Across boundaries, beyond trade

"Many people are interested in traditional Chinese treatment methods. During the outreach, many Mongolians lined up daily to participate. Local medical staff also expressed great enthusiasm for techniques like acupuncture and medicinal tuina massage, and even expressed a desire to come to China to study."

In education, Erenhot also plays a crucial connecting role. Located close to Mongolia with seamless cross-border travel links, the city has become a popular destination for Mongolian students.

According to Su Ying, deputy director of the Erenhot Municipal Education, Science, and Technology Bureau, Erenhot has been offering educational programs for Mongolian students since 1992.

Over the decades, the city has educated more than 6,800 Mongolian students, now providing comprehensive services across all academic stages — from kindergarten to high school.

For 17-year-old Michidmaa, who attended high school in Erenhot, studying in China has not only allowed her to master Chinese but also to deeply experience Chinese culture and societal vitality. "This has strengthened my desire to continue my studies in China," she said. "My interest in Chinese culture fuels my desire to learn more here and drives me to keep exploring."

According to Su, a total of 104 Mongolian high school students graduated from Erenhot this year. To date, 49 have secured admission to top-tier Chinese institutions, including Fudan University, Wuhan University, and Zhejiang University.

Contact the writers at yangran1@chinadaily.com.cn