Erdem was watering flowers in grandma Liu’s garden. (Photo by Zheng Kaixia)
“From here, you will enjoy stunning vistas of distant mountains and seas, as well as world-class ports!” Mr. Erdem Ozturk, Ningbo’s overseas communication officer (OCO), had an unforgettable one-day trip to Kunting Village, Chunxiao Sub-district, Beilun District of Ningbo on a late August weekend. Sweltering as it was, the excellent local cuisine and scenery left him feeling relaxed and content.
“这里有山有海，还有世界级的港口，风景真是太美了！”8月下旬的一个周末，宁波海外传播官Erdem Ozturk在北仑春晓街道昆亭村度过了快乐的一天。虽然天气炎热，但是有美食美景，他的心情是清凉的。
Erdem, a Turkish expat who has been living and working in Ningbo for nearly 10 years, is currently engaged in international trade in a local company. Brought up in urban areas, Erdem has a growing interest in China’s villages and rural lives. As a Ningbo OCO, he immerses himself in touring distinct villages dotted around the city. During these holidays， he can appreciate the traditional cultures of Ningbo by climbing mountains, visiting the sea, and savoring local delicacies. Erdem shares his amazing immersive experiences and breathtaking views from Ningbo on overseas social platforms, providing the rest of the world with a window into Chinese culture.
来自土耳其的Erdem在宁波工作、生活已经10年了，目前在宁波一家企业从事外贸工作。Erdem从小在城市生活，对中国的农村充满了好奇和向往。作为宁波海外传播官，一到节假日，他便会一头扎进散落在宁波各处的美丽村庄，登高山、踏海浪，寻味宁波美食，感受宁波的传统文化，顺手也把宁波的旖旎风光和生活趣闻分享到海外社交平台，宣传中国文化。
“The variety of villas distinguishes it from the rural countryside. Brilliant!” When Erdem approached Kunting Village, he was taken aback by the diversity of villas. Surrounded on three sides by mountains and embracing the sea on another side, the village was like a haven of peace and happiness.
“哇，这里一点也不像是农村，怎么会有这么多别墅，真是太漂亮了！”一走进昆亭村，鳞次栉比的农村别墅让Erdem大吃一惊。三面环山，一面临海，这个村庄就像是一个世外桃源。
With the scorching sun overhead, Erdem worked as a farmer picking towel gourds, okra, figs, and other fruits and veggies. A rich harvest!
烈日当头，但在农田里，Erdem变身农夫，摘丝瓜、秋葵、无花果等果蔬，不亦乐乎。看着满满的收获，他一脸满足。
“It is my first time tasting figs. So sweet and delectable. I must share them with my family and friends in Turkey.” Erdem said.
“这是我第一次吃无花果，太甜了，太好吃了。我一定要分享给我在土耳其的家人和朋友。”Erdem说。
The hospitable local villager, Grandma Liu, invited Erdem and his party to dinner at home. Freshly picked vegetables were prepared and served as local cuisine. Erdem has enjoyed the cuisine of Ningbo over many years, including pickled wax gourd, salted crab, and other Ningbo specialties, which are among his favorites.
到了晚饭时间，热情的村民刘奶奶招呼Erdem一行到家里吃饭，Erdem刚采摘的蔬菜也成了餐桌上的菜肴。在宁波这么多年，Erdem早已经习惯了宁波的饮食，臭冬瓜、炝蟹等宁波特色菜都是Erdem的最爱。
“They are quite welcoming. So much delicious food. I’m really full.” Erdem is most fond of grandma Liu’s little garden. A variety of plants—Chinese trumpet vine flowers, cape jasmine, bamboo, peppers, and orange trees—make it look like a small park. Erdem added that he would make a vlog about the trip for people to learn more about Kunting village.
“爷爷奶奶真是太客气了，准备了一大桌的菜，太好吃了，我今天吃得真是太撑了。”Erdem最喜欢刘奶奶家的小院子，种满了各种植物，有凌霄花、栀子花、竹子、辣椒、桔子树等，就像一个小公园。Erdem说，要把当天的所见所闻用短视频的方式记录下来，分享给更多的人，让更多的人知道昆亭村。
Chunxiao sub-district, the first national ecological township in Beilun District, is home to diverse natural attractions like tea plantations, forests of bamboo, seas of flowers, beaches, and blue bays. This year, the sub-district was designated as the first “Photography Destinations in Zhejiang”, attracting photographers from Zhejiang Province and beyond to shoot photos and enjoy the views. Meanwhile, it also has emerged as an internet-famous site for a few overseas tourists.
春晓街道是北仑区首个国家级生态乡镇，区域内茶园、竹林、花海、沙滩、蓝湾等各种自然景色丰富多彩。今年，春晓街道刚刚入选浙江首批“浙江省摄影之乡”，不仅吸引了许多省内外摄影家、摄影爱好者前来拍照采风，也成为了不少国际友人参观游玩的“网红”打卡地。
Reporter: Zheng Kaixia
Translators: Mei Jie, PuYang Rong
Proofreaders: Fan Shuping, Lü Chang, Jason Mowbray