[Russia] Provkina Polina, Shenzhen MSU-BIT University
In my eyes, China is rich and colorful. She is orangish, overflowing with liveness, brightness, warmth and harmony; she is greenish, rich in vegetation and idyllic scenery; she is reddish, moving forward rapidly, powerfully and prosperously.
I came to China for the first time in 2010 when I knew little about the country. With great passions and yearnings, I arrived in Beijing, the capital of China. The moment I stepped out of the subway station, I was immediately met with a distinctive beauty which was totally different from that in Russia. It exhibited a harmony of tradition and modernity, preserving the atmosphere of ancient culture while presenting the prosperity of the metropolis.
When the soft morning light sprinkled in the narrow alley with street cries of vendors, I enjoyed a bowl of steaming soybean milk and felt refreshed. Bathed in the sun, I, for the first time, saw the Great Wall, the peerless giant dragon sinuously extending thousands of miles, along with numerous historic relics.
I appreciated the grandeur and magnificence of the Forbidden City, a huge ancient architectural complex: the red brick walls, the golden glazed tiles, the variety of carving, the lifelike figures of auspicious animals…I was totally amazed by the ancient culture exhibited. Night falling, what filled Beijing was no longer solemn atmosphere but vigor and vitality - the lights, the traffic, the crowd, the hustle and bustle… What a rhapsody of the evening!
I was so fascinated by the beauty of China that I did not want to keep myself away from her. “This is indeed my second home.” I said to myself. I yearned to come back again to continue my journey here.
Fortunately, once again, I set foot on this land I love so much in 2018 when I came to Shenzhen MSU-BIT University. It was only within eight years that China gradually grew from a small sapling to a huge tree. It is continuously drawing nutrients from the outside world, and flourishingly growing. Its development is thriving in various fields, exhibiting different looks and staging different stories every day.
The modernization in China is rapid, with new modern buildings replacing the old single-story houses. People have moved into bright and convenient residences. China’s technology is continuously progressing, and the new digital era has brought tremendous convenience to daily life. People’s way of consumption has been transformed with the introduction of mobile payment. It is no longer necessary for you to carry your wallet and you can purchase nearly everything via your smartphones. This is much faster and more convenient.
The rapid development of online shopping offers shopping experience without leaving home. At the same time, the significant improvement in logistics makes it possible to receive the ordered goods in one or two days. The renovation is not only reflected in consumption but also in transportation. Shared bikes can be found everywhere in the cities, colorful and neatly arranged. You can simply unlock those bikes by scanning the QR codes and ride freely through streets without worrying about the traffic jams.
Bike sharing not only facilitates the travelling between the public transport stations to the targeted places, but also offers a greener way of transportation as well as chances for exercise. How fascinate the technology is!
I have met many excellent and friendly Chinese teachers and friends during my stay in Shenzhen. I have had a deeper understanding of the profoundness and the unique glamour of Chinese culture. My Chinese teachers correct my pronunciation, with patience and carefulness and my Chinese friends always encourage me and support me whenever I encounter difficulties in my study or in daily life.
Together, we explore the beauty of calligraphy, listen to the melodies and recite the profound ancient poems. From them, I have learned the spirit of persistence and endeavor and enjoyed the happiness of friendship.
I love the landscape of China. I love its history and culture. The China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation was established when I pursued my study in Shenzhen MSU-BIT University. This stable and harmonious partnership is in line with the peace and development desired by people of the two countries.
It is invaluable. I am willing to chase dreams and grow together with China. I sincerely wish a strong and stable partnership between China and Russia and I look forward to a brighter future of the two countries!
The story is from "My Beautiful Encounter with China" Essay Competition organized by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchanges (CSCSE).
