[Russia] Kuprekova Ekaterina, Shenzhen MSU-BIT University
After a tedious journey, you finally return home after going through a mixed feeling of pain and familiarity – that is the moment of peace, tranquility and satisfaction after soul purification. Did you ever feel this way when you visited a place for the first time?
It took place in 2019 when I came to Shenzhen to study. When I set foot on the land after a long flight from Russia, I realized that I had arrived in a welcoming city, comfortable and safe, where I would make friends and gain a lot. Back in 2017, I was a freshman girl and came across an advertisement for MSU-BIT University while casually surfing the Web. I didn’t think much of it.
When I found out that the construction of this university had just begun, I grinned and said to myself, “When this university is built, my studenthood will be over!” In fact, I was wrong! Construction workers made use of advanced materials and technologies. They worked day and night, as industrious as bees. Thus, I encountered a unique new word “Shenzhen speed.” Buildings of 30-60 stories are being built at an incredible rate, that is, one story within three days. All of the buildings are the reflections of new technology and modern design materials, which are impressive and fascinating. This is a unique city. It’s hard to see the same building here, though they are the same in the eyes of some people as always. But for me, every house is different with distinctive decorations. Sometimes they look similar, but each has a different color match. When you are standing between the buildings of 40 to 60 stories, you will feel as if you have entered a fantastic future. There are a large number of crosswalks through the streets in this city. Many stairs and walkways have ramps for the disabled. You can travel through the city by walking on the sidewalks no matter in day or night, enjoying beautiful and accessible green spaces everywhere.
People in Shenzhen are amiable and helpful. I made many friends here, who are smart, knowledgeable and shining with smiles. People here are ready to provide their help at any time. Even if you don’t ask for it, you will get assistance with tips when you look confused at the checkout, or try to take a selfie, or fail to open a bag. Of course, the assistance is free. A smile or a classic “thank you” is enough. However, I still can’t get used to the fact that locals constantly ask me to be photographed with them. Sometimes they do it secretly without asking, because they harbor a special curiosity about me as a foreigner. Indeed, I can’t and won’t forbid a person to shoot me into his own scenery unintentionally. To be honest, I prefer to communicate with them rather than face the amazing advanced technology that can be seen almost everywhere – perhaps a facial recognition system or a humanoid robot in a store. Still in my mind is the surrealism feeling when the fingerprint registration machine at the airport sounded like a Russian robot with a slight Chinese accent. I was really amazed when my name is displayed on the screen.
If you asked me whether you really feel at home here? I will say yes without hesitation. Shenzhen is like a melting pot integrating various customs and cultures. Here you can meet people speaking different dialects and enjoy many different Chinese dishes. Western food, Western languages and cultures are also very popular, presented in a unique Chinese style. You don’t feel like a stranger in this city as it hugs you, welcomes you and teaches you. We have courage to be ourselves here. I do feel warm and comfortable, just liking being at home. Due to the restriction of COVID-19 prevention and control, I returned to Shenzhen after two years. “Shenzhen, my dear friend, I miss you very much!”, I would like to say.
The story is from "My Beautiful Encounter with China" Essay Competition organized by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchanges (CSCSE).
