Guest in Yuzhong | Steven, a British Foreign Teacher: A Second Hometown 'Read' from Newspapers"

Nestled between the Yangtze and Jialing River, Yuzhong seamlessly integrates a 3,000-year cultural heritage with modern vitality. Serving as a gateway to meet the world,Yuzhong hosts all foreign consular offices and over 100 Fortune 500 companies. Foreign friends are both participants in and witnesses to Yuzhong's development. The"Guests in Yuzhong" column by Yuzhong Foreign Affairs invites international residents living and working here to share their perspectives on the district's openness and charm.

For our inaugural feature, we invite Steven Matthews, a foreign language teacher from Chongqing Bashu Secondary School, hailing from the UK. Let's follow his story and discover a different Yuzhong.

"Now I know Chongqing even better than my Chongqing girlfriend." Steven, a teacher from the UK, joined Chongqing Bashu Secondary School in Yuzhong District in 2021. Since then, this city has become deeply intertwined with his life, turning into a second hometown he"discovered" through reading newspapers.

"Chongqing Gave Me the Warmth of Family"

The story began two decades ago.

"During my university years, the newspaper I regularly read had a weekly feature titled'Emerging Global Cities,' and Chongqing was one of them." Steven recalled that the article wasn't filled with grandiose rhetoric but instead told stories of ordinary citizens—policemen, workers, teachers—and their love for the city and aspirations for the future."That sincerity touched me deeply. I thought to myself, this is a city worth visiting."

Steven, passionate about education, had long been drawn to China's rapid development. Five years ago, a recruitment opportunity from Chongqing Bashu Secondary School finally brought him to the city.

"The interview process was quite unique. The interviewers didn't just focus on my teaching skills—they were also interested in my personality, hobbies, and academic interests. They genuinely wanted to understand'who I am as a person.'" This heartfelt approach further deepened Steven's favorable impression of Chongqing.

△ Cycling in the mountains with local riding buddies

Upon first arriving in the mountain city, he was amazed by the striking contrast between Yuzhong District's skyscrapers and the distant mountains, a scene that perfectly blends international urban style with the unique charm of a mountain city. Yet, what truly gave him a sense of belonging in Chongqing were its people.

Shortly after starting his job, colleagues took him on tours of Yuzhong, exploring ancient city gates, museums, former foreign legation sites, and wartime relics, allowing him to gradually appreciate the city's depth. After joining a cycling community, despite the language barrier, local cyclists warmly welcomed him and led him through villages and wild landscapes on Nanshan, Jinyunshan, and Geleshan.

"Once, at a rural restaurant, the curious owner came over to chat with me. We communicated through gestures and broken words, but the friendliness was simply wonderful," he recalled. Walking through Yuzhong's ancient alleyways, locals would naturally strike up conversations about everyday life."That feeling was especially heartwarming— just like being with family."

△ Experiencing Hongyadong’s cultural and tourism charm

Now, he even dares to challenge his girlfriend:"When it comes to knowing Chongqing, you might not know it as well as I do."

"Seeing the Brilliance of International Education Cooperation"

If cycling allowed Steven to get to know Chongqing's landscapes, then the classroom showed him the city's future.

"The students at Bashu Secondary School constantly amaze me." Steven doesn't hide his admiration for his students, with countless classroom moments confirming this: seventh graders sharing unique insights during environmental protection themed lessons; ninth graders engaging in smooth and mature classroom interactions; tenth graders delivering stunning performances in debate competitions...

△ Interacting with students in the classroom

"My teaching goal is simple: to enable students to express their true thoughts and pursue their ideals without fear." What touches him most, however, is the mutual inspiration between teacher and students."The students' thirst for knowledge and depth of thinking constantly motivate me to improve," Steven says. The atmosphere at Bashu Secondary School, where teachers and students explore and grow together, deepens his passion for this profession.

He particularly highlights how Bashu Secondary School seamlessly integrates the International Baccalaureate's (IB) concept of lifelong learning with the local curriculum, encouraging an adventurous, open, and exploratory spirit while striving to cultivate well-rounded learners."This approach fully nurtures students' creativity and higher-order critical thinking— it's the most brilliant aspect I've witnessed in Chongqing's international education cooperation."

"Yuzhong: Warm, Beautiful, and Profound"

Beyond the classroom, Steven has deeply immersed himself in the vibrant daily life of Chongqing.

△ Participating in the Chongqing Marathon

As a triathlon enthusiast, Steven joined the local"Team 7" club, training and competing alongside top athletes."Chongqing's trail running events are increasing, attracting athletes from across China and even internationally." In his view, the city's mountainous terrain, with its scenic beauty and excellent road conditions, holds tremendous potential for hosting international outdoor sports events.

△ Participating in a triathlon

Warm, beautiful, and profound— Steven uses these three words to describe Yuzhong District:"The warmth comes from the passionate residents, the fragrant and spicy hot pot, and the bright summer days; the beauty lies in the scenery where the city and nature seamlessly blend; the profoundness is the history in the ancient city walls and Wartime heritage sites."

"Chongqing has given me a career I love, close friends, and a life partner— it has given me a sense of belonging." Looking ahead, Steven hopes to continue education in Chongqing while also exploring more of the mountain city's scenic wonders. Meanwhile, he offers suggestions:"I hope Chongqing can strengthen its international communication so more people can see its charm and further optimize the payment experience for foreigners to make the city more open and inclusive."

Steven says:"I want the world to know that Chongqing not only has captivating scenery but also a warmth that makes people feel at home."