Sino Bangla Online Desk: “Admiration” has a couple of explanations in the dictionary, but in general, they all include the meaning of “respectable” and “convincing”. I think “admiration” is a perfect word to describe my feelings for China in all aspects.

I’m from Russia, and my Chinese name is Yan Xiyao. I’ve been living in China since 2018. I would like to share little “incredible” stories of mine about studying in China. Located on the coast of the Yellow Sea, Qingdao, an East China city in Shandong Province, has given me an incredible experience with its magical landscape and rich history.

The charming cultural attractions such as Laoshan Mountain, Zhongshan Park, May Fourth Square, and Zhanqiao Pier not only allow me to appreciate the beautiful landscape but also give me a better understanding of Chinese culture.

In 2019, I returned to my beloved city, Qingdao, as a graduate student at China University of Petroleum (East China) after winning a Chinese government scholarship. The experience of living in China makes it easier for me to adapt to the new environment.

During the two-year study, I lived like a cherry blossom in early spring, traveling in the universe of scientific experiments, perceiving Chinese culture in various activities, and broadening my horizons in academic seminars. I have made a significant achievement in the research field, and I am currently devoting myself to scientific research, hoping to help solve global problems.

In China, people’s harmonious balance between work and life, their forward-looking thinking, and the huge potential in all sectors formed a vigorous development atmosphere in China, which is inspiring and encouraging. Undoubtedly, Russia taught me how to do my job well, while China taught me how to make the best use of my talents and give full play to the things at hand. It’s not exaggerated to say so.

For me, the most “incredible” moment in China is the time when I met someone who I love at first sight. Many people would exclaim “It’s unbelievable to see you two together,” “You are from two completely different worlds.” Yes, my husband is Chinese, he’s from Qufu of Shandong province, a city at the core of Chinese culture, and I am three years elder than him.

When we just met, he could not speak English and I could not speak Chinese. One month later, I had to fly back to Russia. But we had gone through all the challenges and overcome all the difficulties including family cultures, language barriers, and mindsets, which made us confirm that we have a bright future with each other. Six months ago, he asked me to marry him, and I was thrilled and accepted. We will get married later this year.

This year is the first year of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan. As a Russian citizen, I can say with certainty that I understand the importance of the plan to a great socialist country better than students from other countries.

My grandfather is a member of the Communist Party of the former Soviet Union, and he told me about his many activities in the Soviet period. In addition, in the history class, all Russian students study materials about Five-Year Plans and the achievements in the last century.
So, how do I view China in the next five years? I sincerely hope that in the new plan, China can achieve greater achievements. I am very lucky to be able to participate in it. My dream since I was a child is to be a person who is not only beneficial to myself and the people around me but also a person who is beneficial to the whole society.

Yes, I have been working hard for my dream. Maybe my plan is difficult to realize, but I will not give up. So in the next five years, I hope I can complete my studies in China and get a master’s degree and a doctorate degree.

These are my stories in China, are they incredible?

I like it here, and my home will be here in the future. This is China.

This article is written by Traviankina Mariia, a Russian student studying at China University of Petroleum (East China) to China Daily.

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