China, 100 years later: The story of two family members who lived in China a century apart

As much as I would have loved to be the first member of my family to visit China, I am not. My great-uncle, Angiolo Garfagnoli, preceded me in 1934.

During the 1930s, Italy and China established economic collaborations, prompting scholars, politicians, and prominent figures to travel to China for business. Among them were military personnel, colonels, and sailors, including my great-uncle.

A seaman stationed at my hometown's naval barracks, he held a modest rank but was promoted and sent to Shanghai in 1934. After sailing aboard the Libia for over a month, he docked in Shanghai and remained there for more than two years. His daily duties included maintaining the vessel, facilitating the exchange of goods — and occasionally people — across the ocean, protecting China's territorial waters, and ensuring maritime sovereignty. He also occasionally traveled to Nanjing for business.

Before arriving, my great-uncle knew very little about China, a distant and mysterious land. He had no idea what to expect. The diversity and richness of the culture amazed him, as it bore no resemblance to the familiar sights of Italy. The food, architecture, and people were entirely different. Yet, he found beauty and charm in this foreign country.

What captivated him most was the craftsmanship and talent of the artisans. During his time in China, he purchased many handmade items to bring back to Italy. Among them was a fine piece of jade so pure it was almost transparent, and a stunning silk portrait of his mother that bore an astonishing resemblance.

When he returned home in 1937, he often spoke of the Chinese people — their industriousness, respectfulness, and generosity. Despite being a foreigner, he was moved by the kindness they showed him.

However, he also observed the country's struggles. Poverty was widespread, food and water were scarce, and people lived in the shadow of ongoing wars. The economy was in disarray, and China was far from being a developed or advanced nation.

Fast-forward 100 years, and I stand here witnessing the monumental changes since my great-uncle's visit. If someone had seen China a century ago, they could never have imagined its remarkable economic, financial, and social transformation in such a short time.

When my great-uncle visited, women with bound feet struggled to walk; today, women enjoy independence, hold positions of power, and earn their own incomes. A century ago, China had minimal train tracks; today, it boasts the fastest trains in the world and one of the most efficient infrastructure networks. Back then, many people lived in inadequate housing — or had no home at all. Now, skyscrapers rise high, accommodating thousands.

Some people might say that it feels like a completely different country, yet that's not entirely true. If you look closely and pay attention, you'll see that the Chinese people have not forgotten their past. Despite the immense growth, remnants of the old China endure, offering glimpses into the nation's rich and storied history.

The author, Francesca Garfagnoli, is an editor with a background in literature and culture. She studied at the Capital Normal University in Beijing and has been working in the city for the past two years.