标签： Asia

In the crisp early winter days of Changchun, Jilin province, the Yitong River has become a temporary haven for a flock of red-billed gulls. These migratory birds, en route to warmer southern regions, have gathered near the river, creating a stunning natural spectacle. Their presence has drawn a diverse crowd of tourists, avid photographers, and birdwatching enthusiasts, all eager to witness this seasonal phenomenon. The sight of the gulls, with their distinctive red bills and graceful flight, has added a vibrant touch to the serene winter landscape. This event not only highlights the ecological significance of the Yitong River as a stopover for migratory birds but also underscores the growing interest in wildlife conservation and eco-tourism in the region.

China’s economic and social landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, marked by a growing sense of disillusionment among its youth. While the country projects an image of strength and technological prowess on the global stage, the domestic reality paints a starkly different picture. Influencers like Hasan Piker have lauded China’s blend of consumer abundance and state-controlled economy, but for ordinary citizens, the narrative is one of quiet desperation. Concerns over unemployment, stagnant wages, and rising living costs dominate conversations, both online and offline. The phrase ‘wai qiang, zhong gan’—outwardly strong, inwardly brittle—has emerged as a poignant descriptor of the nation’s current state. Young people, in particular, bear the brunt of these challenges. Despite their relentless pursuit of education and grueling work hours, many find themselves trapped in a stagnant job market, unable to secure white-collar positions or achieve financial stability. The real estate market, once a cornerstone of household wealth, has been in freefall since 2021, eroding savings and exacerbating economic anxiety. Meanwhile, government policies aimed at bolstering global influence and industrial dominance have led to ‘involution’—a phenomenon of excessive competition that drives down profits and productivity. This has further strained the mental health of young people, with rising rates of anxiety and depression. The government’s crackdown on ‘excessively pessimistic’ social media content underscores its awareness of public discontent. As China grapples with these internal challenges, the once-promising ‘Chinese Dream’ has morphed into a Sisyphean struggle for survival.

For six decades, East China Normal University (ECNU) in Shanghai has been a cornerstone of international education, attracting students from across the globe. This year, the university celebrated the 60th anniversary of its international education program, a milestone that underscores its enduring commitment to fostering global academic exchange and cultural understanding.

The story of ECNU’s international education began in 1965, when China recognized the importance of international student education as a key component of its global outreach. As the first normal university established in New China in 1951, ECNU took on this mission by founding its foreign student affairs office and Chinese language teaching department. Initially welcoming 210 Vietnamese students, the program has since expanded to include over 3,100 students from 114 countries, with more than 100,000 alumni worldwide.

One such alumnus is Hoang Tra, who arrived at ECNU in 1965 at the age of 18. Reflecting on his time at the university, Tra noted, ‘The 1960s were a period of frequent exchanges between Vietnam and China. I believed learning Chinese would be beneficial.’ After completing his studies, Tra returned to Vietnam, where he spent four decades teaching Chinese at Vietnam National University, Hanoi, inspiring many of his students to pursue their education in China.

The impact of ECNU’s program is also evident in the story of Vietnamese student Doan Bao Tran and her mother, Vu Thanh Xuan. Xuan, who earned both her master’s and doctoral degrees at ECNU, left her 17-month-old daughter in Vietnam in 2003 to pursue her academic dreams in Shanghai. After returning to Vietnam, Xuan shared her experiences with her students and her daughter, sparking Tran’s interest in ECNU. ‘Since I was very young, I had always wondered about life in Shanghai and at ECNU through my mother’s stories,’ said Tran, who is now studying international business at the university. ‘Now, I can finally experience it myself.’

In 1985, ECNU became one of the first four universities in China to offer an undergraduate program in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language, marking a significant shift in Chinese language education from basic language training to a comprehensive academic discipline. This evolution has further solidified ECNU’s reputation as a leader in international education.

As ECNU continues to attract students from around the world, its legacy as a hub for academic excellence and cultural exchange remains as strong as ever. The university’s 60th anniversary celebrations in October were a testament to its enduring impact on the lives of its students and the broader global community.

Sophaphone Heuanglith, a dedicated special education teacher from Laos, recently embarked on a transformative journey to China, where she gained profound insights into the country’s advanced approaches to educating hearing-impaired children. During her visit to Guangzhou, Heuanglith was deeply moved by the inclusive education practices she observed, where children with cochlear implants studied alongside their hearing peers, supported by innovative teaching methods and resources.

In the heart of Zhaojue County, Sichuan Province, Qumu Shiwu, a 29-year-old inheritor of the ancient Yi lacquerware craft, is breathing new life into a centuries-old tradition. With a paintbrush in hand, she meticulously creates vibrant patterns on wooden cores, a skill passed down through 14 generations of her ethnic Yi family. Her captivating short videos, showcasing the intricate process of lacquerware decoration, have amassed over 200 million views on social media, transforming this traditional art form into a modern sensation. Born into a family of artisans, Qumu defied gender norms to become the first female inheritor of the craft. Despite challenges, including a severe allergic reaction to raw lacquer, she persevered, completing her first independent work in 2017. Leveraging platforms like Douyin, Kuaishou, and Xiaohongshu, Qumu has expanded the reach of Yi lacquerware, attracting customers from across China and overseas. By integrating traditional designs into contemporary products like phone cases and tea sets, she has revitalized her father’s workshop, increasing its annual revenue from 400,000 yuan to over 3 million yuan. Qumu’s efforts also include nurturing the next generation of artisans through university partnerships and exploring cross-sector collaborations. Her ultimate goal is to introduce Yi lacquerware to a global audience, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Liangshan.