China, a cup of milk tea

[Russia] Anastasiia Erina, Hubei University

I have been to many interesting countries and cities in the world. Some of them are very technologically advanced, and some of them have very unique cultures. But the one that attracts me most is surely China, the most powerful country in the world, which is still advancing forward.

In 2017, I came to China and the first city I arrived in was Wuhan, Hubei Province where I have lived until today. When I travelled to other cities, I would say, “It’s beautiful here.” But Wuhan is so unique that I have dedicated my heart to this city. Many of the “little blessings” (small but sure happiness) in my life are closely related to Wuhan.

In Wuhan, I have made many active and interesting friends from China and other countries. Chinese friends are always very helpful, for example, teaching me to eat Wuhan Hot Noodles with Sesame Paste using chopsticks. You know, it’s hard to hold noodles with chopsticks, but it’s even harder to stir Wuhan Hot Noodles quickly with chopsticks. If you are planning a culinary trip to China, please do come to Wuhan for the hot noodles, for it is a rare culinary experience.

China’s tea culture is vast and profound, but what I want to share with you today is not black tea or green tea, but Chinese milk tea. Chinese milk tea is not a hot tea mixed with black tea, milk and sugar in a beautiful ceramic cup. Rather, it is a drink mixed with ice, tea, milk, sugar, tapioca balls, coconut jelly and other ingredients served in a large plastic cup. I have had similar drinks in Moscow, Minsk, and Paris, but their taste is not comparable to that in China.

Many international students who have left China can’t forget the taste of Chinese milk tea and long to drink again after returning to their own country, envying people like me who achieve “milk tea freedom.”

Next, I would like to share some of the places that have left me with wonderful memories. Next to Wuhan Tiandi, there is a very beautiful park called Jiefang Park, in which there is a gallery. At nights, parents would bring their children to play in the park under the trees, and the elderly would gather to chat. Not far away, the skyscrapers would be lit up, and the bustling streets are full of traffic.

There is also an alley here themed on outstanding Chinese Olympic athletes. Young people like to skateboard or roller skate here, and old people like to exercise and walk. Everyone enjoys the beautiful life combined with movement and quietness, relaxation and leisureliness. What I love best is sitting on the bench on the riverbank, watching the boats full of tourists and goods on the Yangtze River, observing the kites flying freely in the riverbank park, and feeling myself a part of this Chinese happy life.

Campus life is the happiest and most carefree time. This year is my first year as a language student at Hubei University. The teachers here not only teach us knowledge, but also encourage us to experience and share our lives. My writing teacher often gives us interesting topics so that each student can participate in discussions in class. Usually theoretical learning would be boring, but I don’t think so because Chinese is really interesting to learn. For example: we would analyze various Chinese names and their origins and share fun stories about our own names in class. Who hasn’t had a name? So, all students can participate in this classroom activity. Although for most of the time, our Chinese was not good enough for us to express our thoughts and ideas, the discussion was very lively and everyone had a good time.

It is said that Wuhan changes every day. Think about it, you’ll find that the city is just a microcosm of China which makes progress every moment. In my opinion, China is changing so fast that not everyone can keep up with this “Chinese speed.” But I feel it here, and I’m integrated into it.

We used to say China is like a cup of tea, whose mellow taste is both endurable and enduring. Now I would like to say China is like a cup of milk tea, which is inclusive, variable, buoyant and unforgettable.

The story is from "My Beautiful Encounter with China" Essay Competition organized by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchanges (CSCSE).