With warm sunshine and a gentle breeze, the osmanthus flowers quietly bloom along the streets of Kunming, filling the air with a subtle fragrance that makes one unable to help but slow down. Known as the "Spring City," this place always welcomes every traveler from afar with its unique rhythm. Here, Michael Hermann from Germany is quietly weaving his own story.

Michael was born in Dortmund, Germany, an industrial area surrounded by the noise of steel and machinery. During holidays, he would escape the hustle and bustle to his uncle's farm in Oldenburg. There, each cow had its unique name, the air was fresh, and life was simple and orderly. It was this longing for rural life that planted a seed in his heart, and ultimately led him to set foot on the land of Yunnan, where he became an international charity worker deeply engaged in the fields.

As the chief representative of the Federation for Associations connected to the International Humana People to People Movement (Switzerland) in Yunnan, Michael's career has been like an adventure crossing borders. However, compared to the legendary stories from distant lands, his experiences in Yunnan, though lacking in dramatic flair, are filled with warmth and steadfastness accumulated over time.

Michael during the interview. Photo by Tan Shiyan

Encountering Kunming: Experiencing its charm

In 2005, Michael Hermann was assigned to Yunnan to oversee the assistance projects of the Humana People to People Federation.

For Michael, charity is not an empty slogan but a practical action. He draws inspiration from the German literary giant Goethe: "Knowledge alone is not enough; it must be applied. Desire alone is not enough; it must be acted upon. " Thus, he and his team meticulously planned a "four-step" strategy, starting from actual needs, pooling resources, nurturing local talent, and closely collaborating with the government to ensure every project can take root and sprout on this land.

On August 5 of that year, Michael arrived at Kunming's Wujiaba Airport. As he stepped out of the cabin, it felt as if he were stepping into a beautiful painting: the blue sky was clear, the white clouds floated lazily, and the sunshine bathed every inch of land, with fresh air that uplifted the spirit.

However, a small mishap upon his arrival gave him new insights into the city's planning. That day, he stood outside the airport, wanting to take a taxi to his office, but several taxis sped past him without stopping. Later, he learned that he was standing in a place without a designated taxi stop, and Kunming's traffic management is always orderly. "Everything is so well-organized," Michael remarked, "This city has its unique rhythm and rules."

"My first visit to the Kunming World Horticultural Expo Garden was in 2006, where exquisite themed gardens dotted the landscape, featuring shady trees and vibrant blooms. Strolling along the wide avenues and winding paths, every step was enveloped in fragrant floral scents." Here, Michael profoundly experienced the natural beauty and charm of the gardens in Kunming.

Delving into Kunming: Witnessing its transformation

For 19 years, Michael has been immersed in this picturesque land, witnessing the rise and transformation of a nation. By the end of 2020, China, home to nearly one-fifth of the world's population, completely eradicated absolute poverty, achieving the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Goals for poverty reduction a decade ahead of schedule. Michael stated candidly, "China has made great achievements in social progress."

Michael during the interview. Photo by Tan Shiyan

Michael's life in Kunming has allowed him to keenly feel the city's rapid changes. "When I first arrived, most buildings on Chuanjin Road were only six stories high, with solar panels and water tanks on the rooftops." His words carried a barely noticeable excitement, "Now, 30-story skyscrapers have risen, and the cityscape has transformed."

Walking through the streets and alleys of Kunming, Michael experienced the convenience and modernity of transportation. The emergence of high-speed trains, subways, shared bikes, and various ride-hailing apps has completely changed people's travel habits. "In Kunming, getting around has become so easy," he said. "I mainly rely on the subway and bicycle within the city, and for longer trips, I opt for high-speed trains or planes, which are both economical and time-saving." His words reflected his love and admiration for this city.

Michael during the interview. Photo by Tan Shiyan

Kunming has never ceased in its efforts to build a beautiful Spring City. Michael revealed an encouraging trend: "By the end of 2023, the proportion of green space in Kunming's main urban area has reached 40.6%, with a greening coverage rate of 43.6%." He believes this is not just a simple statistical figure but a powerful reflection of the city's transformation and the improvement in residents' quality of life.

"In 1949, the average life expectancy in China was only 35 years, while by 2023, it reached 78.6 years." Michael presented this data to showcase China's leap over the past 75 years. The rate of education has also been steadily increasing, with preschool, compulsory, secondary, and higher education being more widely promoted. He firmly believes that the standards for judging a country's development lie in education, healthcare, elderly care, and quality of life, and that China's success is rooted in its focus on people's livelihoods.

Integrating into Kunming: Falling in love with the city

In his spare time, Michael is an avid learner and runner, consistently practicing the philosophy of "lifelong learning." "When I come to a new place, the first thing I do is learn the language and culture, integrating into local life." He believes this is not only a challenge for himself but also a respect for society.

Michael loves fitness, waking up at four in the morning to run 5 to 10 kilometers, and feeling the pulse of the city through exercise. He also signed up for the Yuxi Marathon on October 5. He stated, "A healthy body is the foundation for everything. I need to maintain good exercise and eating habits to stay healthy, so I can shine and inspire others."

Michael showing his running record from September 26. Photo by reporter Tan Shiyan

Michael (far right) participating in the Dian Lake Ultra-Marathon 2019. Photo provided

"Home has two meanings: one is the place of birth, and the other is where one truly lives." Michael regards Kunming as his "second hometown." Here, he has made friends and found a sense of belonging in both his career and personal life.

In Michael's memory, Dortmund, his hometown shrouded in heavy industry, had polluted air that felt like an invisible shackle, suffocating people's breaths. The white clothes hung out to dry in the morning would be covered in dust by evening, turning gray. A layer of dust would accumulate on the windowsills daily, requiring constant cleaning. In contrast, Kunming's freshness and beauty gave him a sense of freedom and relief.

On October 19, 2021, when he held his Kunming permanent residence permit, his unwavering determination for the future and deep affection for this land had already transformed into the warmest strength within him, inspiring him to continue contributing to Yunnan's comprehensive development and painting a bright future together.

Michael's story is like the subtle fragrance of osmanthus flowers on the streets of Kunming—unassuming yet capable of warming hearts and inviting reflection.

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(Editors: Jennifer, Amy)