Bridging cultures, one smile at a time

How did you spend your Labor Day holiday this year? While many people were relaxing or traveling, I found myself volunteering at Yuyuan Garden — one of Shanghai's most iconic landmarks.

It was my first time volunteering in a foreign country. My role seemed simple: helping visitors with directions. Or so I thought. I soon realized that even something as straightforward as giving directions carries its own cultural nuances.

I worked at an information booth alongside a classmate and two of the kindest Chinese aunties — or ayis — who quickly became my unexpected teachers. "Speak slowly and take your time," one of them advised. "And when you give directions, don't point with your finger — use your whole palm." I had no idea that pointing with a finger is considered rude in Chinese culture — such a subtle but important detail.

Eager to be of service — though nervous and unsure whether I'd be understood — I noticed some visitors hesitated to approach me, likely assuming I couldn't speak Chinese. To break the ice, I greeted everyone with a big smile and said in Chinese, "Welcome, how can I help you?" Many were surprised to hear me speak fluently, and their surprise quickly turned into comfort.

One family stood out. They had traveled all the way from Shaanxi on their first trip to Shanghai. As they passed the booth, their 7-year-old son shouted, "Waiguoren!" — which means "foreigner" in Chinese. I smiled and asked if they needed help. The father hesitated until one of the ayis encouraged him: "He is our foreign friend who came here to volunteer. He can speak Chinese."

Reassured, the father came closer, and we began to chat. His accent was strong, and I struggled a bit at first, but soon we were talking not just about tourist information, but also about our cultures.

He seemed genuinely curious about me and asked many thoughtful questions. One of them was why many Africans eat with their hands instead of using chopsticks. I explained that it's part of our culture — many traditional dishes are better enjoyed by hand, and chopsticks simply wouldn't work for foods like fufu or injera. He found it fascinating and asked if I could use chopsticks. I told him it had taken me years — and several finger cramps — but I'd finally mastered them. He laughed heartily, and I laughed along with him.

He even complimented my teeth and asked if I used any whitening products. I told him they were naturally like that. He seemed genuinely impressed.

Curious to learn more about him in return, I asked about his hometown, Shaanxi. His face lit up as he spoke with pride. He told me about its significance along the ancient Silk Road and how it's considered one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization. He talked about the city of Xi'an, which was the capital of 13 dynasties and is famous for the Terracotta Warriors. He also introduced me to biangbiang noodles, noting that the character for "biang" is one of the most complex in the Chinese language.

His son was just as enthusiastic. When he found out I spoke English, his eyes sparkled with excitement, and he eagerly practiced a few words with me. It was a joyful moment for both of us.

That experience reminded me how powerful a smile and an open mind can be in bridging cultures. In that brief interaction, we built a connection — one question, one laugh, and one story at a time.

Volunteering at one of Shanghai's most vibrant spots gave me a deeper appreciation for Chinese culture, and I was struck by how vast and diverse the country is. Every person I spoke to came from a different region, each with its own dialect, food, and traditions. It was a cultural exchange far richer than I had anticipated, and I learned just as much from the visitors as they did from me.

To all international students: life isn't just in your books and lectures. It is also out there in the world, waiting for you. China has so much to offer — you only need to ask. Sometimes, closing your books and stepping into the world can teach you lessons no classroom ever could.

Written by Tawanda Mupini, a 27-year-old Zimbabwean, who has been residing in China since 2016. He pursued a bachelor's degree in medicine at Fudan University and completed his internship at Zhongshan Hospital. Beyond his medical studies, he is also an enthusiastic hiker, biker, and long-distance runner.