When Eakvixay Tran swapped Vientiane for Beijing to study economics at Tsinghua University, he didn’t expect a masterclass in cultural preservation too. The 23-year-old from Laos now marvels at how China breathes new life into ancient landmarks like the Great Wall while keeping traditions alive in everyday routines.
🔍 \"It’s like time travel meets TikTok here,\" Tran laughs. \"People don’t just visit historic sites for Instagram pics—they return year after year to celebrate milestones. That’s how you know culture isn’t just… old stuff.\"
He notes how restored Ming Dynasty hutongs (alleys) buzz with trendy cafés, and traditional tea ceremonies thrive alongside bubble tea shops. \"China shows history isn’t stuck in museums. It’s in how you drink tea, walk through a rebuilt temple, or even argue about the best dumpling spot.\"
🌏 Tran’s favorite lesson? \"Preservation isn’t about freezing the past—it’s letting it dance with the present.\" And honestly? We’re here for this cross-era collab. 🎶
