'Chengdu feels like home': Malaysian table tennis player

(ECNS) -- On Tuesday morning, Malaysian table tennis player Deng Yilin (Chinese pinyin) visited the Sichuan Table Tennis Association, where she helped young athletes analyze performance data and develop training plans. 

A master's student at Tsinghua University, Deng says she plans to return to Chengdu after graduation, calling the city not just a second comfort zone — but a second home.

As a former member of Malaysia's national table tennis team, Deng came to China—where table tennis is celebrated as the "national sport"—to further her education after high school. She earned her bachelor's degree in racquet sports from Chengdu Sport University and is now pursuing a master's in sports science at Tsinghua. Over her seven years in China, she has competed in numerous tournaments, with her travels spanning much of the country.

"Behind many of China's historic landmarks are rich and captivating stories. The more I learn, the more I'm amazed by the depth of Chinese culture," Deng said. "Every city has its own unique charm. For Malaysian travelers, slowing down and soaking in the atmosphere can lead to unexpected and unforgettable experiences."

Regarding her choice to settle in Chengdu, Deng points to more than just the laid-back lifestyle. "Some of my most cherished teachers and friends are here," she said, "and there's a growing community of Malaysian students and visitors that makes the city feel even more like home."

Since China and Malaysia introduced a mutual visa exemption in December 2023, travel between the two countries has surged. The phrase "You have to visit Chengdu at least once in your life" has become a buzzword among Malaysians online. At one point, so many Malaysian tourists were spotted in Chengdu that locals joked their streets were "overflowing with Malaysians." In 2025, a local travel agency specializing in Malaysian tourism welcomed over 100 tour groups in just a month.

"Last year, four or five groups of my relatives and friends visited Chengdu—some for the second or third time. It didn't even feel like they were abroad anymore. It felt like they were just dropping by to visit family," Deng said. 

With so many Malaysian bloggers sharing detailed travel tips for Chengdu, and Sichuan restaurants popping up in nearly every Malaysian city, the flavors and scenes of Chengdu have become comfortingly familiar. Besides, Malaysian restaurants are also flourishing in Chengdu.

Over the years, Deng has helped plan many Chengdu trips for friends and family, with two spots always making the list: Wuhou Shrine and Tianfu Financial City. "Wuhou Shrine is perfect for exploring the beloved Three Kingdoms culture that's hugely popular in Malaysia," she said. "And it's also a great place to experience Chengdu's slow-living vibe—sipping tea, people-watching, doing nothing in particular."

"Tianfu Financial City, on the other hand, is a living symbol of China's growth and opportunity. Standing beneath the twin towers, every snapshot feels like a movie scene."

"This year, though, the travel plans are getting an update—everyone's coming in August for the World Games," she added. As a sports major, Deng has witnessed Chengdu's improvements in infrastructure and event management since the 2023 World University Games. She's excited for the world to gather once again in Chengdu, this time to experience not just its cuisine and culture — but its dynamic sporting spirit.

(By Zhao Li)