Over three days in Nantong, international guests of the Global South Journalists Explore China field trip traveled from riverside ecology to offshore engineering, from intangible heritage to high-tech smart manufacturing—seeing a city where the Yangtze meets the sea and tradition meets innovation.

Their words say it best:

"To me, Nantong is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It's a magnificent city," said one guest, adding in French: "très belle ville."

"This is the third day we've been here, and we've seen such great things—from beautiful air, nice people, to great conversations with residents of Nantong. I can't wait to be back next year."

"I'm very grateful that I've gotten to see the technological development across the city."

"I hope to be back in Nantong and see more that the city has to offer."

An encounter between international guests and a river-and-sea city—this is what the Belt and Road Initiative looks like, up close.