I’m from Nanchong, a city in Sichuan Province in southwest China. It’s the second most populous city in Sichuan after Chengdu and sits at the heart of the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle.
One thing I really love about Nanchong is the relaxed pace of life. People there really value a good work-life balance, and life feels much more laid-back than in some of China’s bigger, busier cities. It’s a lovely place to live.
What is your favourite food?
I love Sichuan cuisine, pretty much all of it! But if I had to choose one favourite, it would definitely be Sichuan hotpot. I love the rich, spicy flavours and, even more importantly, the experience of sitting around a hotpot and sharing food with family and friends.
What are your hobbies?
I have quite a few!
First of all, I’m a big music fan. I listen to all sorts of music, depending on my mood. I’ve even organised my playlists around the four seasons, spring, summer, autumn and winter, because I find that each season has its own mood and atmosphere. I also love exploring different musical instruments. So far, I can play the guzheng, a traditional Chinese instrument, as well as the drums.
Secondly, I’m learning to play tennis and improving my swimming at the moment.
Thirdly, I love travelling and discovering new places. I enjoy photography, trying local food, and simply experiencing what makes each place unique.
What is your favourite thing about teaching Chinese?
For me, teaching is all about connection and engagement. I really enjoy getting to know my students, understanding how they learn best, and seeing their confidence grow over time. There’s something incredibly rewarding about watching a student go from “I can’t do this” to “I can actually say this in Chinese!”
What is your top tip for beginner learners of Chinese?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and be brave enough to speak Chinese!
Making mistakes is a completely natural part of learning a language. I think getting your pronunciation right early on can really boost both your confidence and motivation. Once you feel comfortable producing the sounds, you’ll be much more willing to speak, and that’s when learning Chinese becomes much more enjoyable.
What is your top tip for more advanced learners of Chinese?
Seize every opportunity to speak Chinese.
The best way to improve your spoken Chinese is to use it in real-life situations. Don’t worry too much about making mistakes or finding the perfect words. The more you speak, the more natural it will become, and the more confident you’ll feel.
What is your favourite Chinese saying or chengyu, and why?
One of my favourite Chinese sayings is:
“行到水穷处，坐看云起时。”
“Walk until the stream runs dry, then sit and watch the clouds rise.”
It comes from a poem by the Tang Dynasty poet Wang Wei. I love the sense of calm and acceptance in these words. To me, it’s about being comfortable with uncertainty and allowing things to unfold naturally.
I think that’s a lovely attitude not only towards life but also towards learning a language: keep going, stay curious, and allow yourself to enjoy the journey.
What Chinese TV show would you recommend to students?
The Legend of Luo Xiaohei is a wonderful Chinese animated series that offers an engaging introduction to Chinese culture and philosophy through the eyes of a little cat. It is heartwarming, gentle and often humorous, while exploring themes such as friendship, nature, freedom, and the relationship between humans and the natural world.
I particularly recommend it to Chinese learners because it provides an enjoyable and accessible way to experience both the Chinese language and aspects of Chinese culture. It is suitable for learners of all levels and is especially welcoming for beginners.