Dear Beloved Xinjiang,

I hope this letter finds all the gracious souls I encountered thriving and joyful. It has been merely two days since I left your majestic landscapes, yet it feels like years have passed. My heart longs deeply for the vibrant encounters and warm smiles that brightened my days there.

From my serene study in Beijing, I often find myself drifting back to the memories of Xinjiang, each one vibrant with colors, sounds, and the sweet scents of your land. My journey across your vast terrains was not just a geographic traverse but a profound spiritual and intellectual odyssey that has left an indelible mark on me, much like the profound heritage of my homeland, Sri Lanka.

Upon my arrival, the dynamic streets of Urumqi immediately embraced me, mirroring the vibrant markets of Colombo where commerce and culture pulsate together. As I moved from the energetic urban center into the peaceful expanses of your rural areas, I was reminded of the tranquil Ceylon tea estates back home where history whispers through lush greenery and time seems to stand still.

Photo shows a street in Urumqi City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Walking through the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum, I felt as if I were navigating through time portals. Each artifact and fresco spoke of epochs long past yet vibrantly alive, urging me to delve deeper into the shared human legacy that connects your culture with the world, much like the ancient ruins in Sri Lanka tell tales of civilizations that once thrived on my island.

Photo shows art works in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum.

The Xinjiang Cultural Tourism Digital Expo Center was a revelation, where the old meets the new in a symphony of digital and traditional narratives. This melding of past and present through technology has inspired thoughts on how we, too, in Sri Lanka, can harness such innovations to celebrate and preserve our rich heritage.

The academic interactions I had at Xinjiang University were as enriching as the discussions I cherish at Beijing Foreign Studies University. The dialogue with faculty and students expanded my perspectives, similar to the intellectual exchanges that enrich the academic landscape back in Sri Lanka, where diverse thoughts are interwoven into the fabric of our educational discourse.

Photo shows Thelikada Kankanamge Asela Prabath Kumara in a dialogue with faculty and students at Xinjiang University, Urumqi City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

While exploring your natural wonders, I found myself at Red Mountain Park and the tranquil Ancient Ecological Park. These places, though different, stirred emotions similar to those evoked by the lush landscapes of my Sri Lankan home. The beauty of Kanas Lake and the majestic Tianshan Mountains offered moments of solitude and reflection, reminding me of the sacred bond we share with nature—an ethos deeply rooted in both our cultures.

Throughout my travels in Xinjiang, every interaction, whether with local artisans, fellow researchers, or everyday people, enriched my experience and wove a tapestry of memories that I will cherish for a lifetime. These personal connections went beyond mere exchanges; they were integral to fostering my profound emotional and scholarly bond with the region.

Reflecting on my journey, I see Xinjiang not just as a study subject but also as a vital and vibrant part of my narrative. I hold the essence of your land in my heart—a lasting affection that will inspire my future endeavors, whether in Beijing, Sri Lanka, or elsewhere. The insights and memories I have garnered here will resonate throughout both my academic and personal life, enriching my understanding and appreciation of the intricate mosaic of world cultures.

I am deeply grateful for the warmth and generosity extended to me by everyone I met in your breathtaking region. My heart yearns for the day when I can return to your embrace, to continue our dialogue of cultures and scholarship. Until then, I will hold dear the memories of our shared experiences and look forward to future opportunities to explore and learn from one another.

Thelikada Kankanamge Asela Prabath Kumara is an international student from Sri Lanka. He currently studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University.

Planner : Jie Wenjin

Reviewers : Hou Weili and Cheng Li