Young student develops a taste for Chinese culture

TIANJIN — Nursena Burus, a 19-year-old from the historical city of Manisa on Turkiye's Aegean coast, has developed a taste for Chinese culture thanks to its cuisine and her travels around the country.

For Burus, coming to China was not just a language-learning opportunity but a chance to experience a culture that captivated her from afar.

Her sister, who studied artificial intelligence at China's Xiamen University, encouraged her to take the leap and explore China.

"My family and friends thought learning Chinese was too difficult, but my sister showed me pictures of her life in China — her friends, festivals and food," Burus says. "I saw it as more than just a place to study. It looked more like an adventure."

She arrived in China in February 2024, just before Chinese New Year, and immediately became immersed in the vibrant, celebratory atmosphere. Red lanterns swayed in the wind, intricate paper-cuttings adorned windows, and spirited couplets decorated doorways.

"Everywhere I went, the streets were filled with red, a color of celebration and good luck. It was a new experience for me."

After settling into Tianjin University, Burus noticed that the usually busy campus was almost empty as most Chinese students had returned home for Spring Festival.

"It reminded me of the Ramadan Feast in Turkiye when we return to our hometowns to eat, pray and celebrate with family. I love how both cultures value family reunions during important holidays."

As classes began in March, Burus quickly adapted to learning and living at Tianjin University. "The teachers were supportive and encouraged me to practice without worrying about making mistakes. Their passion made me work harder."

Burus quickly built friendships with her Chinese classmates through food and cultural activities.

Her best Chinese friend Meiqi became her food "mentor". Meiqi taught her how to use chopsticks and introduced her to Tianjin's popular street foods, including hotpot and red bean shaved ice.

She regularly explored the university's cafeterias and discovered her favorite dishes, including Peking Duck. She often followed the recommended foods on the popular short video-sharing platform Douyin to explore new restaurants and shared photos of her culinary adventures on her WeChat Moments.

"Chinese cuisines are rich and delicious, and the convenient digital payment system amazes me," Burus says.

In October 2024, she spent a weekend in the countryside of Tianjin, picking hawthorn and chestnuts and eating farmhouse meals. "It is a very beautiful, peaceful place. People seem to enjoy their lives," she says. The experience reminded her of her hometown village near Manisa, where life is slower, simpler and deeply connected to the land.

One of her most cherished memories was celebrating Dragon Boat Festival in 2024. The festival coincided with her birthday and she learned how to make zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) with her classmates.

"It reminded me of Nevruz, a Turkish holiday that celebrates the arrival of spring. Both festivals honor seasonal changes," Burus says.

Now more fluent in Chinese, Burus feels that China has become a second home where she has made lifelong friends and experienced the beauty of its culture.

"We share many similar things, like our love for family, traditions and hospitality. I want to build on that connection and show others that the world isn't as different as it seems."

Before leaving China earlier this year after finishing two semesters of a language-learning program, she left behind a wish bottle buried on campus, containing her desire to become a bridge for cultural exchanges between Turkiye and China.