Current location:travel >>
The foreign hairdresser who calls himself a "Xinjianger"
travel924People have gathered around
Introduction(Xinhua) 10:44, January 06, 2024URUMQI, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) -- "They didn't want me to come, saying I am ...
URUMQI, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) -- "They didn't want me to come, saying I am a bit long in the tooth to worry about my hairstyle," said an old lady, staring at her reflection in the mirror as An Jong-euk was snipping her hair.
"Who told you not to come?" An asked.
"The old women in our neighborhood," said the customer.
"They know nothing about beauty or fashion," said An jokingly.
With accurate snips from a sharp pair of scissors, a chic pixie cut was finished in no time. After escorting the happy senior to the door, the always-smiling hairdresser gestured to the next silver-haired customer to take a seat.
Every Monday morning, An, who is originally from the Republic of Korea (ROK), offers free haircuts to people over the age of 65 as a way of giving back to his "second home" of Urumqi, capital city of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
An came to Xinjiang in 2003 as a tourist. The breathtaking scenery, delicious cuisine and friendly people were among the reasons that convinced him to stay.
"While I come from ROK, my heart belongs to Xinjiang," said An.
The "Xinjianger" knows where to find the best grilled lamb and baked lamb buns in Urumqi. Having lived in the city for two decades, An has personally witnessed the rapid development of Urumqi.
"The most visible change in the city is the infrastructure. A metro system has been built, and the airport and railway stations have also been expanded. There are more and more high-rising buildings popping up," he said.
With his business expanding from a small hairdressing store to two large high-end salons in Urumqi's central business district, the hairdresser has also felt the big changes that have taken place in his industry.
"In the past, everyone went for the most popular hairstyle. However, this meant that everyone looked the same. Now, people are looking for styles with individuality, and their sense of style has also improved," he said.
Years ago he would often return to the ROK, or travel to places like Japan, Europe and America to learn about the latest trends. But nowadays he has seen more and more international hairdressing training courses held in China and an increasing number of hair stylists coming to China to learn about the new ideas that are emerging here.
An's hard work of bringing beauty to local residents has won him respect in his community. He wanted to show his gratitude for the hospitality and kindness that local people have extended to him, and decided to offer free haircuts for senior citizens.
"Helping others brings me joy," An said. "Besides, when I see these senior citizens in Urumqi, it feels like I am with my own parents in my hometown."
An's bond with a Kazak family, the Sayzbat Mahmut's, started with a giving and taking story.
One day, two friends and their little son visited An at his home in suburban Urumqi, and the boy needed some milk. There were no supermarkets nor stores nearby, so An looked around the neighborhood and saw a door with a sign that read "fresh milk." He knocked, and an old Kazak herdsmen couple opened the door. An told them he's a neighbor and would like to buy some milk.
"Just take it," said the couple.
"I'll pay you," An said.
"Why would you do that?" They said. "Neighbors are like relatives."
Since then, An has become a part of Sayzbat's family. The old couple lost their only son in an accident and led an austere life raising their grandson. An often pays house calls to the family, buys them daily necessities and chats with the old couple.
"I feel like I am one of them," An said.
"The local people are very accommodating to an outsider like me. I'm grateful for that," said the Korean man. "Now, think about it, coming to Xinjiang was the right decision. I have everything I have ever wanted."
Tags:
Reprint:Friends are welcome to share on the Internet, but please indicate the source of the article when reprinting it.“Stellar Standpoint news portal”。http://spratlyislands.fictionsmistress.com/content-84c199817.html
Related articles
Celebrity birthdays for the week of May 26
travelCelebrity birthdays for the week of May 26-June 1:May 26: Sportscaster Brent Musburger is 85. Drumme ...
【travel】
Read morePrince William celebrates Aston Villa's opening goal against Lille with Prince George at Villa Park
travelPrince William and Prince George were seen celebrating Aston Villa's opening goal against Lille at V ...
【travel】
Read moreControversial Antonio Brown pays tribute to 'legend' OJ Simpson after his death from cancer aged 76
travelFormer NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown made a head-scratching tribute to OJ Simpson following his de ...
【travel】
Read more
Popular articles
- Jessica Biel CHOPS her long locks into a bob after book signing in Studio City
- Travis Kelce hilariously ripped for his old tweets at New Heights live
- Ariana Grande showcases legs in floral mini dress as she holds hands with Wicked co
- Controversial Antonio Brown pays tribute to 'legend' OJ Simpson after his death from cancer aged 76
- Nuggets blow 20
- Atletico Madrid star reveals the footballers'
Latest articles
Storms damage homes in Oklahoma and Kansas. But in Houston, most power is restored
Beijing court jails Chinese
Is Phil Foden a shoo
5 arrested at dawn over freak accident at Hong Kong boy band Mirror concert
Amtrak train hits pickup truck in upstate New York, 3 dead including child
James Corden FINALLY gets approval to demolish his Oxfordshire home after months of delays
LINKS
- 'Zero COVID
- Remote Daliang Mountain in SW China Sees Departure of First Bullet Train
- Folk Artists Put on Performance to Celebrate Upcoming Spring Festival in SW China's Sichuan
- People Around China Celebrate Chinese Lunar New Year
- TCM Widely Applied in COVID
- Various Events Held Across China to Celebrate Upcoming Lantern Festival
- Protection of consumers' personal information highlighted in China's new regulations
- China Focus: China Works to Meet Demand for Elderly Nursing Care Beds
- National Ear Care Day Marked Across China
- China Beat S. Korea in AFC Women's Asian Cup Final