A group of South African entrepreneurs recently came to Wenzhou as part of the Belt and Road Initiative’s E‑Commerce Valley project. The journey took them through the Wuma Street Historical and Cultural Block, the Dongtou Banping Homestay Practice Base, and Jiushan Park — an immersive walk-and-learn experience that revealed the city’s deep historical roots and vibrant local life, deepening their understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture.
In the Wuma Street Block, they strolled along cobblestone lanes, weaving through arcade buildings that blend Chinese and Western architectural styles, while absorbing the history that has shaped this century-old commercial street. At Chan Street, they discovered intangible cultural heritage crafts, and the time-honored shops showcased generations of artisanship. The sculpture of five galloping steeds and the ancient Nanxi stage, echoing with Wenzhou’s distinctive Ou-style charm, told vivid stories of the city’s cultural identity. Together, these experiences brought to life Wenzhou as a Hub of Handicrafts and Artisanship and a Cradle of Entrepreneurs, where a pioneering ethos — the spirit of “daring to lead ahead” — flows naturally with the warmth and rhythm of everyday life.
At the Dongtou Banping Homestay Practice Base, the entrepreneurs explored local efforts under the Blue Bay environmental improvement initiative, in cultural heritage preservation, and in homestay operations. From Jiucai’ao Beach and SWEET U COFFEE to Sweet Dreams Homestay, they gained firsthand insight into how the island villages in Wenzhou pursued rural revitalization — witnessing the philosophy that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets” had taken root at the grassroots level. During discussions with homestay operators, the group learned about business models driving integrated rural cultural tourism, and were impressed by Wenzhou’s success in balancing ecological protection with industrial growth, gaining a more concrete understanding of China’s rural governance and its national initiative toward common prosperity.
At Jiushan Park, the group took in sweeping views of lakes and hills — a perfect reflection of Wenzhou’s identity as a “city of mountains and waters.” Nestled at the heart of the city’s old town, this urban park serves both as a leisure haven and a repository of cultural memory. The entrepreneurs paused at landmarks of Confucian heritage, observed the artistry of classical Chinese garden design, and gained insight into the local way of life — one that embraces nature and seeks a poetic dwelling. With every step, they experienced the traditional Chinese wisdom of “harmony between humanity and nature” woven into the landscape.
This cultural tour through Wenzhou offered the South African entrepreneurs invaluable insight into China’s urban development. From historic commercial streets to island villages, from city parks to hands-on practice bases, their immersion in Wenzhou’s diverse culture revealed the rich tapestry of the city and illuminated the broader dynamics of Chinese society. The experience not only strengthened cross-cultural exchange but also laid a solid cultural foundation for future industrial collaboration and investment.
