I love this picture; it shows how China is preserving her roots. 饮水思源的道理，在深圳的建筑计划里能看得出来。Here are some lessons learnt from Shenzhen, China.

Old China or New China

The traditional buildings (which we assume to be a palace or something in the past since all the different sections of the buildings were connected) remains in the heart of the city with the new city skyscrapers dwelling over it.

It seemed to me, that China was protecting her traditional culture despite the new influence of westernised globalisation. Despite how tall, large and majestic the new skyscrapers look, the traditional buildings would still hold its ground.

Like the economy in China, they are restricting the outflow of funds despite opening up its economy. Globalisation and western influence is like the city skyscrapers, leaning into the city. But China stands firm in their culture and roots and preserve the old history. Nonetheless, I think China (traditional buildings) still looks powerful even though they looks small as compared to the tall skyscraper (modernised influence).

Remember Your Roots

饮水思源 (yin shui si yuan) is a Chinese idiom which means to remember your roots. Despite how much China may change, with the exterior looking like western cities, China remains loyal to their roots and the roots are always the centre of any development.

Externally, things might change but if you look deep down, you see the traditions still being erected, standing proud and firm. And I think this is what we should learn from China.

No matter how much we change, how we may adapt to changes as we grow, we have to stay rooted to our roots. Our principles, our beliefs, our traditions. We cannot simply change because everything else is changing. We have to always remember our roots; for they are the reason we are here today.

LisaJYTan

Trevellers is my way to change the world. Through my stories, tips and lessons learnt, I truly hope to inspire you to get out of your comfort zone, see the world and see who you truly are. Travel is more than just taking a selfie. Travel is an adventure, where you can truly become who you are, give you the time to reflect and grow to become the person you’ve always wanted to be.