Hanna Liutych, a Belarusian student at Southeast University in Nanjing, Jiangsu province. [Photo/WeChat account: Nanjingwaishi]

Hanna Liutych, a Belarusian student at Southeast University, won second prize at the 2026 Jiangsu Chinese Speech Contest for Foreigners recently held in Nanjing, showcasing her Chinese language skills and her connection with the city.

Liutych began her studies in China in August 2024. Rather than limiting her experience to campus, she made a point of exploring Nanjing, getting to know its everyday rhythms, streets and neighborhoods.

To her, Nanjing is a city where history and modernity coexist and a place that preserves its rich heritage while embracing contemporary urban life.

Drawing on her own experience, Liutych has a message for international students who have recently arrived in Nanjing: step outside the classroom and discover the city for yourself. Visit its famous landmarks, but also take time to explore its streets and become part of local life.

Doing so, she believes, can help ease homesickness and build a deeper affection for both Nanjing and China.