Assalamualaikum Beijing (2014) Plot Summary Explained

Asma (Revalina S. Temat) learns that her fiancé Dewa (Ibnu Jamil) has impregnated another woman, Anita (Cynthia Ramlan). She cancels her wedding, telling him to support his child. Three months later, Asma travels to Beijing on assignment as a reporter. She adapts to life in China with the help of her friend Sekar (Laudya Cynthia Bella) and begins a column about life as an Indonesian migrant. For this, she travels to various tourism sites, including the Beijing National Stadium and the Great Wall of China. She also interviews several Beijing residents.

One day, Asma meets a young Chinese man named Zhongwen (Morgan Oey) on the bus. She spots him several times afterwards, but they only speak further when he serves as her tour guide at Niujie Mosque. Asma learns that, despite Zhongwen's apparent knowledge of Islam, he is not a Muslim. However, the two bond over their religious discussions. Dewa, having read Asma's column, departs for China, where he announces his intention to divorce Anita and marry Asma. He accompanies Asma and Zhongwen on a trip to the Temple of Heaven, where he mistreats Zhongwen both out of jealousy and because the latter is non-Muslim. Angered, Asma abandons Dewa.

As time passes, Asma begins to suffer severe headaches and ultimately collapses at the office. She is diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome, an anti-immune disease, for which she decides to undergo treatment in Indonesia. Leaving without informing Zhongwen, once in Indonesia, she recalls their discussion of the story of Ashma. As she contemplates the story, she realizes that she loves Zhongwen. After her condition is treated, Asma returns home to live with her mother, who is further supported by Sekar. Dewa, however, continues to pursue her.

Meanwhile, Zhongwen has studied Islam intensely and converted. He travels to Indonesia, where he seeks out Asma. When she is stricken blind and collapses, he promises to take care of her; Dewa, meanwhile, acknowledges that Asma no longer desires to marry him and returns to Anita. As Asma recovers, Zhongwen asks her mother for permission to marry. This proposal is accepted, and the two commit despite concerns that any pregnancy could result in a miscarriage. Once Asma's illness is brought under control, she returns to China with Zhongwen. She publishes a novel based on her experiences and learns that she has become pregnant. She and Zhongwen agree that their child will grow as strong and enduring as their love.