Mambetova Elnura, from Issyk-Kul, in Central Asia's Kyrgyzstan, has been living in Xi'an, in Northwest China's Shaanxi Province, since 2015. She and her husband, Chao Yonglin, a Xi'an native, established a company, engaged in Sino-Kyrgyz trade and cultural exchanges, in 2018. "I believe, as China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) progresses, the people of the two countries will enjoy a brighter future," Elnura says.

Elnura has a Chinese name, Ye Liya. She has loved the Chinese language and culture since she was a child. When she first heard the Chinese language, she thought it sounded "very good." 

"At that time, I felt that Chinese people spoke with a music-like rhythm, probably because the Chinese pronunciation had four tones," she recalls. 

Elnura studied the Chinese language at Kyrgyz National University, named after Jusup Balasagyn, from 2007-2012. During that period, she began to truly understand Chinese culture, as she also attended classes on Chinese culture and participated in various activities at the Confucius Institute, on the campus. After she graduated in 2012, with a bachelor's degree, she worked as a Chinese-language teacher at the university.

Two years later, Elnura won a scholarship, from the Confucius Institute, to attend a one-year, Chinese-language program at Xinjiang Normal University, in Urumqi, capital of Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. 

In 2015, she received a scholarship, from the Chinese Government, to study for her master's degree, in business administration, at Chang'an University, in Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi Province. She graduated from Chang'an University three years later.

"It is no exaggeration to say speaking Chinese is very fashionable in Kyrgyzstan, which is one of the important reasons why I am currently studying for my Ph.D. in Chinese linguistics at Shaanxi Normal University, in Xi'an," Elnura says.  

During an interview with Women of China, Elnura shared her experiences in Xi'an. The following is that interview, in question-and-answer format: 

Women of China (WOC): What is your impression of Xi'an? Do you have any memorable experiences?

Elnura: Xi'an presents a successful blend of history and modernity. I have been to every district of the city. When my friends come to Xi'an, I always recommend they visit the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever-Bright City, the wetland park, in Chanba Ecological Area, and the South Lake, in Qujiang New District. There are surely other interesting places to visit in the city.

Before I arrived in Xi'an, I only knew that Xi'an was formerly known as Chang'an, in ancient times, and it was the starting point of China's ancient Silk Road. I fell in love with the city when I first arrived. Xi'an had many tall buildings and busy roads, and it had the same beautiful scenery as Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan. 

What impresses me most is the Xi'an Ancient City Wall, situated in the center of the city. The wall represents the long history and profound culture of the city, and it witnesses the development of the city. I enjoy strolling on the wall, which makes me feel relaxed and comfortable. 

During my three years of studying at Chang'an University, I gradually adapted to life in Xi'an, and I gained a better understanding of the city's history and culture. 

I still remember the first time I visited Tang West Market Museum. I saw a map of the ancient Silk Road, in which the winding route passed through my home country, and my hometown. I learned from one of the museum's docents that relevant historical records showed Suyab Town (Ak-Beshim Ruin, in Kyrgyzstan), an important city on the ancient Silk Road, was the birthplace of Li Bai (701-762), a great poet during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). And monk Xuan Zang (602-664) might have visited my hometown.

I never thought China and Kyrgyzstan had such close ties in ancient times. During my summer vacation in 2016, I made a trip to Suyab Town. I found that many locals loved Li Bai and his poems. 

WOC: Why did you decide to settle down in Xi'an? Do you enjoy your life in Xi'an? 

Elnura: In June 2016, Xi'an University organized a "silk road" delegation of students, including me, to visit Yanliang, known as China Aviation City. The activity, sponsored by Xi'an Education Bureau, was life-changing for me, because I met Chao, who was a receptionist for our delegation. We fell in love and got married a year and a half later.

I never imagined that I would marry a foreigner. But when love comes, nationality doesn't matter at all. My husband is optimistic and hardworking, and he takes good care of our family. He cooks well, and I like eating the Chinese meals that he makes.

Although I have five siblings, my parents still didn't want me to marry so far away from home. They were not sure that I would have happiness when they learned I had a Chinese boyfriend. 

Chao visited my home, to meet my parents. My parents were satisfied with him. He cooked dinner for us, and his dishes won unanimous praise from our family members. 

We held our wedding ceremony in Xi'an in 2017. As Xi'an Ancient City Wall was my favorite tourist spot, Chao applied for a group wedding ceremony, which was held there. Dressed in Han-style wedding clothes, we and other couples enjoyed an impressive traditional Chinese wedding ceremony. It was really special, and unforgettable for me. We also held a Kyrgyz wedding ceremony in my hometown. 

I enjoy my life in Xi'an. We have a lovely daughter, who is 3 years old. I have also made friends with dozens of transnational couples in Xi'an. Some of them are from Thailand, Russia, Italy and other countries along the Belt and Road.

Kyrgyz people value family and kinship, so do Chinese. The only difference may be that in Kyrgyz families, parents and children express their love to each other directly, while in Chinese families, they tend to be introverted on this point.

WOC: How is your company doing? What are your plans for its future development?

Elnura: Our company is developing steadily. We mainly do an import and export business with enterprises in Central Asian countries. Our major imported products are honey, flour, beef and mutton, produced in Kyrgyzstan. Chinese products are popular in my home country, and the Kyrgyz-made specialty products are also well-received in the Chinese market. 

We plan to develop a tourism business in the future, because Kyrgyzstan has beautiful natural scenery, abundant wildlife and water resources, and Xi'an is also a well-known tourist city. For example, Issyk-Kul Lake, in my hometown, is the second-largest alpine lake in the world. It is known as the pearl of Central Asia. I believe, along with the deepening of the BRI, Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia will become popular tourist destinations for Chinese. 

I still remember clearly Chinese President  Xi Jinping arrived in Bishkek in June 2019 for a State visit to Kyrgyzstan, and to attend the 19th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit. Xi's visit caused a sensation in my home country. Cooperation in the economy, trade, culture and other fields has been strengthened by China and Kyrgyzstan in recent years. 

What impresses me most is the high-quality flour made in Kyrgyzstan has been allowed to be sold in China. Meanwhile, more and more products from Kyrgyzstan have entered the Chinese market. China has stepped up investment in Kyrgyzstan. My employees and I have led many Chinese delegations to visit Kyrgyzstan for cultural exchanges, and to seek out business opportunities.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of China-Kyrgyzstan diplomatic relations. Kyrgyzstan was one of the first countries to support and participate in BRI. China and Kyrgyzstan have become truly good neighbors, good friends and good partners. I hope the two countries will continue to deepen cooperation in various fields in the future, and the two peoples will share more of the fruits of the cooperation. I feel honored to be a part of it.

Photos Supplied by Interviewee

(Women of China English Monthly May 2022 issue)