Xiplomacy: A journey of dialogue among civilizations

The visit to Chichen Itza was one example of Xi's broader vision for exchanges among civilizations. In Paris, Xi shared stories of mutual learning between Eastern and Western civilizations.

"China's Four Great Inventions, namely, papermaking, gunpowder, movable-type printing and the compass, led to changes in the world, including the European Renaissance. China's philosophy, literature, medicine, silk, porcelain and tea reached the West and became part of people's daily life," he said.

These examples show that exchanges among civilizations are not a one-way process, but a source of progress driven by mutual learning.

"It is my keenly-felt conviction that an attitude of equality and modesty is required if one wants to truly understand the various civilizations," he said.

"Taking a condescending attitude toward a civilization can not help anyone to appreciate its essence but may risk antagonizing it. Both history and reality show that pride and prejudice are the two biggest obstacles to exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations," he added.

This approach has also been reflected in Xi's diplomatic journeys around the world, where encounters with different cultures have become an important part of his visits.

In Trinidad and Tobago, he played the steelpan with local musicians. In Fiji, he listened to indigenous songs wearing a traditional Bula shirt. In Uzbekistan, he visited the ancient city of Bukhara, known as the "living fossil of the Silk Road."

In Bukhara, Xi's respect for local traditions left a lasting impression on Anvar Kurbanov, a master craftsman from the ancient city.