Russian student Lisa picks lotus seedpods on Xuanwu Lake in Nanjing, Jiangsu province. [Photo/Nanjing Normal University]

"I may have fallen in love with China in a different way from many other foreigners. I fell in love with the Chinese language first, then discovered Chinese culture, and eventually came to love China," said Lisa, a Russian student studying Chinese language and literature at Nanjing Normal University.

Lisa's interest in Asian culture began after middle school. One day, a friend invited her to a free trial class at a Confucius Institute. She was quickly captivated by the characters, pinyin and tones of Chinese and began studying the language systematically.

Even when high school left her little free time, Lisa continued learning Chinese, despite it not being a subject in Russia's national university entrance exams. She was willing to spend five hours a day traveling by bus for lessons. At university, she chose a Chinese-related major and later secured an exchange opportunity in Anhui province. She wanted to discover the people and culture behind the language she loved.

Lisa eventually continued her studies at Nanjing Normal University. Beyond the classroom, she immersed herself in Chinese culture, picking lotus seedpods at Xuanwu Lake and learning flower arrangement. She also hosted a global Chinese poetry gathering and took part in a storytelling competition.

Lisa dresses up in traditional Chinese clothing, or hanfu. [Photo/Nanjing Normal University]

"When I was in Russia, the information about China I could find online was very limited," Lisa said. To help others see China through her eyes, Lisa began making short videos documenting her cultural experiences. Wearing traditional Chinese clothing, she visited a traditional Chinese medicine clinic and captured the festive atmosphere of Mid-Autumn Festival and Chinese New Year.

Lisa volunteers as a guide at a museum in Nanjing. [Photo/Nanjing Normal University]

Through her videos, Lisa hopes to offer viewers a more personal and vivid way to discover China, sharing the culture that first drew her to its language.