China's latest government work report was released on March 5, during the annual Two Sessions. According to the report, inbound tourism to China grew by 17.1 percent in 2025, with more than 82 million foreign visitors entering the country.
While many come simply to visit, some decide to stay.
One of them is Mark Levine, an American who has lived in China for more than two decades. A professor at Minzu University of China, Levine is also a musician and writer who has spent years traveling across the country and observing its development firsthand.
For Levine, the Two Sessions offer a window into how China evaluates its past progress and plans for the future. He believes China's policy-making process emphasizes analysis and practical results. According to him, the system focuses on reviewing what has been accomplished, identifying what still needs to be done, and determining how existing achievements can support future goals.
He also points to the principle of democratic centralism, which he says helps guide the decision-making process. Discussions may involve different opinions, he noted, but once a decision is reached, all parties commit to carrying it out.
"If everyone isn't committed to the decision," Levine explained, "you can't figure out what actually works."
Having lived in China for over 20 years, Levine has witnessed many changes across the country. One area that particularly impressed him is China's poverty alleviation efforts.
He recalls visiting rural areas in Songzi, a city in central China, where his music partner's family runs a farm. Years ago, the journey involved flying to Yichang and driving on rough roads to reach the village. Today, highways connect the region, and new factories and industries are emerging.
"I've stayed in farmhouses and seen improvements in rural life," he said. "The changes are very clear."
As a professor at Minzu University, Levine also pays close attention to China's ethnic policies. Roughly half of his undergraduate students come from ethnic minority groups.
Outside China, he believes the country's multiethnic society is often misunderstood. "Many people in the United States have no idea that China is a multiethnic country," he said. "And if they hear about it in Western media, it is often about conflict. But that's not what I see."
In his classroom, Levine says students from different ethnic groups study, socialize, and build friendships together. They respect their cultural identities, he explained, but share a common sense of belonging. "They understand that first and foremost, they are Chinese," he said.
After more than two decades in China, Levine is often jokingly referred to by Chinese friends as a "Lao Nei"—a foreigner who understands China deeply. For him, it's a title earned not through observation alone, but through years of living, teaching, and traveling across a country that continues to evolve.
Looking ahead, Levine says he is eager to see the outcomes of this year's Two Sessions and the policies that will follow. For Levine, China's development is not only about domestic growth, but also about contributing to a more peaceful world. He hopes the country will continue improving the lives of its people while helping other nations pursue development as well.
Reporter: Li Fangwang
Video: Guo Hongda
Poster: Li Fangwang
