Experience a new era in China

[Thailand] Jeamjarone Chonlada, South China University of Technology

First of all, I would like to say the reason why I decided to come to China to study is actually very simple. One day I happened to notice the instruction of a shower gel bottle uses three languages, that were Thai, English and Chinese. At that time, I already heard a lot about China and became very interested in China and Chinese. What’s more, I think if I master Chinese, it will be helpful to my work in the future.

I had been to China a few times when I was a kid. Previously I didn’t have much of an impression of China, I always thought it was large and life there was rather backward. However, when I studied in China, my view is completely changed.

When I came to China to study in 2019, I realized that it was wrong to judge China by old thinking and values. China is much better now than it used to be. It has surged forward within a few years, which I found is peculiar. Life in China is better than I imagined. In addition to the rapid economic development, the society is also stable in a long term. The new era in China is modern with human touch, convenient communications and comfortable life.

There are also a variety of tourist attractions for the people to take a break from their busy lives.

When I first came to China, I can neither speak nor read Chinese, but the Chinese people were very nice to me. For example, A yi (equal to aunt, that Chinese address politely an elder waitress) at the restaurant listened to me attentively and friendly so as to learn what I wanted to order. She talked to me with smile always. The cab driver was also very kind. When I told him I was a foreign student from Thailand, he talked to me all the way even if I told him I failed to understand. The teachers at the university were also very caring and always helpful. They would respond heartily to any questions I raised up and give me a hand no matter what difficulties I encountered. When I have any questions about Chinese, I can always ask my Chinese friend. He will try his best to help no matter how busy he is. Along with meeting with more Chinese people, I fully felt their warmth, kindness, and politeness. That’s why I am fond of Chinese people very much.

I traveled to Guilin for four days during the winter break of 2019. I took the direct high-speed train from Guangzhou to Guilin. It was a very special experience. Guilin is a very beautiful city. I think “the river is a green ribbon, the mountains are like jade hairpins”, a poem of Tang Dynasty, is the most proficient description of the landscape of Guilin. Through that trip, I also learned about the local culture of Guangxi. The natural scenery of China left me with an unforgettable impression.

The COVID-19 epidemic rages around the world with an all-pervasive nature. Its rapid diffusion and high mortality rate have plunged the world into an unprecedented crisis. A vaccine is the key weapon to fight against it, so China attaches great importance to it and has been working to research and produce its own vaccine for the COVID-19. The Chinese government has a free vaccination policy for its citizens and expedite vaccinations to create herd immunity for the masses. Although China has a huge population of over 1.4 billion and a vast territory, it does not prevent the execution of vaccinations.

In the face of a weak economy of Europe and a slow recovery of the US economy, it is undeniable that Asia, with its high economic growth rate, is becoming the center of the world economy and is stepping up to play a major role on the global stage. The brands Samsung, Lenovo, Alibaba or even Hyundai Motor are all developed and innovated in most Asian countries. If we want to talk about the largest country and the most prominent economic player in Asia, we are bound to mention China. Because this country is rapidly changing and driving us to recognize the modern China as one of the world’s major powers.

China is upgrading the manufacturing industry with smart factories rather than manual labor by focusing on using digital technology in production. The products are efficiently made with high quality and more environmentally friendly.

As the “City of Two Olympics”, Beijing has once again made a memorable impression on the world by hosting the Winter Olympics and the Winter Paralympics in 2022. It conveys the spirit and strength of the Chinese people to move forward.

As an international student in China, I would like to thank all the people who offered me the chance to study and live here to learn Chinese culture. China is a country I like and admire very much. I appreciate the patriotism of the Chinese people. Everyone is constantly making efforts to contribute their part to build a better China, their home they live and take care of with hearts. I believe we will witness the constant and unstoppable growth and development of China in the future. I have fallen in love with this country deeply since I studied and lived here, where I feel at home. If someone asks me where I studied, I think I will proudly reply, “I studied in China. China is my second home.”

The story is from "My Beautiful Encounter with China" Essay Competition organized by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchanges (CSCSE).