Hi! I’m Chen Zhu. I came to Germany at the age of 19 to pursue my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering at TU Dresden. Beisdes, I worked for one year at Mercedes-Benz in Hamburg. Currently, I am doing my PhD at TU Braunschweig, where I research wind energy.

I’m a Christian and believe in God, and I appreciate meaningful conversations and genuine connections. I enjoy spending time in nature, exploring art, photography, and films, and I’m always curious about the history and culture behind the places I visit.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I’m on Couchsurfing because I truly believe that the best part of traveling is not the places themselves, but the people you meet along the way. Over the years, I’ve realized that meaningful conversations, shared meals, and spontaneous adventures with locals create memories that no guidebook or hotel can offer. Couchsurfing allows me to experience a city from the inside — through the eyes of someone who lives there.

Another reason I’m here is because of my own journey. When I first came to Germany as a teenager, I received a lot of kindness from strangers who helped me adapt to a completely new environment. Those experiences shaped me deeply, and now I want to give some of that warmth back to others. Whether it’s sharing stories, exchanging cultural perspectives, or simply enjoying a walk together, I love the idea of creating connections that might last far beyond a trip.

I also enjoy learning about how people from different backgrounds see the world. Everyone has their own history, dreams, and philosophies, and listening to them helps me grow and rethink my own views. Couchsurfing is a platform where curiosity, openness, and trust come together — values that I really appreciate.

Ultimately, I’m here to build friendships, share experiences, and make travel a little more human. If we cross paths, I hope we can inspire each other and create a small but meaningful moment on this big planet.

Interests

• fashion
• hiking
• decoration
• photograph
• painting and drawing
• food lover

Music, Movies, and Books

I enjoy a wide range of movies and series. I’m a big fan of Harry Potter, and I really like films with Sandra Bullock — her roles are always fun and full of personality. I also watch a lot of American TV shows. Some of my favorites are:

Better Call Saul

Modern Family

Homeland

The Good Wife

Shameless

When it comes to books, I appreciate classic literature. Two novels that have deeply impressed me are Madame Bovary and Anna Karenina. I enjoy stories that explore human nature, emotion, and society in a thoughtful way.

Music-wise, I listen to many different genres depending on my mood, and I’m always open to discovering new artists.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

One of the most remarkable decisions I’ve made was leaving university in China because I felt I wasn’t learning anything new. Instead of staying on a path that didn’t inspire me, I dropped out, applied for a visa, and moved to Germany to study German. I eventually started university here — and stayed. It was a leap into the unknown, but it completely changed my life.

Teach, Learn, Share

I’m happy to share engineering topics, and my research in wind energy. I can also teach some basic Chinese language and culture.
I’m always eager to learn from others — whether it’s a new language, local traditions, hidden places in the city, or simply a different way of seeing the world. I enjoy listening to people’s stories, values, and experiences. Every host or traveler has something unique to teach, and I’m grateful for that.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can share my life experiences, my perspectives on the world, and my stories from studying and working in Germany. I’m happy to accompany my host to places they want to explore and enjoy the city together. I can also cook a meal for free as a small thank-you for their hospitality.And the best part is that I can write a long, sincere, and wonderful reference to help boost your credibility.You will also gain a friend who will always welcome you to stay at my place in the future whenever I can host.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Thailand, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

China, Germany