What we do?

Marco Curi Gutierrez

Affiliated Researcher, Center for China and Asia-Pacific Studies
Universidad del Pacífico

At the beginning of June, I was selected to participate in the Summer School on Global Development and Country/Region Studies, organized by China Agricultural University (CAU) and held from June 29 to July 12. The purpose was to reflect upon and discuss how China has advanced its own “development,” as well as that of other countries. What made this Summer School particularly engaging was the opportunity to combine theoretical classes at CAU in Beijing with a subsequent trip to the city of Xishuangbanna, located in southern China in Yunnan Province, to observe firsthand how its villages have been transformed into places that attract thousands of tourists.

First Impressions: Beijing as a Living Classroom

It was my first time in China, and landing in Beijing was an experience as overwhelming as it was fascinating. The immense and vibrant city seemed to dance between modernity and tradition in an almost poetic harmony. Despite my initial concerns about the language and cultural differences, I felt welcomed from the very first day. The hospitality of the CAU team and the local students was as warm as it was genuine, making any barriers quickly disappear. I had the great honor of being chosen to deliver the opening remarks on behalf of all the international students. Standing before an audience composed of distinguished academics, university authorities, and peers from more than a dozen countries, I felt not only pride but also a profound sense of responsibility. That moment marked the beginning of a transformative experience.

During the academic sessions, we explored a range of crucial topics: from rural revitalization and agricultural policies as engines of sustainable development, to the impact of urbanization, ecological tourism, and new forms of territorial planning. All of these themes were addressed from a global perspective, with an emphasis on the Global South, which enriched the analysis with real cases and diverse contexts.

One of the sessions that left the deepest impression on me was “Economies of Urbanization,” taught by Professor Maia Green of the University of Manchester. With exceptional clarity and drawing on her fieldwork in Tanzania, she invited us to question our preconceived notions of development. She spoke about how certain urban models, often idealized in global agendas, may prove incompatible with the interests, needs, or even the dietary preferences of local communities. It was a class that not only taught but also provoked profound reflection: Whose idea of “development” are we defending? And who is left out when progress is imagined through uniform frameworks?

During the Summer School, we also had the opportunity to visit international organizations, and I chose to go to the headquarters of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). There I learned directly from officials how they select projects eligible for financing, and I discovered with enthusiasm how the energy transition has come to occupy an increasingly central place in their portfolio. I was told that the bank prioritizes green infrastructure, in line with international commitments. This experience allowed me to see up close how multilateral banks such as the AIIB are becoming key actors in global climate finance, enabling projects that not only build infrastructure but also drive low-carbon economies.

Xishuangbanna: When Development Can Be Touched with the Hands

After several intense days of learning in the classrooms of Beijing, we headed to southern China, to Xishuangbanna in Yunnan Province. From the very first moment, the tropical landscape and the mountains traced on the horizon, marking the boundary with Myanmar, welcomed us to a completely different world. This region is known not only for its extraordinary biodiversity, but also for its cultural richness and its astonishing ethnic diversity. Here, everything has a life of its own: the colors, the flavors, the music, and even the excellent air quality.

We visited villages such as Manluanzhan, where we witnessed how local communities have managed to transform their surroundings into a tourist destination without renouncing their identity. The traditional houses of the Dai people, with a clear Thai architectural influence, sloped roofs, hand-carved details, and elevated structures on stilts—have been restored to function as guesthouses, cafés, and cultural centers, preserving their ancestral essence with a modern touch. I remember with special affection an old water tower converted into a local café, where we were served a delicious passion-fruit juice while we listened to a representative of the community proudly recount how the local economy has flourished thanks to conscious tourism.

Xishuangbanna is also a place where community organization is not a utopia but a living reality. Many of the tourist projects are managed collectively, prioritizing the equitable redistribution of benefits and the training of young people. The streets are full of life: local artisans offer handmade ornaments, traditional textiles, wooden jewelry, and souvenirs crafted with meticulous patience. Everything is imbued with a human warmth that makes you feel part of something much larger.

One of the most magical experiences was taking part in the Water Festival of the Dai people. During that celebration, we splashed water with local residents as a symbol of renewal, purification, and good wishes. There was laughter, dancing, and embraces, but also deep conversations, glances that said more than a thousand words, and a strong sense of shared gratitude.

At nightfall, we gathered around a campfire lit in the middle of the forest, under a starry sky that seemed to embrace every story told. That night we tasted traditional dishes, full of intense flavors, exotic aromas, and spicy notes that, for many Western palates, proved a delightful surprise. The warmth of the food mingled with the warmth of the people, who did not hesitate to share their music and history with us.

The tourist facilities offered a level of comfort and beauty that rivals the most renowned paradisiacal destinations in the world. But what truly made the difference was not luxury, but authenticity. Here, development is felt and, above all, enjoyed through lived experiences. In the closing session, I once again had the opportunity to be chosen to offer a few words, and from the heart I shared my best experiences from the weeks of the course and the lessons I was taking back to Peru.

Final Reflections

I returned from China with many questions, but also with certainties that will accompany me for a long time. The CAU Summer School taught me that development models must be anchored in the local context while also opening themselves to global dialogue. I learned that there is no single path to “progress,” and that each community advances at its own pace, with its own priorities and unique way of measuring well-being. This experience not only broadened my academic and professional perspective but also transformed me on a personal level. Sharing this journey with students from different cultures, walking through rice fields, listening to stories of transformation told in the first person, and constantly rethinking the concept of “development” was profoundly enriching.

None of this would have been possible without the generous support of the Center for China and Asia-Pacific Studies at Universidad del Pacífico, which strongly supported my participation and provided me with the opportunity to represent my institution and my country in such a diverse and enriching setting. Carrying its backing with me was also a constant motivation to give my best in every class, every conversation, and every cultural encounter.

Without a doubt, this Summer School was the highlight of my summer. More than an academic program, it was a bridge between worlds, an invitation to discover the unfamiliar, and a reminder that “unlearning” is also a way of allowing oneself to be transformed.