Efimova Alina, an Russian, is attracted to China by its language. To learn the oriental ancient language, she decided to live in Changsha and falls in love with this dynamic land. She considers the city "understands her the best", which provides the life she dreams of. This year marks her sixth year of studying in Changsha, and she is about to graduate as a Digital Media Design major from Central South University in China. As a fluent Chinese speaker, she finished her study and mastered calligraphy in Changsha, and most importantly, found her true love here. She decides to stay and makes Changsha her home.

Why come to Changsha?

"When I was studying at the university in my hometown, my friend invited me to study Chinese with her and we attended the language courses together for six months. Then we applied to attend the language summer camp in Beijing and visited Changsha, where really makes me love the country. The people and peculiarity of the city impressed me so much and I desired to revisit. I asked my friend to fill university application of Changsha and then started a new life here."

How is life in Changsha?

"I fell in love with Changsha from the very first trip! I still remember the mix flavor of barbecue, nature and history when getting off the train at Changsha South Station, I realized that this is just my city. The past and the future are amazingly integrated in the city which never sleeps, but it always knows how to make you casual and comfortable. This is a city which inspires people to try new things. I started my first calligraphy, guitar and skateboarding here, which makes my life fruitful. I even got a motorcycle here and has joined a club. Serpentine mountains, endless rice fields...We ride to explore the nature every weekend together. Just image the wind breezes off your face after a whole week stressful study, how cozy will it be! Actually you can always find out what you love and what you want to do in this city, and the city is supportative unconditionally."

What are the favorite places in Changsha?

"If I want to take a walk, I would prefer Orange Island. In the early spring, it is strewn with pink blossoms, whose petals fall like rain, and the air is filled with smell of tangerine flowers. I even tried to taste them, the flavor is sweet and slightly sour. The pedestrian streets downtown are also the places I like to visit, I think they are the blood vessels of the city. The lights of neon signs, the flavor of fried squid and tofu, the dancing fountains... It is always great to enjoy the time passing there with friends. Also I often go to suburb with friends after I bought a motorcycle: in Yuelu Mountain, you will enjoy the bamboo forests, the temple hidden in the fog, the paths on which monks and squirrels stepping on. The Chinese villages are also charming: old stone houses twisted with ivy, and terraces filled with tea bushes. They are very different from Russian villages and you can really feel the local characteristics here. In Changsha, you will be surprised by the combination of the metropolis and rurality, where you can live a balanced life."

Source: Changsha Official Website