Hi! Where are you from? Can you please tell us about yourself?
I am from Beijing, China. I studied Fine Art in China.
In my free time, I enjoy reading novels, especially contemporary Chinese literature. One of my favorite novels is “To Live” (活着) by Yu Hua. It tells the story of Fugui, a man facing immense hardships during key moments in modern Chinese history.
I also love trying out new recipes, particularly traditional Chinese dishes. I enjoy being outdoors, so I often go hiking or cycling when the weather is nice.
Music is another big part of my life—my fav is post-punk. My fav band is Carsick Cars. It is a Chinese indie rock band formed in Beijing in 2005. I will recommend one song “Zhongnanhai”. If you’re into edgy, experimental rock, their energetic and rebellious style is definitely worth a listen!
Why did you choose to move to Germany? How did you feel about it?
I recently moved to Berlin from Beijing to pursue my studies in art. I chose Berlin because of its vibrant and diverse art scene. The city is known for its creativity, contemporary galleries, and rich history, which I find really inspiring as an art student. I was motivated by the opportunity to explore different forms of expression and connect with artists from all over the world.
I did briefly consider moving to cities like Vienna or Munich, but Berlin's alternative and experimental art culture really stood out to me. The thought of being part of such a dynamic community was too exciting to pass up.
Honestly, I was both excited and a little afraid. Moving to a new country, especially one with a different culture and language, can be overwhelming. But the excitement of new opportunities and being in such an open-minded city definitely outweighed my fears.
How has your experience been in Berlin so far? Please tell us about your studies, work, and how you're finding the city!
My first six months in Berlin were a mix of excitement and challenges. The hardest thing about moving to Berlin was definitely finding an apartment. The housing market here is really competitive, and it took me a long time to find a decent place. I had to go through countless apartment viewings and apply for many listings before I finally got a room. It was quite stressful, especially because of the demand and paperwork involved. Once I found a place, though, everything else started to fall into place, and I could focus more on my studies and enjoying the city.
I found my art studies here relatively easy to start, but finding work took a bit longer. However, once I connected with some local art communities and student networks, I was able to get some freelance work and part-time jobs. The process was slow at first, but Berlin has a lot of opportunities for creatives, so I was lucky to find projects that align with my passion.
As for cafes and bars, I love exploring different spots! My favorite so far is Bonanza Coffee Roasters in Prenzlauer Berg for its great coffee and cozy vibe.
Making friends was a bit challenging at first, but Berlin is such an international city that I eventually met other students and fellow artists from all over the world. The art community here is very welcoming, and I’ve made some great connections.
Now, I feel much more settled and happy in Berlin. The city’s energy, diversity, and artistic freedom make it a great place to be, and I’m excited about what’s next!
How would you compare Berlin to Beijing?
The culture and vibe of Berlin are quite different from Beijing. Berlin feels more relaxed and alternative, with a strong emphasis on individualism and creativity. There’s a sense of freedom here, especially in the art and music scene, where people are encouraged to experiment and express themselves without strict conventions. Beijing, on the other hand, has a more traditional, fast-paced, and business-oriented atmosphere, although it's also becoming increasingly modern and dynamic.
Architecture is another major difference. Berlin’s mix of old, historical buildings and modern, minimalist designs contrasts with Beijing’s combination of ancient structures like the Forbidden City alongside towering skyscrapers. The historical layers in both cities are fascinating, but Berlin’s post-war architecture gives the city a unique and eclectic character.
When it comes to food, Berlin is incredibly international. You can find cuisines from all over the world, and street food is huge here, especially Turkish and Middle Eastern dishes like kebabs and falafel. In Beijing, the food is more traditionally Chinese, with an emphasis on regional specialties like Peking duck, dumplings, and hotpot.
In terms of friendliness, I’ve found people in Berlin to be polite but more reserved compared to Beijing, where people are often eager to help, especially with foreigners.
How do you find the cost of living in Berlin?
The cost of living in Berlin is definitely more affordable compared to other major European cities, but it has been rising in recent years, especially when it comes to rent. Finding an apartment can be tough. However, it’s still cheaper than cities like London or Paris. For students, it’s manageable if you budget well, especially if you can find shared accommodation or student housing.
In terms of food, it’s pretty affordable, especially if you cook at home or eat at more casual places like street food spots or smaller restaurants. Groceries are relatively inexpensive, and there are many affordable international food options.
The job market in Berlin, especially for creatives, freelancers, and students, is quite active. There are a lot of opportunities in the art and media industries, but competition can be high. There are also many English speaking jobs.
Did you enroll in a German language school? Do you try to speak German to the locals?
Since I studied German on my own, I didn’t enroll in a German language school when I first arrived in Berlin. However, I did look into a few options like Goethe-Institut and VHS, as they are well-known for their structured programs. While I didn’t attend, because I prefer online learning.
At first, I mostly spoke English to the locals, as Berlin is such an international city and most people here speak English well. It made things easier when I was still getting comfortable with German. But over time, I started using German more, especially in cafes, shops, and public transportation, because I wanted to practice and improve.
How has your experience been like with DeutschGym? Has it helped your German?
I just started 4 days ago. It was hard at first, and then I started to get used to it. I'd really like to continue because it helped me to practice German everyday. By talking to people from different countries, I feel the fun of learning languages.
The specialty of Deutsch Gym is that you can make learning a language a habit. I don't think you can learn a language overnight, but rather by building it up every day. And the hardest thing about learning a language is actually speaking it, so Deutsch Gym allows me to speak German for an hour a day on a regular basis, which allows me to put the German I've learned to real use!
