ISLAMABAD (Urdu Times) Modernization at Human Scale: What Everyday Life in China Shows

Written By Mr. Huzaifa, a Participant of ICSF-HU Fellowship Programme 2026-2027

ISLAMABAD (Urdu Times) When we talk about modernization, one is bound to think of figures such as the rate of growth, trade, and kilometers of rail tracks. What is even more important can be seen in our daily lives – for example, when a commuter purchases a train ticket using their phone, when a farmer sells his products in an unfamiliar city, and when a student in a rural area study via live stream lessons from a top institution.

Infrastructure as a foundation

There is no doubt that one major characteristic of China’s strategy is constant investment in infrastructure. For instance, World Bank reports that the economic rise experienced by China over the last four decades has been associated with a sharp reduction in poverty thanks to its emphasis on connectivity (see references). The fast railways, which currently rank among the best in the world, bring down travel times between cities from a whole day to just a few hours.

The lesson learned is very practical. Not only does infrastructure facilitate the transportation of commodities but it also opens up the options for the people. A village which has a road network will be able to sell its fruits and vegetables before they perish while a town having an electric network can hold workshops.

Just as critical is the planning of such projects in the long term. This is done based on future demands, enabling the local companies to make investments without any worries. Reliable systems also decrease expenses like fares and electricity prices, and people get extra time to work, study, and sleep.

Technology that serves daily needs

Technology in China is always associated with high tech industries but at the same time it has also transformed everyday life in China. Online payment systems, delivery services and shopping platforms have integrated themselves into people’s daily lives, including smaller cities. It is now possible for small businesses to take payments in digital form just using a printed QR code.

The one thing that really catches the eye is the idea of making things easy to access. The tools have been made to be simple enough for even a street peddler or an elderly person to operate. Countries where there is a rising number of mobile phones could consider using this as a point of reference.

Small firms also gain from this trend. The small shop in a family can connect with their customers across the provinces through digital technology without having to open a branch, and logistics firms deliver the products to the villages.

Education and skills

The importance of education in the modernization of China can be traced back for years. The increase in school enrollment and education facilities has led to the creation of a labor force that can shift into different sectors as the economy evolves. In vocational institutions, there is a direct connection between the education and local job requirements.

Online education has also reached out to rural classrooms, thus providing remote students with learning materials that used to be available in urban areas only. This does not replace qualified instructors, but assists them. In those nations which are trying to increase their literacy and skills simultaneously, there is a convenient way to do this.

Attention has also been paid to teacher training through programs that assist teachers in towns with fewer people acquire new techniques and exchange lesson plans with other teachers.

Urban development and quality of life

There have been huge migrations into the urban areas within China as well. In controlling such movements, it has been necessary to develop homes, transportation facilities, water supply facilities, and greenery at a relatively rapid pace. Metro lines have been developed in several cities, as well as more efficient public transportation and green parks. The increasing focus on the environment is illustrated by the effort to use renewable energy and hybrid cars.

Urbanization never lacks difficulties, and even Chinese planners themselves learn from experience in their urbanization process by upgrading old neighborhoods and balancing regional development. This ability to learn is in itself enlightening. Modernization can be seen not as a project but as a continuous process of learning and improvement.

Relevance for other developing countries

No one-size-fits-all solution can work in each country because of differences in history, geography, and national priorities. Instead of blindly following China’s approach, we should focus on extracting ideas from their experience. There are three key aspects that deserve special attention. Firstly, investing in infrastructure patiently can unlock new opportunities for people. Secondly, technology will prove successful when it is easy and practical. Thirdly, education should be combined with employment opportunities.

Cooperation would certainly facilitate the transfer of these concepts. Through exchange programs, training initiatives, and collaborative research, nations can learn from the experiences and adaptations of others. This is clearly illustrated through such fellowships, as these enable youth from various countries to witness such developments first-hand.

Looking ahead

Lessons from China’s experience of modernization are that it is where policy touches daily reality that people feel modernization the most – closer travel, simpler payment, improved schools and cleaner cities. The most important lesson that can be drawn for development from this case study might well be that one of attitude – set ambitious objectives, be realistic, be flexible and always put people first.