historical culture but also shoulders the mission of innovative development. The group revisited inspiring history at the departure place for work-study programs in France on the Yangpu Riverside. Then, at the Yangpu Riverside People’s City Construction Planning Exhibition Hall, they saw how Yangpu has transformed from an industrial town into a modern livable urban area. The rich collections and interactive experiences in the WorldSkills Museum allowed the group to witness the power of skills innovation.
In the afternoon, the group visited Xuhui Riverside. At the West Bund Intelligence Tower Planning Exhibition Hall, they learned about Xuhui Riverside’s transformation from an “industrial rust belt” into an open lifestyle waterfront after a decade of effort, and how it is empowering regional transformation and development with the “double A” engines of AI and ART. At the West Bund Art Museum and the Xuhui Riverside Party-Masses Service Center, the group gained a deep understanding of Xuhui’s practices and achievements in promoting international dialogue in culture and art, and in practicing the concept of a “people’s city built by the people.”
[Diverse Scenes Along the Suzhou Creek]
In Putuo District, the group learned about the transformation of Suzhou Creek from an industrial cradle into a modern livable paradise by visiting the Suzhou Creek Industrial Civilization Exhibition Hall. While taking a cruise on the Suzhou Creek, they enjoyed the beautiful scenery on both sides and marveled at the historical changes and ecological protection along the creek. Nezha Automobile, a core enterprise in the “Suzhou Creek Core Bay,” demonstrated the strong momentum of China’s new energy automobile industry and its strategic layout in the global market.
At the Shanghai Branch of Xiamen International Bank in Hongkou District, the group learned about the origins of Xiamen International Bank and the contributions of patriotic overseas Chinese, Tan Kah Kee. At the China Securities Museum, they reviewed the birth and development of China’s securities market. Finally, at the “Qiaozhijia” of Beibinhe Sub-district in Baiyulan Square, they learned about the experiences of overseas Chinese federations in providing diversified services to overseas Chinese.
[Connecting the World, Shanghai, and the CIIE]
At the last stop of the interview tour, overseas Chinese media personnel arrived in Qingpu District, where the China International Import Expo (CIIE) is held. At the CIIE Culture Exhibition Center, they learned in detail about the various achievements of the CIIE and engaged in discussions on its significance and impact. The journalists all agreed that the successful hosting of the CIIE showcases the vast potential and vitality of the Chinese market and creates opportunities for countries around the world to share in the market opportunities in China.
