It is a great honor for me to participate in the "International Sinologists View China: A Journey to Xinjiang" event. As a scholar engaged in Chinese translation and Sinology for many years, I have been able to engage with and translate the works of many Chinese authors, and witness how these literary works are being introduced to overseas audiences, providing an important channel for cultural understanding and cross-civilizational dialogue.

Elham Sadat Mirzania had her photo taken wearing a doppa (traditional Uygur hat) at the ancient city of Kashi in Kashi Prefecture, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Prefecture.

Literary translation is a vital bridge between different civilizations. Through the translation of contemporary Chinese literature, we convey not only language, but also values, experiences, and emotions. This allows readers around the world to understand Chinese culture in a more authentic and in-depth way. While translating Mr. Wang Meng's Scenery On This Side, I felt as though I were traveling through Xinjiang with the words on the page. This visit to Wang Meng's study has deepened that experience, allowing me to personally connect the text with the land and its people.

During this journey through Xinjiang, I visited places such as Kashi and Ili, and experienced firsthand the region's vibrant multicultural life. In the ancient city of Kashi, I saw the blending of tradition and modernity. I was especially impressed to see many women running cultural shops and handicraft businesses, achieving economic independence while also creating employment opportunities for others. This reflects a positive shift in the social structure and women's empowerment.

In the Xibe Ancient City in Qapqal, I was deeply moved by the Xibe people's commitment to preserving their language, attire, archery traditions, and other elements of cultural heritage. Their practices add rich color to China's diverse cultural landscape. The historical layout and daily life in Liuxing Street vividly reflect the cultural coexistence that once flourished along the Silk Road. The natural scenery and eco-tourism at Sayram Lake and the lavender fields showcase Xinjiang's progress in green development and sustainable tourism.

Elham Sadat Mirzania had her photo taken at Liuxing Street in Yining City, Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Prefecture.

At a time when my homeland is experiencing conflict and my heart feels heavy, the kindness and solidarity shown here have brought me comfort and renewed hope for future academic and cultural cooperation.

The rich culture, warm people, beautiful clothing, moving music, and delicious cuisine of Xinjiang have left a lasting impression on me. These authentic experiences will become stories I share with my students, friends, and fellow Iranians, and will continue to inspire my work in cultural exchange and academic research.

Elham Sadat Mirzania is an Iranian lecturer in the Chinese Language Department at Toronto Metropolian University in Canada. She is also a writer and translator.

Producer: Xiao Chunfei

Supervisors: Ding Tao and Jie Wenjin

Planners: Jie Wenjin and Cheng Li

Reviewers: Cheng Li and Hou Weili

Editors: Gvlzar Mijit and Fan Feifei