Ancient civilization has confidence to utilize opportunity for its rejuvenation

Setting eyes on the beach at Piraeus in November, one instantly grasps why Greece is on the wanderlust wish list of many a global traveler.

The gentle, warm breeze and blue skies compliment a city skyline set against the beautiful natural features of the coastline.

If you take a taxi, or speak to a bartender here, you will see how visitor-friendly the country is. Many service workers greet foreigners with a smile and speak basic English and sometimes other languages, too.

It is about a half-hour drive from Athens, the Greek capital, to the Port of Piraeus, which is the largest harbor in the Mediterranean.

But it has taken decades to find a way to rejuvenate this ancient transportation hub and turn the port into a powerhouse for the country's sustained economic growth.

Greece was shaken by a debt crisis in 2009, and the port's operations ground to a near standstill, with annual total throughput of containers slumping.

China's shipping giant COSCO has been managing the port in recent years, giving it a new look with deep investment, and extensive construction is underway.

The port has faced challenges along the way. But the political acumen of leaders and efforts from its executives and employees - both Chinese and Greek - have helped chart a path to robust growth in the shipping business.

The ambition of the Greek people does not stop at reviving the country's tourism, shipping and the blue economy, which involves the sustainable use of ocean resources.

Local officials and scholars told me that in this regard, China is proving it is a reliable, committed partner as it works with friends in co-building the Belt and Road Initiative, introducing what Greece needs to diversify its economy and achieve greater sustainability.

Also, the country touches Chinese visitors with its vibe of inclusiveness and openness, and it impresses with its commitment to honoring its own culture and legacy, thousands of years in the making.

When climbing the stone steps to the Acropolis at the heart of Athens at night, visitors' eyes are drawn to the lights that illuminate the ancient building.

It exudes the charm of cultural confidence that stems from a great ancient civilization, which can never be measured by GDP or any other such index.

Chinese people can learn from this and be inspired to strive to do better. That is how Greece has seized an opportunity to achieve a great rejuvenation.