Among the increasing numbers of Chinese citizens going to Africa in recent years are correspondents sent by the Chinese media. They gradually familiarize themselves, and write news reports and stories for audiences in China and even worldwide on what is happening on the continent. Wei Tong, a young reporter with China Radio International (CRI) is one such journalist.

In June 2008, after working for four years at CRI, Wei was sent to CRI's African headquarters based in Nairobi, Kenya. He never expected that his pre-departure worries about working overseas would transform into a deep attachment to the East African country. And since his return to China in February last year, whenever he's asked about his impressions of Kenya his answer remains the same, "It's my second home."

A metropolis in full bloom

Over the three years Wei lived in Kenya, he had ample opportunity to appreciate and enjoy the country's beautiful landscapes and wildlife. He witnessed magnificent equatorial snow-capped mountains and tropical beaches, but also stunning scenes of millions of gnus migrating. Yet, most of his time was spent in Nairobi. Although, he says, the city itself felt like "a big and beautiful park," with its mild and pleasant climate, flowers in full bloom and green trees.

Living in such a comfortable place, people in Nairobi always seemed to be carefree, casual and laid-back. But over time, Wei discovered that most were seriously hard at work. It all began with one small incident. He had been stuck in a traffic jam, trying to make it to the bank before it closed. He arrived with five minutes to go, but the tellers still received him warmly and handled his transactions patiently, without pointing out the ticking clock.

While in Kenya, Wei often attended big events and interviewed senior government officials, whom he found friendly and easygoing, to the point where he encountered these same officials literally dancing with their constituents. It goes without saying that as soon as Wei introduced himself to arrange for interviews with them, the officials were happy to accept. These experiences left a deep impression on the Chinese reporter.

Protecting wildlife

Wei was also deeply impressed by Kenyans' strong awareness of animals' rights, and he feels China should follow suit. 

"Kenyans understand that abundant wildlife resources are their national pride," says Wei. "Once they lose them, their land will lose its spirit, and their country's unique charm will be gone. For Kenyans, animal protection is [done] for the sake of their homeland."

The country has invested a lot in animal protection. "In addition to the Kenya Wildlife Service, a special wildlife protection organization, many other parks and agencies have been set up to protect endangered, orphaned and disabled animals," explains Wei. In Kenya, he says, there is a wildlife park for giraffes, an elephant orphanage and other animal orphanages that adopt a variety of orphaned and disabled animals.

"Once the abandoned or injured animals are found, they are sent to the animal orphanages for physiological and psychological treatment," he says. "They will be eventually placed back in their natural habitats." Wei hopes that China can learn from these methods and practices.

Monkeys were easily found on the lawn outside the reporting station where Wei lived and worked. He often saw them jumping from branch to branch as he walked along the station's lawn. Nairobi pedestrians are accustomed to this, and the monkeys play as if they know nobody will harm them. Wei was left with the belief that animal protection and awareness is deeply rooted in Kenyan society as a result.

Dream of returning

Aside from Kenya, Wei also visited other African countries, including Liberia, Ghana and other countries that neighbor Kenya's borders. Since returning to China in 2011, his work no longer directly focuses on Africa. But he keeps reading the news, watching TV programs and participating in activities related to Africa. The continent has become an integral part of his life. To learn more, Wei is prepping to begin an African studies program.

His greatest hope is to return to Kenya – his second home, as he says. He wants to revive the happy memories he created there. He also hopes to have the opportunity to visit other African countries, especially those in West and Southern Africa. If he can stay there for longer period, he will have time to explore even more cultures and customs. It's a daily life he looks forward to.