Exchanging through singing and touring: Chinese Choir at the Burg's visit to Chengdu

Editor's note:

A group of German teenagers from the Chinese Choir at the Burg—an ensemble known for learning Chinese through music—recently embarked on a cultural journey to Chengdu, Sichuan province, a city renowned for giant pandas and hotpot. As part of the Young Envoys Scholarship program, the students immersed themselves in local life and discovered the culture of China. Here's what they experienced in their own words.

Warmth and hospitality

The warmth and generosity of Chinese people left a deep impression on the young visitors. Arda Han Kir recalled a memorable night in Dujiangyan, Chengdu: "I immediately noticed the hospitality of the Chinese people. A few of us walked into a local restaurant and met a young man who covered all our costs. Two days later, he invited us again, brought gifts, and even drove us back to the hotel without asking for anything in return. He insisted that we were his guests here."

Jonas Müller added: "Visiting a traditional neighborhood in Dujiangyan reinforced how hospitable Chinese people are. Vendors shout ‘Welcome to China' in English. Language barriers? Sellers quickly fetch translators, showing their dedication. The warmth here is undeniable."

Nature and culture

Anna Blumek found that Chengdu's charm goes beyond urban life: "This is my third time in Chengdu. The city never grows dull. My previous visits focused on urban life. But this time, I discovered that Chengdu's surrounding landscapes are equally fascinating. Fields, mountains, and villages, it was a peaceful contrast to the city buzz. China isn't just megacities and skyscrapers. It's also stillness, nature, and moments of awe among trees and mountains."

Victoria Anna Ruhnau-Wiebusch highlighted their outdoor adventures: "We immersed ourselves in nature—pandas, rivers, and mountains. Seeing pandas for the first time was special: classic black-and-white giants and stunning red pandas. Watching a mother playfully wrestle her cubs, who tumbled or mimicked human gestures, was hilarious."
"We hiked Qingcheng Mountain for seven hours. Though grueling with endless stairs, the hike rewarded us with breathtaking views. The Taoist temples and historical narratives added depth to the experience."

Surprise and connection

Kim Marie Bausen said she adapted to the new environment quickly: "Upon arriving in Chengdu, the dense high-rises both amazed and slightly overwhelmed me. However, vibrant shops, night streets, and warm-hearted people quickly eased my worries. The Chinese strike me as exceptionally hospitable and respectful. A standout memory is a ten-minute conversation with a local girl in Chengdu's old town, during which I learnt about her daily life, and her views on China and Germany. It showed our commonalities despite cultural differences."

Alexandru Sorin Ujvari described a sense of familiarity: "It's my third visit to China. I'm even more captivated—whether seeing pandas or savoring Sichuan cuisine. China no longer feels foreign; it's like a second home. I'm adapting culturally and linguistically, and finding familiarity in small things: overfilled water bottles spilling when opened, unique toilet designs, or a growing love for spicy food."

Ilja Gutelewitsch reflected on his first impressions: "The people, the food, and the culture presented a completely new world to me. Yet Chinese culture impressed me with its depth and history. In temples and historical sites, I felt a strong connection to tradition and spirituality. Respect for rituals permeates daily life, while the blend of modernity and tradition is fascinating. Cities are vibrant, full of skyscrapers, malls, and crowds, yet historical roots are palpable everywhere."

Eugen Mangazeev, who has lived and studied in China said the country's energy, depth and warmth constantly surprise him: "My China isn't about skyscrapers or megacities—it's sitting on red plastic stools in a Chengdu alley, surrounded by best friends around a wobbly table. China is not just places but experiences. Rituals like tapping the table lightly when pouring beer—a sign of thanks—reveal the mutual respect in Chinese culture. I love discovering such nuances; they showcase cultural layers and growth through openness. China has become my second home—a place where I've built a career and, more importantly, shaped my character. Here, I feel alive, inspired, sometimes challenged—but always welcome."