A student shows a paper-cutting work at the Confucius Institute at the Osh State University in Osh, Kyrgyzstan, Sept. 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

　　BISHKEK, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Initially a fan of Chinese TV series, 19-year-old Zuura Zakirova is now a student of the Chinese language.

　　Recently, the third-year Confucius Institute student at Kyrgyzstan's Osh State University performed a modern Chinese song and played the guzheng, a traditional Chinese zither, winning thunderous applause at an institute event -- one of her accomplishments after two years of Chinese learning.

　　She loves watching Chinese fantasy TV series. "I am particularly fascinated by the actors' period costumes," a tiny part of her obsession with Chinese culture, according to her.

　　Respecting the elders and valuing family ties, as highlighted by Chinese culture, particularly resonates with the Kyrgyz girl.

　　"Our culture has similar concepts. I love it when my family gathers around the festive table and everyone chats happily. I feel happy in that warm atmosphere," she said.

　　The experience of learning Chinese at the Confucius Institute has a profound impact on her, she said. "I've become more self-confident ... I was shy. Here, I've met many teachers and made a lot of friends."

　　"Now, I can communicate freely with Chinese people in their own language," she said.

　　Zakirova said she wants to be a teacher, just like her parents, and "I hope to teach the Chinese language to people in Kyrgyzstan and help with their personal growth through this language."