Some journeys remain with us long after we return home. My visit to China in 2025 was one such experience-an inspiring journey that allowed me not only to see the historic landmarks of Beijing, but also to witness firsthand the remarkable development, discipline and modern infrastructure of a country that has emerged as one of the world’s great economic and technological powers.
I had the privilege of getting the opportunity to visit China through the courtesy of the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Karachi. I undertook the visit on my own arrangements and was accompanied by a friend. I remain sincerely grateful to the Chinese Consulate for facilitating this opportunity, which became one of the most memorable international experiences of my life.
Upon our arrival in Beijing, we also enjoyed the warm courtesy and hospitality of our own Embassy of Pakistan. We were received and assisted in settling into a very comfortable hotel conveniently located near the Pakistan Embassy. This gesture made us feel at home from the very beginning and reflected the warmth with which Pakistani visitors are welcomed and assisted in China.
Discovering Beijing
Beijing is a fascinating city where thousands of years of history exist alongside extraordinary modern development. During our week-long stay, we had the opportunity to explore several of its most important educational, historical and cultural landmarks.
One of the memorable parts of our visit was Renmin University of China, one of the country’s prominent institutions of higher learning. Visiting the university gave me an appreciation of the importance China places on education, knowledge, research and the development of its younger generations.
Our visit to the Great Wall of China was equally unforgettable. Standing before this magnificent structure, one begins to understand not only the scale of China’s history but also the determination and organisational strength that have characterised Chinese civilisation over centuries. It is difficult to fully appreciate the grandeur of the Great Wall through photographs; seeing it personally is an entirely different experience.
We also visited Tiananmen Square, one of Beijing’s most recognisable landmarks, and the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall. These places provided an opportunity to reflect upon China’s history and the tremendous transformation the country has undergone over the decades.
Beyond these well-known landmarks, we explored various other places independently. In many ways, these journeys through the streets and neighbourhoods of Beijing gave me an even better understanding of everyday life in the Chinese capital.
An Amazing Metro Experience
One aspect of Beijing that particularly impressed me was its public transportation system.
On my very first day, I obtained a travel card that enabled me to use Beijing’s underground Metro system. It quickly became our preferred way of travelling around the city.
For a visitor, the experience was remarkable. The Metro made it possible for us to move conveniently from one part of this enormous city to another. It gave me a firsthand appreciation of how modern infrastructure can make daily life easier while supporting the economic activity of a major metropolitan centre.
Using public transport also allowed us to experience Beijing more closely-not simply as tourists being transported from one attraction to another, but as visitors moving through the city alongside its residents.
The scale of the city, its transport infrastructure and the organisation visible in everyday life left a lasting impression upon me.
Witnessing China’s Development
What impressed me most during my week in China was that development was not confined to one particular location. Wherever we travelled in Beijing, there was a sense of progress and modernisation.
Modern roads, public transportation, impressive buildings, educational institutions and well-developed public spaces demonstrated the enormous transformation China has achieved.
As a businessman and someone associated with communications and the corporate sector, I found this particularly inspiring. China’s experience demonstrates what sustained planning, investment in infrastructure, technological advancement and commitment to national development can achieve.
There is much that countries such as Pakistan can learn from this experience, particularly in the fields of infrastructure, technology, urban transportation, education, industrial development and the creation of efficient public services.
Friendship Beyond Diplomacy
For a Pakistani visitor, travelling to China also carries a special emotional significance.
Pakistan and China share a friendship that has endured for generations. In 2026, as our two countries commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations, there is an opportunity to look beyond official agreements and appreciate the importance of greater interaction between ordinary citizens, professionals, students, entrepreneurs and business communities.
My visit reinforced my belief that people-to-people contact is one of the strongest foundations upon which lasting international friendships can be built. When people travel, meet one another and experience another society firsthand, they return with a deeper understanding that cannot be gained merely through books, news reports or official documents.
I returned from Beijing with admiration for China’s achievements and with an even greater appreciation of the importance of Pakistan-China friendship.
A Journey I Hope to Continue
A week in Beijing was a wonderful experience, but it also made me realise how much more of China remains to be explored.
China is a vast country, with different cities representing different dimensions of its history, economy, culture, technology and development. Having experienced Beijing, I now have a strong desire to visit other Chinese cities in the future and witness their progress firsthand.
I would particularly like to explore more of China’s business, technological and industrial centres and better understand how innovation and enterprise have contributed to the country’s transformation.
My 2025 visit was therefore not merely a sightseeing journey. It became an experience of discovery and learning.
I remain grateful to the Chinese Consulate in Karachi for the courtesy that made this opportunity possible and to the Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing for the hospitality and assistance extended to us during our stay.
The memories of walking through Tiananmen Square, visiting the Great Wall, experiencing Renmin University and travelling beneath Beijing through its impressive Metro system will remain with me for many years.
Most importantly, I returned home with a stronger conviction that Pakistan and China should continue bringing their people closer together. Greater exchanges among our young people, entrepreneurs, academics, media professionals and business communities can add a powerful human dimension to the already strong strategic relationship between our countries.
As Pakistan and China celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations, I sincerely hope that many more Pakistanis will have opportunities to visit China, experience its culture and development, and build friendships with the Chinese people.
For me, Beijing was an unforgettable beginning. I went to China for a week, but returned with memories, admiration and a desire to see much more of this remarkable country.
Long live Pakistan-China friendship!
