Mumtahina Parvin： China: A Unique Address For Dreams, Education and Inspiration

Mumtahina Parvin, a Bangladeshi master’s student (2025 intake) in the WISE-SOE EGCE program, recently wrote an article for Amar Desh entitled "China: A Unique Address For Dreams, Education and Inspiration." Below is the complete English translation.

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China is a place where dreams are built and where dreams come true. It offers a safe, peaceful, and ideal environment for learning. That is why, after completing my undergraduate studies, I returned to China to pursue my master's degree. Of course, I also consider myself fortunate to have had this opportunity.

My name is Mumtahina Parvin, and I am currently pursuing a Master's degree in Econometrics at Xiamen University.

Located in Fujian Province, Xiamen is a modern coastal city built on islands. It is one of the most beautiful cities in China. My university is surrounded by breathtaking scenery, with the sea on one side and mountains on the other. The beauty of this city is difficult to describe in words. Rows of date trees line both sides of the roads, giving Xiamen a unique charm that distinguishes it from many other cities. Unlike northern China, Xiamen does not experience snowfall.

One thing that impressed me most is China's commitment to creating a green environment. Wherever you look, you can see lush trees, parks, and beautiful landscapes. The transportation system is equally remarkable. Roads are carefully designed with separate lanes for pedestrians, bicycles, and motor vehicles. Everyone follows traffic rules in an orderly manner. Even public buses stop immediately when pedestrians stand at a zebra crossing.

Another aspect that amazed me was the academic environment. Chinese universities are truly places where talent is nurtured. This becomes especially clear when you enter the university library. Inside, the only sounds you hear are the turning of book pages and the gentle tapping of keyboards. Students reserve their seats in advance, and the quiet, air-conditioned atmosphere, combined with millions of books, creates a world dedicated entirely to learning.

Chinese cuisine and traditional festivals reveal another side of China's beauty. During festivals, families gather together to celebrate and prepare a wide variety of delicious dishes. I particularly enjoy healthy Chinese dumplings and the many different kinds of noodles. Rice and noodles are the staple foods in China, but what makes Chinese cuisine unique is the way vegetables are prepared. Most vegetables are lightly seasoned or simply boiled, making the meals healthier while preserving their natural flavors.

What impressed me even more than the scenery was the Chinese people. Many people know China through movies or television, but the real understanding comes from interacting with its people. Although the language barrier can make communication difficult at first, more and more Chinese people, especially young people, can now communicate in English. At the same time, the Chinese government provides many opportunities for international students to learn Chinese, making the language much easier to master.

Learning Chinese is not only valuable for career development but also an important way to understand one of the world's largest and most diverse populations. Beyond China's beautiful landscapes, I have been deeply impressed by the hardworking attitude of its people, their politeness, their respect for others, and their disciplined way of life. These qualities have made me feel closely connected to China. Thanks to modern translation technology, language is no longer a major barrier to communication.

When people think of China, the first thing that often comes to mind is its advanced technology. Paper-based transactions have almost disappeared. WeChat and Alipay are not only communication apps but also essential parts of everyday life. People use them to pay for almost everything, from shopping and transportation to restaurants and university services.

Technology is integrated into daily life in many ways. At universities and many public institutions, face recognition systems are used for entry, providing both convenience and security. CCTV cameras are installed throughout the cities, helping maintain public safety. Anyone who violates traffic rules can be quickly identified through the smart surveillance system, making cities safer and more orderly.

Another feature that impressed me greatly is China's modern shopping system. Today, almost anything can be purchased online without leaving home. Platforms such as Taobao and Pinduoduo offer a wide variety of quality products at affordable prices. Orders are delivered directly to our doorstep on time, making shopping both convenient and efficient.

China's well-developed transportation network also makes daily life incredibly convenient. Just outside the university gate, there are bus stations, subway stations, BRT stations, and public bicycle stations. If you need a taxi, you can simply book a DiDi through your mobile phone, and it arrives within minutes. The transportation system is so efficient that arriving late at your destination is rarely a concern.

As a Bangladeshi, I dream of seeing my country achieve similar progress. Although China and Bangladesh once started their development journeys under similar circumstances, China has advanced remarkably through hard work, long-term planning, and disciplined governance. In addition to building modern infrastructure and maintaining clean cities, China has successfully developed a hardworking and responsible society.

I believe China has become an inspiring example for developing countries. By learning from its positive experiences and adapting them to our own context, Bangladesh can continue moving toward a brighter and more prosperous future.

The original article was published in Amar Desh and is available at the following link:

https://www.dailyamardesh.com/feature/travel/amdgs97c6ahz0