For years, I collaborated with Red Hat colleagues remotely, forging connections and driving projects forward from opposite ends of the globe. But it wasn’t until my trip to China that I finally had the opportunity to meet them in person, to put faces to names and share experiences beyond the confines of virtual communication.

I could meet with my first manager, the teammate just promoted from the intern position after months of work together, some of the historical leads and managers of the Openshift QE group. The experience of meeting and discussing of work with them and especially having beers, dinners, Kao Rou in particular, has been one of the most grateful times of working in my current team. It also is the beauty of such an international way we have of organizing our teams: it is technical need as anytime there is at least one person awake and working in the team, but it also is a way to share and enrich our culture and knowledge by exchanging experiences and traditions from our countries.

They were welcoming and available at hosting and guiding us from the “west” around their cities and this convergence of work and wanderlust laid the foundation for a truly unforgettable journey—one that would take me from the bustling streets of Beijing to the tranquil villages of the Anhui and Zhejiang provinces.

I had the opportunity to explore a diverse array of cities and landscapes, each offering its own unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the bustling metropolises of Beijing and Shanghai to the serene mountains of Huang Shan and the ancient villages of Hongcun and Xidi, China captivated me with its rich tapestry of sights and experiences.

In Beijing, the heartbeat of China’s political and cultural landscape, I found myself standing in the iconic Tiananmen Square, a vast expanse of concrete imbued with the echoes of history for an “always be student” person like me.

hey teacher, leave those kids alone

Tiananmen Square

It was here, in the tumultuous events of the 1980s, that the square bore witness to the fervor of student protests and the subsequent government crackdown—a poignant reminder of the complexities of China’s modern history.

In Shanghai, a city pulsating with energy and innovation, I was drawn to the tranquil banks of the Huangpu River, where the juxtaposition of old and new is starkly evident. Here, amidst the gleaming skyscrapers of Pudong and the historic architecture of the Bund, one can’t help but marvel at the city’s transformation from a humble fishing village to a globalized and capitalistic economic powerhouse. In many ways, it’s akin to the allegorical portrayal in the G. Orwell’s Animal Farm, where the pigs establish connections with the external world, showcasing a nuanced understanding of China’s evolving political and economic landscape.

Nevertheless, engaging in conversations with locals revealed a perspective that diverged from the revolutionary zeal of their Russian counterparts. While the revolutionary Russians sought to export the revolution, the Chinese people I spoke to seemed more focused on safeguarding their own vision. Shanghai, in this context, emerges as a vital bridge to the external world and economy—a testament to China’s unique approach to globalization and its role in shaping the country’s trajectory on the world stage.

Venturing into the heart of the Anhui province, I found myself in the ethereal beauty of Huang Shan, or the Yellow Mountain—a place steeped in myth and legend.

Wu Yue is the collective name given to the 5 top important mountains, namely Mt. Taishan in Shandong province, Mt. Hengshan in Shanxi province, Mt. Huashan in Shaanxi province, Mt. Songshan in Henan province and Mt. Hengshan in Hunan province. Here goes the proverb from Xu Xiake, «you won’t want to visit any other mountains after seeing Wu Yue, but you won’t wish to see even Wu Yue after returning from Mt. Huangshan»

五岳归来不看山，黄山归来不看岳

徐霞客

Sunrise in Huang Shan

This quote may give you some idea of the beauty and uniqueness of Mt. Huangshan. Mt. Huangshan scenic spot is featured with hiking, outdoors, adventures, natural scenery, photography, ancient culture, architecture, and relaxing.

As I ascended Mt. Huang Shan winding paths and jagged peaks, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and reverence for the natural wonders that surrounded me.

It was the national day in China and other hikers and climbers were there with the youngest in the peak waving the People’s Republic of China flag.

Further off the beaten path, nestled amidst the idyllic countryside of Anhui, lie the ancient villages of Hongcun and Xidi. Here, time seems to stand still amidst the cobbled streets and traditional architecture of these World Heritage sites. Walking through the labyrinthine alleyways of Hongcun and Xidi, I was transported back in time, to an era of imperial splendor and timeless beauty.

The Yin Temple in Hongcun stands as a testament to the region’s rich history and cultural heritage. With its intricate carvings and ornate architecture, the temple offers a glimpse into the spiritual life of the villagers who once called this place home.

Together, these experiences paint a vivid portrait of China—a land of contrasts and contradictions, where ancient traditions and modern aspirations converge in a symphony of sights, sounds, and stories. As I journeyed through the landscapes of Beijing, Shanghai, Huang Shan, Hongcun, and Xidi, I couldn’t help but marvel at the resilience and ingenuity of the people who call this remarkable country home.

A country where sharing and care for each other could seem a first-citizen, but also where censorship and dictatorship might lay under the hoods.

Connections and Censorship⌗

In today’s interconnected world, where messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal have become the backbone of communication, imagine the frustration of being unable to send a simple message to your friends or family while traveling abroad. Whether it’s coordinating meetups, sharing updates, or simply staying connected, these platforms have seamlessly integrated into our daily lives.

Indeed, in countries like China, where digital censorship is not just a concept but a stark reality, the struggle to send a message or access basic information can be all too real. Picture yourself standing in the midst of an unfamiliar city, surrounded by sights and sounds that beckon exploration, only to find that you’re unable to access Wikipedia for a quick dose of information about the historical landmarks before you. It’s a frustrating scenario, one that underscores the importance of unrestricted access to information, particularly for the people of the Republic of China.

Wikipedia, often hailed as the bastion of free knowledge, is more than just an online encyclopedia—it’s a gateway to a wealth of information spanning countless topics and disciplines. From history and science to culture and current events, Wikipedia serves as a repository of human knowledge, freely accessible to anyone with an internet connection. Yet, in countries where censorship reigns supreme, even this invaluable resource can be off-limits.

Now, one might argue that blocking major companies’ chat tools like WhatsApp is understandable from a security standpoint: they are monopoly, they are actually able to control us more than the governments of the so-called “free” western world. But when it comes to Wikipedia, the rationale becomes murkier.

After all, blocking access to a platform dedicated to the dissemination of knowledge isn’t just a restriction—it’s censorship in its purest form. It deprives individuals of the opportunity to learn, explore, and engage with the world around them, effectively stifling intellectual curiosity and hindering the pursuit of truth.

In a world where information is power, denying access to platforms like Wikipedia not only undermines the principles of freedom and democracy but also perpetuates ignorance and stifles progress. So, the next time you find yourself scrolling through Wikipedia’s vast archives or sending a message to a friend halfway across the world, take a moment to appreciate the privilege of unrestricted access—and spare a thought for those who aren’t afforded the same luxury.

I will share how I did overcome the great firewall.

Political vision⌗

In the midst of discussing digital censorship and the challenges it poses, it’s essential to acknowledge the resilience and humanity of the people affected by it. While navigating the complexities of online restrictions in countries like China, I couldn’t help but be struck by the warmth and generosity of its people. Despite the constraints imposed by the government, there’s an undeniable spirit of camaraderie and community that permeates through the fabric of society.

It’s this sense of shared humanity that transcends political boundaries and cultural differences, reminding us that, at our core, we’re all just individuals striving for connection and understanding. Living for a few weeks among the people of China gave me a profound appreciation for the power of solidarity—a shared sense of purpose and belonging that transcends political ideologies and societal norms.

Indeed, while communism may be the predominant political ideology in China, it’s important to recognize that beneath the surface lies a rich tapestry of diverse perspectives and lived experiences. Viewing it through a broader lens, one might even argue that communism represents just another approach to governance—a different paradigm for addressing the needs and aspirations of a nation on a monumental scale.

In contrast to the oligarchic democracies often heralded as the epitome of freedom, China’s model of governance offers a unique perspective on collective action and societal cohesion. While it may not align with traditional notions of liberty and individualism, there’s an undeniable efficacy to its approach—a method of governance shaped by centuries of history and cultural evolution.

Ultimately, whether we find ourselves in the corridors of power in Beijing or the bustling streets of London, it’s crucial to recognize the inherent complexity of governance and the myriad factors that shape our understanding of freedom.

By embracing a more nuanced perspective, one that acknowledges the diversity of human experiences and political philosophies, we can move closer towards a world where every voice is heard, and every individual is empowered to shape their destiny.