The True China Through a Foreigner’s Lens 

Authors: W. Denis Nurmela & YoYo Wang 

Price: RMB 98 

Paperback, 278 pages 

Published by Foreign Languages Press 

Denis Nurmela, an American professor, speaker, author, and mentor has made China his home since 2018. Teaching entrepreneurship, public speaking, and English at Changsha University in Hunan and then at North China Electric Power University in Baoding, Hebei Province, he quickly became a well respected figure among his students – not just as an educator but as a wise and warmhearted mentor. 

Eager to understand China beyond the classroom, Nurmela embarked on a remarkable journey, visiting the hometowns of over twenty students and living with their families. These immersive experiences gave him rare insight into the lives, dreams, and challenges of ordinary Chinese people, forming close bonds of friendship. 

The True China Through a Foreigner’s Lens is Nurmela’s memoir, a collection of 44 vivid, personal stories that give the reader intimate glimpses into China’s culture, collective spirit, family ties, and individual aspirations. 

From witnessing introverted students blossom into confident young adults, to helping them win public speaking competitions, and from attending a traditional Chinese wedding to learning mahjong and celebrating the Spring Festival in a rural Hunan village – these stories transcend mere travelogue. They capture the soul of China, forging a deep connection between readers and Chinese people. 

For example, Chapter 13 tells the story of Lime, a quiet but brilliant student whose shy exterior hid a sharp mind and boundless curiosity. Recognizing her potential, Nurmela nurtured her love of reading, gifted her books (including Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People), and guided her in English and social skills. Under his encouragement, Lime grew into a more confident and articulate version of herself. 

Chapter 19 describes Nurmela’s experience attending the wedding of one of his former students, Anna, who had been in his translation class. Independent and self-assured, Anna returned to her hometown after graduation to work at a bank, where she met her future husband. Fascinated by traditional Chinese festivals and customs, Nurmela happily accepted the invitation to attend the wedding. He even consulted Chinese friends about an appropriate gift and prepared an elegant persimmon-red tea set for the couple. The traditional wedding ceremony made the trip memorable: from the groom’s humorous challenges, such as handing out red envelopes to the bridesmaids and kneeling to greet his bride, to the bride’s swift costume changes from her white wedding gown into a red dress for the toasting ceremony. In his heartfelt speech, Nurmela reflected on watching Anna mature from a student to a bride, and looked forward to witnessing her next chapter in life. 

Chapter 43 describes how he joined students in the Hunan Hundred Li-Walk. Despite having run marathons before, being a foreigner made Nurmela stand out in this event, making him a minor celebrity, with local runners and supporters eager to chat with him. It was for him a kind reminder of the universal kindness that bridges cultures. 

In the preface, Nurmela addresses the misunderstandings between China and the U.S., often exacerbated by biased media. His own experiences, however, prove how much the two nations share and how vital open communication is. Through this book, he hopes to offer readers a window into the real China, understanding its values, culture, and the warmth of its people. 

When the pandemic struck in 2020, Nurmela was in China. Contrary to Western media reports, he witnessed a society that prioritized collective well-being, where government measures and grassroots efforts worked hand-in-hand to protect the public. 

The book’s coauthor, YoYo Wang (Wang Qin), a talented former student of Nurmela, played a key role in translating, editing, and managing Nurmela’s social media accounts, which have garnered millions of views. Together, they blend humor, insight, and warmth to showcase China’s culture, landscapes, and cuisine, revealing how a foreigner’s “Chinese heart” resonates with the dreams of Chinese people. 

At the end of the book, he writes: “Life is an unfinished epic, each chapter full of surprises, every farewell and reunion weaving the threads of destiny. On this ancient yet ever young land, my story continues to unfold.”