Euphoria — a tale from the greater land

Updated: Aug 10, 2021 By Hafeezullah Qazi Print

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Honor of a lifetime

I will always remain grateful to NPU for providing me so many opportunities to excel at my academic and non-academic goals. Back last year, I got the opportunity to represent students from Pakistan at several university events and ultimately becoming International Face of NPU to build a cooperation bridge with Pakistani universities. Later on I got the chance to volunteer for global promotion of NPU and join international marketing team as foreign expert. In recognition of my efforts & achievements in both academic and non-academic circle along with my participation in fight against pandemic, I have been bestowed with Twin awards of Best cultural emissary for NPU and most valuable person (MVP) — Student of the year 2020 on NPU's International cultural bridge festival in January 2021. A bigger achievement to have in a foreign land and it helped me grow out of my shell further, one step at a time.

Utopia, a not so exaggerated thought; that use to cross my mind, imagining about China back in the days. Over the years, there is a developmental sense of ever-reliance and trust that nurtures the thoughts of me and my countryman for their Chinese counterparts. It keeps growing stronger; forging into an unbreakable yet so distant bond, envied by winds of time.

Centenary of success

The erection of this particular monument across the China carried an influencing wave of going through information and history. It brought a sense for foreigners like me and young generation of locals to read about the CPC's birth and about the 100 years long history filled with sweat and blood of heroes to conquer poverty, famine and build on the principles of communism to become world's leading nation. At four years old and not really aware of the long fight this number represents but he still wanted to show his love by posing. Let it be 100 more year of success and beyond for the CPC and China.

Riding on these fancy thoughts, I arrived in this fairy land two years back; a land engulfed by technological marvels, humanistic beliefs, divine nature, astounding history & vigorous leadership and is centrally driven by the principles of human empowerment, social responsibility, life improvement, poverty eradication, and rule of law.

Out of imaginary and thoughtful world, the first real impression that persuaded me about this country is of it being a Technological wonderland. I distinctly started calling it QR Economy while discussing about these amazements with my friends back in Pakistan. The payment structure, currency handling, banking system and other financial matters running without any hindrance is evident of efforts taken over the years to transform a ridden and vintage system. Perhaps, the most prominent part of this whole system is the associated honesty that drives it. I remember the first time I got my account settled and made payments using Alipay at some convenience store; I innocently asked my Chinese fellow: "Hey, the shopkeeper didn't ask or check if we paid or not?" and he answered: "why should he think you didn't pay?".

It's like a self-driving unit; the real win is the change of attitudes and developing honesty in the society. Just like payment systems, online shopping is the next thing I may offer some spot on this article. The mockery of generational shopping paradigms, running so smoothly and handling billions of parcels every day without missing a single one is something that has capitulated my mind; a mind that hasn't really tested the true sense of online shopping ever.

After just few months of stay here; we unfortunately have to witness the biggest disaster of human history in recent times, i.e. the global pandemic. But it is said that the persistence and agility of a nation can only be seen in the face of a disaster. Being an active part of fight against pandemic on behalf of my university and community, I got the chance to experience the biggest illustration of mental strength, unity and law abidance. Then we (China) won this fight despite soaring global pressure and significant economical downfall, together as one, not 1.4 Billion.

The blueprints catered by strict order following, resilience, belief in central government's efforts and positivity to see another day; has given me a chance to share a never-seen face of this great nation with my county mates and with the whole world through my social media influence. These ever-lasting experiences I will carry with me. Experiences of witnessing the world's biggest nation by numbers and probably the most prone to such pandemic, providing a working example to fight this deadly disease, in the face of spuddle by other first world countries.

I study in the mountain reach

Aside from being one of the best engineering university of China, NPU's Changan campus is uniquely situated under the shadow of beautiful mountain ranges of China. Apart from enjoying the luxury of ample hiking places, this view from library across the four different seasons makes you capitulate to nature.

Time really never stops; almost two years in, so many memories I made for myself and my family. But, one of the most valuable among them is how China inspired me to achieve a healthy lifestyle. Being a person with highest borderline obese health on arrival to China to getting in shape today to run marathons is a voyage I sincerely owe to day-to-day life of Chinese people. From preferring the bicycles for commute to excessively engaging in marathons & other physical activities; while taking the health benefits from delicious Chinese cuisine; there are many small things that helped me cover up this journey.

Finishing for a new beginning

Smiling through the exertion and making a life changing decision. This medal is hanging on my the wall in front of me right now while writing this and we both are smiling. Our companionship started back in September 2020 and now he is with his 5 other partners and I am in his greatest debt.

However, I think the highlight of this journey would be enthusiasm surrounded to my first marathon; "Maxi Race", for me coming from Pakistan I never really knew about extensive mountain marathons. Back in last Autumn, we few friends just geared up with our ugly health conditions and traveled to participate in 15 km run. Not thinking of what could go wrong, we just come to know we have to climb seven km on a one km steep hill and then come down to complete the course. I can never forget that trail; meeting amazing people on the way to finish line, with worse health than mine but still pushing themselves towards gaining a start to new & healthy life.

A trail to heaven

The first hike in the beautiful Qinglin Mountains after the lockdown last year gave me a view of the nature that hasn't been polluted for a while. In the midst of spring, we saw the colors that nature can take to create patterns of unforeseen beauty. This trail literally leads to a waterfall, a heavenly place to rest, read and ponder over the future plans.

Thereafter, it has been all about hiking, running, cycling and getting fit for me. I have been able to explore and hike Xi'an's very own Qinglin mountains and had participated in several marathons afterwards. Obviously technology also helped me here; i.e. the shared bicycle. I can safely say for a person who never cycled in his life, the convenience and health benefits it provided me is just extraordinary. I hope to start a similar project in my country on my return.

I met with fairies

When he grows up, I will show him this picture of the fairies that has nurtured him, taught him and took care of him in his early days. Despite the challenging communication gap, his kindergarten teachers learnt basic English to communication with him, trained him to perform at festivals and provided him support to engage with other Chinese kids. This picture is taken on the semester ending festival of last year.

On top of my personal journey and amazing moments, my family's stay here, especially for my four-year-old son had been amazing. From loving teachers at his kindergarten to enjoying the first glimpse of thousand-year-old civilization combined with never-ending fun at parks, fun-lands and amusement places had been extraordinary. Despite having challenging language barrier, care from teachers, neighbors and Chinese friends that he got; I can bet he is going to miss china more than me.

More festive than my land

Contrary to common belief and rumors about Mainland's opposition to religious minorities, we (Muslims) actually enjoy all our festivals with religious freedom. Xi'an is home to nearly one Lac Hui Muslims and many Mosques with history dating back to original Silk route. The harmony between Muslim and Chinese architectures based on courtyard style of construction is a treat to eye for tourists. The mosques are surrounded by the China's famous Muslim Street/quarters (Heaven for Foodies), which gives you a chance to celebrate the religious tolerance and gastronomical desires at one place. This picture is taken on recently celebrated Eid Fitar (second biggest festival of Muslims).

When Sun rises from Earth

When the sun crosses that borderline between Evening and night, a switch is pressed somewhere which gives rise to a new sun gleaming like the old one right from the chest of Xi'an city. At that moment, when the lights turn on flickering one by one; you stand, observe and appreciate the beauty that lies within this phenomenon. Be it the festival nights; specially festivals dedicated to lights and lanterns, you see the artistic beauty that surrounds the whole city with shapes, colors and glowing lamps inside. At that moment you just get mesmerized by beauty it brings to the otherwise barren canvas of dark night. This picture is one of the many lanterns that were lit during this year's lantern festival.

I think there is an infinite amount of memories that I can transcribe here; savoring amazing Chinese cuisine, evening dance with Chinese Aunts, witnessing the rapid development of Xi'an city for National Games, volunteering with college for international promotion, seeing the wonders of Terracotta warriors and acing at my studies are a few things that would require sheets to be chronicled.

The important note about uniqueness and greatness of China's "five years from now and five years back" is how the people are connected with each other and with their leaders; and is driven by unceasing increase in sense of communal system, domestic integrity, moral ethics and life-changing technology. In the recent, President Xi Jinping responded to international students from Peking university on their congratulatory letter for Centenary celebrations of CPC. The greatness, that is part of that letter may require another article, but what that prompt reply shows is the care that president of world's most populated country have for some foreign students. It makes you accumulate the care and thoughts that central government must have for their own people. These emotions and thoughtfulness surely brings patriotism in the hearts of common man and drives them to make their country proud.

Colors of life

You can surely conclude that flowers have a national value when the biggest national festival is literally named on a weather that carried them. Spring festival followed by rush of colorful flowers make everything charming and picturesque. Being from most southern city of Pakistan with harshest climate in spring and summer, colorful flowers carry a significance in my life and capturing them to create beautiful collages had never seemed tiring job. Xi'an being at the geographical center of China, enjoys the luxury of having four intact seasons and emotions that come with them. The city government's efforts to change the flowers (colors) according to mood of certain weather is just commendable and awe-aspiring.

A little white to rejoice

First snow of Xi'an and first snow of my life. Living in south brings you joy of seaside but the northern parts always welcomes you with seasonal snow fall to uplift your spirits. It's just too poetic to see falling crystals of snow creating a white cover on the earthly hallows. On one nice morning of January 2021, without looking at the weather forecast or outside the window; I got this lifetime surprise and which other place I would capture this dusty snow pile other than my favorite commute. The black and white never really mix up but the harmony they create in the form of Yin and Yang is mesmerizing.

At the end, I want to congratulate China for successfully achieving the goals set in last five-year Plan and good wishes for the next session. I believe five years from now on we will see more concrete steps taken to achieve never seen progress towards improving the lives of common people locally and globally.

The author belongs to the port city of Pakistan, Karachi. He has traveled to Xi'an back in autumn of 2019 with ambitions to make a mark in his scholarly field and explore the great Chinese lands. He is currently pursuing his masters degree in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering at Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an. His interests include but not limited to; capturing and writing his life and travelling experiences, hiking & exploring the nature, and reading travelogues, novels & current affairs. His respect and love for Chinese culture, art, history and ethics have persuaded him to learn Chinese language and read more about Chinese political system and development over the past two years. He aims to write more positive stories about his daily life Interactions with Chinese people and spread these stories across the globe through digital media. He welcomes everyone to visit China and not only see but live the great success story.

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