By Bobby Coloma

For many Filipinos who haven’t visited mainland China, the image of the country might still reflect the “sleeping giant” of decades ago—an overpopulated communist state where freedom is restricted, personal possessions are tightly controlled, and a limited use of the English language seems to hinder global connections.

These stereotypes are often shaped by the territorial disputes between the Philippines and China, leading to rising Sinophobia. This has painted China as the antagonist in many issues, including regional conflicts, the pandemic, and economic instability.

While these opinions may stem from valid concerns, they are not the complete picture. There are many aspects of China that go unnoticed, overshadowed by sensational headlines. Those who harbor these misconceptions likely do so because of misinformation.

In reality, China has made tremendous strides in recent years in areas like its economy, infrastructure, education, international relations, and governance.

As someone who had the privilege to visit China, I can confidently say: China is a country on the rise. 
Let me take you through my journey to two breathtaking destinations—Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou.

The infrastructure
One of my favorite moments while traveling is when the flight attendant announces it’s time to open the window shades. Peering out, I get a bird's-eye view of the city I’m about to land in. This time, Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou greeted me with a stunning sight—modern skyscrapers, sprawling skyways, and highways connecting the region like a vast web.

What struck me most was how China has spread infrastructure development beyond its megacities like Beijing and Shanghai. 
Even mountainous regions like Jiuzhaigou boast state-of-the-art airports, such as Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport, which provides easy access to this remote area. Chengdu, on the other hand, is home to Tianfu International Airport, the second-largest airport in the world, with two completed terminals and more under construction.

These developments are not just for show. The well-designed six-lane highways and intricate skyways make travel convenient for both locals and tourists. Thanks to this, Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou attract thousands of visitors daily, both from within China and from abroad.

The Tourism
Experiencing the seamless infrastructure made me realize how crucial it is for tourism. When a country has efficient airports, roads, and transportation systems, it becomes much easier for tourists to explore.

One of the highlights of my trip was visiting the stunning lakes and waterfalls of Jiuzhaigou National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The place felt like a dream, often compared to Switzerland because of its colorful autumn landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and mirror-like lakes. The park’s beauty, especially in the fall when the leaves change color, was mesmerizing.
Coming from Davao, I was astonished by the cold climate. At 11 p.m., the temperature dropped to 1°C—something I wasn’t quite prepared for. A reminder for anyone visiting: don’t forget your heat-tech and jackets.

In Chengdu, I visited the famous Dujiangyan Irrigation System, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. This ancient engineering marvel still functions today, controlling the waters of the Min River and supplying irrigation to the Chengdu Plain. The preservation of this system is remarkable, and it serves as a model of how natural water resources can be managed sustainably. It made me think about how places like the Pasig River and Manila Bay could benefit from such care and preservation.

For wildlife lovers, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is a must-visit. Here, I had the unique opportunity to see giant and red pandas up close—no need to travel to other countries to experience these magnificent creatures.
Another memorable experience is the one at Huanglong. Riding the cable car from the base to the top of the mountain, offering stunning views along the way is truly a must. Although the line for the cable car can be quite long, the ride itself is surprisingly fast. 
Once at the top, I was intrigued by the electric cars used to transport tourists around the park. These vehicles make it easy to explore Huanglong, a known for its vibrant, multi-colored ponds. The river running through the park creates striking, colorful water formations due to the high mineral content in the area.

The culture
What impressed me most about China is how it has embraced modernization without losing touch with its rich cultural heritage. While China is known for its cutting-edge technology and infrastructure, its cultural roots remain deeply integrated into daily life.
In Jiuzhaigou, I attended a theater show that left me in awe. The theater was equipped with the latest technology, featuring stages that transformed into waterfalls and moving seats that made the audience feel like they were experiencing an earthquake. 
Despite the technological innovations, the show was a tribute to traditional Chinese culture, showcasing indigenous costumes, music, and stories of ancient ways of life.

Even though I didn’t speak the language, the performances transcended words, communicating a sense of pride in their heritage. It reminded me of the importance of preserving and promoting our own culture back home, as it not only enriches our lives but also fosters national pride.

What this means for the Philippines
The tourism industry in the Philippines faces several challenges, particularly regarding sustainability, inclusivity, and effective management to reach its full potential.

In 2019, foreign tourist arrivals peaked at 8.3 million, with Chinese tourists leading the numbers, totaling around 1.7 million visits. By 2023,  however, even without the impact of the pandemic, foreign arrivals dropped to around 5.45 million. South Korea emerged as the top source of visitors, with 349,956 tourists.

This decline highlights the need to strengthen our relationship with China and adopt strategies that can boost our tourism industry. One key factor in China's tourism success is the convenience and accessibility they provide to their tourists. The Philippines can learn from this by focusing on sustainable tourism and improving every region's tourism offerings.

To achieve this, we need to invest in better infrastructure, promote and empower local cultures, and create more sustainable tourism opportunities. 

By establishing clear guidelines and ensuring a smooth, well-managed experience for both local and foreign tourists, the Philippines can attract more visitors and encourage them to stay longer.

China is no longer the “sleeping giant” it once was. It is a dynamic country that balances rapid modernization with a deep respect for its cultural past. From the towering skyscrapers of Chengdu to the natural wonders of Jiuzhaigou, my journey showed me a side of China that is rarely seen or talked about. 

It’s a destination that deserves to be explored and understood beyond the headlines.