Chinese wisdom opens new paths in life across cultures

Life, entrepreneurship

Official data showed that more than 800,000 foreign nationals live in China for purposes including business, employment and study.

China has introduced measures to improve public services for foreign residents, making it easier for them to access services and receive support in areas such as employment, social security, education and housing. Digital platforms have also transformed daily routines, turning transportation and payments into seamless, time-saving experiences.

For Ugandan entrepreneur Adikin Rose Mary, life in China has become both a source of inspiration and a foundation for her career.

She has embraced livestreaming and short-video platforms, becoming a popular vlogger whose videos capture the social customs and everyday life of rural China. From visiting neighbors for casual conversations to bargaining at local markets, her authentic portrayals have attracted nearly 15 million followers on Douyin.

Her homecoming tour to Uganda also drew millions of views, allowing audiences in both countries to gain a closer look at cultural exchanges between China and Africa.

Living in a village in Lishui in Zhejiang, Adikin has experienced the rhythms of rural life firsthand. She harvests bamboo shoots, gathers edible wild greens and works on her own plot of land as the seasons change.

"I farm my own land, and I have learned to follow natural laws summarized by Chinese people to arrange daily life and farming work. If you miss the right season, you will not get a good harvest," she said.

Italian vlogger Leonardo Lazzari is exploring a different path, introducing China to audiences back home. Since 2024, he has been sharing his experiences in China on TikTok, where he has attracted more than 26,000 followers. "Many people in Italy are curious about China and posted all kinds of questions under my posts, such as how are Chinese streets cleaned and how frequently," he said.

Lazzari uses his posts to advertise Chinese tours to international visitors, with his friend having founded Nihao Inter, a travel agency based in Hangzhou.

Leaving behind Italian beaches and gelato, Lazzari plans to immerse himself in Chinese cultural experiences, from visiting traditional bathhouses to making sachets filled with aromatic herbs to relieve heat in summer.

"We are planning to launch customized travel packages featuring traditional Chinese medicine experiences, while exploring more culture- and technology-focused travel products in the future," he said.