Hi there! I'm Yichen
, and I call Beijing home. I live in a cozy 2-bedroom apartment in the Lido area, just a stone's throw from the scenic Liangma River. I share my space with two adorable companions—a dog and a cat—so animal lovers are especially welcome!

I'm a passionate film photographer and run a film lab here in Beijing, which keeps me creatively inspired and busy. If you're interested in photography, I'm always up for a chat about film or a stroll with a camera.

Feel free to check out more of my work and adventures on Instagram at @filmneverdie. I'm excited to meet fellow travelers and share stories, tips, and maybe even a roll of film or two. Looking forward to hosting you!

My top picks in Beijing :

1. Hutong Craft beer - need some to open your heart
2. Vegan Buddhism restaurant
3. Vintage market ( maybe don’t buy any just look look )
4. Tibetan temple where I think they hide some book inside during the cultural revolution? Some friend told me
5. Outside Beijing- art village oh, lots of paintings better than 798 . 798 is for artist already famous! Rent is too expensive. ( I’m a photographer i know )
6. Some underground movie / arts space
7. Ride my bike ( I have 2 road bikes , Bianchi and Specialize ) to mountains if you have some energy.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm excited to join Couchsurfing because it offers a unique opportunity to meet new people from all walks of life and share authentic experiences. As a film photographer, I'm always inspired by the stories and perspectives of others, and I believe that hosting travelers is a fantastic way to broaden my horizons and learn about different cultures.

I'm also looking forward to going on photo walks with fellow photography enthusiasts. Exploring Beijing through the lens of a camera is something I love, and it would be great to share that passion with others. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just curious, I'd love to capture the city's essence together and exchange tips and ideas.

Couchsurfing seems like the perfect platform to connect with like-minded individuals and create lasting memories. I can't wait to welcome you to my home and explore the vibrant city of Beijing with you!

Interests

• bouldering
• tennis
• film photography
• rockclimbing

Music, Movies, and Books

my little airport

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I started studying in Australia in high school, leaving my family in China. Every year, I spent four months traveling during the summer break. I found that the most interesting things always happened during these months. After each trip, I grew to love my hometown, Beijing, even more—it's a love-hate relationship. Over the years, I've been on a quest to find the most "local" places, and since going abroad, I've become obsessed with the idea of "local." So, come along with me as we explore! In the early morning, before sunrise, we can listen to elderly people sing Peking opera from a vantage point near the Forbidden City, and then grab breakfast in a hutong. I'm not interested in touring the Forbidden City—I actually don't enjoy visiting tourist spots.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nepal, New Zealand, Singapore, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia