When Italian postdoc Dario Famularo set out on a quest across the Chinese mainland, he didn’t just rack up miles—he collected stories. Over six months, he visited more than 100 cities, from neon-lit megacities to sleepy water towns, tracing the footprints of a nation in motion.
“Every city has its own heartbeat,” Famularo reflects, recalling the culinary markets of Guangzhou, the ancient alleys of Xi’an, and the thrilling skyline of Shanghai. Yet one city surprised him most: Chengdu’s laid-back charm felt uncannily like his hometown in Tuscany. “I tasted home in the steam of hotpot,” he jokes.
As a sinologist at the Belt and Road Academy at Beijing Language and Culture University, Famularo sees these journeys as more than travel logs. “Sinology is a bridge,” he says. By studying Chinese language and culture, we weave dialogue threads that connect East and West, unlocking fresh perspectives on global challenges.
In the latest episode of "East Encounters West: Talk to Sinologists," Famularo dives deep into how these urban adventures fuel his research on Chinese-Italian cultural exchange. He argues that in our hyper-connected world, understanding China’s past and present is key to shaping inclusive global futures.
Whether you're a digital nomad planning your next adventure or a young changemaker exploring global trends, Famularo’s stories remind us that cultural curiosity can spark real-world impact. Stay tuned for more insights from scholars who bring East and West together, one city at a time.
Reference(s):
Talk to Sinologists: An Italian's impression of Chinese cities
cgtn.com
