In a city with millions of inhabitants, it’s easy to get lost in the vast numbers and forget that those numbers relate to people. Beijing’s a melting pot of cultures influenced by people from far and near. The Beijing Kaleidoscope series gives you a snippet into the lives of both expats and locals to show their diverse perspective on the city they call home.

Jung-Ah Ryu is a 47-year-old housewife who has been living in Beijing for over 13 years and happens to be the sixth person to feature in this series. Ryu’s two kids are attending college in South Korea and now hold baking classes to occupy her time. She admits that Beijing has become more comfortable then when she first arrived.

How would you describe life in Beijing?
Right now, it’s pretty satisfying. It’s very familiar now that I’ve gotten used to living in Beijing. I feel like Beijing is comfortable in the sense that people don’t try to compare. Whereas in Korea, a lot of times people judge and make assumptions, for example by where you live, the clothes you wear, the school you go to, and many other things. But here in Beijing there is much less comparing and prejudice. People just take things for what they are, and are not overly curious.

What is one thing you would still remember after all these years?
I would remember the cheap fruits, and food.

What is one incident that made you realize this was Beijing?
There was a car accident in the middle of a very busy street. However, this did not deter people from stopping and waiting for the road to be cleared, there were cars headed in all directions – it was a mess. It was the bad traffic manners that made me realize once again that this was Beijing. But that’s what Beijing is; I just grew to accept it.

What did Beijing change for you? How did you change?

I became a bit slower, more lax, in a way. I feel that it’s because life here is generally very relaxed, with little to no pressure. There’s not much going on here, which made develop a routine and in a way, I would be content to live here for a longer time, because I wouldn’t necessarily want to get out of the living pattern.

Beijing is my second home.

Although her coming to Beijing wasn’t entirely her decision, Ryu has grown quite fond of Beijing’s relaxed pace and what that has provided for her. Can a relaxed pace be found in the fast-paced city? Yes. Ryu has found her leisure time.

Judy Jeon, was our July intern, attends the Western Academy of Beijing and decided to brave the murky waters of magazine writing. She is a writer in her school’s Roots & Shoots organization, and also leads an orchestra. With less than a year left to stay in Beijing, Judy is setting out to gather different views about the place. She likes to read, hang out with friends, and can be found exploring  Chinese culture around the hutongs. 

Photos: Judy Jeon

In a city with millions of inhabitants, it’s easy to get lost in the vast numbers and forget that those numbers relate to people. Beijing’s a melting pot of cultures influenced by people from far and near. The Beijing Kaleidoscope series gives you a snippet into the lives of both expats and locals to show their diverse perspective on the city they call home.

Cuiping Jiang is an ayi, who spends her entire day cleaning houses, but never loses her laughs. She is the fifth resident to be featured in this series. Having lived in Beijing for almost twenty years with the same job, she offers her thoughts about Beijing.

Why did you decide to come to Beijing?
When I decided to come to Beijing, my family were farmers living next to mountains in the South of China; I guess I wanted to step outside and look for more opportunities. I thought if I came to Beijing, I would have more opportunities for a better income, and things would be better.

How long have you lived in Beijing, and how long are you planning to stay here?
I came here when I was thirty or so old. If my child grows up and wants to go somewhere else, I’ll probably follow. But until my child grows up and becomes an adult, I’ll probably stay in Beijing for a few more years.

How would you describe life in Beijing and Beijingers?
Life itself in Beijing is very busy every day, where things speed by without you even noticing them. But I’ve gotten used to it, having lived in Beijing for so many years. I’m trying to stay strong and get myself together every day. I also feel like I have changed a lot since I came here. Before, I wasn’t very satisfied, considering my family’s financial status and everything. But I feel like life here at Beijing is getting better and better, and I’m more satisfied with my life right now.

Beijingers are very kind and caring; at my apartment, every time I’m out for work my neighbors would help me bring the laundry in, or do other housework chores for me. People like me live very simple lives, going out early in the morning and coming back late at night, so we can’t get most of our housework done. I’m very thankful that I live among them and I feel that I am very privileged to have such kind neighbors from whom I receive so much help from.

Was Beijing any different from what you expected?
It’s certainly much better than I had imagined. I tried to make a living in the South for a while, but I couldn’t find a suitable job and I couldn’t settle down properly. After I came to Beijing, I found a stable job, and settled down here. I’m very satisfied with my work and my life in Beijing. I’m also very proud of myself, and I think this kind of job suits me well. I say this not only because I can help people maintain clean houses, but also because the people I help are very nice to me.

If you could paint Beijing, what would you paint?
Rather than a painting, I would draw a huge smile with the words, ‘Beijing, I love you’ in big letters.

Beijing is a city of gratitude

The stereotypical lives of Beijing’s residents aren’t as many assume, negative, frenzied, or pressured. Jiang finds the city a place full of things to be thankful for. Sometimes, instead of looking at the big picture and considering everything, it might be best just to look around you and find small details that you can smile over.

Judy Jeon, was our July intern, attends the Western Academy of Beijing and decided to brave the murky waters of magazine writing. She is a writer in her school’s Roots & Shoots organization, and also leads an orchestra. With less than a year left to stay in Beijing, Judy is setting out to gather different views about the place. She likes to read, hang out with friends, and can be found exploring  Chinese culture around the hutongs. 

Photos: Judy Jeon

In a city with millions of inhabitants, it’s easy to get lost in the vast numbers and forget that those numbers relate to people. Beijing’s a melting pot of cultures influenced by people from far and near. The Beijing Kaleidoscope series gives you a snippet into the lives of both expats and locals to show their diverse perspective on the city they call home.

Jiyun Hyo is the founder and chief executive officer of Euno Education and happens to be the fourth person we spotlight in this series. The 27-year-old Korean currently lives with his wife and son in Wangjing, and plans to stay in Beijing for as long as possible. Having lived here for four years, his relationship with Beijing is defined by much more than time.

Why did you come to Beijing?
I came here to make a living. At first, I decided to come to Beijing because my wife was attending college here. Then I went to Shanghai to partake in business, which did not go very well. I decided that I wanted to own an education company of my own, so I came back to Beijing and set up Euno Education.

How would you describe life in Beijing?
Honestly, it’s quite low-key and not as dazzling as people might think. Everything’s very chill. But that’s probably because I’ve gotten so used to Beijing; it’s become a home for me. My life in Beijing is very comfortable, and I’m content to be living here.

Do you think you have become part of Beijing, or vice versa?
I don’t feel the necessity of deciding which is part of which, because Beijing is already my home. If I was a foreigner, I would be able to decide whether I was a part of Beijing, or whether Beijing had become a part of me. But I don’t consider myself a foreigner. For me, I’ve almost become one with Beijing. It’s so comfortable to an extent that it feels like I have spent more than just four years living in Beijing. I’ve started and am planning to spend my adult life in Beijing. Even during my high school years spent in Tianjin, I frequently came over to Beijing during school soccer activities, and that’s probably why Beijing feels even more familiar.

What would you say that you have gained or lost from living in Beijing?
I would say I have gained money and opportunity. I don’t think I have lost anything—Beijing didn’t take away anything from me.

If you could paint a picture of Beijing, what would you paint?
I would paint a bright, white sky. I feel that the white sky, instead of the blue sky, is proof that a lot of things are going on in Beijing. If people weren’t working diligently enough, the sky wouldn’t be white; it would be clear blue. A white sky shows that the people in Beijing are very hardworking. Although it signifies pollution, it also shows that Beijing is a very vibrant city. It tells me that something is going on. I also feel that a blue sky would be too common. I wake up every day to see a white sky in Beijing, and it’s something quite uncommon in other places.

If you could take one memory from Beijing, what would it be?
It would be the moment my son was born.

Beijing is the birthplace of two of my babies: My son, and Euno Education.

Beijing has never been foreign for Hyo. It’s the birthplace of not only his son and his business, but also a home where he found comfort. Unlike the gray asphalt it is commonly associated with, Beijing stays a bright, white sky for him.

Judy Jeon, was our July intern, attends the Western Academy of Beijing and decided to brave the murky waters of magazine writing. She is a writer in her school’s Roots & Shoots organization, and also leads an orchestra. With less than a year left to stay in Beijing, Judy is setting out to gather different views about the place. She likes to read, hang out with friends, and can be found exploring  Chinese culture around the hutongs. 

Photos: Judy Jeon

In a city with millions of inhabitants, it’s easy to get lost in the vast numbers and forget that those numbers relate to people. Beijing’s a melting pot of cultures influenced by people from far and near. The Beijing Kaleidoscope series gives you a snippet into the lives of both expats and locals to show their diverse perspective on the city they call home.

The third Beijing resident we’re going to spotlight is another Heilong native Huazi An, owner of a Japanese restaurant on the second floor above the Pingjia Market, Wangjing. She’s lived in Beijing with her son’s family for ten years. Due to the large number of Korean customers coming to her restaurant, she is bilingual speaking both Chinese and Korean. Her views on Beijing contain traces of her business life.

What were your reasons for coming to Beijing? At first it was to accompany my son. I wanted to help him care for his son, take him to school, teach him, and talk to him. Then I decided to open my business here, and make a living.

How would you describe life in Beijing, and how did it influence you? Beijing life is very fast-paced, and there is a lot of pressure. There is also a huge flow of information. But life here is also very simple. You just need to stay strong, be ready for difficulties, and do your best in everything. Also, already at this age, I realized that you can’t look just at one side; you have to look at the broad picture, and consider many things before you set out to do something.

What is the one most important thing you gained from living in Beijing? After living in Beijing for ten years doing business, I realized that after a while, your perspective can only widen. Managing this restaurant and generally doing service business has broadened my outlook, and changed my stance on how I view life. To get through life in Beijing, you just have to be well prepared to try anything, go through anything, and to accept anything. And also try your best.

What does Beijing mean to you? It helped me realize the important truths of life, and it provided me with a home. I guess I was meant to come to Beijing sooner or later.

Beijing is a place that dreams become reality.

Although An is currently 57 years old, a lot of her ah-ha moments took place in the last ten years in Beijing. Her thoughts show that one’s outlook changes with time, and solidifies with life. Despite the fast changes taking place, the truths of life in Beijing will probably stay constant for those who constantly keep out a wise eye.

Judy Jeon, our July intern, attends the Western Academy of Beijing and decided to brave the murky waters of magazine writing. She is a writer in her school’s Roots & Shoots organization, and also leads an orchestra. With less than a year left to stay in Beijing, Judy is setting out to gather different views about the place. She likes to read, hang out with friends, and can be found exploring  Chinese culture around the hutongs. 

Photos: Judy Jeon

In a city with millions of inhabitants, it’s easy to get lost in the vast numbers and forget that those numbers relate to people. Beijing’s a melting pot of cultures influenced by people from far and near. The Beijing Kaleidoscope series gives you a snippet in to the lives of both expats and locals to show their diverse perspective on the city they call home.

The second Beijing resident we’re going to spotlight is 25-year-old Lina Chun from Heilong Province who came to the capital with her family when she was 4 years old. Chun works as an assistant clerk at Remito, a clothing store at the Atlantic Place in Wangjing. Having lived in Beijing for 21 years, Beijing is more than just another city to her.

Why did you come to Beijing? Was it your own decision or was it inevitable? 
I didn’t a choice in deciding to come here as I was too young. At first, we came to Beijing to make a living. We were farmers back in Heilong and I guess we came here to find a stable job and income so as to have a better life.

What are some of the expectations or hopes you have?
I had hope of settling down and finding a home. Right now I have a house of my own, so I guess I’m already a Beijing person (Beijingren); I’m very glad.

How long are you planning to stay here?
I plan on staying in Beijing for as long as I can.

How would you describe life in Beijing, and the changes it brought to you?
Life in Beijing is very busy. Every day the train stations and the traffic are teeming with people. I’m still surprised sometimes by how rushed and concentrated Beijing life is. But I feel that this aspect of Beijing helped me become more mature. I went from being immature and naïve to understanding many truths about life.

Which memories are the deepest for you during your time in Beijing? The memory most engraved in my mind is the Feidian Earthquake incident in 2009. Although it didn’t happen in Beijing, a lot of people were injured, including people from my hometown. That incident really shook me, and could have affected my decision to stay in Beijing.

Photo caption: Chun in a room at the clothing shop.

What is the thing you yearn for the most about Beijing?
To become part of Beijing, and become assimilated into the capital. I want to become even more absorbed into the city than I am now. I want to live in Beijing for the rest of my life.

Beijing is a second home.

Although not an initial dream of hers, Chun had hopes of becoming a Beijinger later in life, which she’s already achieved with a home, stable job, and a family. She finds Beijing a place to mature and find out one’s truth. This city has become her second home.

Judy Jeon, our July intern, attends the Western Academy of Beijing and decided to brave the murky waters of magazine writing. She is a writer in her school’s Roots & Shoots organization, and also leads an orchestra. With less than a year left to stay in Beijing, Judy is setting out to gather different views about the place. She likes to read, hang out with friends, and can be found exploring  Chinese culture around the hutongs. 

Photos: Lina Chun

In a city with millions of inhabitants, it’s easy to get lost in the vast numbers and forget that those numbers relate to people. Beijing’s a melting pot of cultures influenced by people from far and near. The Beijing Kaleidoscope series gives you a snippet in to the lives of both expats and locals to show their diverse perspective on the city they call home. 

Ji Won An came to Beijing four years ago and works as the general manager of Gates Academy, a private education institution that caters to students age 12-18. The 27-year-old decided to come to the capital alone after being offered a good job. An teaches diverse subjects, and likes to play the violin, and visit eateries in her spare time. Kicking off this series, An has an interesting outlook on the place she’s called home for some time.

What other cities/countries have you been to/lived in before you came here?
I’ve been to Malaysia and lived there for one year. Spent some time in Canada and US as well. I have also been to Canada and the States.

How would you describe life in Beijing compared to other places?
I’ve been to Shanghai a while ago, and I find that Beijing and Shanghai are very contradicting. I never thought of it before I went to Shanghai, but thinking about it now, I feel that Beijing is a very lonely city. Unlike in Shanghai, when you ask for something in English here, most of the time people don’t understand. I feel that Beijing is much more traditional. Also, everybody’s so busy, and I think Shanghai is more open to foreigners than Beijing.

What changes in Beijing are the most significant, or clear?
The weather, definitely. It wasn’t this humid before. Five years ago, it used to be very dry, and I couldn’t live without applying a lot of lotion, but it is much more humid now and I’m not using that much lotion anymore. I guess Beijing’s changing weather patterns changed my habits.

Also, Beijing is modernizing at a scarily fast pace now – it’s becoming more and more advanced. At times I’m surprised at the technology here, for example, when payments through WeChat became available.

I eat out a lot; another change that I see is the increase in restaurants in Beijing. But, most of the traditional marketplaces are disappearing, which is a regrettable thing.

If you were to paint a picture of Beijing, what would you paint and why?
I would like to paint lao (old)Beijing. I think that’s the most representative thing about Beijing. I would paint old people on the streets, either practicing taichi or playing small board games. Also lao Beijing food.

If you had only 24 hours to live in Beijing, what would you do?
First of all, I would go have a lao Beijing brunch. After that, tour palaces, such as the Summer Palace and the Forbidden City. I love palaces, especially the Forbidden City – it’s beautiful. Then I would go to a rooftop bar and enjoy the city’s night lights, which are also very pretty. But I would mostly focus on the palace tours and food.

Please complete the following: Beijing is a lonely city.

An plans on staying here for three more years. For her, the city is a blend of traditional and modern where the old and new coexist. Amidst the palaces and the night lights, with its contradicting but unique aspects, Beijing is a lonely city.

Judy Jeon, our July intern, attends the Western Academy of Beijing and decided to brave the murky waters of magazine writing. She is a writer in her school’s Roots & Shoots organization, and also leads an orchestra. With less than a year left to stay in Beijing, Judy is setting out to gather different views about the place. She likes to read, hang out with friends, and can be found exploring  Chinese culture around the hutongs. 

Photos: Ji Won An