China and me, five years from now

My first acquaintance with China was in my early childhood, when I first saw films with Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee. The most favorite, of course, is "Bridge of Dragons", which starred the beautiful Hong Kong actress Valerie Chow as Princess Halo. My friends and I had watched this movie so many times that we knew all the lines by heart. Despite this, we were ready to watch it every day. We even learned the rules and techniques of wushu, so much did we want to be at least a little like these beautiful, strong, noble people. I still believe that Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan are the greatest martial Artists of all time, with tremendous strength of spirit.

China attracted me not only with its cinema, but also with its mysterious beauty and the secrets hidden behind the Great Wall of China. When I watched programs about this greatest monument of architecture, it was hard to believe that this large-scale structure began to be built six centuries ago! Looking at this greatest creation, you feel a sense of delight before the perseverance, hard work and greatness of the spirit of the builders who built it. The Great Wall of China reminds me of a huge fairy-tale dragon guarding the borders of this beautiful country.

Speaking about China, it is impossible not to mention the phenomenon of the Chinese economic miracle. China has made a huge leap forward for several centuries. Today, the whole world looks at China with admiration and respect, because such an economic leap could not be made anywhere else. A variety of countries are closely studying the experience of building the same super-efficient economy as in the China. I read the Xi Jinping: The Governance of China. I am sure that the economic miracle was accomplished thanks to the great hard work, perseverance and love for the motherland of every citizen. I think China has an even greater future ahead of it.

China is a great country, the birthplace of strong, beautiful, brilliant people who are among the best representatives of humanity.

Although I was attracted to China, I never imagined that this great country would become my second home and that I would find a new life here.

How did my story with China begin? I was interested in Asia since childhood, and then one day something happened that changed my whole life. My friend told me that we have Chinese language courses in the city. We decided to go! I have never regretted it! It was at these courses that I lit up the dream of going to China! Our teacher not only introduced us to the Chinese language, but also gave us the opportunity to fall in love with Chinese culture.

After going to the courses for a while, I realized that I needed to see China with my own eyes, without thinking twice, I found a scholarship program and went to explore the mysterious country of my dreams. It was a little scary because it was my first plane ride and my first trip abroad. The flight went well, it was then that I first felt the friendliness of the Chinese. A few Chinese women sitting next to me gave me dried plums. I still remember how they smiled at me kindly. And so we landed in Beijing, which from the very first minutes won me over with its greatness. The first thing that caught my eye was the harmonious combination of modern "stone jungle" with ancient historical buildings.

My next stop was the city of Zibo, which I still consider my second home! It was in Zibo that I spent my first year and a half in China, studied at an excellent university, and made friends from all over the world.

So my story with China began, it was a long time ago in 2017. Now I have been in China for more than four years. This is where I met my boyfriend, Si Shangyue. He has wonderful parents. My parents and all my relatives are delighted with Si Shangyue, he has become a member of our family. Thanks to the fact that my boyfriend has a very kind heart, we got two dogs, which was my long-standing dream. It turns out that I wanted to visit China for a reason, a loved one was waiting for me here. Now I am getting a bachelor's degree and I dream of living and working in this beautiful country after graduation!

Let me introduce myself, my name is Makarova Anna. I am 25 years old and I'm from Russia, Cheboksary city. I have been in China for more than four years. Now I live in Qingdao and study at the China University of Petroleum (East China). I like the Chinese language and Chinese culture.

The opinions expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of China Daily and China Daily website.