An engineering student's journey into the real China

　　Ali and a reporter listen to the history of the three bridges over the Yellow River, as explained by a bridge staff member, along the riverbanks in Zhengzhou, Henan province, on March 23, 2026. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

　　For Ali, one stop stood out above all others: the "three bridges convergence" at the Yellow River Culture Park in Zhengzhou, where three bridges from different eras span the river side by side.

　　"Most people saw a beautiful view,"Ali said.

　　"I saw three different generations of structural engineering standing together. China didn't tear down the old bridge to build the new one. That says something profound about how this country views progress. It's not about replacing the past, it's about building upon it."