I hope to find my life partner here, making Chongqing my true home one day.
——Holub Volha
I Am From Belarus
I have been working and living in Chongqing for three years now. During this time, I have deeply experienced the warmth and curiosity of the people here. Whether in work or daily life, I have received immense help from my Chongqing friends. My hometown is in Brest, Belarus, a place far away and vastly different from the mountainous city of Chongqing, characterised by its expansive plains. Therefore, the unique topography and architectural style of Chongqing are particularly fascinating to me. As is well known, the summer climates of the two places are distinctly different. In Belarus, the highest summer temperatures are around 30 degrees Celsius, usually hovering around 26 degrees, whereas in Chongqing, summer temperatures frequently soar to 40 degrees.
This is the Capital of Gastronomy
Hot pot is undoubtedly one of Chongqing's most famous specialties. When dining with friends in Chongqing, hot pot is a must, so I often enjoy it as well. Chongqing hot pot is indeed very spicy. Initially, I could only handle the "mild spicy" level, but now I can manage "medium spicy." For foreign tourists who aren't afraid of spiciness, I recommend Chongqing's signature "Nine Grid" red soup hot pot. When eating hot pot in Chongqing, ordering tripe is essential, and duck intestines are also highly recommended. Of course, Chongqing is also accommodating to tourists who can't handle spicy food, as they can choose the "Yuan Yang" hot pot, which offers both spicy and non-spicy broths. Aside from hot pot, my favourite Chongqing dishes include Chongqing noodles, small glutinous rice cakes with brown sugar, and Wanzhou grilled fish. Essentially, everyone who comes here can find local cuisine that suits their taste.
Advancing International Cooperation in Chongqing's Education
Recently, I have observed growing interest in Chongqing from enterprises and academic institutions across Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states, including Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and beyond. As a rapidly developing metropolis, Chongqing excels in manufacturing, logistics, and financial sectors, while also boasting robust higher education resources. As a staff member of the SCO Multifunctional Economic and Trade Platform, I strongly advocate for establishing collaborative partnerships between SCO institutions, businesses, and schools with their Chongqing counterparts. Such synergies will foster mutual learning and shared progress, driving innovation and development for all parties involved.
Chongqing: My Future True Home
I am delighted to have found such a livable city far from my homeland. As someone passionate about fitness, I thrive on walking and running. Chongqing’s exceptional urban greening ensures picturesque parks and fresh air everywhere. Weekend hikes in its lush hills are equally rewarding. The suburbs boast stunning landscapes perfect for camping, summer retreats, and serene moments by flowers and water. Above all, I hope to find my life partner here, making Chongqing my true home one day.
Narrator: Holub Volha
Belarusian
Staff Member of the Project Development Department at the Multifunctional Economic and Trade Platform for Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Countries
Image provided by interviewee