Exploring the Environment of China 2011

Train Riding in China

by Nate Reinhart

It is through the youth that change can occur. The prejudices of our older generations can be overcome only by delegation of the country's youth. It is important to derive a belief from one's own experience rather than from the view of another.

A Look Inside a Chinese Train

The trip to China was one of these experiences. Many people from the United States view China in a negative way, because of the media. We may live in a state of freedom, but there will always be subjectivity in the media. It is amazing to meet and talk with the Chinese; they are a very tolerant people. My train rides between Shanghai to Xian and Xian to Beijing have been some of the most unique experiences of my life. I was one of the delegates to ride alone in a train car with three other Chinese from Xian to Beijing. At first for most Americans it would be like a death sentence. However, for me it was a perfect opportunity to relax and meet the real people of China. It is amazing to see their hospitality in action. There was a man in my cabin that approached me in discussion, because I was not the typical American that closes themselves off in their own world with an iPod. We discussed many things over an hour-long period from things in our own lives to America and China's relationship. Our day-to-day lives maybe very different, but really we are one in the same person.

The other two Chinese men spoke little English, but were still interested in why I was in China and how my stay was going in their country. Unlike Americans towards visitors, they wanted to make sure my stay in China was a good and memorable one. They almost have this sense of pride and ownership in China. They want the world to see China and learn about its strong history and culture. A big surprise to me was the strong interests Chinese people have in visiting the U.S. and their friendliness towards us.

The man that I was talking to was traveling alone, but for the majority of the time I thought that all three were traveling together. My confusion stemmed from the long conversations and interactions from all three.

Train Platform - Beijing

They all ate noodles together and even asked me if I had eaten, because they were willing to feed me. This is something completely alien to Americans. This sense of comradery and friendship between each other and a stranger was very profound. The man, who spoke English, praised the U.S. for electing President Obama and said the Chinese like him very much. Sometimes in order to get a real feel of a country it is best to talk to the people. This experience was very similar to my trip in Africa, when a sat next to a Kenyan on an airplane. The citizens, unlike the media, are uncensored and can tell you their true feelings on their culture and their own view of the U.S.

I was very blessed for this experience, because it is important to see the world through your own eyes and then get the viewpoint of the people of the region. Ignorance will be the death of society only through openness and understanding will change occur. In China a little bit of openness will go a long way, because the Chinese are just as interested in you as you are in them.