[Myanmar] Ei Chaw Zin, Zhejiang University

“Our motherland so rich in beauty. Has made countless heroes vie to pay her their duty.” When I first read this poem, I couldn’t imagine how the grandeur of the country attracted countless heroes and outstanding figures, so that they did not hesitate to enter the battlefield of gunpowder for the unification of China. As a result, I began to have a deep admiration for the Chinese landscape and couldn’t help but want to see it with my own eyes and explore the magic and charm of it. In order to witness the majestic mountains, rushing rivers and stunning natural scenery, I chose to study in China and was admitted as an international student in China. So, I embarked on this journey, hoping to get the answer in my heart while visiting the cities from the north to south.

The renown wonderland with “blue sky, white clouds, green mountains and crystal-clear rivers, and different fairies in the world,” the province of Yunnan in my eyes is full of mountains and the inspiration of the nation. The sky is blue, and the clouds are as white as cotton, as if a picture scrolls through the past and the present has shown up vividly in front of you. The rolling hills resemble dragons winding and circling, and walking on the mountain trails, I feel the power and tranquility of the nature. The natural mountains give birth to the most simple and lovely people – whether it is at scenic spots or streets and alleys, there are always enthusiastic people who take the initiative to lend a hand, which makes me feel warm even in a foreign country. Not only that, the spicy and unique hot pot under the skillful hands of the Yunnan people, the Guoqiao Sour and Spicy Rice Noodles and the refreshing cold dishes... It seems to use the taste buds of multiple nationalities to make us linger in Yunnan, a place of “South of the Colorful Clouds.”

“The land of Northeast China is majestic and ambitious.” The Northeast China, in my eyes, is inspired by the power and speed of ice and snow. When I set foot on this land, I felt a completely different atmosphere from Yunnan, where ice and snow took their place as the master of this vast land. However, for a person born in Southeast Asia, I was really cheered up by the sight: On the white snow, the only sound we can hear was the sound of our steps; In the crisp air, only the snowflakes slowly descend in the eyes. The pearl of the Northeast China nurtured by this black and white land, Tianchi Lake, is a fusion of the beauty of mountains and rivers, giving people irreplaceable tranquility and strength with purity far from the hustle and bustle of the world.

However, the people of Northeast China living in this fairyland have created a unique world of life for themselves with their perseverance and optimistic attitude. Skiing in Northeast China is a new thing for me: Put on thick snow gear, wearing goggles, standing on the slopes and meeting the thrill and speeding challenge between the mountains and rivers. In addition, rime rafting makes me feel very fresh: Drifting in the cold ice mist, the interweaving of ice and fire intuitively occupies all my senses. In this small town that combines Chinese folklore and European customs, a concise and witty “buddy” is enough to dispel my homesickness and make me a part of the Northeast China.

“West Lake may be compared to Beauty of the West. Whether she is richly adorned or plainly dressed.” In my eyes, the city of Hangzhou combines the power of history and the inspiration of culture. Its beautiful natural landscape, rich history, culture and culinary traditions, all adds to my love for Hangzhou. West Lake, the symbol of Hangzhou, is the most beautiful place in my heart. It is famous for its intoxicating beauty and thousand-year-old history and culture. In the distance, the lake reflects the surrounding mountains, like a landscape painting. In spring and autumn, the color of the lake changes mysteriously over time. The winding bridges, tranquil lotus ponds and verdant islands form a delicate landscape picture. Along with the passage of time, there are also historical sites scattered around the lake. Lingyin Temple, Leifeng Pagoda, Xiling Seal-Engravers’ Society... In the precipitation of the years, the charm of time is not reduced, but in the spiritual emotions of the people of Hangzhou for thousands of years. Walking into these monuments, I feel as if I have traveled through time and space, and I am in the thick and inheritance of the history of Jiangnan, or regions south of the Yangtze River.

At this point, the puzzle about “how delicate the country is” has been solved. During my year of studying in China, I was not only inspired by the strength of different cities, but also inspired by the spiritual inspiration from different regions. The integration and unity of Yunnan’s multi-ethnic groups, the simple, heroic and enthusiastic people of Northeast China, and the beautiful scenery of Hangzhou through ancient and modern times have precipitated a long cultural heritage... It is this combination of diversity that has attracted countless heroes who use their strengths in this Chinese land to create a Chinese city full of strength and inspiration in my eyes. During this journey, I was endowed with an open vision to explore the beauty of the world’s diversity with tolerance and respect. I look forward to seeing more stories behind the cities and exploring the unique power and inspiration they exude in the future.