Editor’s note: "To know and get connected with the city where you go to college will provide you with more city experience and cultural experience that are indispensable to your life. It not only opens your eyes to the outside world, enriches your life and interests, but also helps shape human being’s most noble spirit, that is, the sense of social responsibility," Prof. Feng Jicai, a renowned writer and cultural scholar in China, once said. Tianjin University launched a campaign among the Class of 2025, encouraging them to know Tianjin and love Tianjin, the city they are going to spend at least four most precious years of their life. Our homepage will cover a series of stories telling Tianjin in new comers' eyes.
Hello, Tianjin!
Once I arrived in Tianjin, my heart was enchanted by it. With a passion, I will build my future here. The first time I felt the elegance of Tianjin was one night on the Jiefang Bridge along the Haihe River. The beautifully shaped bridge, supported by a steel frame, is a silent witness to the glorious history of this heroic city. It stands steadily above the Haihe River, like an elder who has gone through the vicissitudes of life lovingly watching the children laughing and playing by the river.
Italian style sculptures on Daguangming Bridge(Photo provided by Chen)
I wandered along the Jiefang Bridge, watching the Haihe River slowly flowing away. The lights shimmered on the water. In the distance, the Italian-style angel sculpture smiled softly in the warm yellow light. By the bridge, an old man and a child sang a song "My Motherland and Me" in a quiet voice. I've never seen a city that blends the rich history and the common urban life, the old and the modern in such a perfect way.
Writing here, I recall the distinctive aroma of the Tianjin-flavor dumplings dipped in vinegar in the breakfast inn; I remember seeing the art collision and fusion between architecture and history on the Five Avenues in the rain; I think back to the moment when I first stepped onto the campus, the sky was blue and cloudless. I recall that Professor Wu Qi smiled gently when handing over the scholarship to me.
Night view of the Haihe River (Photo provided by Chen)
This lovely city just left me wanting more. I know it's not gonna be only memories left in my mind. I look forward to seeing the crabapple blossoms fill the city in April; I look forward to experiencing the pleasant aroma and distinct taste of gabacai and jianbing guozi in the mornings; I look forward to sitting on the Tientsin Eye ferris wheel overlooking the city I love and study in; and I am eager to use my professional knowledge and ability to contribute to the construction of this city in this best era.
By then, the city as well as I will be only for the better.
(Chen Yiru, ‘25，Experimental Class of Medical Education)
Translated by Pu Peiyang
Editor: Eva Yin
