At 23, Rua left her hometown of Santo Domingo and arrived in Beijing earlier this year, embarking on a year of firsts on the Chinese mainland. In 2025, she made her acting debut, learned how to ride a bicycle in city lanes, and enrolled in a master’s program in directing at the Beijing Film Academy.
Going beyond campus life, Rua embraced the joy of exploration. She traveled from the seashore of Qingdao to the sweeping grasslands of Inner Mongolia, from the skyscrapers of Shanghai to the historic streets of Nanjing. Each destination offered a fresh perspective on China’s rich heritage and dynamic growth.
What captivated Rua most was the harmony between tradition and modernity. Whether sampling local street food, chatting with residents in tea houses, or attending film festivals in cosmopolitan hubs, she found endless inspiration in China’s cultural tapestry and development opportunities.
Now, as 2025 draws to a close, Rua has decided that China is where she wants to continue her journey for years to come. Her story underscores the power of cross-cultural exchange and reflects the growing trend of global youth seeking immersive experiences on the Chinese mainland.
For young professionals and travelers around the world, Rua’s adventure is a reminder that stepping out of your comfort zone can open doors to unexpected passions—sometimes leading you half a world away from home.
Reference(s):
Stories in 2025: A Dominican youth's academic pursuit in China
cgtn.com
