Peking University, April 30, 2022: Peking University offers a unique international campus environment for students of all nationalities, cultures, and backgrounds to pursue their passions and interests, welcoming students from all walks of life across the globe, as we gather here at Yanyuan, sharing the same PKU identity.

"How We Met at PKU" is an interview series showcasing the close-knitted bonds formed by various Pekingers across geographical borders at PKU, documenting these peculiar cross-cultural friendships formed into our shared PKU Family memory journal.

We welcome all current Pekingers and alumni to submit your stories at the end of this article.


Liu Tangxingfrom China graduated from Yuanpei College, Peking University (PKU) with an undergraduate degree in Economics in 2020. In the same batch wasAekkawat Ratjirot from Thailand who, also from Yuanpei College of PKU, graduated with an undergraduate degree. Aekkawat is currently a master's student at the School of Government, PKU and Tangxing is working in Shenzhen.

Next-door neighbor to best friends

7 years ago, Aekkawat entered the Yanyuan campus as an international student from Thailand. He was excited to kick-start his campus life and settle in. As a Yuanpei College student, he had the option to choose to live with Chinese students in their dorms inside campus. This wasn't only a cheaper option but also a great opportunity for him to understand China closely with the students. He chose the 35th no. dormitory and was immediately assigned to room no. 348 where he would be sharing the room with three other Chinese students. Aekkawat confessed that initially he wasn't used to living with three other people in the same room and sharing public bathrooms, but he believed in his adaptability and was soon able to fit in to the environment.


Right across his room mirrored room no. 346 where Tangxing had just unpacked and settled. Aekkawat vividly recall their first conversation of the very day he had moved in. Their conversation clicked on spicy food and Aekkawat and Tangxing began to hang out more often.

"Our doors were always open and I could see him from where I sat and we'd often cross over to chat."

Aekkawat being a foreigner was refreshing for Tangxing as he would provide a new perspective to their conversation. While Tangxing was eager to learn more about Aekkawat's foreign background, Aekkawat was equally willing to immerse in conversation with Tangxing to understand Chinese culture. Besides their friendship, Aekkwat shares that in this process he was also able to bond with his roommates and they would often get off campus to enjoy the weekends. These exchanges widen both Aekkwawat and Tangxing's horizons and allowed them to get to know each other better. Aekkawat and Tangxing started with batch mates to next door neighbors and then to best friends.


In fact, Aekkawat calls Tangxing his "elder brother" and believes to have learned a lot from him too. He explains that knowing about the gaokao, Chinese national college entrance exam, he always believed that Chinese students are excellent. Although he didn't have to go through the fierce competition that Chinese students did, he admires all Chinese students who work hard and make it into the top universities. He draws this impression on Tangxing from this and believes that he is independent, optimistic and thoughtful. Moreover, Aekkawat describes Tangxing as a "great sportsman" as he plays badminton and runs very fast. He even recalled them often going for runs and also participating in annual PKU anniversary marathon together. For Tangxing, it was Aekkawat's amazing conversation skills that appealed. Aekkawat's different perspectives and strong opinions allowed Tangxing to joke that "Aekkawat's honest nature is perhaps why his English name is Frank!".


Living next-door and being from the same school was a great push for their friendship as they would attend classes together and keep each other on track with events and exams. When they took "Principles of Economics" course together during freshman year, Tangxing was always willing and ready to help Aekkawat with any issues. Similarly, in life, Tangxing is assured that even if he stumbles upon any difficulties in life, he will always be able to turn to Aekkawat for advice. In fact, he shares that Aekkawat's advices to him has always made him feel like he is always supported by his friends and he cherishes this feeling of confidence.


Although there were challenging times like exams, Tangxing believes in looking at the brighter side because it is the good memories that matter in the end.

Tangxing admits that although they initially bonded over spicy food, his cooking skills will never be as great as Aekkawat's skills. He remembers a time when Aekkawat invited him and other friends outside of campus where he was able to cook Thai food for everyone because the dorms don't allow cooking. He made steak and broccoli for everyone and Tangxing used a Chinese quote that "if you can confidently enter a hall and also a kitchen then it means that you can do a good job at work and home!" to compliment on Aekkawat's talent.


Other shared and treasured memories is of them participating in various campus events like that of the PKU anniversary, late night runs, marathons and group picnics. They were even able to travel together when they joined an educational trip to Wuhan city as assistants lead by the school's department. Wuhan is known for the beautiful natural scenery and the sakura flowers. They were not only able to make this trip productive by helping the students learn about the city, they also enjoyed the city for themselves.  Similarly, another memorable trip was their graduation trip. As soon as his graduation trip with his roommates to Sichuan, he hopped on a plane to Thailand to join Aekkawat's graduation trip with his roommates. The five friends embraced the humidity, blue sky, golden beach and boundless sea of Thailand.


They both believe that they had an extraordinary and unforgettable undergraduate experience. When they graduated in 2019, as Aekkawat started packing his luggage to leave, reality suddenly hit him that their university days have ended and it was time to say goodbye. He remembers shedding tears while Tangxing and other friends went to see him off at the airport. “I wish I could go back to that time and the university days.”


With the pandemic still around the corners, the best friends hope they will see better days when they can meet each other soon in Thailand and explore from where they left during the graduation trip. Aekkawat is currently excited that Tangxing will be transferring to Beijing from Shenzhen this summer. Similarly, Tangxing is cheering for Aekkawat's master's graduation this summer.


A message for each other:

Aekkawat Ratjirot: I hope his work goes smoothly and he is able to stay healthy. I hope he will be able to find the best path for him in life. I also wish he'll find a match soon!

Liu Tangxing: As he will be embarking on the next chapter of his life. Whatever he chooses, whichever career he decides, I will support him regardless and wish that he have great achievements!

Writted by: Aneka R. Rajbhandari
Designed by: Chin Xiao Yun Pauline, Goh Chia Chia
Edited by: Pu Hairui
Contributors: Liu Tangxing and Aekkawat Ratjirot
Producer: Amanda Hu