Young Ukrainian sees model opportunities in Chengdu

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A young Ukrainian student in Chengdu has found modeling opportunities in the Sichuan capital.

The 20-year-old, Lyna, has been surprised by the many exciting things happening and the chances available in the city. “I never expected Chengdu to be my second hometown, and now I am addicted to the life in this city,” said Lyna.

Lyna first came to city in 2014 when her model friends invited her to visit Chengdu. “My friends introduced me to several modeling agencies that thought I qualified for being a model and offered me jobs,” said Lyna.

“I thought it was a great opportunity for me, so I decided to be a model in Chengdu,” Lyna smiled.

Lyna is still a computer programming student who takes junior year courses in a Ukraine long-distance college.

She also studies Chinese at Sichuan University in her spare time. “I find Chinese is very interesting, especially the Sichuan accent which is quite special.”

Although not being a professional model, she still receives many job offers every month. “I often model for magazines and businesses and sometimes take part-time jobs as an oral English teacher.” Her diligence paid off with her monthly income reaching 30,000 yuan ($4,593).

"Chengdu has a large demand for foreign models and I can earn around 1,200 yuan per modeling job. I receive around 20 modeling offers every month and the amount is increasing," said Lyna. “But I refuse to do any vulgar or naked pictures,” she said strictly.

In terms of what impressed her most about Chengdu, Lyna said she really enjoys Chengdu food especially spicy hotpot. "Hotpot is always on the menu of my friends and I, and we often gather together to eat it.” She said.

Lyna said Chengdu’s various delicacies have transformed her into a foodie, “Sometimes it’s difficult to choose one meal from so many options,” she said “I just want to try everything!”

Another Chengdu icon is the panda. “I can’t help taking photos with pandas whenever I see them, no matter whether they are panda sculptures or the real thing!” Lyna said.

Chengdu gives her many opportunities to have close encounters with pandas. “My favorite place to view pandas is the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda where I can watch different pandas eating, playing and sleeping.”

Lyna said she is proud of being a foreigner in Chengdu and living in the “home of the panda”. She is excited to see the movie - Kung Fu Panda 3 as panda fan. The recently released movie is based on Qingcheng Mountain, located in the Chengdu city, as the inspiration for the fictional Panda Village.

Lyna plans to set up a studio with her friends to help more girls achieve their modeling dreams in China. She is looking forward to marrying a Chengdu boy and starting her family in this “spicy city”.

Chengdu has nearly 100 Ukrainian models that pursue their dreams and enjoy their lives in this Chinese city.

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