By Aizhan Amangeldieva
Member of the Independent Union of Journalists of Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan
I first visited China during my summer vacation when I was in high school. That journey became one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life and completely changed the way I saw the world. I was struck by the perfect harmony between China’s rapid modernization and its deep respect for ancient traditions.
What amazed me most was how rich, layered, and meaningful Chinese culture is. As one of the oldest civilizations on Earth, China has preserved a heritage filled with philosophy, art, and beauty. I was fascinated by the elegance of the tea ceremony, the grace of traditional calligraphy, the dramatic beauty of Peking opera, and the timeless charm of Chinese painting and architecture. Even sports, such as tai chi and martial arts, reflect deep cultural values of balance, discipline, and inner peace.
These experiences introduced me to Confucian philosophy — ideas of respect, harmony, loyalty, and education. They are still alive today and continue to shape Chinese society in subtle and powerful ways.
I was also impressed by how kind and helpful the people were, the efficiency of public transportation, and the diversity of the cuisine. Every moment in China felt like a discovery. I was so inspired that I decided to devote my future to this culture — and eventually completed my Master’s degree in China.
Chinese culture didn’t just impress me — it captured my heart and guided the course of my life.
*The views and opinions expressed in the articles are solely those of the individual authors and do not reflect the position of the Secretariat of the Belt and Road Journalist Network.