Me at The Nanjing Eye.

As the legendary thinker Confucius wrote “True education holds no bias”, learning is an essential part of a human’s life. For students who finish from school, it is important to choose the right place for further education. During my last year of high school, I thought for a long time about the country where I would go for university. I have always wanted to open my mind to new things. According to history, it is known that China is one of the most ancient civilizations in the world with over 5000 years of history. Recently, China has also become one of the most developed countries in the world.  I have always been thrilled with the achievements of this country. The citizens are hardworking, the students strive for new education, and the government is honest in politics and in law. I think China is a boat to the future, because new discoveries take place here and unknowns are exposed. As a result of this, we can confidently say that education in China is the highest and the best. Having discussed my decision with my parents, they agreed. Eventually, I am happy to say that I do not regret my choice. Presently, I study in Nanjing, Jiangsu province. This city met us with nice weather, clean air, friendly residents, and green surroundings. I remember the first day I flew here. The university I currently study in is Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications (南京邮电大学).

The mesmerizing view of The Nanjing Eye

Filled with energy and strength, my friends and I decided to visit The Nanjing Eye. It was not difficult to us to find the place, because China is a country of convenience, through the Baidu Ditu (百度地图) app we easily found the route. Speaking about Chinese architecture, I have always been amazed at how they build such kinds of buildings. The Nanjing Eye is really remarkable among bridges in the world. We met so many tourists there as well. Walking on the bridge, we saw the Olympic Sports Centre and glittering tall buildings. This bridge combines the strength of the cable-stayed bridge and the elegance of the arch tower. We heard that The Nanjing Eye had become a new landmark and attraction in Nanjing. In the night, stay cables were like harp strings, playing the magnificent music of the Yangtze River. The river was so clean and wavy. Marvelling at the view from all sides of this bridge, I decided for myself that Nanjing Eye Footbridge is more like a bridge to the future, which is over the Yangtze River. I cannot convey these wonderful feelings when everything around is sparkling and gives confidence in forthcoming moments.

Nanjing Massacre museum

Marcus Garvey: “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots” In Chinese history, there are incredible facts and events that show nation’s foundation. Visiting Nanjing Massacre museum, I was surprised that, despite of the most difficult situation between Japanese and Chinese during 1937.12.13-1938.01 Chinese people did not give up in maintaining independence and freedom. To be honest, it is hard to put into words the experience of visiting this memorial. From the pandemonium outside it is difficult to believe the respectful calm that greets you, when you enter the museum. From the enormous “mother and baby” statue outside to the hall of martyrs within, the entire museum is a heart-breaking journey through the horrors that befell the people of Nanjing during the Japanese occupation. In addition, I watched soul-destroying documental films, including photos, contemporary newspapers that indicate nation’s experiences. Moreover, the museum’s message is to promote peace and world. The memorial is beautifully built and the exhibits are very touching.  In the morning 10th December 2019  I heard the siren in memory of those innocent people. In my opinion, all our next generation must know about this history, making conclusions about that war will not bring good memory.

Tai Chi class activity, with Teacher Yuan Zhen

Beijing Opera

In my university’s Chinese Culture class, we watched the film “Farewell My Concubine” which was directed by Chen Kai Ge. From that day my knowledge in Chinese art has expanded. The life of humans is like theatre on the stage, because in different situations people change their masks. I think this film indicates our social life. Afterwards, I wanted to watch the performance of lively actors. Fortunately, searching the websites I found the advertisement for a Beijing Opera performance. The opera was in Jiangsu Zi Jin Grand Theatre. The hall was full with spectators. We were shown different types of Beijing Opera programs, such as “The Matchmaker”, “Xu Xing”, “Qin Xin”, and “Over the Wall” among others. The performance of the actors really surprised me. They were so talented. Their every movement and facial expression meant something. One thing that I want to notice, that the melodies and harmonious rhythms felt graceful and pleasing to the ears.

Tai Chi class activity

Staying for winter vacation in Nanjing, I wanted to spend my time productively and fascinating. I was invited to Tai Chi class activity by my Chinese friends. The activity was in Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine （南京中医约大学） Surprisingly, I met Tai Chi master Yuan Zhen （元贞） there. I was amazed, when I heard that there is a mountain which  masters of Tai Chi were taught. Wu Dang Shang（武当山) are one of the most famous Daoist holy mountains in China. For thousand of years Wu Dang mountain has been famous as a land of Taoism and a land of Gods.  Searching an information about this place, I found that this mountain has since ancient times always attracted people, who want to practice martial arts, meditation or any other kind of self-cultivation or arts. It is said that, the detachment od the gods and the rest of the mind and body, is a perfect way for urbanites to be close to nature, to understand life and to clear our minds. Likewise,  looking at photos of these charming mountains, I added the name of the hill to my list in which I write places in China that I will definitely visit.

Yuan Zhen has practised Tai Chi for more that 10 years in that area. Now she has not stopped practising and she is enhancing her teaching experience.  Also, she introduced herself as an international TaiJi Quan teacher, and she was known by the people as an outstanding rumoured disciple of the Wu Dang School. Before starting Tai Chi exercises, we were given Tai Chi clothes, which very comfortable in doing movements. After that, Teacher Yuan Zhen informed us about meaning of Tai Chi, also the benefits of this type of Chinese martial art. I have learned that, Tai Chi has proven to be an exercise with significant advantages in the areas of balance, upper- and lower- body muscular strength, endurance, and  body flexibility. Moreover, Tai Chi’s fluid spiralling and bending movements, as well as its breathing and meditation components, massage the internal organs and release them from damaging constrictions brought about by stress, poor posture, and difficult working conditions. After completing the theoretical explanation, me and my Chinese friends started the class with Teacher Yuan Zhen. Altogether we practised 3 types of movements, the first was Warm Up, the second was Touch the Sky and the last one was Windmill Exercise. Traditionally, finishing the class we drunk Chinese Tea and discussed about the importance of doing Tai Chi exercises. In my opinion, all foreigners who came to China, should try these exercises and to feel our inner strength. Another key point to remember that, the university where we had these exercises, rich with its own history. One of the members of the university, showed us medical rooms and told us absorbing facts about Traditional Chinese medicine. Above all, I want to say that it  was not only an experience, but also I become acquainted with Teacher Yuan Zhen and became closer to understand Chinese culture.

In conclusion, since coming to China I discovered magnificent things. Even though it is my first year here, I have added new skills and met new friends. Since my parents believe in me, I promise I fulfil their expectations. This is the beginning of my Chinese story, I hope in the following years my life here will be filled with great memories. In the future, I want to connect my life with China. I also know that enhancing my abilities in Chinese language will broaden the horizons of opportunities. Moreover, I will give my best effort for my academic performance in my university. Life is an amazing journey for each person, and I think as we only live once, all humans in this world should help each other, which can result in a better world to live in.