Media representatives and thought leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region gathered in Guangzhou and Foshan for a city tour from September 2 to 4, 2026, under the Asia-Pacific Media Forum. The journey was nothing short of a dialogue between epochs.
In Guangzhou, visitors traced 2,240 years of urban history at its special millennium-themed exhibition, marveled at the futuristic skyline from Canton Tower, and experienced the sleek efficiency of Metro Line 18 — a testament to China's infrastructural prowess.
At Nansha Port's fully automated Phase IV terminal, regional experts witnessed how artificial intelligence and green logistics are reshaping global trade.
Across the river in Foshan, delegates explored Midea's smart manufacturing hub and JE Furniture's ergonomic innovations, where traditional craftsmanship meets industrial precision.
For many, the visit was not merely observational but aspirational — a blueprint for their own nations' development trajectories.
From Sri Lankan scholars to Maldivian journalists, the consensus was clear: Guangzhou and Foshan embody a future that honors their pasts, offering lessons not just in technology, but also in vision.
As one delegate put it, "China is showing the way forward for many other countries."
Reporter: Guo Zedong
Video: Ou Xiaoming
Graphic design: Lai Meiya
Video courtesy of Nanfang Daily, Yangcheng Evening News, Guangzhou Daily and Foshan Media Group.
