Suriname Ambassador to China Zhang Bifen: I see how they integrate tradition and modernity in culture | Kashgar | Zhang Bifen

Kashgar, August 8th - Enter the streets and alleys of the ancient city of Kashgar and experience the unique ethnic culture of the area; Coming to Jiayi Village in Kuche City, Xinjiang, and singing and dancing with the local people... During these 5 days, what I have seen and heard in Xinjiang has made Suriname Ambassador to China, Zhang Bifen, feel a lot.

Suriname Ambassador to China, Zhang Bifen, in an interview with reporters

From July 31st to August 4th, envoys from over 20 countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America visited Xinjiang. They went to places such as Kashgar, Kuqa, and Urumqi to visit ancient cities, mosques, enterprises, and rural areas, and had face-to-face exchanges with local people to learn about Xinjiang's social development, ethnic and religious cultural protection, and people's living conditions on the spot.

At present, it is the peak season for tourism in Kashgar, and Zhang Bifen follows the envoys and tourists to stroll around Bazaar, take photos of the street scenery, and appreciate the unique charm of Kashgar's ancient city. Zhang Bifen believes that the ancient city not only retains the external characteristics of traditional dwellings, but also is equipped with modern internal facilities. "I can feel that the people of Xinjiang are enjoying a happy life. They are wearing colorful clothes and dancing happily, just like going to a party."

Jiayi Village, Xinhe County, Kuche City, Xinjiang Folk Handmade Musical Instruments Production First Village

When people's living standards improve, they become colorful and colorful

After enjoying the Uyghur song and dance performance, Ambassador Zhang Bifen gave an interview to the reporter. "My first impression of Xinjiang started when I looked down from the plane. I saw a dry yellow land, and then suddenly saw a large area of green. This strong color contrast made me very curious about how this place has developed. When I landed, I saw many beautiful buildings with unique styles, and I was also amazed by the tremendous development achievements here, which I didn't expect. I believe everything I saw was the result of unremitting investment," she said.

This is Zhang Bifen's first time coming to Xinjiang. "Everything here is so amazing." In recent days, by enjoying the dance and songs, Zhang Bifen deeply felt in Kashgar that the people here were wearing colorful clothes, dancing very happily, full of joy. She found that as people's living standards improve, their lives become colorful and colorful. They were wearing colorful clothes and dancing gracefully and happily. This reflects their way of life, showcasing their happiness and satisfaction as they enjoy life.

Observing Old Handicraft Skills in Kashgar Ancient City

Zhang Bifen followed the interview team into the old urban area of Kashgar, saw the people here, and engaged in communication with the locals. "I saw how they integrated tradition and modernity," she said.

She also expressed great emotion, "From ancient objects to modern goods, there is almost everything here. And they genuinely care about traditional things, which allows the world today to see both their past and present actions at the same time. I think this is very commendable." She believes that while enjoying the benefits of modern society, the people here have also done an excellent job in protecting traditional things, which is extremely precious.

In addition to Xinjiang, Zhang Bifen has also been to Dongguan, Wuxi, Changsha, and Shanghai before. She sighed at the rapid development of China. She said, "When I land in any city, there are towering buildings, which is China. I am very surprised by China's development achievements and sincerely applaud for China's development and progress."

"If we treat life this way, we may live as long as the people here."

The Republic of Suriname, abbreviated as Suriname, is located in northern South America, adjacent to French Guiana to the east, Brazil to the south, Guyana to the west, and the Atlantic Ocean to the north. "We are a multicultural country with a total population of 630000. We have descendants from Africa, China, India, Indonesia, as well as indigenous peoples and European descendants, which is a fusion of multiple cultures," said Zhang Bifen.

This is very similar to Xinjiang. "Kashgar is a cultural intersection, and I have seen a lot of Persian influence, as well as the influence of Islamic culture in Central Asia. They have preserved these influences and integrated them into Chinese cities." This is very unique in Zhang Bifen's view.

The friendliness of the people here also shares many similarities with her country. Zhang Bifen said, "They make people feel relaxed, and I also love this leisurely atmosphere. If we treat life the same way, we may live a long life like the people here."

The envoys are quite interested in local cultural products

This is also a city where one can truly feel the ancient times.

It is reported that in 2010, the Kashgar Ancient City renovation project with a total investment of over 7 billion yuan was launched, completing the renovation of 49000 households of dangerous old houses within 5 years. The renovated residential buildings in Kashgar Ancient City have preserved their original style to the greatest extent possible, and have improved their infrastructure and service capabilities, making the lives of residents safer and more comfortable. They have also attracted a large number of domestic and foreign tourists. "They are protecting tradition," Zhang Bifen shared. The outer city has become a metropolis, and the traditional side still exists. "You have to find it here to truly feel it."

Zhang Bifen specifically mentioned that the women here are very beautiful and also very good at dressing up. They really enjoy living here, this is their real life.