The story about China is far more than just a story of economic success, a South African social entrepreneur and youth activist said on Monday while launching his new book and calling for youths from the two countries to serve as a bridge for communication.

In his book, titled China through My Eyes — A Journey of a Young South African to China, launched in Pretoria on Monday night, 25-year-old Michael Andisile Mayalo provides a detailed description of his experiences in various places in China and his understanding of Chinese culture while studying at Peking University.

The book is a memoir about his life in China. He describes in his book how he saw "towering skyscrapers, sleek bullet trains and throngs of people rushing about their daily lives", which was different from what he was used to in South Africa.

"I left on a journey to China to study and returned back as a CEO of a company with a rich knowledge and understanding of the Chinese people. When I got to China, I experienced a cultural awakening in a country rooted in ancient wisdom dating back thousands of years. I discovered the real China and not the one you read about in the newspaper headlines. I traveled by air, train and car in China with no guide telling me where to go," said Mayalo.

In his book, Mayalo said: "The ubiquitous presence of the construction cranes, the relentless pace of development projects and the constant flow of information and ideas, all spoke to a nation determined to assert its place in the world. I began to realize that this wasn't simply a story of economic growth, it was a narrative woven with intricate threads of history, culture and social transformation."

Mayalo describes the smell of Chinese cuisine and the energy in the Chinese markets where people sell various items. He explains how he discovered that Chinese culture is rooted in tradition, festivity and philosophy. He describes Chinese society as emphasizing moral conduct, social harmony, education, respect for authority and family values.

Gadija Brown, special economic adviser to South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile, congratulated Mayalo for his "thought-provoking book". She said the youths should understand the importance of a shared vision of the two countries and take it forward.

Katlego Rammusa, a South African writer who has written 11 books, encouraged Mayalo to write more books about the two countries.

David Monyae, director of the Centre for Africa-China Studies at the University of Johannesburg, said the book is an "eye-opener to anyone interested in China's remarkable success story". He said the book discusses China's economic growth, advanced technology, peace and stability, poverty alleviation, social cohesion and some of its numerous achievements.

The writer is a freelance journalist for China Daily.