Chongqing - On August 23, the four-day visit to Chongqing by a delegation of Latin American think tank experts drew to a close. As she prepared to depart, Dehilyn Ramirez from Costa Rica shared a heartfelt reflection: "Chongqing is truly a magical city! I've been to other cities in China, but Chongqing has now become my favorite."
Latin American experts took a photo together to commemorate this journey (Photo: Event Organizer)
Just four days earlier, she knew little about this land. What experiences transformed a visitor from Latin America from unfamiliarity to awe in such a short span? The answer lies in Chongqing's technology, its culture, and the landscape between its mountains and rivers.
From Dancing Robots to Waste-to-Energy: Witnessing Chongqing's Tech Strength
Latin American experts were amazed by Chongqing robot technologies (Photo: Event Organizer)
On August 19, the delegation began their journey through the "Mountain City" at Chongqing Yuyi Technology. "As the regional headquarters of Unitree Robotics in Western China, we focus on the independent R&D of quadruped and humanoid robots, with all core components domestically produced," the guide explained. Led by staff, the delegation watched robot dance performances and sparring demonstrations up close, experiencing the cutting edge of Chongqing's robotics industry through a blend of strength and grace.
This impressive robotics tour set a high-tech tone for the visit—yet it was only the beginning of Chongqing’s showcase of innovation.
On August 20, the delegation visited leading enterprises including Haifu Medical, the Changan Automobile Global R&D Center, and the Sanfeng Yulin Waste-to-Energy Plant. They immersed themselves in Chongqing’s achievements across four key sectors: intelligent technology, high-end healthcare, smart automotive manufacturing, and green environmental protection, gaining a multidimensional understanding of the city through the lens of technological advancement.
Among these, the Sanfeng Yulin Waste-to-Energy Project left a particularly deep impression. "This is the first time I've seen something so spectacular. The way this city handles waste is truly amazing," said Diego Guillermo Laserna Arias from Colombia, visibly excited.
From Literary Elegance to Intellectual Exchange: Understanding Chongqing Culture
Latin American experts were hearing how Chongqing makes its cultural products (Photo: Event Organizer)
If corporate visits let Latin American guests feel Chongqing's industrial pulse, cultural exploration and intellectual exchange offered a deeper understanding of the city.
On the morning of August 21, the delegation crossed the Chaotianmen Bridge, where the majestic confluence of the two rivers unfolded before them, setting a grand stage for the day's itinerary. They arrived at Chongqing Publishing Group, where staff guided the guests through the publishing achievements of the Dazu Rock Carvings series. Wandering through shelves of beautifully crafted books, the visitors were visibly charmed. Before departing, each guest received a carefully selected book from Chongqing Publishing Group—a cultural keepsake to take home.
In the afternoon, the experts moved to Xian Tao Data Valley in Liangjiang New Area to attend the "Four Seasons, New Rhythms: Sensing Chongqing" summer exchange dialogue, part of an international media tour. Together with nearly one hundred participants—including government officials, social science scholars, tech entrepreneurs, and overseas content creators—they discussed Chongqing's openness and innovation.
"I believe China is a role model for other nations. The progress we’ve witnessed aligns with the common interests of all humanity. China is not only the present but also represents the future—a nation evolving into something truly remarkable," said María Dolores Guevara Albuja, a researcher at Spain's Impulsa Association, in an interview.
From Monorail to Drone Light Show: Experiencing the 8D City
Latin American experts enjoyed Chongqing's drone light show (Photo: Event Organizer)
From the literary world of the publishing house to the intellectual dialogue in Data Valley, the Latin American guests deepened their understanding of Chongqing through exchange. The following day's itinerary extended that understanding from indoor discussions to the city's landscapes and lights.
On August 22, the delegation headed to the iconic Liziba Monorail Station. Despite temperatures hitting 38°C, the heat did nothing to dampen their enthusiasm. As the train glided into the building, blurring the line between reality and fantasy, the delegation witnessed this architectural marvel firsthand—and grasped the bold, romantic creativity behind Chongqing’s reputation as an "8D Magical City."
Beyond modern wonders, historical depth was equally essential. At the Three Gorges Museum, guests read Chongqing's history through artifacts and exhibitions; at the Chongqing Planning Exhibition Hall, they gained insight into the city’s layered geography and the thoughtful urban planning behind it.
The most anticipated moment came that evening with the drone light show. A riverside breeze cooled the day's lingering heat, soothing both restlessness and fatigue amid Chongqing's glittering nightscape.
As the music began, hundreds of drones rose in orderly formation with a low hum. They briefly vanished into the night sky—then, in an instant, points of light burst forth with stunning visual impact. Set to music, the drones shifted seamlessly, transforming into a young boy transplanting rice shoots in a field, then children playing hopscotch, then the Monkey King enlarging his golden staff.
In this interplay of light and shadow—a pinnacle of modern technology and urban aesthetics—every guest raised a camera to capture the unforgettable scene.
From First Encounter to Farewell: Friendship Between Chongqing and Latin America
Time flew by, and the four-day visit concluded with this spectacular drone show. Reflecting on Chongqing's development, Dehilyn Ramirez offered high praise: "Chongqing is a modern benchmark city—a model for Latin America in urban development, construction technology, and environmental governance. Costa Rica still has much to learn from Chongqing in healthcare, transportation, and technology."