On the football pitch at Shenyang Normal University, Thai international student Li Tong is always full of vitality. For her, football is not only a universal language that transcends borders, but also a unique bridge that has helped her integrate into life in Shenyang and promote cultural exchanges between China and Thailand.
Li Tong’s passion for football began in childhood. She often followed her older brothers to the football field and regularly watched matches of the Thai national team with her family. Over time, she naturally fell in love with the sport. When she arrived in Shenyang to study in 2022, language barriers initially made communication difficult. However, by taking part in student football matches organized by the university, she quickly made friends from different countries. In addition, she frequently hand-painted cheering posters to support players from various countries. “Football helped me quickly find a sense of belonging here,” Li Tong said with a smile.
When the Thai national football team traveled to Shenyang for a match, Li Tong volunteered to assist visiting Thai fans by providing interpretation and guidance services, helping solve many communication barriers caused by language differences. Off the field, she has also become an “expert on Shenyang” among her Thai friends. Whether recommending authentic local dishes, such as Mala Ban (Spicy Mixed Pot), or introducing iconic attractions like Zhongjie Street and Beiling Park, she is always eager to share her experiences of living in the city.
“I want more Thai people to see the real, welcoming side of Liaoning and China,” said Li Tong, who is currently majoring in preschool education. After graduation, she plans to return to Thailand and become a kindergarten teacher. “I want to share my experiences of studying in China, as well as my stories about football in Liaoning, with my future students, so that seeds of friendship and cultural exchange can be cultivated in their minds.”
With the upcoming opening of the Northeast City Football League, Li Tong is already preparing to return to the pitch once again. She says football has developed a deep connection between her and Shenyang, while also realizing that cultural exchange is never something distant or abstract. “It exists in every warmhearted act of sharing and in every sincere effort to understand one another.”
