In the heart of Yiwu, Zhejiang province, lies Jimingshan community—affectionately nicknamed the "United Nations Community." Hosting nearly 1,400 residents from more than 70 countries, it has become a vibrant hub of cultural exchange and community-driven initiatives.
For Awsan from Yemen, who first arrived in the Chinese mainland in 2015, Jimingshan has been more than a place to live. Since joining the community’s volunteer team in early 2020, he’s helped translate documents, participated in local fire safety inspections and guided fellow foreign residents in finding rental homes. "After years of volunteer service, many Chinese friends know me, and I have also made many Chinese friends. It feels like being at home," he says.
Local staffer Wang Xiaoxiao plays a key role in bridging cultural divides. She helps resolve disputes, organizes multilingual workshops and designs cultural activities—from shared cooking nights to international film screenings. "Here, there are no barriers of national boundaries or beliefs, only the warmth of mutual assistance," Wang notes.
Since 2023, Jimingshan has rolled out language courses in English, Arabic and Spanish, and hosts monthly festivals where residents showcase traditional music, dance and cuisine. Data from community organizers show that participation in these events has increased by 40% over the past two years, reflecting a growing appetite for cross-cultural connections.
For young global citizens, entrepreneurs and digital nomads, Jimingshan offers a model of grassroots cosmopolitanism—a place where technology-driven translation tools meet old-fashioned neighborly support. Whether you’re a student studying abroad or a business professional exploring emerging markets, the community’s open-door approach demonstrates how diversity can be a catalyst for innovation and understanding.
As the world becomes more interconnected, Jimingshan stands as a reminder that a shared community spirit can transcend borders, languages and faiths. Here in Yiwu, the global village isn’t a concept—it’s a daily reality.
Reference(s):
What's it like for people from over 70 countries live in one community
cgtn.com
