Social media, cultural links boost China's image

Perceived as prosperous

These individual experiences are mirrored by broader trends. According to the Global Soft Power Index released by Brand Finance in February, China has jumped to second place globally, surpassing the United Kingdom with a score of 72.8 out of 100, its highest ranking yet.

The agency cited China's post-pandemic reopening as a key factor in this improvement.

Atilla Kaan Erisir, a 25-year-old Turkish research assistant at the University of Hong Kong, emphasized the power of firsthand experience in reshaping perceptions.

He said his idea of China was reshaped by his first visit to Hong Kong, his decision to study at Hong Kong University, and his first visit to the Chinese mainland.

Anybody with negative biases about China will change their opinions when they encounter China's technological advancement and the interesting urban planning in megacities such as Beijing, Chongqing and Hong Kong, he added.

Experts believe China's rising appeal is rooted in its tangible achievements.

Jasna Plevnik, president of the Geoeconomic Forum Croatia, said that China's rising global standing is the culmination of long-term investment in infrastructure and the well-being of its citizens.

"The political and economic forces of China have made life better for the majority of the people," she said.

"People in the West share among themselves on Instagram and other Western social media thousands of videos of advanced Chinese cities, and their subways, bridges, and airports. They perceive China as a prosperous country to live in. China's success has become lovely to watch," she added.