In the busy corridors of Dongguan People's Hospital, Patience Ratidzo, a 26-year-old medical student from Zimbabwe, communicates effortlessly in Mandarin with patients. As Dongguan's first foreign medical postgraduate student, she embarked on a cultural adventure to experience the Chinese New Year in southern China.
After graduating from Jiangsu University in 2024, Patience was inspired by Dr. Guo Suxia's speech during an academic exchange, leading her to apply for a position in her cardiology program. Despite initial concerns about language barriers, Dr. Guo noted Patience's determination and fluency, which she developed through years of studying Chinese.
This Spring Festival, Patience visited "Dongguan Memory," a revitalized cultural hub rich in history and modernity. The area, adorned with lanterns and festive couplets, felt like a journey through time. "It's a perfect blend of heritage and youth," she remarked while capturing the vibrant scenes.
Dongguan has organized over 400 activities for the New Year holiday, allowing Patience to immerse herself in local traditions. She participated in a culinary event in Hengli Town, where she learned to prepare roasted goose. "This is the best goose I've ever had!" she exclaimed after savoring the flavors.
One of her highlights was discovering the Grass Dragon culture, a 300-year-old tradition celebrating agricultural abundance. Under the guidance of a cultural heritage inheritor, she crafted a segment of the dragon, connecting deeply with the local customs.
As she wandered through Dongguan's historic streets at sunset, Patience felt grateful for her experiences. For New Year's Eve, her colleagues planned a special dinner, inviting her to enjoy traditional dishes and share in the festive spirit.
Looking ahead, Patience expressed her commitment to her studies, aiming to return to Zimbabwe with the skills and knowledge she gained in China to make a difference in her community. As families in Dongguan celebrate, Patience is cherishing her first "Dongguan New Year," filled with warmth and new beginnings.
Reporter | Xie Maishi
Planner | Jin Yanming
Photo | Nanfang Plus
Editor | Liu Lingzhi, James, Shen He, Zhang Ying
