ABOUT ME

Hi, I am Junqing Zhang, from China. You can call my English name Justin if you like. I am a PhD student in Electronic Engineering in Queen's University of Belfast, United Kingdom since October, 2012. I live in Belfast now.

I am an easygoing person. Since I was a child, I have lots friends. I would like to make friends with different people as well. Studying in UK is really a good opportunity to make friends with people from different cultures and background.

I really like travelling and exploring the world. Unfortunately as a PhD student, we don't have holiday as long as undergraduates. Our holiday arrangement is the same as supervisors. But still, in the past one and half year since I arrived in UK, I have explored lots of interesting places both in and outside UK, England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Rome, Paris and of course Northern Ireland.

Most people only enjoy beautiful scenery during travel. But I think the local culture and customs are also an important part. Couchsurfing is really a good opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences. Hope see you soon.

PHILOSOPHY

Stand in someone's shoes.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Unfortunately right now there is no space for hosting in my current accommodation. But I will be really glad to offer some help if someone needs travel advice on exploring Northern Ireland.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I heard couchsurfing from my friend Weizheng Shang when we were both studying in Tianjin University, China. And I hosted Phil Li in May 2012. I really benefited a lot from that experience. At that time I was applying a PhD scholarship in Europe. Phil has travelled a lot around the world and introduced lots of interesting things to me. So in my opinion couchsurging is a win win scheme, both for the host and the surfer.

Interests

Hiking, Travelling, Running.
History

I took part in Beijing Marathon(full, 2011), Tianjin Marathon(10km, 2012) and Belfast Marathon(half, 2013).

• culture
• marathon
• running
• walking
• traveling
• hiking
• engineering
• history

Music, Movies, and Books

Book: The shortest history of Europe.
Documentary by PBS: The Medici - Godfathers of the Renaissance

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I got my left knee hurt before the Beijing Marathon in 2011. But I still went to Beijing to experience the event. At first I just wanted to finish the 5km running. But it only took me 40 minutes to finish it with a hurting knee. And then I tried 9km, and then 21km. I was really tired after I passed the 21km point, so I began to walk. I didn't follow the route by the organiser when I was walking. And when I reached the finishing line near Bird Nest(the National Stadium) in Beijing, the total time was about 5 hours and 40 minutes and I ran/walked 36 km in total.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, China, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

China, United Kingdom