As an 18-year-old Mongolian girl and a first-year university student studying international law in Shanghai, let me share my short but meaningful experience with you. Moreover, I would like to explain how I have developed a deeper connection with China and now consider it as my second home.

In the blink of an eye, I found myself stepping into university life. Living in Shanghai, often referred to as China's New York City, I gained a bit of basic knowledge about Chinese culture and its uniqueness. During the first few weeks, I faced some challenges since China was a completely unknown country to me. I felt homesick for a while. However, after getting accustomed to living in Shanghai, I began to explore more about China. When I started making more Chinese friends from different parts of China, I no longer felt lonely. I started appreciating the university life that was given to me.

Ujin is from Mongolia and is currently studying international law at Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, China.

Since childhood, I have had a great interest in travelling. After starting my bachelor's degree in Shanghai, I have had unlimited opportunities to travel within China. I have become familiar with Chinese lifestyle and people’s daily habits, such as scanning QR codes for payment.

After a short but overwhelming semester, I finally had some time to travel with my friends. After searching for a while, we chose Suzhou as our destination, which is close to Shanghai. We spent 2 days and 1 night in Suzhou, enjoying the food and admiring the scenery. It was an amazing experience for me to see China firsthand, which led me to explore more of Chinese culture and landscape.

After that, I decided to travel to Xinjiang during my next winter break. The reason I chose Xinjiang as my next destination is that their daily life is similar to that of Mongolians and the region borders Mongolia. Xinjiang is the largest autonomous region and westernmost territory in China. By travelling there, I will have a chance to participate in unique Uygur traditional culture experiences, view incredible Silk Road sights, appreciate wonderful natural scenery and traditional cuisine in Xinjiang, and make more friends while gaining a deeper understanding of Xinjiang’s traditional culture.

The one thing I have noticed about the majority of Chinese people while travelling is that Chinese people have a strong sense of morality. The way younger people show profound respect for the elderly is the most astonishing sight for me. Furthermore, from the way Chinese people communicate with each other, anyone can sense the atmosphere of modesty and morality. It left me speechless how Chinese people have mastered these fine characteristics.

Furthermore, after experiencing life in Shanghai firsthand, I realized the difference between China's image in international society and how China really is. It struck me hard when I learned how false accusations have led to a bad image of China in the outer world, when the country itself possesses nothing but gorgeous characteristics. The gorgeous scenery and the enthusiastic people touched my heart without a hesitation.

I deeply hope my essay will help people change their one-sided opinion on China; furthermore, influence the majority of the outside world to gain a deeper understanding and familiarity with China, and encourage the whole world to experience the beauty and uniqueness of China.

Ujin is from Mongolia and is currently studying international law at Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, China.

Producer: Xiao Chunfei

Supervisors: Ding Tao and Jie Wenjin

Planners: Jie Wenjin and Cheng Li

Reviewers: Cheng Li and Hou Weili

Editor: Gvlzar Mijit