Shiyi Yang
This photo was taken in the Cloisters at the University of Glasgow, which is one of my favourite locations here. It gives me a sense of elegance and old western beauty. I took this picture here on 30th January this year after attending the Confucius Institute's Spring Festival Gala. This is one of the movements in my Chinese Classic Dance piece Enchanted by Clear Ripples, which embodies the gentle and soft beauty of Chinese women in the Song Dynasty. Wearing a performance costume inspired by the style of this Dynasty while taking photos here, I feel that it represents a fusion of Chinese and Western aesthetics, blending the colors of two distinct cultures. It is full of artistic ambiance and poetic charm. At the same time, it is very meaningful for me to be able to bring the excellent traditional Chinese culture and its beauty to Glasgow and show it to the people here.
I am a native of Chengdu, which is the capital city of Sichuan province, located in the southwest of China. The first word that pops into my mind when I talk about my hometown is spicy, because the people living here could hardly enjoy a meal without chili. In our region, girls are often referred to as “spicy girls”, meaning they have a strong tolerance for spicy food. There is a Chinese saying that a place shapes its people, and in a way, chili peppers have contributed to shaping the bold and warm-hearted nature of the locals. Because of this, “spicy girls” also implies that girls here are always straightforward and easygoing. Chengdu is famous for its special cuisine, especially spicy dishes, which are also my favourites. Some well-known foods include Mapo Tofu, Spicy Hotpot, Sweet Water Noodles, and more.
Chengdu is also famous for pandas. The city is home to the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, which attracts countless visitors every year. In China, kids growing up in Sichuan are often affectionately called “little pandas”. Another captivating cultural element of my hometown is Sichuan Opera, particularly for its face-changing performance. Actors skillfully switch between different facial masks through swift movements, creating a visually stunning spectacle that amazes audiences not only in other Chinese cities but also around the world.
Life in Chengdu is very relaxed and enjoyable. On sunny afternoons, people love to soak up the sun in parks. A well-known spot is People’s Park, where it’s common to see outdoor seating areas filled with bamboo chairs and tables, with people leisurely sipping lidded bowl tea. This scene perfectly captures the laid-back lifestyle of Chengdu locals. I deeply love my hometown, yet I also long to explore the world beyond.
I hadn't traveled abroad before coming to Glasgow. Therefore, this journey is both an academic improvement and a life practice for me. I would like to quote the lyrics of singer Taylor Swift: You are on your own. I will face the future with independence and bravery, to experience different cultures and to explore the beauty of the world. I find that people here are as warm and friendly as those in my hometown. Sometimes when facing strangers, we will gift each other a smile, and that moment will brighten my heart. I love walking through the streets of Glasgow in the evening. At nightfall, the lights of the shops gradually lit, the smell of food from the restaurants entering my nose. At this time, although I am in a foreign country, I can still feel at home.
I truly enjoy the rhythmic beauty of the Scottish bagpipes. One moment that remains particularly vivid is the day I passed by the main building of the University and heard a bagpiper playing Auld Lang Syne. I walked closer and fully immersed myself in it. I first learned and sang the English version of this song in primary school, and even now, I can still remember it. I also cherish the time I spend studying in the Learning Hub. I always prefer sitting by the window on the higher floors. On clear days, I can see sunrises, sunsets, and even the stars all in one day. I think this is a unique kind of romance that I get to experience here.
I deeply love my hometown Chengdu, which is a place that will forever hold a special space in my heart. At the same time, I also have a great fondness for Glasgow, as if I’ve been here before.