Bianjie

[journey]

The diamond of the North, or how Niyalma became the fastest-growing city in Bianjie
9 September 5653



NIYALMA: Despite its sizes and population, Bianjie is still obviously, a very diverse nation, culturally, economically, demographically and geographically. Sometimes, a lot of us forget that a life outside of Khani exists, and that is a problem since that life is beautiful, and deserves the nationwide attention. And not just because we have some pity towards the cities and people who live there, but also because those places and those places make the bigger change domestically and regionally.

Somewhere between the high northern mountains of Bianjie, where mist clings to pine forests and the air smells of cedar, lies the city of Niyalma, once considered simply as an outpost town, now is the fastest-growing settlement of Bianjie, recently becoming the second-largest city in the whole country. With the city's streets buzzing with old traditions, modern culture and big ambitions, Niyalma became a place where the change is simply palpable. 

About 80 years ago, Niyalma was known as a small town that went through a rough history of being founded as a military, used as the outpost for the running Khan Cuyen, who was fleeing the socialist military regime, building a palace, which became the tourist attraction later on, and then simply a city sitting on large deposites of rare minerals. Standing in the middle of province, far away from sea access and located between the mountains meant no bright future for the city, and yet something has changed when the provincial initiative created tax incentives in the city, opening it for businesses and tourism, creating cultural programs and routes. Obviously, there were other steps, but we can put it away for students to write their papers about. The point it, the city literally boomed, with its population doubling in less than 10 years, fueled by young families, skilled workers, and entrepreneurs, who received social housing, support and tax breaks to settle and create new generations of families in the city, instead of the overcrowded metropolises on the sourthern coast.

Though, even though many new locals love their new city, and the way the urban local government has been caring for them, some locals, who have been living in Niyalma for decades are not as happy, but rather complex. "I appreciate the work our government did throughout years, but we're slowly becoming something that has prompted all those families to come here: a loud, busy and very fast metropolis", says Yensar Tulgi, a 57-year-old local. "But, I must say, because of this 'boom', I have met wonderful new people, I have met my wife, who came here from Namušun, I have been enjoying my lüdagun every morning in a café that has opened and been working thanks to the government subsidies". And there are many more stories like these: grumpy, but welcoming.

Since the Soca government was sworn in back in 5648, there was a new wave of domestic migration to Niyalma, thanks to the now-national investment and programs to grow and develop northern Bianjie and its settlements through the education and infrastructure reforms. And nevertheless, the city government tries to find the golden middle between rapid growth and development and the preservation of local culture and tradition. Mayor Mei Jangmu (PCP), currently serving her second term, says that her city "is not supposed to be another metropolis", and rather it is a city that grows with intention – "rooted in the land, open to the world", she says.

Clearly, Niyalma is not perfect, no one is. But it clearly presents an alternative for those looking for something new, modern yet traditional. Cozy and comfortable, and yet big and loud. Accessible and affordable, yet expensive and complex. But it is worth at least visiting, at least paying attention. Especially, as the city awaits the forum of Bianjie's partner countries to meet in the city and sign the economic treaty, sources within government say, which will surely create even more attention and prompt another wave of migration into the city, but one can say with certainty – Niyalma is ready to take it. 



毎日急行 (Daily Express) is a major daily newspaper based in the city of Namušun, Khani Province.