Nestled in the western region of China, Xinjiang is a stunning land rich in culture and vibrant traditions, and I have had the honor of visiting it.

My recent visit to this fascinating region was an unforgettable experience in my life, revealing the many layers of Xinjiang’s beauty and history. From the moment I looked out of the airplane window upon landing, I knew that I would love this region with all my heart.

Our journey began in Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang, which is also known as the most inland city in the world. With its breathtaking green scenery and perfect weather for a summer day, from the first moment, we were treated with kindness, and love, and the smiling faces looking at us and greeting us definitely made us feel more than welcome in this city.

Xinjiang Medical University and Central South University have jointly organized an international nursing education exchange program.

While wandering through the city, I was struck by the vibrant atmosphere of local bazaars, where vendors sold a wide range of items including exotic spices and beautiful and intricate handcrafts.

One thing that definitely caught my attention as a person who loves food was the aroma of freshly cooked kebabs and the homely scent of bread; if I was not sure that I would love the city, this was enough to convince me.

The region is not only famous for its culture and food, but it is also embracing a new journey in education; during our visit, we were fortunate enough to participate as international students in the academic exchange between Central South University and Xinjiang Medical University. Through this event, we were introduced to the academic development and the strong relationship between the two universities, as well as how they are working together to develop and prioritize education for all international and local students. The warm welcome received from the staff and university was undoubtedly felt by all of us. The program was filled with beneficial information exchange between the two universities, providing an eye opening experience on how well Chinese higher education has developed and making it a potential future destination for international students.

Raghda Kamaran Abdalmuhsin participates in the international nursing education exchange program.

As someone who grew up watching Chinese movies, Journey to the West has always been a name that I heard regularly. As I grew up, I had the chance to visit the location of the movie itself. Standing on that land and looking at the Flaming Mountains was a dream come true. It felt like being on a filming location as a movie star , Turpan was a place I did not expect to see. The weather and environment showcase the diversity of Xinjiang's landscapes. However, the kindness and loving atmosphere remained unchanged, which has been my constant feeling since I set foot in this country.

Raghda Kamaran Abdalmuhsin and others who have participated in the program pose for a photo at the foot of the Flaming Mountains in Turpan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

The visit to the waterfalls was one of the most nostalgic days of my trip. I missed home, but I remembered that I am actually in my new home, a place that welcomed me with open arms and ensured my comfort and enjoyment every second of the day. The green scenery, cool weather, and laughter around us made this my favourite day of the entire trip. Walking along the road and witnessing families enjoying themselves, eating, laughing, and doing their best to make us feel at home was the highlight of the trip. Being on that shuttle bus and belting out songs whose lyrics and language we didn't even know will always remain a cherished memory that I will share with people around me.

Visiting the karez wells, then proceeding to see and be among the grape heaven I admired the architectural way in which those grape trees and leaves hung and expanded along the farm. This is a testimony of how the people of this region still appreciate their traditions and the old agricultural practices.

The food was mouth-watering, from savory to sour, sweet to spicy; every dish was outstanding, because it is influenced by various ethnic groups that call this region home. The delightful dishes of this region include kebab and pilaf, hand-pulled noodles, and freshly baked naan bread. Each meal was an adventure, and I might have gained 2 kg just from inhaling the aromas.

Raghda Kamaran Abdalmuhsin and her partners take a photo in a folk park of karez wells in Turpan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

I believe that if I spend days writing about how much I enjoyed every second of this trip, I will not do it justice. I must thank the organizers and teachers of this magnificent trip; their planning is to always be thankful for. They were always there to help, answer questions, and assist with a smile on their faces. We truly felt like a family, which is not something strange because here you will learn that you are among a family and families always take care of each other.

Raghda Kamaran Abdalmuhsin now studies at Central South University in China.

Planner : Jie Wenjin

Reviewers : Hou Weili and Cheng Li

Editor: Gvlzar Mijit