Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
Hohhot, February 6 (Xinhua) — In the lead-up to the traditional Chinese Spring Festival (Chinese Lunar New Year), Chinese cities, especially those bordering the country, are hosting a series of cultural exchange events, bringing together Chinese and Russian teenagers in a pre-New Year atmosphere. A striking example was the "Warm Heart of China—I Have a Home in China" campaign in Manzhouli, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, where nine young people from Russia immersed themselves in the daily lives of Chinese volunteer families.
Elizaveta Vasina from Chita, who has been studying Chinese for eight years, experienced authentic Chinese home cooking for the first time during the Manzhouli event. "I tried making dumplings, but the dough stuck to my hands, and the filling squeezed through my fingers, creating strange shapes," she laughs. Her Chinese "sister," Yan Mengyu, didn't leave her alone: she came over and showed her how to properly pinch the edges of the dumplings. A joyful and friendly atmosphere reigned at the shared table, and language barriers quickly disappeared.
Many of the ingredients and kitchen utensils were unfamiliar to Elizabeth, but the process of cooking together proved incredibly captivating. She noted that the cultural differences were much more vivid and interesting than she had imagined.
The family's mistress, Li Min, observing Elizaveta's mastery of Chinese traditions, emphasized: "At that moment, I realized that linguistic and cultural differences don't matter. Sincere communication, kindness, and mutual respect are what truly bring people together."
In another family, Zhang Haiying, who has been participating in the campaign for four years, Polina Gazha and Anastasia Lesnikova from Russia felt especially cared for and cared for. The family prepared separate, cozy rooms for them, provided them with familiar foods, and even taught them Russian etiquette to make their guests feel at home. "My daughter teaches them simple Chinese phrases every day," Zhang Haiying said. The Russian teenagers enthusiastically participated in carving traditional window decorations, preparing home-cooked meals, and fully immersed themselves in traditional Chinese culture.
Young people were deeply impressed by China's modern technologies. They were amazed by how deeply mobile payments are integrated into everyday life, including even the smallest purchases. "Their widespread use in China is so widespread—it's truly a whole new level of convenience," Elizaveta shared.
As Qu Jiachun, Chairperson of the Manzhouli Youth Philanthropy Development Center, noted, traditional cultural events are often limited to one-sided displays of landmarks or handicrafts, while family accommodation allows teenagers to become true family members rather than tourists. Visiting local markets, family events, and participating in everyday activities gives them the opportunity to experience real, unbiased Chinese life.
Furthermore, the campaign artfully combines traditional customs—such as dumpling making, pattern carving, and writing the Chinese character “Fu”—with modern elements of everyday life, including mobile payments, smart logistics, and digital services.
Elizaveta described her "Chinese home" in three words: "lively, warm, unforgettable." "China is very hospitable and tolerant—it has both unique Chinese culture and many Russian elements, so I feel right at home," she said.
"I used to think of China as a distant and unfamiliar country on the map, but now it seems close and friendly. I have a real home here." Upon returning to Russia, she plans to teach her family and friends Chinese and hopes to return to Manzhouli with her family to meet her Chinese friends.
The "Warm Heart of China – I Have a Home in China" campaign is now in its fourth year, and will become a regular event in the future. Plans call for two to three sessions per year, inviting young people from other countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.
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