From Paris with passion: A French journalist's exploration of China
Julien Buffet, a French reporter in China, is a firm believer in the power of curiosity to foster understanding. He works at the French version of China Today, a monthly magazine under China International Communications Group (CICG) that introduces Chinese culture, economy, and society to about 100,000 French-speaking readers.
Julien Buffet is a French reporter and host of the video series "La Chine au présent" of China Today, a publication under China International Communications Group. [File photo]
Over the past seven years, he has hosted over 80 episodes of the video series "La Chine au présent" (China Today) for the magazine. His curiosity and work has taken him to various parts of China, from the remotest Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region to the metropolis Shanghai, where he learned everything about China.
In one episode, Buffet introduced the Baihetan hydropower station, situated along the Jinsha River in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River in southwestern China.
As Buffet stepped onto the grounds of this hydroelectric facility, he found himself bewildered by the sheer scale and efficiency of China's infrastructure development.
"What truly left me in awe was not just the speed of development but also China's unwavering commitment to green energy," Buffet said.
In January 2020, Julien Buffet (R) joins a teacher to learn the art of crafting woodblock New Year prints in the Yangliuqing ancient town in northern China's Tianjin municipality. [File photo]
Buffet is equally amazed by China's traditional culture. In 2020, he visited Yangliuqing, an ancient town about 160 kilometers away from Beijing, to learn more about the traditional art of woodblock New Year prints, also known as nianhua.
After witnessing the complex process of carving the woodblocks, coloring and then printing, he was intrigued by the craftsmanship and creativity of nianhua. Under the guidance of a local master, he even tried his hand at making his own nianhua, which he found challenging but rewarding.
Buffet said that there are a growing number of French people who are interested in exhibitions introducing Chinese ancient culture, and he hoped that there will be more such cultural cooperation between the two nations to help French people better understand China.
Buffet's dedication and hard work have earned him recognition, including being twice named the best foreign worker of CICG.
But all this does not come easy. During his initial visit to Beijing, Buffet struggled with the unfamiliarity of life in the city.
"There are a lot of cultural differences," he recalled. "The Chinese are used to taking a nap after lunch, even at work. If you do the same in France, it would be met with surprise."
He has also observed the differences in communication styles between Chinese and French people. "Chinese people are very pragmatic, and French people are more conceptual, but at the same time, the Chinese like to talk a lot. And in France, we don't talk that much. We talk to be quite direct."
But thanks to his work and bond with colleagues and friends, Buffet has managed to integrate into the country like a local — he uses his phone to pay for everything and rides a shared bike everywhere. "China feels like home to me now," he said.
Julien Buffet (R) visits his colleague Hu Yue's home during the Spring Festival 2022, and learns to make dumplings while celebrating the Chinese New Year's Eve. [Photo provided to CICG]
Buffet also remembers being excited to receive a text from Hu Yue, one of his colleagues, who invited him to celebrate the Spring Festival together during COVID-19 restrictions in 2022.
"I quickly replied yes and grabbed my coat and rushed to Hu Yue's apartment." There, his colleague taught him how to make dumplings, and they watched the Spring Festival gala on TV together.
"I felt like I am part of a family." Buffest made a video about this experience and shared it with his family in Paris to reassure them that he was safe and enjoying his time in Beijing, despite not being able to return to France that year.
His colleagues also speak highly of him. "He's a real hard worker, super responsible, and always ready to lend a hand," said Hu. "He pays attention to the small details, double-checking everything and leaving zero room for doubt."
Julien Buffet (1st R) receives the third prize at the awards ceremony of the third "My China Story" International Short Video Competition in Zhongshan city, Guangzhou province, on Sept. 14, 2021. [Photo provided to CICG]
Looking ahead, Buffet plans to continue his media career in China, confident that his wealth of knowledge and experience will enable him to present diverse aspects of China to the world.
As this year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France, he believes that the key to carrying forward the invaluable friendship between the Chinese and French people lies in deepening cultural exchanges between the two nations.
"There's a growing mutual interest in each other's cultures. I hope to see more French people visit China, gaining first-hand knowledge about the country's development and its diverse culture," Buffet said.