My connection with Xinjiang started on a random November day in 2021 when I attended a Chinese class.

My name is Aye Pwint Phyu, and my Chinese name is Chen Yining. I am from Myanmar and currently pursuing my bachelor's degree at Xinjiang Normal University.

I've been in China for five months already. I started studying Chinese in November 2021, and I’ve been studying it for more than two years now. When my Chinese teacher and some of my friends ask me why I'm learning Chinese, there's only one response I can give: Chinese made me interested.

I had no goal in mind when I first started learning Chinese. I simply have an interest in this language and enjoy learning it. I got to the HSK-4 level in less than a year. After that, one of my Chinese professors advised me to apply for a scholarship and travel to China to continue learning Chinese. Since then, I've dreamed of learning a great deal about Chinese and wanting to impart that information to others. That’s why I’m here now.

Xinjiang has really grown on me. And one of the things I love most about it is the delicious food. Xinjiang is renowned for its delectable cuisine, including hand-pulled noodles, big plate chicken, fried rice noodles, and pilaf, a famous rice dish served with locally dried raisins and sautéed carrots. These traditional dishes are not only delicious, but also a reflection of the culture that has shaped this region over time.

There are many professional professors in Xinjiang who always help me with my studies. Thanks to our teachers, my Chinese level is improving rapidly. And I also received an award for being an outstanding student for the first semester under their guidance. And I have lots of opportunities to participate in a lot of events here, which has given me a deeper understanding of Chinese culture. I have a great time living here.

I spent the 2024 Spring Festival in Xinjiang. I had a chance to learn a kind of Chinese dance for the Spring Festival event. On New Year's Eve, our teachers and we all gathered for a family dinner together. It's really a great time for me.

In addition, I have a plan: after I graduate, I'll continue my studies and pursue a master's degree and eventually a doctorate.

Aye Pwint Phyu is from Myanmar and is currently studying at Xinjiang Normal University.

Planner: Jie Wenjin

Reviewers: Hou Weili and Cheng Li