Fereshteh Mokhtari, a 24-year-old from Iran who adopted the Chinese name Su Mengjie, has transformed her passion for Mandarin into a thriving career as a cultural ambassador. Her journey began in 2017 when she embraced the challenge of learning one of the world's most complex languages – a decision that would redefine her life's trajectory.
"At first, Chinese characters felt like abstract art," Mokhtari recalls, describing how many classmates abandoned the course due to tonal complexities. Undeterred, she immersed herself in cultural studies, discovering parallels between Persian poetry and Chinese philosophical texts that deepened her connection to both civilizations.
Her breakthrough came during the 2019 China International Import Expo in Shanghai, where she interpreted for Iranian exhibitors. "The warmth and professionalism of Chinese partners showed me language is more than words – it's building trust," she says.
Mokhtari later leveraged social media to demystify Chinese traditions for Iranian audiences, creating viral videos about tea ceremonies and calligraphy that amassed 70,000 followers. Today, she guides Chinese tourists through Persepolis and Isfahan, witnessing firsthand how cultural exchange sparks mutual understanding. "When visitors say they'll tell friends about Iran's hospitality, I know every tone practice was worth it," she reflects.
This story exemplifies how youth-driven cultural diplomacy is strengthening China-Iran people-to-people ties, creating new opportunities in tourism and cross-cultural collaboration.
