Travelling abroad is an amazing adventure, a life-altering experience and a unique learning opportunity. For me, it was very exciting to venture out in the world.
And China is a while new world itself.
China, being the beacon of social and economic growth, presents the largest platform for anyone seeking change, freedom and opportunities. With thousands of notable educational institutes and equally luring landscapes, it represents the ideal environment for learning and growth.
Chinese have an enriched culture was something of a common knowledge but the reality of this struck me when I arrived here. The diversity I found here left me in awe and made me wonder how such a large population belonging to numerous religions, ethnicities, castes, creeds could live in perfect harmony. I was far from home, but I didn't feel like an outsider. I could see myself living here, well protected in a serene atmosphere of beauty and culture.
The elaborate and highly effective living style gradually enhanced our useful habits. In a couple of months, we had picked up the way of living.
As a food lover, for me, the delight in food surpassed that of clean streets, cool atmosphere and new found friendships.
I constantly found myself amazed at the variety of food. From the warm aromas in chilly winter nights to juicy summer treats, it was a wholesome and unique experience for me and my taste buds.I felt like in a very short period of time it was the experience of a lifetime of delicious foods. China, without any doubt, has a colourful and delicious assortment of food. From sweet pies to the spicy meat dishes, nothing is left to imagination.
At every street and every turn, one can find food among spicy aromas. Whether you're up early in the morning and out late at night, you can always find some place to eat.
Not only did I enjoy eating I started cooking my own food too. Something I would never imagine I could do back home!
As a part of our learning course here, we learnt the Chinese language. That was itself a separate adventure, a journey of cramming , sleepless nights, learning and growing. But the hard work started paying off soon. We could communicate better and felt a strange pride in having learnt such a complex and beautiful language.
It all started as fun and hurdles and gradually converted into a beautifully marked journey of learning new things and seeing the world with different lens. Re-learning the things we already knew, in a different way and language made us more conscious.
We received immense support and guidelines from our teachers who taught us with the passion and love rarely found in today's world.
Even after passing the test it was a continual learning process with ups and downs, fascinations and progression.
The moment I thought I had grasped some essence of this wonderful place, there came festivals and left me awestruck yet again. The Mid-autumn festival, celebrated on 15th day of eight lunar month, is a great representative of beliefs. The moon is believed to be the brightest this day of the year. What a sight to marvel upon!
Dragon boat festival is the most vibrant traditional festival. It includes many folk activities and is a rich example of heritage.
The Lantern Festival, celebrated on 15th day of first month of lunar year, is a festival made brilliant with lights. Temples and buildings are decorated with colourful lanterns. People enjoy sweet delicacies with colours of this festival.
Qingming festival is the tomb sweeping day. It includes outdoor activities and holds a great place in the hearts of the people.
Spring Festival being the Chinese New Year, lights up the sky as hoards of people come to see the beauty of it. The effect it has on people, is a wonderful experience in itself. Exchange of red packets, firecrackers and music are my favourite part.
The spring time in China reminds me of a poem by Meng Haoran.
It had never seen such many vibrant colours, echoing laughter and sparkling fireworks work all at once in celebrations so grand that they left you star struck for days.
I had the chance to meet up and chat with strangers, colleagues, teachers, shopkeepers, people belonging to different areas of China. Every person, though unique in his or her own way had the core beliefs and values of a single, united nation. Chinese people with their friendly smiles and curious eyes were easy to talk to and approachable. I realised that we were not the only one eager to learn about them, their customs and traditions.
Soon enough we found ourselves talking to them not for the mere purposes of asking for directions. We exchanged tales of our lands, our lives and experiences with them and our feeble attempts were met with such genuine enthusiasm and encouragement that left a permanent mark on our hearts.
One early morning during our summer holidays, we all friends decided to visit different malls in Changsha. We spent hours deciding where to go and where not to go. In the end, we decided to visit Wangjiali square first. This picture is taken outside the cinema of the of the one the mall. But first, let me tell you how we got there.
It was 12 in the morning when we first got on the subway station. We were very excited to spend our day at somewhere new. We had been studying and focusing on learning a new language. We had spent many hours on studies during our new semester and were getting used to routine of the medical student. So, we did not have a lot of time to sparee. It was only during our holidays, that we got the chance to visit far away places. We had visited almost every place near our dorm and university.
When we arrived at the station, we were amazed by its size and its beauty. Before coming to China, we all knew it was filled with wonders. But only after seeing the beautiful skyscrapers we came to understand the progress of china.
Everywhere you look, the buildings seem to touch the sky and different kind of innovations in architecture. China has so many innovative ideas when it comes to beautifying and going a step further!
When we entered, the mall was filled with people. At first, we saw a playing area full of different kinds of swings and games. We were almost tempted to try them but did not want to be late for movie. So, for some time, we wandered around the shops .
The mall had many floors and a huge number of shops and each shop was filled with variety of products. We spent our time scrolling through beautiful dresses and products. ne thing we came to learn was that China has a great variety of products . From small things like jewellery up to to big things like cars, china is filled with awe. Every country has it's own clothes which tell us the stories about their culture and history. It seemed like a fun and innovative way to experience a culture.
China has a vast range of styles from floral patterns to exquisite colours and embroidery, china has become the top market for selling quality products.
Hanfu style is my favourite.
After spending an hour in the mall, we finally made it our favourite eating place. We got some burgers to eat. China has such a vast range of food, that any tourist will be left in awe. We walked through different shops skilfully representing their foods. The tea shops in china are also very authentic. The bubble tea is my favourite. It's flavour is very unique and extraordinary. And as I write about my memories with china, I miss so many places. Now, let me tell you how we spend the rest of our day
After finishing our lunch, we went to wait for our movie to start. This picture was taken while we were waiting for our tickets. it has written 'Nice to meet you'. It seemed very relevant because that is how I felt when I finally came to understand the culture and language to of china. it was a very endearing and rewarding experience.
This picture is very important to me because it reminds me of when I first came to know China. It was exactly “Nice to meet you”. And I wish to meet China again when we go back.
In the evening, we went to the lake near our dormitory and recalled the wonderful time we had.
In the early morning, we set out to Yongzhou. The one thing that mesmerized us for the rest of the tour was the hospitality of the people of China. Our arrival was arranged by the local people who welcomed us laughing and smiling.
I will forever remember that moment because these were the people who didn't know us. Yet, they went out of their way to make us feel welcomed. We were greeted with warmth of their gestures and fireworks. The weather was very beautiful and so was the scenery. We treaded around the local places and discovered a new face of China.
The local people were very considerate as they let us have a glimpse of their daily life. It was so astounding and thrilling to see people do their daily chores. It was like we had travelled to a whole new world.
We got to see China from the perspective of other people. We laughed and exchanged ideas with the locals and took many pictures. But, I chose this picture because it showed us the unaltered and beautifully simple lifestyle of the people. As we walked along, we saw different houses, animals and shops. People of china were very considerate. They welcomed us warmly and treated us to freshly cut fruits. We had such a great time chatting about the differences and similarities between our cultures.
The simple yet eye catching beauty of the site, made us take multiple photos. But, this one photo is my favourite because it shows the unfiltered beauty of china. It shows how something so simple can become so extraordinary if you view it from a different point of view. It reflected on the efforts of the people and their daily routine.
It lent us a view into their history and culture. We got to share our thoughts with the local people and heard their stories.
Then, lunch was arranged for the students. It was made by the local people and we could see the process of making food. As we waited under the shade of trees, cool air made the environment even more beautiful. Nearby, there was a small river flowing. To this day, I remember the beautiful scent of air and nature.
We played some local games and had a great fun. We went for a hike through the mountain and it was truly rewarding to be in nature. We stopped at different points to read the history and significance of certain places. It was very interesting and eye opening to see such beauty. Local people helped us in visiting different sites by cars decorated with beautiful flowers.
We were mesmerized by the greenery and nature. Everywhere we looked, we were met with the high mountains and cool air. It was such a contrast to the city life but we had great time.
What made this tour special, was the attention of our teachers. They helped us every step of the way and guided us. They worked tirelessly and selflessly to make sure that we were comfortable. It was very thoughtful of them to take care of our food.
I know it takes a lot of effort to arrange the specific kind of food for some of us foreign students eat. Our teachers never once complained. They made sure that we got the appropriate food at the appropriate time. During the travel, we were given different kind of snacks. We were so pleased by the efforts of our teachers.
Whenever we faced a problem, they helped us without any hesitation. I remember it very clearly that they took great care of what was served on our table. It was the month of Ramadan. The kind gestures of our teachers will forever be etched in our memories. It made us understand the hospitality at a deeper level and appreciate the importance of communication.
This picture is also of our trip. Before we went back to our hotels, the teachers took us to a local place where everyone was enjoying to the beat of the music. That was a very memorable night for all of the students. The place was decorated by lights of different colours and different ornaments. The sky had turned dark but the centre of dancing floor was decorated very well. We could see the sparkling of lights as well as smell the aroma of food from hotels.
The local people were dancing in a circle to a very beautiful and old song. The song changed every few minutes and everyone changed their dance steps.
At first ,we stood outside the circle and stood watching the people dancing and laughing and enjoying the beauty of it. But as the night progressed, we found ourselves wanting to join them. So one by one, we all joined them and took part in their dance. Some people were dancing as if they do it every day while some were like us, trying to acclimate to the rhythm. It was a very memorable moment because in that moment all of us ,without any difference of country, culture and skin tone, we were dancing. We danced for almost an hour with the local people and had a great time getting to know their culture through this way. I think the best way to learn about a culture is to take part in it. There are so many things we learned from textbooks. But, what we learned from visiting these places, was priceless.
Many people were watching , standing outside and clapping. It was very cheerful. The positive environment that China gives us is very beneficial for personal growth.
That night, we got so much learn from the local people. We bonded with them over traditional Chinese songs and dance patterns. Every age group of people was included.
My friends and I wandered through different beautifully decorated shops and streets. We bought the local ice cream and enjoyed it with the beautiful weather. Our teachers encouraged us to join and have fun. After the daily hectic routine of studying, it was such a relieving moment. We danced for so long but we never got tired.
China has advanced so much in the field of technology but sometimes, such simple moments make China even more beautiful for us. We have heard a lot about China and it's beauty. But to witness it ourselves, is a totally different phenomenon. We were truly left speechless and mesmerized. It was like seeing China for the first time.
It will always be a beautiful memory because that day we got to engage with people on a totally different level. Even though, at sometimes, we were not speaking their language, it felt like we understood each other completely. The people were very generous while guiding us where to go. At every turn, we met a new adventure. We go to see the hidden beauty of China. It was such a rewarding experience to go out and see the things that you don't see in daily life. Even though we had spent only one year in China, it felt like China was an old friend.
This picture shows all of the students and locals dancing together. It was such a harmonious moment and signifies the importance of friendship and trust between people from totally different background. The support and understanding we received was truly exceptional. We got to learn many new things and got to see many new sights. it is moments like these when we see how beautiful China is.
Chinese, in their conduct depicted the true essence and spirit of unity, helpfulness and mutual respect. The connection a human being feels with another craves these qualities. I was fortunate enough for having chosen a place with people where we could learn from and talk to without hesitation and fear, without facing strange glances and shifty looks. It was a relief to be treated with such kindness. Of all the experiences I have had here, meeting people, making acquaintances and the transformation of these acquaintances to meaningful friendships was a phenomenal experience. It shaped the entire outlook of this country at every step of the way.
China being the biggest world market, has a vast array of clothes. In my experience, i have found the variety to be seemingly limitless and at the same time, profoundly beautiful. Chinese clothing has gone alot of modifications in the recent decade. But the ever present innovation and modern alterations have successfully captured not only the eyes of the locals but also the whole wide world. Whenever you go out, either market or plaza, the clothing and the vibrant colors add a little shine to the experience. In my opinion, to not spend all of the money on these clothes is quite a feat not many can achieve. Thus, are the beautiful and classical dresses of China!
China's real beauty depicted itself in its majesty in the mountains of Changsha. Our worn out hiking boots tell the real story of the entire days spent in wanderlust of these mountains. The sunny days spent under the cover of trees and delicious street food are the highlight of most days. It goes without saying, mountains are one of the most popular spots in the bountiful natural scenery of Changsha. The mountains give the bird's eye view of the city skyline. The trekking on mountains is the most rich experience of all. In mountains, you can feel the connection with history and rich heritage.
Chinese customs are just as eloquent and awe inspiring as any other aspect of it. The rich history and heritage of China is an element of great interest. Depiction of the past events and remembrance of them, is a very unique feature of it.
At the night time, China comes to life. At every turn, you come face to face with a different world. Under the night lights, sometimes, you find people dancing to beautiful tunes. While some days you stumble across the late night art classes. The streets are forever filled with youth doing day to day chores. If you are an extrovert and love to wander around, you are bound to come across people singing under the road crossings, stage dramas and much more. At different venues you can find gorgeous displays of art and craft.
In my experience, China's most appealing feature, is it's ability to provide freedom and security while simultaneously ensuring the adventures and endless opportunity. The one factor does not undermines the other. You can conduct your daily life chores without any obstacles. Thus, ensuring efficiency in all matters.
For a wanderer, China is the ideal place to be. We could travel for hours for the cheapest bus fares, not having to worry about safety and delays. There is no pushing and pulling, no hasty mistakes or nasty encounters. China's transport system has been built on a thorough understanding of daily life needs. With a fast moving world, China has not only manitained it's pace, but has also set an ideal standard of it's own. Being a university student, we are forever on a move. From one campus to another, one activity to other, we can always rely on it's efficiency.
As I sit in my home and write down about all the wonderful times, I wish we would return soon. Because after the corona virus, China has done everything in it's power to ensure the safety of their people as well as their students. This love and care for students is unparalleled. When we were in dormitory, the whole staff made sure we were properly looked after.
Our teachers have put alot of effort in teaching is during this crisis and I am a proud student of Hunan Normal University.
In a nutshell, my story with China is a bitter-sweet adventure of learning, growing, exploring, breaking the monotony and being unapologetically myself. It's a story of nostalgia and homesickness and of finding a second home. At times it's tiring but this uniquely rewarding experience has made me realise that my journey here will be one filled with extraordinary memories.（作者：NAWAZ FILZA HAQ（艾莉） 湖南师范大学）
