Last night in Shanghai, I was invited to dinner by the director of Satsuki Travel agency, the Young Entrepreneurs/Producers Association, and "Guohua Liquors" for a tasting of "GUOHUA JIANGXIANGJIU."

I expected a formal evening, but instead I found what we would call back home a "picnic among friends." A joyful and carefree night, much like those we have in Italy with cheerful companions — full of jokes, compliments, and flaws pointed out to each other's faces with laughter, without a trace of malice.

What struck me most was that we laughed at the same things. They laughed at my worn-out walking shoes; I laughed at their off-key karaoke. We teased each other about our accents when trying to say words in Chinese and Italian. No one took offense — everyone just laughed harder. I realized that friendship makes the same sound everywhere.

They weren't twenty-year-old kids. They were people with jobs, families, and responsibilities, who help their parents. Yet in the evening they simply want to be together — to sing, share a hotpot, take silly photos, talk about travel, sports, business, and sip some liquor. Just like us in Venice, Milan, Rome, and Naples.

Often, when we tell the story of China in Italy, we think they only talk about work, housing, study, effort, and sacrifice. It's true — all of that is there, and plenty of it. But last night I saw the other China, the one not always told: the desire to be together, the carefreeness, good company, the simple pleasure of a happy evening.

(Photo with Mr. Song, East China Regional Director of Guohua Jiangxiang Liquor)

Seven hundred years ago, Marco Polo wrote that he found here cheerful and courteous people. Last night I understood what he meant. They say China is far away and different. I, who am walking slowly from Venice to here, tell you that at the dinner table distance disappears. A shared dish, a raised glass, and a poorly translated joke are all it takes to feel at home.

Don't only tell the story of a China that works, that copies, that is only intent on building technology. Also tell the story of a China that laughs, that is hospitable and kind. Because it is through truly knowing the Chinese people, through shaking hands in peace, through sharing a meal and a drink with joy, that we will truly meet.

(Photo with Mr. Guan Sen, Chairman of SATSUKI TRAVEL)

About the Author

Vienna Cammarota, a renowned Italian traveler and cultural ambassador, set off from Venice in 2022 at the age of 73, retracing Marco Polo's route to China on foot across 14 countries and over 22,000 kilometers. Known as the "Modern Marco Polo," she is dedicated to building bridges between China and the West through walking, sharing meals, and genuine human connection. Currently exploring China, she documents her journey to bring a real, warm, and joyful China to the world.