Unforgettable! My last weekend in Beijing was truly precious – a memory that will stay with me forever.

On Friday, 12 December 2025, as participants of the China International Press Communication Centre (CIPCC) programme were preparing for the closing ceremony that evening, Beijing received its first snowfall of the winter season shortly before noon.

At the time, the CIPCC Asia-Pacific chat group was buzzing with excitement, as members shared photos and messages about the snowfall, especially meaningful since most of us come from countries without a winter season.

The images proved irresistible for many of us — myself included — and soon we stepped out of our apartments to experience the joy pf standing beneath falling snow.

It was my first encounter with snow, and it felt surreal to watch delicate snowflakes drift down, some landing softly on my winter jacket, gloves and beanie.

The open space around our diplomatic residence quickly filled with people, all smiling and visibly delighted, as though the snowfall itself was a celebration. I took a walk of several kilometres, savouring the moment as pavements, cars and leaves slowly disappeared beneath a blanket of white.

After spending about an hour outdoors, I returned to my apartment to prepare for the CIPCC programme’s closing ceremony. Many of us chose to don our national attire for the occasion.

By the time we boarded the bus to the venue, the snowfall had grown heavier, transforming the surroundings into an even more mesmerising winter scene.

The closing ceremony went smoothly, marking the approaching end of our time in China and reminding us that we would soon be returning to our respective countries — carrying with us unforgettable memories of Beijing and deeper insights into the Land of the Great Wall.

The author (in red, middle) joined fellow CIPCC participants to perform a Chinese song during the closing ceremony on 12 December 2025.

After the closing ceremony, we returned to our diplomatic residence, changed into warmer clothes, and went outdoors again late at night to enjoy playful snow fights, followed by supper.

The snowfall stopped around midnight, and the following morning, the surroundings appeared even more spectacular as sunlight reflected off the snow. In my residential area, snow-clearing operations were already going on to ensure residents’ safety.

The snowfall created this beautiful scene.

Walking on the melting and thinning snow was challenging, as surfaces could be slippery. However, the swift response by the authorities was reassuring, and before dusk most pedestrian walkways had been largely cleared. I was grateful to experience all of this during my final days in China.

By 4 pm on 13 December 2025, most of the pedestrian paths in Beijing had been cleared of snow.

Arriving in summer in August, experiencing autumn and now winter, my journey through the CIPCC programme was truly extensive.

From witnessing China’s technological achievements, such as dining at a robot restaurant, to immersing myself in its rich cultural tapestry by drinking tea oil served by the Dong ethnic minority in Guangxi, dancing with the Lisu people in Sichuan, cruising along the Huangpu River in Shanghai, and journeying through the breathtaking karst mountains of Yunnan, each experience deepened my understanding of the country. These moments shaped not only my view of China, but also the way I see the world beyond it.

I also cherished the friendship and bonds formed with fellow CIPCC participants from more than 90 countries, particularly those in the Asia Pacific group to which I belonged.

As I prepare to return home in just 30 hours at the time of writing, I hope Malaysia-China ties will continue to grow stronger and endure – as everlasting as the Great Wall of China.

With Visit Malaysia 2026 just around the corner, I warmly welcome everyone to Malaysia – the Land of the Musang King (durian).

Xie xie ni (thank you), China! Zai jian (goodbye).

-- BERNAMA

Rohani Mohd Ibrahim, a journalist with BERNAMA, was in Beijing to attend the China International Press Communication Centre (CIPCC) Programme from Aug 18 to Dec 15, 2025.

The initiative, organised by the China Public Diplomacy Association (CPDA), serves as a platform for practical cooperation between Chinese media organisations and those from emerging markets and developing economies.

The programme also provides foreign journalists with the opportunity to gain a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of China’s society, development and international engagement.

This marks BERNAMA’s eighth participation in the CIPCC since 2018.