Editor's Note The Great Wall, the Forbidden City, giant pandas... Today, when these traditional Chinese IPs have been familiar to foreigners, more and more Chinese cities and their cultural elements have already gone abroad, attracting a number of foreign young people to come to China, feel China, and tell the world about the beauty of China in their own way. May 19 this year is the 14th "China Tourism Day". We interviewed 8 foreign youth living in China, talked with them about the significance of tourism and listened to their stories on the journey.
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French youth Luo Fanbin: in-depth understanding of China in sports travel
Wang Xiaodong, reporter of China Youth Daily and China Youth Network, trainee reporter He Chang
This year is the 15th year that French operation and maintenance engineer Luo Fanbin came to China. Over the past 15 years, he has participated in more than 50 road runs, cross-country runs and obstacle races. The process of participating in the event is also the process of his in-depth understanding of China.
In April this year, Luo Fanbin participated in the 55km cross-country race in Huizhou Ancient City. Speaking about this competition, he said: "Running in a place with a long history is a special experience. We have passed through traditional villages, rape fields and bamboo forests in full bloom. If it were not for this competition, I would never have thought of going to this place. I think holding such activities is an excellent way to develop new tourism and let sports lovers know about China's rich cultural heritage. "
Apart from work and sports, Luo has visited many places in China, especially Beijing. During the May Day holiday this year, he took part in the cross-country race in Xiangshan, Beijing, and also visited the French natural history exhibition of the "Earth Odd Tour" at the Beijing Can Art Museum.
He was fascinated by the coexistence of modern urban atmosphere and traditional cultural heritage. In his opinion, Beijing today is quite different from the time when he first came here 15 years ago. The infrastructure of the city is more perfect. As a historical site of "the soul of the city", it is "preserved and even renovated in some cases".
In recent years, Luo Fanbin has visited Qinghai, Gansu, Yunnan and other places. His mobile wallpaper is a picture taken during his travel in Gansu, where he likes mountains and animals. He also took a photo on the top of Haba Mountain in Yunnan and used it as a WeChat avatar. When he reached the top of the mountain, he was filled with emotion: if he had never set foot on the land of China in his life, if he had never built a good physique, then this picture could not exist. The background of the photo is the sunrise at the top of Haba Mountain. "That was an extraordinary moment, which I will never forget".
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and France, as well as the year of cultural tourism between China and France. Luo Fanbin is full of expectations for the prospect of Sino French cultural tourism. In his view, it is a very good thing for the two peoples to meet face to face. "Through cultural tourism, people from two countries can understand each other's rich culture".
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Indonesian student Chen Junwei: "Symbols" of Chinese cities in the camera
Zhang Qiuhong, reporter of China Youth Daily, China Youth Network
In the eyes of Indonesian student Chen Junwei, every city in China has a special "symbol". In the past five years of studying in China, Chen Junwei has been to more than 20 cities, including Beijing, Xi'an, Fuzhou and Manchuria, and recorded his unique impression of each city with cameras.
"We often hear many stories about China, such as the Great Wall and the giant panda, but I think the most famous one in China is the Terracotta Warriors..." At the Shaanxi Archaeological Museum, Chen Junwei held up his mobile phone and introduced it to netizens in English.
In April this year, Chen Junwei went to Xi'an. "I have heard since childhood that when I went to China, I must see the Terracotta Warriors and Horses. "The commentator explained the cultural relics displayed in the museum in Chinese, and I translated them into English and made a video to be released to the social platform."
Since December 2020, Chen Junwei and his classmates have operated video accounts together. "At the beginning, we recorded the life of studying abroad in China, and then we filmed the traditional Chinese culture." Chen Junwei filmed the local characteristic culture or industry in every city, attracting more than 40000 fans for more than three years.
The tea culture in Nanping City, Fujian Province, is Chen Junwei's favorite traditional Chinese culture. His video also won the second prize in the short video collection competition for foreign friends "Looking at Fujian in the prime of youth on the Silk Road". Chen Junwei recalled: "In Indonesia, we drank tea made with tea bags; in China, local friends would make a cup of tea for me to express their enthusiasm." At the foot of Wuyi Mountain in Nanping, Chen Junwei experienced tea picking and tasting under the leadership of tea farmers. "From picking, making, tea making to tea tasting, every link is magical." Nanping's tea has become Chen Junwei's unique memory of the city.
Watching snow in Manchuria is Chen Junwei's unforgettable experience in China. Chen Junwei, who grew up in Indonesia, saw snow for the first time in Manchuria in the winter of 2023. He picked up a camera to record: "I thought the snow was soft, but it was a little different from what I imagined, and I was very happy!" Chen Junwei wrote in his travel notes: "I will never forget the snow I saw in Manchuria."
"It's a pity that I didn't go to the Great Wall when I went to Beijing last time. I hope to shoot in Beijing again." In Chen Junwei's lens, the special "symbols" of Chinese cities will be constantly refreshed.
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Malaysian "Iron Legged College Student" Li Sijing: Ride to Experience Chinese Scenery
Li Huaxi, reporter of China Youth Daily, China Youth Network
A month ago, the whole network was looking for 4 college students, including Li Sijing, an international student from Beijing University of Technology in Malaysia.
It turned out that during the Tomb sweeping Day holiday this year, he and three college students rode from Beijing to the Tianjin landmark "Tianjin Eye" Ferris Wheel. 125km, 10 hours and 28 minutes non-stop, netizens jokingly called them "iron legged college students".
"I'm going to graduate soon, so I want to do something crazy, leave a little memory, and deeply experience the Chinese scenery by riding," Li Sijing said.
His first ride began in September 2023, initially to lose weight. As time went on, cycling gradually became an indispensable part of his life. He rides about 70 kilometers every day and spends about 4 hours shuttling through the streets of Beijing.
Now, although more time is needed to do the graduation design, his riding habit has not changed. He still rides about 40 kilometers every day to enjoy the intimate contact with the city.
When talking about the reasons for choosing to travel by bike, Li Sijing said that although Beijing's subway and bus are convenient, they can't let him experience the city's fireworks in depth. Riding allows him to explore the city more freely and discover the beautiful scenery hidden in the corner.
During the cycling, Li Sijing often meets with old men chatting in hutongs, people fishing by the river and photography lovers. "These pictures let me feel the real life state of Beijing residents".
During the ride, Li Sijing observed that Beijing has both a prosperous urban landscape and a quiet suburban scenery. "The sea of flowers in spring, the greenery in summer, the oil paintings in autumn and the snow scenery in winter make me linger."
The ride from Beijing to Tianjin made him a "net celebrity". He and three students enjoyed the beautiful scenery and experienced different cultural atmosphere along the way. Li Sijing said that the ride made him feel more deeply the vastness and diversity of China.
Li Sijing has a clear plan for graduation travel. He plans to ride south with his friends, passing through Hebei, Henan, Shanxi, Shaanxi and other places, and finally to Chengdu, Sichuan. There, they will try to ride along the Sichuan Tibet Line to Lhasa.
When talking about the travel mode of "special forces", Li Sijing agreed with it very much, and he has experienced it several times. He believes that people should go out more when they are young and measure the beauty of the world with their feet. "I hope that more young friends can try different ways of traveling to discover more unknown beauty."
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South Korea UP owner Fang Zaisheng: Start "Taste Bud Challenge" and fall in love with China on the tip of the tongue
Zhang Xi, reporter of China Youth Daily and China Youth Network
What kind of experience is it for the UP owners from South Korea to pick up their shooting equipment, carry their bags and leave their travel footprints in 11 cities in China to open the "Taste Bud Challenge"? "Challenger" Fang Zai will tell us the answer.
Sixteen years ago, Fang Zaisheng, who was 15 years old at that time, came to Xi'an, Shaanxi for the first time and started his three-year study abroad career. His relationship with China also began at that time. Today, the history, food and familiar friends of this ancient capital are still the deepest memories and thoughts of Fang Zai.
In 2018, Fang Zaisheng became the UP owner of station B, opening his "China Tour" sharing. From Xi'an, the "thousand year old capital", to Chengdu, the "Land of Abundance", from Chongqing, where spicy hot pot is fragrant, to Guangzhou, which is prosperous along the Pearl River, from the fishing port customs of Ningbo to the beautiful scenery of the West Lake in Hangzhou, Fang Zaisheng measured with his feet and shared with the camera. The classical gardens in Suzhou, the Great Wall of the Forbidden City in Beijing, the ice and snow world in Harbin... Fang Zaisheng felt the unique charm of each city with heart, and also had deep feelings for Chinese culture and food. So far, Fang Zaisheng has been to 11 cities in China, released more than 200 travel and life experience videos, and has 452000 fans on the B station platform.
Speaking of the most impressive region and food experience, Fang Zaisheng did not hesitate to answer that Sichuan and Chongqing are the regions. "I used to like Sichuan cuisine and spicy hot pot. When I really arrived in Sichuan and Chongqing, I felt more charming than I thought. People were very enthusiastic, and the local characteristics were very rich. The Sichuan cuisine and hot pot I ate were really unforgettable! I also liked ice noodles, which were special desserts and snacks I had never tasted before." Of course, what he could not forget was Shanghai Benbang cuisine, "Every time I take my Korean friends to eat our food, no one doesn't like it.". Fresh sour, delicate sweet, astringent bitter, warm hot, strong salty... Food lovers Fang Zaisheng enjoy the "taste bud challenge" across the north and south of China.
During the trip, Fang Zaisheng made many interesting friends. There are local residents, tourists and fans. Through the exchanges between friends, Fang Zaisheng learned more about Chinese history and culture, as well as many Korean cultural customs, which also injected new vitality into the cultural exchanges between China and South Korea.
"The diet, culture and life of every city in China are different and have their own characteristics. China is a very diverse and inclusive country, and I really like it here." Fang Zaisheng plans to leave for China's desert this year to enjoy the unique natural scenery, food culture and cultural customs. He regards China as an endless treasure house, eager to dig into its endless charm, and hopes to spread his footprints all over China.
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Vietnamese student Huang Qiuheng: Feel the charm of Chinese clothing on the journey
Li Yuanyuan, reporter of China Youth Daily and China Youth Network
Huang Qiufu from Vietnam is a senior student studying in Beijing. During her four years of studying in China, she never stopped traveling.
In Suzhou, a water town in the south of the Yangtze River in China, Huang Qiuyu left his own "footprint". "I once learned an article about Suzhou gardens in my textbook. 'Misty rain is like the south of the Yangtze River, and the mountains and rivers are like ink'. Suzhou is a city that interlaces classical and modern." Huang Qiuxuan told reporters that she likes Chinese classical culture very much, so she has always yearned for Suzhou.
Before coming to Suzhou, Huang Qiufu had made a good strategy. "They said that when going to Suzhou, they must wear Chinese clothes to take photos and clock in at Pingjiang Road, because there is a feeling of ancient style." A Pingjiang Road, half of Suzhou City. In Suzhou, Huang Qiufu, who is dressed in gorgeous clothes, seems to have passed through ancient China.
Huang Qiufu found that there are many cheongsam stores here. Before coming to China, she had a strong interest in Chinese cheongsam. "The Chinese cheongsam is very similar to our Vietnamese national costume, 'Audrey'." Huang Qiuyu told reporters that 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam have different traditional costumes, but Audrey belongs to Vietnam's national costume and will be worn during festivals.
"Different from Audrey, I think Chinese cheongsam is more physical. I have seen many TV dramas in the Republic of China, and the girls in the dramas are beautiful in cheongsam." At that time, she thought that if she went to China, she must buy a cheongsam. This trip to Suzhou fulfilled her dream.
"Suzhou's Jiangnan scenery is classical and romantic, and the cheongsam gives people the feeling of elegance and loftiness." Huang Qiuxuan believes that Suzhou is a "perfect match" with cheongsam.
Clothing is the embodiment of different local cultural characteristics. During the journey, Huang Qiufu would like to know and experience the local distinctive clothes. In Guilin, Guangxi, she was deeply attracted by Miao costumes. "The ethnic costumes of the Miao nationality are very beautiful, with exquisite design and many accessories."
Huang Qiufu not only likes the beauty of Chinese clothing, but also praises the history, culture and manufacturing technology behind it. She has been to the Chengde Museum to appreciate the royal costumes of the Qing Dynasty. "The dragon robe is very well made. It is made of gold silk thread. It is so exquisite!" She has also been to Chengdu, Sichuan, and entered the Chengdu Ancient Shu Brocade Research Institute. "The design of Shu brocade is exquisite and colorful, which has high artistic value and collection value." Huang Qiuxuan said that the production process of Shu brocade was the most attractive to her. Each detail above was filled with four words of "meticulous", which gave her a taste of craftsmanship.
Huang Qiufu hopes that he can go to more places in China and experience more distinctive Chinese clothing in the future. She is also willing to bring these beautiful clothes to her hometown in Vietnam to share with her relatives and friends.
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Celia, a Guatemalan girl: telling "Chinese stories" with camera
Li Yuanyuan, reporter of China Youth Daily and China Youth Network
Recently, Celia from Guatemala was praised by Hua Chunying, Assistant Foreign Minister and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, for her fluent Chinese at the Wuhan "Aerospace Science Popularization Series Exhibition". She came to China because she fell in love with a Chinese boy. She has traveled more than 50 cities in China in 14 years. Wherever she goes, she will use the camera to tell her overseas friends the "Chinese story" here.
"I like China very much, and this is my second home." Celia told reporters that Guatemalans know very little about China. "I think it is necessary to let them know the real China through my power." At present, Celia's social platform account has nearly 300000 fans.
Celia has traveled a lot in China. She has been to Yichang, Hubei, and clocked the Three Gorges Project. "The hydropower, wind power, solar power, ecological protection and water pollution control are all very well done here." Celia said that many fans were amazed when they saw the Three Gorges Project on her account. She is also very happy to let overseas fans know about China through her own lens.
The Kubuqi Desert in Inner Mongolia also impressed Celia. She once planted a tree there. "Many of my overseas fans are amazed that trees can be planted in the desert!" Celia said that China has invested a lot in environmental protection and greening, and her planting of this tree is equivalent to contributing a little of her own strength. "I hope I can come back here to see it in twenty or thirty years." She wants to witness the desert here turning into a forest with her fans.
Celia also visited Dahua Yao Autonomous County in Guangxi, which was poor in the past, with poor living conditions and few job opportunities. "The anti-poverty work of the Chinese government has changed the place, the employment situation has also improved greatly, and everyone is very happy." Celia shared this to her fans via live broadcast. "Everyone thinks it's incredible," Celia told her fans. This is the power of China.
Over the past 14 years, Celia has witnessed the rapid development of China while telling the "Chinese story". She "took" overseas fans to Harbin to attend the 2022 World 5G Conference, and also went to Beijing to see the Winter Olympics. In her comment area, many people said they saw a different China. "Now many fans ask me about China, and many people want to work and live in China."
At present, Celia is also invited to be a member of the young lecturer group of the School of Foreign Languages and Literature of Wuhan University. She shared her experience with her students. "I hope they can also let more people know the real China in the future, and let more foreigners fall in love with China like me.".
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Bangladesh Youth Ark: Travel is a celebration of friendship, food and nature
Wang Xiaodong, reporter of China Youth Daily and China Youth Network, trainee reporter He Chang
"I have a lot of affinity with Zhoushan and will soon become the spokesman of Zhoushan tourism." When talking about Zhoushan, the Bangladeshi youth ark can tell many interesting stories.
"My name sounds inextricably linked to Hangzhou and Zhoushan. I hope my family can call me that when I go home." This name was given to Fang Zhou by a paper-cut teacher when he participated in a cultural workshop.
The first time I visited Zhoushan, the ark was deeply attracted by the scenery here. Clean, quiet, fresh and leisurely are his first impression of here. Standing on the sea crossing bridge, he saw the vast ocean and the blue sky. At that moment, his thoughts seemed to be blown away by the wind. On the second day of the trip, he met a young Chinese man at the breakfast shop. They talked happily and exchanged WeChat messages. Later, they became very good friends.
After Fang Zhou decided to stay and study here, the young man gave him a bike to go around. Later, Fang Zhou recalled: "It was a precious gift and a friendship I cherish very much. I met many friends here through him." In Fang Zhou's opinion, Zhoushan is different from some international metropolises. It has its own cultural genes. "Like many small cities in China, there is no place where people feel bored."
Because of staying here to study, Ark has the opportunity to see more of the city's scenery. In his spare time, he has been to many small villages, old streets and islands in Zhoushan. "I happened to find a beautiful place like Zhanmao, which is located in the mountains, full of blooming flowers, fruit trees, vegetable gardens and rice fields; I saw a beautiful path in Dinghai, which extends along the mountains of Dinghai, and is dotted with charming buildings and landmarks, showing the natural beauty and long history of Dinghai; I have been to Ant Island many times and learned about the spirit of Ant Island. I am deeply moved by the tenacity of the people there and the rich history of this area. " When it comes to the beauty of Zhoushan, the Ark always talks.
"It has to be mentioned that Lu Xiaxu. Every house in the village is carefully built by artists. The walls are decorated with amazing landscape paintings and famous works of art, and the house is located at the foot of the beautiful mountain." Fang Zhou has repeatedly visited Lu Xiaxu for many times, not only because of the beautiful scenery, but also because there is a cultural experience center opened by a friend there, "You can experience wine making and taste delicious food cooked by Chinese friends."
Fang Zhou said that every trip is a celebration of friendship, food and nature. Walking through Zhoushan's villages, streets and islands, Chinese friends set up an ark of friendship for him.
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Qiqige, a Comorian student studying abroad: Understanding Chinese Civilization from the Beauty of Chinese Characters
Qiao Jiaxin, reporter of China Youth Daily and China Youth Network
"The oracle bone inscriptions in China are very beautiful, and 'beauty' is also my favorite oracle bone inscriptions." Qi Qige, an overseas student from Comoros, said a witty remark that was unforgettable.
In high school, Qi Qige chose to learn Chinese. In 2017, she came to Beijing to participate in the Chinese Bridge Competition on behalf of her motherland because of her excellent Chinese proficiency. It was her first time to set foot on the land of China, which was different from the scenery of the island country surrounded by mountains and seas in her hometown. The blend of traditional and modern Beijing gave her a new experience.
During the years of studying in China, she became very interested in the ancient Chinese civilization.
During the 2023 China (Anyang) International Chinese Character Conference, Qi Qige visited the Anyang Museum of Chinese Characters and was first exposed to oracle bone inscriptions. "It was a life changing experience," she said.
Qiqige said, "I can speak five languages. When learning other languages, the teacher will only tell you that 'A' is' A ', but will not tell you why."
Qi Qige's greatest feeling when learning Chinese is that he knows more about the nature than the reason. At the Anyang Chinese Character Museum, she got to know the first oracle bone inscription "sheep", which triggered Qi Qige's thinking about "hieroglyphs" and "phonographs". "I found that the 'sheep' in oracle bone inscriptions is very similar to the real 'sheep'," she said. "Oracle bone inscriptions let people see the origin and evolution of Chinese characters, and also show the relationship between ancient and modern Chinese characters."
"Many symbols on oracle bone inscriptions are similar to modern symbols. In the museum, I can recognize some Chinese characters, such as' Zhong 'and' Guo ', and know how they evolved from pictographic symbols on oracle bone inscriptions."
Today, Qiqige has been able to recognize more than 20 oracle bone inscriptions skillfully. She said, "China's history and culture are extensive and profound, and I still have a lot to learn. Oracle bone inscriptions let me feel the beauty and logic of Chinese characters, which reflects the wisdom and creativity of ancient Chinese people."
His love for ancient Chinese characters such as oracle bone inscriptions also inspired Qi Qige's enthusiasm for Chinese history and culture. She likes reading ancient poems, celebrating traditional festivals such as Spring Festival and Mid Autumn Festival with her classmates, and going to Tianjin Ancient Culture Street to experience folk customs.
From mastering Chinese characters to understanding China in Chinese characters, Qi Qige has grown from a curious foreigner to a lover of Chinese culture. Qi Qige is not only growing up, but also hopes to share what he has seen with more people. "I often introduce China to my family and friends. It has a long history and rich cultural heritage. I hope they can all come to China to have a look. The first stop is Anyang."
Qi Qige feels the Chinese civilization by learning the ancient Chinese characters, and measures the magnificent mountains and rivers of China with her feet. Her love for China is growing day by day. "I am grateful for the opportunity to come to China and experience the magic and mystery of China".
Source: China Youth Daily
