Li Mingcui, 61, wearing Qiang minority costumes, holds a red scarf as a sign of respect to the rescuers during the May earthquake at Beichuan County, Sichuan province November 11, 2008. Li was dug out by rescuers about 164 hours after the earthquake on May 12, 2008. [Photo/CFP]

Chengdu

Chengdu in Sichuan was the third city experience I had in China that deeply influenced me. I visited the city twice. My first visit was as a guest to see the industrial area in Chengdu, where I was impressed by the developed aviation industry in particular. Later, I had one of my most memorable tourist experiences by climbing the mountains to visit Gugaizhou Park, a place of natural beauty and tranquility that moves the mind and the soul from earth to feel closer to heaven. Later on, I paid a visit to the panda station where Chinese experts created a special environment to breed and protect one of the most adorable animals in the world. The panda has become a Chinese icon and a distinguished part of Chinese diplomacy because it is the only animal that is issued a special passport to travel as a guest to different countries around the world.

My second visit was on a rather sad occasion but it left a deep impression in my mind and heart. On May 3, 2008, part of Sichuan suffered from a strong earthquake that caused a lot of damage and led to many casualties. Egypt was one of the first countries to express its sympathy to the Chinese people and government by sending urgent relief on two big military aircraft. I flew to Chengdu to receive the cargo and handed it over to the Chinese rescue authorities so that they could distribute it to the people in the affected areas. When I expressed my wish to visit the people in the areas most affected by the earthquake, the Chinese officials in charge were surprised, as this was the first such request from a foreign diplomat. I am glad and grateful that they responded to my request because what I witnessed made me feel closer to the suffering of the people and allowed me to experience the strength and resilience of the Chinese in the face of hardships and calamities.

I will never forget the smiles of the children I visited in a newly built, makeshift school when I gave them a small gift of children's story books. I brought from the city as a personal gift on a day that happened to be the International Day of the Child.

What I witnessed, from the speedy mobilization, the resilience of the people and the smiles of the children in their classes in the middle of the disaster area not only impressed me but gave me a glimpse of the future of China.

The above are just part of my experience in China, which covered many places, events and interactions with people from all walks of life. I still live and enjoy not only the memories I carry with me but the knowledge I try to gain everyday about the history, culture and developments in this great nation.

About the author:

Mahmoud Allam is former ambassador of Egypt to China. He is also a keen observer and scholar of Chinese studies. Currently, he works as Ministerial advisor for Ministry of International Cooperation. The author can be reached at allammahmud@hotmail.com