Our way of life these days is rather overwhelming. Conversations are getting shorter while material possessions seem to get more value than real-life experiences.

The effect of 21st century life gives us so much to think about, from the hustle and bustle of urban living to the demands of social media. If you were given a chance to stand back from this kind of life even for a day, would you take it?

In this month’s issue we take to you Beijing, one of the few places on earth that has been able to preserve its ancient pagodas and temples. Wander in the Great Wall, where you can revel in the beauty of nature. You can take advantage of the far-famed wall’s less-visited sections like Jinshanling and Mutianyu. But if you want to join the throng of tourists at the famous wall, take a trip to Badaling. Then, if you would like to delight in wonderful views without going outdoors, take a bird’s eye view of Beijing from the Central Radio and TV Tower. The foods offered at the revolving restaurants will give you a taste of scrumptious Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisines.

No matter who holds the reins—from the feudal systems and Ottoman Empire up to these days—China remained in its solid grounds. And in spite of being a headquarters to nearly a hundred Fortune 500 companies, it’s nice to think that the country has sustained a balance between old and modern customs. I spent two years of my life studying Mandarin at Beijing Foreign Language University. During those times, I witnessed the people’s commitment towards their work and their passion to be on the top spot. Back in those days, China succeeded at competing with other Southeast Asian nations when it came to exports. I must say the Chinese people’s work ethic is the real driving force behind the success.

I devote this issue to all Chinese people, whose dedication towards humanity and progress is exceptional. By now, China is the biggest economy next to the United States. But instead of focusing on greater economic progress, it aims to address the issues that will likely affect its people such as reducing pollution, expanding social protection, and improving their access to education and health care.