Wang participates in a modern poetry recitation competition. [Photo provided to gofujian.com]

"Fujian is my hometown. My roots are in Quanzhou." Born in the Philippines, Wang An'an speaks of her hometown with quiet certainty. Though she grew up far from China, the customs, language, and flavours of Fujian have long been woven into her everyday life.

At home, traces of Fujianese tradition are everywhere. During the Spring Festival, her family would offer prayers for peace and fortune in the coming year. When the Mid-Autumn Festival arrives, people gather for the Bo Bing game. The family uses the Minnan dialect in daily conversation, and Fujian dishes are often served at the table. In these small yet meaningful rituals, Fujian never feels far away, even across the sea.

In the Philippines, Chinese culture is deeply rooted in local life. People of different backgrounds join in celebrating traditional Chinese festivals, watching lion dances and lanterns. Wang's school also provides a bridge for her to learn Chinese culture. Every Spring Festival, students dress in red outfits and enjoy the gala. Competitions in calligraphy, essay writing, and recitation help deepen her connection to the culture and improve her language skills.

Through these experiences, Wang has developed a profound appreciation for Chinese civilisation. "Sometimes I feel as if I've travelled back in time," she says, "as though I'm witnessing the wisdom of the ancients with my own eyes." She is deeply moved by the resilience of the Chinese people and admires their brilliance.

What fascinates her most, however, is the Chinese language itself. "When translating, I find that Chinese can express emotions with such subtlety, and a single word can carry multiple meanings," she says. Although she never attended formal Chinese lessons, daily life and family environment nurtured her language capacity. Still, she admits that writing in Chinese can be challenging, especially when it comes to using idioms or historical allusions.

Many of Wang's writings draw inspiration from Chinese culture. She has written essays about traditional Fujian cuisine and stories about visiting her grandmother back in Fujian; each piece becoming a thread that ties her closer to her roots. Recently, she was moved by her mother's nostalgia for home and wrote Mother's Hometown, an essay that uses her mother's memories of sweet lychees as a thread. The story captures both the flavour of the fruit and the affection of a mother longing for her homeland, painting a portrait of the kindness of the Fujian people.

Looking ahead, Wang hopes to read more Chinese classics to strengthen her writing and communication skills. For her, writing is a bridge that connects generations and cultures. And through her words, the love between a young girl and her Fujian roots continues to grow across mountains and seas.