As 2025 draws to a close, Garima, a model from Nepal, looks back on a year that transformed her from a screen-only observer to an immersed traveler in the Chinese mainland. Fueled by curiosity, she arrived early this year with little more than a suitcase and a sense of adventure.
Her first stop was Harbin in February, where ice lantern festivals and steaming hotpots were more than photo ops—they were invitations into local life. “I joined families around the table, and I felt at home,” she recalls of her Lunar New Year celebration.
In spring, the focus shifted to Chengdu’s night markets, where Garima sampled spicy street snacks, made new friends with smiling vendors and learned that sharing food can break any language barrier. By autumn, mooncake tastings in Guangzhou during the Mid-Autumn Festival revealed flavors she never knew existed.
Beyond the festivals, Garima explored Shanghai’s art districts, attended a tech startup meetup in Shenzhen and tried her hand at calligraphy in Xi’an’s historic quarters. Each city added a new layer to her journey, blending modern innovation with centuries-old traditions.
“This connection will stay with me forever, like a beautiful chapter I’ll cherish,” says Garima.
For young global citizens seeking real-world impact, Garima’s adventure is a reminder: sometimes you have to step off the screen to truly feel the world.
Reference(s):
The Chinese experience that a woman from Nepal can't let go of
cgtn.com
