A reporter's thoughts on Xiamen and BRICS

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Much has been written about the beauty of the southeastern Chinese city of Xiamen and they are all true: The trees and gardens, the lakes and canals, the skyscrapers glistening at night and the parks full of strolling families are all quite lovely.

The city has likely never looked better than during the BRICS summit, after months of preparations to make this seaside town look its best for visiting dignitaries and journalists.

The view from Sunlight Rock on Gulanglu Island. /CGTN Photo

I found the mix of old and new to be striking- traditional Chinese buildings alongside colonial architecture alongside modern skyscrapers. This was especially apparent on our trip to Gulangyu Island. We trekked to the top of Sunlight Rock and looked out over the historic island across the water to the modern city of Xiamen - a bridge from the past to future.

In many ways it is a perfect metaphor for BRICS - a bridge to the future.

But there is also beauty in the people here. While walking back to our hotel with producer Matt Simon and cameraman Andrew Smith we encountered some businessmen who invited us in to their small office for tea.

From left to right, Jim Spellman, Matt Simon and Andrew Smith enjoy tea in Xiamen with local businessmen. /CGTN Photo

This wasn’t the elaborate tea ceremony the area is known for, but rather a simple gesture of goodwill from some good-hearted people. The tea was strong but not bitter. It was just what we needed.

We couldn’t speak the same language but we didn’t need to. It was understood. They were welcoming us to their city and hoping we would remember this gesture of goodwill.

CGTN Correspondent Jim Spellman working alongside international journalists at the BRICS International Broadcast Center. /CGTN Photo

Reinforcing the message of BRICS: people from different cultures can come together and find common ground, through trade or even through a simple cup of tea.

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