Hi there!

I'm Shaoyi from Hangzhou, China. If you've never heard of it, it's a beautiful metropolis near Shanghai that blends modern life, natural scenery, and rich cultural heritage.

Right now, I’m living in Shanghai, studying German Linguistics. I discovered Couchsurfing during my exchange semester in Heidelberg in 2024 — and had my first magical hosting experience in Paris. Since then, CS has opened a new window into the world for me. Every encounter has been warm, surprising, and deeply human — I’ve been lucky.

I’d love to host people myself one day, but here’s a glimpse of reality in China: most university students share a 15m² dorm room with 3–5 others — so hosting isn’t possible yet. But once I graduate and have my own space, everyone is welcome.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Growing up in East Asia, I was raised in a culture of order, discipline, and intense academic pressure. The first 20 years of my life were about getting into school; the next 50 seemed to be about making money and supporting a family. But I’ve come to believe something else:

“Life is about experience, not just leveling up.”

So while I still have the desire (and the freedom) to explore, I want to meet as many people, stories, and contradictions as I can — the beautiful, the uncomfortable, the unforgettable.

Music, Movies, and Books

I'm a huge fan of Jacob Collier and John Mayer — their music makes me feel things I can’t explain (especially harmonies, wow).

I love trying all kinds of outdoor sports — hiking, kayaking, cycling, you name it. I'm not great at any of them, but I enjoy the fresh air and moving my body.

I enjoy deep conversations and just talking with people in general — though sometimes I feel limited by my language skills or life experience... so I might not always be the funniest person in the room, lol. But I try :)

What I Can Share with Hosts

Good time spent together

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Philippines, Singapore, Switzerland, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

China, Germany