CHINA

Country Overview:

"A land of contrasts, where ancient traditions meet rapid modernization, and delectable cuisine coexists with complex political realities."

My seven-year journey in China, from May 2013 to August 2020, was a whirlwind of experiences. I taught English, pursued my Master's in Politics & Foreign Policy at the prestigious Tsinghua University, and immersed myself in the media landscape at China Today and Xinhua News Agency. Beijing was my home base, but my travels painted a vibrant tapestry of China's diverse landscapes and cultures: the bustling metropolis of Shanghai, the historic city of Xi'an, the tropical paradise of Sanya, the unique blend of East and West in Macau and Hong Kong, and countless other destinations in between. From savoring the exquisite flavors of regional cuisines to navigating the intricacies of daily life under a distinct political system, China left an indelible mark on me.

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Tsinghua + PKU

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Peking University

And this is where I work. Much prettier campus than Tsinghua

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Flag

Chinese flag at Peking University, taken from the office of my internship

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View from the office of my internship at Peking University

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Peking University Campus in Beijing, China

Tried to go to Summer Palace today and quickly realized that sightseeing during a Chinese holiday is a horrible idea (we get a week holiday for Chinese National Day). Thousands of Chinese tourist lined the streets and bike lanes were blocked with transport busses. So I noped right out of there and checked out Peking University campus, often referred to as Tsinghua’s rival. I’ve come to realize that trying to get a clear shot of anything in China is going to have random Chinese people in it. One of the many unwritten laws of living in Beijing.