Beijing has become more than just a study-abroad destination for two young women from Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, serving as a home away from home where Chinese modernity meets Central Asian traditions.
Official data shows the number of Central Asian students in China has nearly tripled from 11,000 in 2010 to about 30,000 in 2018, with Beijing emerging as a top choice. The two students' experiences reveal the driving forces behind the trend.
Nurzat from Kyrgyzstan started learning Chinese at a very young age. Now studying International Relations at Peking University in the Chinese capital, she said she wanted to experience China firsthand.
"I've always been fascinated by China, because China is playing a global role in our world. Beijing is also full of history and full of opportunities so I think it's the perfect place to learn and grow," she said.
During her time in Beijing, Nurzat discovered a sweet snack known as tanghulu, traditional candied fruit on a stick.
"I think because tanghulu reminds me of my hometown. Because we have something similar. It's basically caramelized apples but we don't have that much diversity in our fruits in this dessert. That's why I prefer tanghulu more," Nurzat said while visiting one of Beijing's time-honored sweet shops.
Walking through the historic Beihai Park, one of Beijing’s oldest imperial gardens, Nurzat reflected on what makes the city feel so special.
"Beijing is a city of contrast. There are a lot of high skyscrapers and also very traditional and ancient buildings. Overall, Beijing as a city is very green. This is making Beijing more special than other cities in China that I've been," she said.
For Malika, a student from Kazakhstan also studying at Peking University, a local dairy shop is what brings a taste of her homeland to the Chinese capital.
"This place reminds me of my hometown. We have a very rich milk product culture. So I often came here to buy some of them," she said.
Living off campus, Malika says Beijing's well-developed infrastructure makes it easy to get around.
"There are a lot of subway lines in Beijing. I think there are 29 different subway lines. It's very well connected from one place to another. The subway here in Beijing is very convenient," she said.
Malika has found Russian-speaking friends and community in Liangmaqiao, a vibrant riverside neighborhood that attracts many city locals and visitors alike.
"I think in Beijing you can find everything and everyone you want, including the food, places, cafes, and people. So you can find those people you really want to talk or hang out with. For me, I've found Russian-speaking communities here, and I have made a lot of friends," she said.
As China continues strengthening educational ties with Central Asian nations through initiatives like the Belt and Road, stories like Nurzat's and Malika's are becoming increasingly common. Their experiences highlight how cultural exchange happens not just in classrooms, but through everyday discoveries that turn a foreign city into a second home.
Central Asian students find home, opportunity in Beijing
