Blessings beyond buses and beverages

On May 28, Zhengzhou and Bishkek established sister-city relations. The agreement developed their ties into a comprehensive partnership, bridging aspects of urban life — from consumer goods and public transportation to education — into a framework for mutual growth.

Lu Kang, president of the Henan Chamber of Commerce in Kyrgyzstan, who has lived in Bishkek for nearly 30 years, says he has felt ties between Henan and Kyrgyzstan have grown even closer through the Belt and Road Initiative, which was proposed in 2013.

"Walking through the streets of Bishkek today, you can feel a Henan touch. You can enjoy Henan huimian (braised noodles) and hulatang (spicy soup), and Henan-made instant noodles have entered local supermarkets and convenience stores, becoming everyday consumer goods for locals."

For Mitrofanov, Henan's presence in Bishkek brought back memories of his years in Zhengzhou. During his studies, he grew fond of the city's ubiquitous milk tea spots. He relived those memories in June when the Zhengzhou beverage chain Mixue Bingcheng opened outlets in Bishkek.

After stopping by one of the new, bustling outlets to try the brand's signature soft serve ice cream, Mitrofanov recognized the familiar flavor immediately.

"Now I can taste Zhengzhou right here in Bishkek," he said, adding an enthusiastic "Zhong! Zhong! Zhong!" — meaning "terrific" in Henan dialect.

Economic and trade collaboration between China and Kyrgyzstan is thriving, something reflected in daily life in Bishkek and beyond, says Rashid Yusupov, director of the Belt and Road Research Center of Kyrgyz National University for Nationalities in Bishkek.