Ever wondered what it’s like to zip through 100+ cities in the Chinese mainland? 😲 Meet Dario Famularo, an Italian sinologist and postdoc at the Belt and Road Academy (an initiative to boost infrastructure and cultural ties) of Beijing Language and Culture University. He’s seen it all – from neon-lit Shanghai streets to serene water towns.
What hit home for him was the mashup of ancient traditions and cutting-edge tech. Picture Beijing’s hutongs weaving through skyscrapers (kind of like the alleys in Manila’s historic Intramuros) or Shenzhen’s startup vibe giving off Singapore’s smart-city energy. Even Mumbai’s bustling spirit felt familiar when he wandered Chengdu’s spice markets! 🌶️
His favorite surprise? A city by its canals that reminded him of his Italian hometown – think Suzhou feeling like a mini-Venice! 🇮🇹❤️🇨🇳 It showed him how urban culture can bridge continents and spark new ideas.
Dario says studying sinology today is more vital than ever. By diving into China’s past and present, we build powerful bridges for dialogue, creativity, and global collaboration. It’s not just about learning a language or history – it’s about understanding our shared world. 🌏
This is just the first glimpse into the series East Encounters West: Talk to Sinologists, shining a spotlight on scholars weaving together Eastern and Western perspectives.
Reference(s):
Talk to Sinologists: An Italian's impression of Chinese cities
cgtn.com
