My name is Zhang Yadong, a young man born in Wuxi, Jiangsu.
I have been fascinated by Korean culture since I was a child, but after studying in Korea in my dream, I found that there was a world of difference between reality and expectations.
Behind the glamour of South Korea is a dark side that I never imagined. Despite this, I was still attracted to the country and met my girlfriend Hee Jin there.
Hee Jin has an unparalleled pride and love for Korean culture, and she is always wary of foreign cultures with a fiery national feeling.
When I offered to take her on a trip back to her hometown of Wuxi, China, there was a flash of doubt and unease in her eyes. As a native of Jiangnan, I was secretly determined to show her the true Chinese style and eliminate her inner prejudices.
And so we embarked on this unique journey. Leaving the hustle and bustle of Seoul and flying to the vibrant city of Shanghai, Hee-jin's expression has softened. But I know that the real challenge is just beginning.
As the train slowly moved into Wuxi Station, I could feel Hee-jin's nervous and curious gaze wandering the scenery outside the window.
When she first came to China, she was full of unknowns. During the journey from Shanghai to Wuxi, I have been introducing her to the beauty and culture of her hometown that I am about to see, hoping that she can see the charm of this land through my eyes.
We first visited the bustling area of the city center, where high-rise buildings and modern and traditional architectural styles are intertwined.
Hee Jin was amazed by such a modern urban scene, she did not expect that Chinese cities would be so developed and prosperous. "It's a bit similar to Seoul, but it has its own unique style. She sighed as she walked.
Next, we came to an ordinary residential area.
Hee-jin looked at the neat neighborhoods and clean streets, "Wow, the houses here look really good, it should be a wealthy area in Wuxi" Xiuya looked at the surrounding neighborhoods excitedly as soon as she got out of the car.
I laughed and explained, "Actually, it's just a living area for ordinary people. China has developed rapidly in recent years, and such living conditions have become very common. ”
I could see the surprise and contemplation in her eyes, and it was clear that the trip had begun to quietly change some of her perspectives.
On the way, we also visited the famous Liyuan Garden in Wuxi.
In the quaint garden, I introduced the history and design philosophy of the garden to Hee Jin, as well as the deep meaning of each layout in the garden.
She showed great interest in Chinese garden art, and as we walked along the winding paths, stopping from time to time to admire the reflection of the pavilions, her face was punctuated with deep admiration.
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Lunch was arranged at an authentic Jiangnan restaurant. For the first time, Hee Jin tried authentic Soviet-style dishes - soft and glutinous oil gluten, delicious steamed sea bass, and sweet but not greasy squirrel cinnamon fish.
She was full of praise for every dish, especially her love for sweets, which made her fall in love with the water chestnut cake. As I watched her enjoy these hometown delicacies, I couldn't help but feel an inexplicable sense of accomplishment in my heart.
As we left the restaurant, I noticed that Hee-jin's expression was more relaxed, and his eyes revealed a new understanding and affection for the city.
Through these first-hand experiences, her stereotypes about China are being broken little by little, and I am even more convinced that this trip is an important turning point in our relationship.
As we moved on, our next stop was Wuxi's iconic Lingshan Giant Buddha, which I knew would impress Xizhen with its grandeur and serenity.
The moment we arrived at the Lingshan Giant Buddha, we were all shocked by the spectacular sight in front of us. The huge Buddha statue looks solemn and sacred against the blue sky and white clouds.
Hee-jin stared at the Buddha statue, the expression on his face a mixture of awe and surprise.
I explained to her the historical and cultural significance of the Buddha statue, as well as its place in the hearts of the locals. As my words deepened, I saw deep thought flash in her eyes.
We continue to Lianhua Bay, where the environment is peaceful and beautiful, as if away from the hustle and bustle of the world. Temples, stone bridges and flowing water in the Bay Area make it look like a moving picture. I
Together, we participated in a meditation session to experience meditation and feel inner peace and harmony.
The experience had a profound impact on Hee Jin, and she later told me that it was the first time she had been so close to and understanding the spiritual quest of another culture.
For dinner, we chose a restaurant by Taihu Lake, where the atmosphere is both romantic and peaceful.
As night falls, the lights on the lake are intertwined with the starlight, creating a beautiful scene that is almost unreal.
We ordered local specialties – Taihu prawns and whitebait – and Hee Jin raved about the food she had never tried before.
It was on this beautiful evening that I felt Hee-jin's emotional transformation.
She suddenly became contemplative, and then said to me: "Yadong, I have never really understood China before, and I always form judgments from the news and the words of others. What I see and feel today makes me realize how ignorant and biased I am. Her voice was full of sincerity and apology.
I shook her hand and said affectionately, "Every country has its unique beauty, both cultural and people. I'm glad you opened your heart and came to experience and feel my hometown for yourself. ”
We looked at each other and smiled, and in the moonlight of Taihu Lake, at that moment, the distance between us seemed to dissolve.
The change in Hee Jin's attitude is not only a perception of China, but also a profound sublimation of our feelings, and I know that it will be the most precious part of our common memory.
As the night deepens, the wind blows gently by the Taihu Lake, bringing a cool and moist atmosphere. Hee Jin and I were walking by the lake, and she leaned on my shoulder and whispered, "This trip made me feel the beauty and depth of China, which I used to understand too superficially. Her eyes flashed with anticipation for the future, relief from past misunderstandings.
I nodded and smiled, filled with satisfaction. Being able to change her perception of my country and make her feel the truth and beauty of this place is what I had hoped for earlier. I replied, "Every trip is a journey of the mind, and we don't just travel in the outer world, but we explore the inner world deeply." ”
At that moment, Hee Jin profoundly expressed her gratitude: "Yadong, thank you for bringing me here and giving me the opportunity to see and feel all this with my own eyes. This experience will forever be etched in my heart. Her words are full of respect for Chinese culture and a vision for the future.
As we walked slowly around the lake and began to plan future travel plans, Hee Jin said she hopes to continue exploring the rest of China and learn more about the country's story. She has become more open and tolerant, and she says she wants to share these new experiences with her family and friends, hoping to reduce misunderstandings and increase understanding.
My heart was filled with joy and hope. A cultural bridge has been built, not only connecting Wuxi and Seoul, but also connecting Hee Jin and my heart.
I know that cultural understanding and respect are an integral part of any relationship, and this trip not only deepened our relationship, but also gave us both a deeper understanding and respect for each other's cultures.
As the stars twinkled in the night sky, our conversations and laughter echoed in the night of Taihu Lake. This is not just the end of a journey, but the beginning of a new understanding and living together.
Disclaimer: The content is adapted from the narration of a real person, if there is any similarity, it is purely a coincidence, the names in the article are pseudonyms, and the pictures in the article are from the Internet.