“Faster!”—A Foreign Woman Took Action That Moved Everyone

Source: OT-Team(G), 浙江日报

In a touching scene on the morning of June 23, an elderly woman accidentally fell into a river near Bazi Bridge in Shaoxing's Yuecheng District. 

Just as the situation turned dire, a young Russian tourist named Shahanas(transliterated as 莎河娜斯 in Chinese) jumped into the water and pulled the woman to safety, earning widespread praise from locals.

According to eyewitnesses, the elderly resident—referred to as Granny Tao by the community—lost her footing and fell into the river. A nearby resident, resting at home at the time, suddenly heard cries for help coming from outside. Looking out, he saw Granny Tao struggling in the water.

At that moment, Shahanas, the 30-year-old tourist, was passing by Bazi Bridge. Without hesitation, she dropped her backpack on the riverbank, rushed down the bridge, and dove straight into the river toward the drowning woman.

While Shahanas swam to reach Granny Tao, local residents sprang into action, quickly retrieving a long rescue pole and extending it into the river. Once she reached the elderly woman, Shahanas firmly held her by the shoulders to keep her head above water. With assistance from the shore, she helped guide Granny Tao toward the riverbank. Thanks to their coordinated efforts, the woman was finally brought to safety.

Reporters later spoke with Shahanas, who shared more about her background. A graduate of Huzhou University, she majored in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language and has long held a deep interest in traditional Chinese culture. "I've read works by Lu Xun and Lu You, and always dreamed of visiting Shaoxing—the city where they once lived," she said. "This was my first time here."

Taking advantage of her graduation break, Shahanas had planned a three-day visit to Shaoxing. "Today was my last day. Since I had to return in the afternoon, I woke up early to explore nearby attractions and take some photos while the streets were still quiet," she recalled. "I hadn't been there long when I saw the elderly woman fall into the river."

"There was no time to think—I just knew I had to move fast," she said.

After the rescue, Granny Tao's family rushed to the scene. Grateful for Shahanas's brave actions, they invited her to their home to rest, even offering her a change of dry clothes. "The daughter of the elderly woman also added me on social media and said they hope I'll visit them next time I'm in Shaoxing," Shahanas said with a smile.

"Shaoxing is a beautiful city rich in history. The scenery and the warmth of the people here have left a deep impression on me," she added. "I'll definitely come back again."