Guarding the Great Nation: Tales of Family, Loyalty, and Devotion from Across China
For many Chinese families, guarding the country's borders is not just a duty, but a family tradition. One such family is that of the late border patrolman, who lost his life in 2021 while trying to rescue a child trapped in an ice cave. His daughter, Baika Kaiderek, has vowed to carry on the family legacy. "My great-grandfather, grandfather, and father all served on the border, and now it's my turn," she said. "Our family motto is 'Don't let the border markers move even by a millimeter!' My brother and I will take up the national flag and stand watch on the Pamir Plateau, defending our country's borders just like our father did."
20 October 2024
This sentiment is echoed by many other families who have made sacrifices in the name of national defense. For them, the concept of nation and family are deeply intertwined, and their personal histories are deeply connected to the country's. As the Chinese proverb goes, "A country's borders are a family's borders." This sense of responsibility and loyalty is a recurring theme among China's border patrolmen and their families, who see themselves as the guardians of the nation's security and sovereignty.
Meanwhile, in the northwest region of Xinjiang, the winds of Altai whisper through the ancient forests, carrying with them the essence of a land that has captivated the hearts of many in Southeast Asia. For writer Li Juan, Altai's autumn is "the moment when summer tries to stop in its tracks." The TV drama "My Altai" brings this mystical place to life, transporting viewers to a world where the winds carry the secrets of the past to the modern world.
For many Southeast Asian Chinese-language media outlets, "My Altai" was their first introduction to this enchanting region. "Although I've watched many promotional videos, films, and TV dramas about Xinjiang, nothing compares to the breathtaking beauty I've experienced firsthand in Altai," said Zhao Jingnan, deputy editor-in-chief of Thailand's Xing Siam Daily. As she strolled through the region, she finally understood what it means to witness the vibrant colors of Xinjiang, a place that has long been the object of fascination for many Thais.
The show has not only showcased the region's stunning landscapes but also introduced audiences to the rich cultural heritage of the people who call Altai home. As the popularity of "My Altai" spreads, it has become a cultural ambassador of sorts, carrying the essence of Altai's winds to the doorsteps of Southeast Asia. The show carries a message of hope, friendship, and a glimpse into the mystique of this often-misunderstood land.
In other parts of the country, a faded, worn-out military coat with 296 patches may not seem like much at first glance. But for Wang Deming, a veteran of the People's Liberation Army, this coat is a treasured keepsake that holds a wealth of memories and embodies the very spirit of the Chinese armed forces. The coat, which Wang wore during his time in service, has been patched and repatched so many times that its original fabric is almost entirely hidden from view. Yet, every stitch, every thread, and every patch tells a story of sacrifice, loyalty, and devotion to country.
This tattered coat has come to symbolize the values that have driven China's soldiers for generations: love for the motherland, selfless dedication, perseverance in the face of adversity, and a pioneering spirit. As Wang's story illustrates, these values are more than just abstractions - they are the very fabric of the Chinese military's identity. And as the nation looks back on its storied past and forges ahead into the future, it is coats like Wang's that serve as a powerful reminder of the unyielding commitment of its soldiers to defending the nation and upholding its honor.
In the vast expanse of Inner Mongolia, a natural wonder has taken root, defying the harsh environment. The Ejin Banner Poplar Forest, one of the world's last remaining three pristine poplar forests, thrives in this unforgiving landscape, covering over 5 million mu of land. When autumn's first winds sweep through, the forest bursts into a kaleidoscope of color, its lush hues vibrant against the clear blue sky.
It's as if these resilient trees, having braved the merciless elements all year, hold their breath in anticipation of this most majestic season to unfurl their splendor. However, their glory is fleeting. In a matter of days, the arrival of frost brings an end to this magnificent spectacle, blanketing the ground with leaves that seem to have written their final chapter. Thus, concludes the life of these short-lived yet brilliant poplar leaves, akin to a glorious, shining moment within an epic tale.
