[Thailand] Wanloptaree Junpitcha, Harbin Engineering University

The development of a country is like the growth of a person. It has been 74 years since the founding of the People’s Republic of China. If it were life, China could be regarded as an old man. In “The Analects of Confucius: For Politics”, Confucius once said: “At the age of 70, one should do what your heart desires. ” But in my impression, today’s China is not like a plodding old man, but a “youth” in new era” who is in his prime and following his heart.

As a member of the global village and a close neighbor of China, Thailand has undergone step-by-step changes since the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative. For example, more and more large companies from China have brought high-tech, advanced technology and funds to Thailand, which has brought a lot of fresh vitality to Thai economy; more scientific research institutions have sprung up, giving students a clear direction to work towards; more employment opportunities and trade links have given ordinary people more employment opportunities and ways to get rich. When I was a middle school student, my dream to study in China gradually emerged since 2015. On the way to pursue my dream, I met many people and made many friends. A few years ago, my wish has been realized in a concrete way - Belt and Road Initiative has built more bridges from China to the world, allowing the world to approach China in a convenient way, explore its magic, and look up to its beauty. So, my dream finally came true in 2019. By applying for a scholarship, I was honored to become an international student majoring in Chinese language and literature at Harbin Engineering University. During the few years in China, I felt it in daily life while observing the convenience and comfort that China’s development has brought to people, we also explored the integration of ancient civilization into modern times, and admired the magic and deep Chinese culture.

First of all, let’s talk about folk performing arts, such as cross talk, drum music, etc. Ten years ago, many people labeled Chinese folk arts and performing arts as “only for the elderly, not for the young”; “teahouses and small gardens are only for the elderly.” But it turns out that Chinese folk art performances are not exclusive to the elderly. More and more young people, including foreigners, are attracted by folk art performances. I can also loudly say that I am a “Deyun girl”. My Chinese has improved a lot after getting to know Deyun Club. I not only learned about cross talk, but also know traditional performances such as Beijing Ditty, and Beijing Drum Opera, and I also learned more about Chinese culture.

The second is Peking Opera. Many popular music now incorporates elements of Peking Opera, such as songs of “Chiling”, “Wujiapo 2021”, “Bohu Essay”, “Glory Tiancheng”, “If You Feel My Love.” I think it is a good way for publicity, because many people started to search for Peking Opera on the internet after hearing these songs, which made more people know about Peking Opera.

The third is traditional clothing, such as Han Dress. Nowadays, there are videos on many platforms about dressing changes, taking photos of ancient costumes, imitating ancient clothes. It is now common to see people wearing Han Dress on the street. I hope it will be the same in Thailand. If the dignified and elegant charm of ancient costumes is completely replaced by modern costumes, wouldn’t it mean that the beauty of traditional costumes is lost?

The fourth is traditional architecture. In the first semester of my junior year, I read an article called “Beijing Hutong”, which was written by Mr. Wang Zengqi. This article expressed Wang’s nostalgia and reluctance to leave Hutong. With the development of society, one day high-rise buildings will completely replace these hutongs, and by then the hutongs will become “what they once were.” Hutongs are concrete and can be seen and touched by people, but in the future, only photos, videos, and models are accessible for future generations. What a pity!

These are the aspects that I have experienced personally. At the beginning, the reason why I said that China is now a “youth” in new era is that I am also a youth. I want to learn from China, open up new ideas, and keep working hard. Keep developing myself and bravely move towards a better future.

A thought for 10 years – this thought is at the snap of a finger; this thought is to say goodbye to the old days; this thought is never forgotten. This year coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. I am grateful that this decision has opened up a new world for us. I am grateful that when we stand at this intersection and look back, we will have no regrets with every step we take. The ten years of the Belt and Road Initiative are the ten years that lead to hope and the ten years that the community with a shared future will be more harmonious and prosperous. We place our hope in the next ten years to further carry forward modern civilization and traditional ideas and make them more prosperous, harmonious and timeless. Let us look forward to it together!