Sometimes, the greatest journeys begin with dreams that once seemed impossible.
Coming from the beautiful mountains of Helambu in Nepal and the Indigenous Hyolmo community, I never imagined that one day I would have the opportunity to visit one of the world’s most technologically advanced countries, China. Growing up in a modest family, international travel always felt like a distant dream. I believed that such opportunities were reserved for people with greater financial resources or privileged backgrounds. Receiving a fully funded scholarship from the Government of the People’s Republic of China completely changed that belief. It became one of the most meaningful milestones of my life and reminded me that dedication, education, and a willingness to learn can open doors beyond our imagination.
For me, this journey was not only about travelling to another country. It was about proving that dreams can come true through education, perseverance, and continuous learning. As someone from a remote mountain community, this opportunity inspired me to believe that no dream is too big when knowledge becomes the bridge.
From 29 June to 14 July 2026, I had the privilege of participating in the Seminar on Development of Agricultural Products E-commerce for the Global South, organized by the Foreign Economic Cooperation Center (FECC) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People’s Republic of China. The seminar brought together 30 delegates from 11 developing countries Barbados, Bulgaria, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Iraq, Mauritius, Nepal, Pakistan, Rwanda, Thailand and Türkiye to exchange knowledge, learn from experts and experience China’s remarkable progress in agriculture, digital innovation and rural revitalization.
The seminar was not simply an academic program. It was an opportunity to understand how digital technology, artificial intelligence, and e-commerce are transforming agriculture and improving rural livelihoods. It also allowed participants from different countries to exchange ideas and learn from one another.
My First Impression of China
My journey began at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, where I experienced China’s digital transformation from the very first moment. Instead of standing in long queues, I simply scanned a QR code and an AI-powered facial recognition system verified my identity and displayed my travel information within seconds. It was a simple process, yet it demonstrated how digital technology has become part of everyday life in China. That first experience immediately showed me how innovation can make public services more efficient, secure and user-friendly. This experience also showed me that digital transformation is most successful when technology becomes simple, accessible, and useful in people’s everyday lives. Rather than being complicated, the technology worked quietly and efficiently in the background making every day processes faster and more convenient for everyone.
Representing Nepal on an International Stage
After arriving in Beijing, our delegation was warmly welcomed at the Wanda Jin Hotel in Pinggu District. The following day, we attended the orientation program at the Agricultural Zhongguancun Institute, where the organizers introduced the seminar objectives, program schedule, Chinese culture and practical guidance for our stay.
One of the proudest moments of my journey was delivering the welcome speech on behalf of Nepal before 30 delegates representing 11 developing countries Barbados, Bulgaria, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Iraq, Mauritius, Nepal, Pakistan, Rwanda, Thailand and Türkiye. Standing there, representing both my country and my Indigenous Hyolmo community, filled me with immense pride, confidence and gratitude. It was more than just a speech it was an opportunity to represent Nepal on an international platform and demonstrate that meaningful opportunities can reach individuals from every community, regardless of their background.
Before the seminar officially commenced, the organizers also conducted health check-ups for every participant. This thoughtful initiative reflected their professionalism, careful planning and genuine concern for the health and well-being of all participants, allowing everyone to begin the fourteen-day learning journey with confidence.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
From 30 June to 7 July, we participated in intensive lectures delivered by distinguished professors, researchers and industry experts. Unlike conventional seminars, every session connected theory with practical applications, making learning both engaging and meaningful.
The lectures covered diverse and important topics including:
- China’s Double Carbon Strategy and sustainable development.
- Agricultural products e-commerce and digital marketing.
- Artificial Intelligence, big data and digital transformation in agriculture.
- Rural revitalization and digital villages.
- Agricultural branding, logistics and cold-chain systems.
- Precision agriculture and smart farming technologies.
- International cooperation among countries of the Global South.
Rather than focusing only on technology, the seminar emphasized how effective public policy, quality education, modern infrastructure, scientific research, and innovation must work together to achieve sustainable development. This broader perspective helped me understand that technological advancement alone is not enough; it must be supported by strong institutions and long-term planning to create meaningful and lasting change.
These sessions helped me realize that China’s success in agriculture is not driven by technology alone. It is supported by long-term national planning, effective government policies, scientific research, digital infrastructure and active community participation. The seminar demonstrated that sustainable development requires collaboration between governments, researchers, industries and local communities.
Among all the industrial visits, one of the most fascinating experiences was our visit to Beijing Nongxin Internet Technology Group. During this visit, I witnessed how artificial intelligence is transforming modern agriculture in ways I had previously only read about.
Inside a modern livestock farm, AI-powered monitoring systems continuously tracked Pig animal health, feeding behavior, environmental conditions, and overall welfare in real time. Intelligent robots carried out routine inspections, while automated systems-controlled temperature, ventilation, and other environmental factors to create healthy living conditions for the animals. The experts also demonstrated how technologies such as IoT devices, cloud-based monitoring, AI- powered analytics, and smart farm management systems work together to improve productivity and ensure sustainable livestock farming. Seeing these technologies in operation helped me realize that artificial intelligence is not designed to replace farmers. Instead, it supports them by reducing repetitive tasks, providing accurate data for decision-making, improving efficiency, and ensuring better animal care. This practical demonstration completely changed my understanding of how digital technologies can contribute to sustainable agriculture and food production.
This visit helped me understand that the future of agriculture is not about replacing human effort but about supporting farmers with better information and smarter decision-making. Technology serves as a valuable partner, enabling farmers to respond more quickly to challenges, use resources more efficiently and improve the sustainability of agricultural production.
Another memorable experience was visiting China’s digital villages, where I saw how technology is improving rural life. Farmers are now using e-commerce platforms and livestreaming to sell their products directly to customers, creating better income opportunities. This transformation is supported by strong internet connectivity, efficient logistics, and training programs that help rural communities use digital technology with confidence. It showed me that technology can create new opportunities not only for agriculture but also for sustainable rural development.
What impressed me most was that digital transformation was benefiting ordinary farmers. Technology was not limited to large companies it had become part of daily life in rural communities.
The High-Speed Railway Experience
One of the most unforgettable experiences of my life came on 8 July, when our delegation travelled from Beijing West Railway Station to Xi’an aboard China’s world-famous high-speed railway.
Travelling at approximately 435 kilometers per hour was an experience I had never imagined. While the extraordinary speed amazed me, I was equally impressed by the train’s comfort, punctuality, safety and smooth operation. It demonstrated how investment in transportation infrastructure connects cities, promotes economic development and improves the quality of life for millions of people.
That journey transformed my understanding of innovation from something I had only read about into something I experienced firsthand. It reflected China’s long-term investment in infrastructure and demonstrated how efficient transportation supports economic growth, tourism, and regional connectivity.
Industrial Visits: Where Innovation Meets Reality
Following the classroom sessions, we began a series of industrial and field visits that transformed theoretical knowledge into practical understanding.
Our journey started at the Qinchuangyuan Modern Agricultural Industry Integration Demonstration Park, where we observed how smart farming technologies, scientific research and integrated agricultural systems improve productivity while promoting environmental sustainability.
At Niu Village, I witnessed how digital technologies and community participation have transformed traditional rural communities into economically vibrant and environmentally sustainable villages.
The following day, visits to Huangliang New Village, Qinling Flower World and Changan Tang Village demonstrated how agriculture, tourism, cultural heritage and ecological conservation can work together to create sustainable rural development.
One of the most memorable visits took place at the Shiliuhong Ecological Science and Technology Park in Lintong District. Here, I observed advanced ecological farming systems, scientific research and modern agricultural management practices that highlighted the importance of balancing innovation with environmental protection.
Our visit to the Wugong E-commerce Service Center showed how digital platforms enable farmers to market agricultural products directly to consumers, increasing their income while reducing dependence on middlemen. It demonstrated that e-commerce is not simply about online shopping it is about empowering rural communities through technology.
The final technical visit to the Yangling Agricultural High-tech Industries Demonstration Zone introduced us to biotechnology, smart irrigation systems, agricultural drones, precision farming and advanced research facilities. Witnessing these innovations reinforced my belief that technology has enormous potential to strengthen food security and improve rural livelihoods.
Although each location was different, they shared one common goal: combining technology, environmental sustainability, and community participation to improve rural development. This integrated approach was one of the most valuable lessons I learned throughout the seminar.
A Memorable Closing Ceremony
The seminar concluded on 13 July with a reflection session, closing ceremony and farewell reception. Another unforgettable milestone of my journey was delivering my first international closing speech. Listening to my remarks being translated into Chinese was an emotional and proud moment that I will always cherish. It reminded me that education has the power to connect people beyond language, culture and nationality.
Lessons That Will Stay with Me Forever
This seminar taught me lessons that extend far beyond agriculture.
First, agriculture is not simply farming it is an interconnected ecosystem where production, storage, transportation, logistics, marketing, research and technology must work together.
Second, digital technology empowers farmers by connecting them directly with consumers, improving market access and creating better economic opportunities.
Third, innovation becomes meaningful only when it solves real problems and improves people’s daily lives.
Fourth, successful development requires cooperation among governments, universities, researchers, businesses, entrepreneurs and local communities.
Fifth, young people and women must be encouraged to participate in modern agriculture because they represent the future of sustainable development.
Sixth, innovation alone is not enough. It requires visionary leadership, supportive policies, continuous investment, and collaboration among all stakeholders to create lasting impact.
Finally, lasting transformation begins with small initiatives. A successful pilot project can inspire one village, one district and eventually an entire nation.
Bringing the Experience Back to Nepal
I also realized that Nepal has great potential. Although our resources are limited, we have talented young people, fertile agricultural land and strong local communities. By adapting suitable technologies to our own context, we can create meaningful and sustainable change.
As an academic professional and researcher, I hope to apply these valuable lessons to support digital transformation, rural development, entrepreneurship and sustainable agriculture in Nepal. I believe many of China’s successful practices can inspire innovative solutions for our own communities, particularly in rural and mountainous regions.
This journey changed not only the way I see agriculture and technology but also the way I see my own future. It strengthened my confidence, broadened my perspective and inspired me to continue learning and serving my community. If destiny allows, I would love to visit China again and again not only to learn from its remarkable achievements but also to strengthen the friendships and cultural connections that began during this unforgettable journey. I sincerely believe that every journey of learning has the power to inspire another, and I hope this experience encourages more young people from Nepal to dream big, embrace innovation, and contribute to building a better future.
A Journey That Changed My Perspective
More than anything else this journey changed the way I think about development. Before visiting China, I often viewed technology and agriculture as separate fields. During the seminar, I realized that when combined with education, research, entrepreneurship and effective government policies, technology becomes a powerful tool for improving people’s lives. This experience encouraged me to think beyond my own profession and inspired me to explore how digital innovation can support sustainable development in Nepal particularly in rural and mountainous communities
