Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China, ZIP Code: 050000
I work as a language teacher at Shijiazhuang’s Hebei International Studies University, teaching Bengali and English to over 120 students. It feels like the culmination of a long-held ambition. My dream to work in China began in 2018, and it inspired me to dedicate both my undergraduate and postgraduate studies to the Chinese language. To now be here, not just working but teaching my own languages to Chinese students fills me with a deep sense of purpose and pride.
Darshana Dewashi
Hebei International Studies University: Where I teach and belong
At Hebei International Studies University, my days revolve around classrooms, conversations, and cultural exchange. Teaching over 120 students keeps me engaged and constantly learning. The experience of sharing Bengali and English with Chinese students feels deeply meaningful.
Living in China is something I consciously worked toward. My six years of Chinese language and cultural studies at Visva-Bharati University in India prepared me well. We even had Chinese teachers there, which gave me early exposure to authentic language and cultural nuances.
“When I first arrived last year, adapting to Beijing’s winter was a challenge,” I remember. I experienced a cold allergy, and the harsh winter tested me physically. But beyond the climate, I faced no significant difficulties. Academically and culturally, I felt ready for this chapter.
Heibei International Studies University
Friendship and hospitality
I’ve been fortunate to make many friends, both local Chinese and fellow Indians. Chinese people here are incredibly hospitable. One friend, Yu Rixin, and her family welcomed us shortly after we arrived, sharing local moon cakes and showing us around the city
They made us feel at home from the beginning. When I was studying in Beijing, I formed close bonds with mentors and friends like Prof. Dong Youchen, Prof. Wei Liming, Teacher Wang, Teacher Shi, Li Yuyi, and Sachita Di, who cared for me like family. Adjusting to the language and culture was not particularly challenging because of my academic background. Both Beijing, the city where I studied, and Shijiazhuang, where I now live, have shaped me differently, but each has given me community and belonging.
Shijiazhuang City: A different pace of life
The pace of life in Shijiazhuang is quite different from Beijing, and of course, from India as well. Beijing felt grand and historically layered when I was studying there, and I do miss its cultural heritage sites. But Shijiazhuang offers calmness, space, and a closeness to nature. I’ve always enjoyed adventure, so exploring a new place has been exciting for me.
There is something grounding about this city. It may not have the global visibility of Beijing, but it carries its own quiet charm, blending everyday life with pockets of creativity and culture.
Zhuangli Commercial Street in Shijiazhuang
Fenglong Hill: Living my mountain dream
One of the greatest blessings of living here is being close to Fenglong Hill, which is only about 10 kilometers from my home. Since childhood, I’ve dreamed of living near mountains like the Himalayas.
In a way, living near Fenglong Hill feels like fulfilling that childhood dream. I love the nearby hills and especially the snowfall during winter. Watching the landscape turn white brings a stillness that I find incredibly peaceful. Even though this winter has been noticeably colder than the last, I have gradually adapted to the climate. The mountains make this place feel expansive and alive.
CCTV Spring Festival Gala stage
One of the most unforgettable chapters of my life in China unfolded far beyond Shijiazhuang. I participated as a dancer in the 2025 CCTV Spring Festival Gala alongside renowned dancer-actor Jackson Yee (易烊千玺).
It was an incredible moment performing on this stage is a dream for many in China. Since 2018, when I was still in India, I celebrated this festival every year by watching the Gala. To go from being a viewer to standing on that iconic stage was deeply emotional. The program broke viewership records this year, surpassing 210 million streams. Being part of such a prestigious national event remains one of the most precious memories of my life.
Singing Tagore across cultures
In Beijing, I had another meaningful experience when I was invited to Peking University to give a presentation in an “Introduction to Tagore” class. As someone who has long admired Peking University’s historical role and its connection to China’s liberation, visiting and presenting there was truly mesmerizing.
During the session, I sang Tagore’s songs, taught students how to sing them, and shared insights about Tagore and my alma mater, Visva-Bharati University. It felt like bringing a part of Santiniketan to one of China’s most prestigious institutions. Making friends there and engaging in thoughtful cultural exchange made the experience even more special.
Zhengding County: History and heritage
Close to Shijiazhuang lies Zhengding County, a place I’m especially fond of. It offers a beautiful contrast to the city’s modern ambiance. The Walled Town of Zhengding and Balin Temple stand as reminders of deep historical and spiritual traditions. Visiting these sites gives me a sense of continuity of being connected to layers of history while living a very contemporary life.
Zhengding is also home to one of my favorite local dishes like the Majia Xunji, a braised chicken dish with over 300 years of history, recognized as a municipal intangible cultural heritage. I appreciate not just its taste but the story behind it.
Shijiazhuang’s Streets: Art and everyday creativity
What fascinates me about Shijiazhuang is how it blends culture with creativity. One example is the “tree hole paintings” project, where artists transform tree cavities into vibrant murals depicting daily life. I love how ordinary urban spaces have been turned into open-air galleries. Walking past these painted trees adds a sense of surprise and artistic warmth to daily routines. The city may seem understated at first glance, but it quietly celebrates imagination.
Taiping River Park, Baoduzhai, and the Botanical Garden: My favorite escapes
Within and around the city, I enjoy visiting Baoduzhai Scenic Area, Taiping River Park, Xibaipo Scenic Area, and the Shijiazhuang Botanical Garden. These places offer moments of pause from work and allow me to reconnect with nature. Whether it’s a riverside walk, a scenic climb, or simply spending time among plants and open landscapes, these spaces add balance to my life here.
My campus kitchen and local restaurants
While I enjoy Chinese dishes like Peking Roast Duck, Hot Pot, and Kung Pao Chicken when dining out, on campus I prefer cooking Indian meals. Having access to essential ingredients makes it manageable to maintain my eating habits. At the same time, I am exploring more local flavors. I believe I will gradually adjust fully to the local food as well, even though Indian cooking remains my comfort zone. Visiting Indian restaurants also allows me to connect with the Indian community here, which brings a comforting sense of familiarity.
Santiniketan to Shijiazhuang
In this city, weekends often mean time with my friend Arja, who is also from Santiniketan. We were classmates for seven years in India and now work together here in China. We often cook, go shopping, explore the city, and visit different Indian restaurants.
Together, we run a joint official account where we upload weekly singing videos of Tagore’s songs. As Visva-Bharati alumni, promoting Tagore’s music is a passion project for us. We hope to share his work with a Chinese audience and create a bridge between cultures. I also use weekends to prepare for the upcoming week’s classes and to offer extra help to students who need additional support with language learning.
Living in Shijiazhuang in Heibei Province is not just about a workplace or an address. It is about living near mountains I once dreamed of, teaching languages I cherish, performing on a national stage I once watched from afar, and carrying Tagore’s music across borders. Living here feels like living a dream I began nurturing in 2018.
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