A Tale of Two Homelands: A Kyrgyz Girl’s Journey in China

Zhaanbaeva Diana, a 20-year-old from Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, is a sophomore student majoring in Software Engineering at Tianjin University in China’s North port city Tianjin. For her, China is not just a place to study but also her “second home.” Since moving to China at the age of 10 with her mother, her journey is one of cross-cultural growth, a story of balancing love for her homeland with gratitude for her adopted country.

Starting in China: From Language Barrier to Cultural Ambassador

In 2015, Diana moved with her mother to Guiyang, China, embarking on a life-changing journey. Suddenly immersed in a completely foreign culture, she described her early days as “confusing but exciting.” Struggling with the language, Diana initially attended an international school, where she quickly mastered English. However, her mother decided she needed to learn Chinese to fully integrate, so she transferred to a local high school.

Adapting to the new environment wasn’t easy. Diana began the challenging process of learning Chinese and still vividly recalls the days when she often felt overwhelmed while memorizing Chinese classical poetry, such as The Book of Songs (Shijing) and Nostalgia (Xiangchou). However, the most challenging task was writing Chinese compositions. “We were usually required to write a composition of no less than 800 words. At first, I could barely manage 100,” she said. But with determination and perseverance, she gradually improved, eventually reaching 1,000 words and earning high scores on her assignments.

Among the works she studied, Nostalgia by Yu Guangzhong became her favorite, resonating deeply with her. “For me, nostalgia is not just a stamp or a boat ticket—it’s the emotional connection between my two homes,” she explained. Learning Chinese not only helped Diana integrate into Chinese society but also gave her a new perspective on her identity: “I feel like I am both Kyrgyz and half-Chinese.”

Cultural Fusion: From Dumplings to Beshbarmak

Diana’s life is a harmonious blend of Kyrgyz and Chinese traditions. She celebrates Kyrgyz festivals with her mother, making traditional dishes like beshbarmak and pilaf. At the same time, she embraces Chinese traditions, preparing dumplings and steamed buns for Lunar New Year. Her New Year’s dinner table is a mix of both cultures, showcasing the diversity of her identity.

“Both Kyrgyzstan and China value family and togetherness. Sharing food and stories during festivals is something both cultures cherish,” she said. This cultural fusion not only allows her to embrace both her identities but also positions her as a natural bridge between the two nations.

From the Tianshan Mountains to Tianjin: A Journey of Choice

After completing high school, Diana faced a major decision: which university to attend. While browsing Chinese university rankings online, she discovered Tianjin University and felt an immediate connection. “It felt like fate,” she said, smiling. With a strong interest in technology, she chose Software Engineering as her major, hoping to use technology to make a difference in the future.

Moving to Tianjin was another exciting chapter in her life. As someone who loves water, Diana was immediately drawn to the coastal city. University life brought her more freedom and opportunities to explore her passions. She joined the Beiyang Dance Troupe, learning traditional and modern dances with students from Indonesia and Turkmenistan. Beyond her studies, Diana also became a “life guide” for newly arrived international students, teaching them how to use WeChat Pay, plan trips, and even learn Chinese.

Her studies in Software Engineering have been demanding but rewarding. “Technology is shaping the future, and I hope to contribute to Kyrgyzstan and China’s collaboration in this field,” she said.

Hopes for Kyrgyz-Chinese Cooperation

Having grown up immersed in both cultures, Diana has a unique perspective on Kyrgyz-Chinese relations. The announcement of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project in late 2024 filled her with excitement. “This railway connects my two homes and will bring new opportunities for trade and cultural exchange,” she said.

She also expressed her anticipation for the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit, set to take place in Tianjin. “It’s a chance to deepen international collaboration, and I hope to see more partnerships between Kyrgyzstan and China in areas like technology, education, and sustainable development,” she said.

“Kyrgyzstan is a warm and hospitable country, while China is rapidly advancing. Together, they can achieve so much,” Diana said with hope in her voice. She dreams of a future where the two countries work closely together, creating opportunities for young people in both nations.

Building a Bridge: A Youthful Vision for the Future

Diana’s story is not just about her personal growth; it’s a testament to the power of cultural exchange. From the Tianshan Mountains to Tianjin, she has built a bridge between Kyrgyzstan and China with her passion, resilience, and open heart.

“I want to be a bridge—not just between Kyrgyzstan and China but connecting cultures and people around the world,” she said.

By Eva Yin