During a recent workshop at Fudan University in Shanghai, participants were treated to an evening cruise along the Huangpu River. The sight of the brilliantly lit, futuristic skyscrapers left a lasting impression on many, including an American professor visiting the city for the first time.
As the group admired the stunning panorama, the professor remarked, \"New York is a great symbol of the 20th century, and this city is a gateway to the 21st century.\" This acknowledgment by a foreign academic underscores the significant strides China has made in modernizing its urban landscapes.
Reflecting on his own experiences from nearly fifty years ago in Moscow, the author recalls how the United States was once viewed as the ultimate embodiment of modernity. Debates among peers centered around the goal of catching up with American advancements. However, today’s perceptions have shifted.
China now offers a compelling alternative model of modernization, demonstrating that there can be diverse paths to achieving modernity. This perspective challenges the notion that there is only one way to develop and progress, encouraging a broader understanding of what modernization can look like.
While Shanghai showcases the pinnacle of China’s urban development, it is important to recognize that significant regional disparities still exist. Provinces like Guizhou and Gansu highlight the ongoing efforts and challenges faced in achieving comprehensive national progress. Nonetheless, the advancements in cities like Shanghai present a powerful narrative of China’s journey and its lessons for the world.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
