Tina, who is half Chinese and half Russian, has been living in Beijing since she was 5. She speaks Chinese, Russian and English — fluently. She began performing crosstalk in China with crosstalk performer Yan Jiabao after she met him in 2014. She has also hosted many galas and TV shows. 

"China is one of the oldest civilizations in the world. Its rich and enduring history gives the country an air of mystery, especially in the eyes of many foreigners, and sparking in them a desire to explore the country," she says. 

She thinks three words — speed, manufacturing and Internet — reflect China's development in recent years, and also the experience of living in Beijing. "In Beijing, you might suddenly notice a new building that seems to have sprung up overnight; it feels like it was only started last year, but is already completed. People who return to Beijing after being away for a few years might not even recognize their old neighborhoods, or even the streets they once walked daily, because the changes happen so quickly," she says. 

"As for the Internet, it has not only made online shopping incredibly convenient, but has also transformed the lifestyles of young people. Whether it's domestic products or international goods, a few apps allow you to enjoy anything from around the world — without leaving your home. Overall, the feeling of 'constant renewal and upgrading' is the strongest impression I have of living in China," she adds. 

She believes the most significant influence of China's reform and opening up has been on the economy. Chinese society has undergone significant changes, including urbanization, improved education, and a rise in living standard. China's economic rise has also contributed significantly to global economic growth. 

Looking to the future, she expects to see further development in technological innovation, especially in cutting-edge fields like biotechnology, artificial intelligence and quantum computing. 

"With increasing global competition, I think China needs to continue improving the quality of education, particularly in basic sciences and engineering, to cultivate more globally competitive talents. As China's cultural influence grows, expanding the cultural and creative industries can help build stronger cultural confidence and share more China-specific cultural products with the world," she says. 

"I believe further development in the above-stated areas will not only strengthen China's overall capabilities, but will also have a profound impact on the world. I hope people from other countries will respect and embrace Chinese culture," she concludes.

Photos from Interviewee

(Women of China English Monthly October 2024)

Editor: Wang Shasha