In 2011, I had the wonderful opportunity to arrive in China and begin my journey in Beijing, a city where modernity and tradition beautifully coexist. Surrounded by towering skyscrapers and ancient temples with a rich historical charm, I embarked on a four-year doctoral study adventure. Beyond my academic pursuits, I explored many fascinating places across China, from the snowy cities in the north to the warm and humid coastal regions in the south. In 2014, after completing my studies, I returned to Sudan with cherished memories. Although I had often heard about the breathtaking landscapes of China’s Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang, it was truly a regret that I never found the chance to visit these remarkable regions.

In the summer of 2024, Abdullah Nuruddin took a photo while traveling in the suburb of Shihezi City in northwest China’s Xinjiang.

In 2017, I had the wonderful opportunity to begin another journey to China. During my one and a half years of living and working in China’s Inner Mongolia, I had the privilege of sharing a harmonious life with local herders. Through their traditional nomadic lifestyle, I experienced the profound tranquility and deep connection with nature that they embody. Along the way, I also learned how to ride a horse and developed a special fondness for their milk tea. The vast grasslands not only allowed me to marvel at breathtaking landscapes but also brought me a sense of inner peace. All these cherished experiences have deepened my longing to visit China’s Xinjiang. Yet, I often wonder—when will I finally have the chance to step foot on the land of Xinjiang that has captured my heart?

Chinese people often share a saying: When you keep something close to your heart, you will surely receive a positive response in time.

In 2019, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit China for the third time. This time, I was thrilled to finally realize my long-held dream of reaching Xinjiang! I arrived in Shihezi City, often referred to as the "Bright Pearl in the Heart of Asia," where I took up a position as a professor at Shihezi University.

When I first arrived in Shihezi, I was truly captivated by its spacious and clean streets, vibrant and diverse culture, and the strong sense of community. Every evening, a lively square dance takes place in the square, where people from various ethnic groups come together to sing, dance, and celebrate their harmonious way of life. It feels like a beautiful and colorful symphony.

During my teaching breaks, I naturally took the opportunity to explore the breathtaking natural scenery of Xinjiang. The beauty of Xinjiang isn't just about a fleeting moment of awe—it's an ongoing journey through the seasons. In spring, flowers burst into bloom, painting the landscape with vibrant colors; in summer, vast grasslands seem to stretch endlessly toward the horizon; in autumn, picturesque lakes and majestic mountains create a serene atmosphere; and in winter, everything is blanketed in pristine white snow. Each season here has its own charm, weaving together a magnificent natural epic. Truly, the stunning landscapes of Xinjiang have exceeded all my expectations and fulfilled years of longing!

In the autumn of 2024, Abdullah Nuruddin took a photo at a cotton field in northwest China’s Xinjiang.

In addition to the breathtaking natural scenery, the simplicity and kindness of the people in Xinjiang have made me, as a visitor, truly experience the warmth of this place.

The locals are incredibly warm and welcoming. My neighbors often invite me over for tea and dried fruits, sharing stories about the city's rich history with pride. The aroma of freshly baked nang on the table brings back memories of my grandmother's kitchen, while the roasted mutton feast leaves an unforgettable impression on me.

I recall a time when I became lost in the old urban area of Shihezi. As dusk approached and the temperature began to drop, I felt quite unsure of what to do. Just then, a kind elderly local approached me. Rather than rushing off, he kindly insisted on guiding me to my destination. As we parted ways, he smiled warmly and said, "Here, we believe that guests are gifts from heaven." At that moment, I was deeply moved—not just because I had found my way, but because I had discovered a sense of belonging and warmth, much like being at home.

The more time I spend in Shihezi, the clearer it becomes that this place has truly become a home away from home for me. It’s where my daily life unfolds, where I enjoy my favorite foods, where I have friends who are always ready to listen to my stories, and where neighbors warmly nod and smile every time we cross paths.

While walking on the street, I naturally find myself slowing down my pace. I enjoy watching children playfully running on the square and shopkeepers warmly greeting customers as they organize their stalls. These everyday scenes, which might seem ordinary at first glance, create the most heartwarming memories for me.

In the winter of 2024, Abdullah Nuruddin and his son had their photo taken in a community residence in northwest China’s Xinjiang.

Here, I am a foreigner, yet more importantly, a warmly welcomed friend and an actively engaged participant in life. Once I arrived here with nothing but dreams, and now I stride forward filled with emotions, cherished memories, and profound gratitude. If someone were to ask me, "What makes Xinjiang so extraordinary?" I would respond, "Here, every meal feels like a festival, every day is a celebration, and every person is a poem."

Today, I find myself in a cozy little restaurant in Shihezi. On the table sit sizzling kebabs, and around me are friends from various industries and ethnic backgrounds. We may speak different languages, yet our laughter is universal and shared. It dawns on me now that true beauty often resides in the simple warmth we exchange as human beings.

At this very moment, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to this land: Thank you, China’s Xinjiang. Because of you, I have come to understand that the real allure of a place isn't just about its breathtaking landscapes, but also about its ability to touch the hearts of travelers, leaving behind an unforgettable impression.

Abdullah Nuruddin is a Sudanese professor at the School of Foreign Languages of Shihezi University in northwest China’s Xinjiang.

Producer: Xiao Chunfei

Supervisors: Ding Tao and Jie Wenjin

Planners: Jie Wenjin and Cheng Li

Reviewers: Wang Xiabing and Hou Weili

Editors: Gvlzar Mijit, Bai Yonggang and Ma Jie