Hey there! Just call me Bai.
I'm 23-year-old from China, currently studying in University of Helsinki. I’ve backpacked across almost every conner of China, hiked over 100 trails (from Everest’s base camp to Turkish desert), and documented it all through my lens. I am a member of Chinese Adventure Association, and certificated as an adventure leader.
Check my work on https://www.instagram.com/xiaozhong.bai/

I’m the kind of traveler who prefers slow, meaningful connections over ticking off tourist spots. Whether it’s sharing stories over tea or helping with household chores, I believe the best memories come from genuine exchanges.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I’ve stayed in hostels, camped in the wild, and even volunteered in remote villages—but what I’ve missed is the warmth of a local’s home. I joined Couchsurfing to:

​Learn​ from hosts’ daily lives.
​Share​ my travel stories and photography tips.
​Connect​ beyond the “tourist vs. local” dynamic.
Meet people and experience an authentic local life.

Interests

• animals
• culture
• books
• photography
• music
• guitar
• hiking
• backpacking
• camping
• sociology
• volunteering
• adventure travel
• mountains
• watching movies
• trekking
• outdoors

Music, Movies, and Books

Movies:
Quentin Tarantino’s moveis (like Django Unchained, The Hateful Eight), The Grand Budapest Hotel, the Harry Potter series.

Books:
Foucault’s Discipline and Punish, Huxley’s Brave New World.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Volunteered as a teacher in Chinese rural area like Sichuan and Hunan, where I learned how stark educational inequality can be in our society.

Taught English to kids in a Nepalese village and joined a NGO focus on education inequality.

Safely guided over 60 expeditions (from snow mountain to desert) as a ​certified leader of the China Adventure Association.

Founded a small ​outdoor club helped city dwellers discover that “getting lost” in nature is often the best way to find yourself.

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach:
Basic Mandarin phrases (or Shanghai slang!).
Editing amazing photos with just a phone.

​Learn:
Your hometown’s hidden legends.
How to make your favorite local dish.

What I Can Share with Hosts

As a photographer, I’d be happy to capture your city’s hidden corners or create portraits of your family—think of it as a visual thank-you for your hospitality.

I’m also happy to help with everyday tasks—whether it’s reorganizing a cluttered shelf, watering plants, or helping with tech troubleshooting. Fluent in both Mandarin and English, I’d be glad to teach you a few useful phrases or help with translation if needed. And if you’re curious about off-the-beaten-path travel in Asia, I’ve got plenty of stories (and a few cautionary tales!) to share over tea (Yes I’ve prepared some Chinese tea for you!) , like the time I got lost in China’s desert and befriended a shepherd.

Most of all, I want my stay to be a real exchange—not just a place to sleep, but a chance to connect. I’ll listen to your stories, respect your space, and leave your home as tidy as I found it. Looking forward to learning from you and leaving with more than just a stamp in my passport!

Countries I’ve Visited

Estonia, France, Georgia, Iceland, Iran, Japan, Nepal, Norway, Qatar, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

China, Finland