Hey, I am Yanbo. Doha taught me to handle desert heat, Canada taught me not to slip on ice. I flew there for university, ended up staying, and now I bounce back home every five months or so to reset, see family, and chase that first sip of karak feeling.

When I have a free day you will usually find me on a trail with a camera over my shoulder, waiting for the light to hit just right. If I am not out hiking, I am kicking pads. I started Taekwondo at thirteen, picked up Muay Thai about four years ago, and I keep telling myself this is the year I finally roll into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

People say I move like water. I hang back, feel out the current, then open up once the vibe is right. Hand me a coffee and I will happily dive into anything from outdoor adventures to the art of the perfect spinning hook kick.

I am laid back, curious, and I love swapping stories with new people. Couchsurfing feels made for that. If you host me, expect easy company, a hand with chores, and happy to snap candid photos if you would like a memento. If I host you here in Halifax I will point you toward the donair spot locals swear by, share a relaxed stroll along the waterfront, or help plan a day trip to hidden gems of Nova Scotia if you are up for it.

Safe travels, and hope our paths cross soon.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I first joined Couchsurfing back in 2014, wide eyed and full of wanderlust after hearing so many travel stories. In truth, I never used it. I was a nervous kid about to start university, and the thought of staying with strangers or hosting them felt too intense. My profile gathered dust while I chose safer paths. I look back now and think, wow, I missed out. Those years could have been filled with new friends and shared stories, but I let fear keep me on the bench.

Fast forward to today. I finally attended my first Couchsurfing meet up in Doha and it blew me away. Travelers from every corner shared how they welcomed strangers who soon became friends, and something inside me clicked. Their stories hit deep, the kind that make you grab your backpack and head for the door. In that café in Doha, chatting over a simple latte, I realised this is the community I have been craving.

So here I am, easing in at last. I have decided that nerves will not run the show anymore. I want the kind of travel where you learn a city through its people, where the best memories come from rooftop chats at midnight, family style dinners, and unplanned wanderings. I remember how hesitant I was in 2014, and I still feel a flutter in my stomach, but it is the good kind of excitement. I cannot host right now because my landlord is not keen on unannounced guests, yet I am ready to surf, meet, and learn. One day, when I have my own place, I will gladly return the kindness. Why am I on Couchsurfing? Life is too short to miss the connections waiting out there, and I am ready to make up for lost time, one friend at a time.

Interests

• culture
• photography
• concerts
• working out
• music
• hiking
• camping
• martial arts
• biology
• language exchange
• art museums

Music, Movies, and Books

The Midnight Library
The Little Prince
The Prophet
I, Robot (Isaac Asimov)
The Future of The Professions
Notes from the Underground

Teach, Learn, Share

I enjoy trading skills and stories. Martial arts has been part of my life since I was thirteen, first Taekwondo and later Muay Thai. If you want to try a clean roundhouse kick or do some light pad work in the park, I am happy to guide you at whatever pace feels comfortable.

When it comes to languages, English is the one I think and work in every day. Mandarin is the language I grew up hearing at home, though I left China at six, so my reading and writing still sit around a second-grade level. I can help with conversational English or spoken Mandarin, and if you want to practise either, I will bring patience and humour.

Learning excites me just as much as sharing. Picking up new languages has been on my bucket list for years, especially French, Arabic, and written Chinese. A few phrases or a simple character lesson would make my day. Beyond languages, I am curious about recipes from your hometown, dance moves, travel tips, card games—anything you love enough to share.

Photography is another passion I bring along. I am still practising, always hunting for better light and composition. If you enjoy shooting as well, we can wander together with our cameras and swap ideas.

Most of all, I value the exchange itself. Maybe we will train at sunrise, chat about books over coffee, or laugh through a cooking lesson. Teach me your grandmother’s spice blend or the word for “cheers” in your language, and I will gladly pass on what I know in return. Those moments of give and take are what turn travel into unforgettable memories.

What I Can Share with Hosts

If you host me you will get an easygoing guest who genuinely appreciates being welcomed into your home. I know I am the new face around here, so I always bring respect and a willingness to help. Need a hand with the dishes or someone to walk your dog while you are at work? I am on it. I am pretty adaptable. A friend once said I move like water and I take that to heart. First I learn the rhythm of your household, then I fit right in. If you are up for late night chats, I have a thousand questions about your life and plenty of stories from my Qatar and Canada days. If you need quiet time, that is fine too; I can wander the city or edit photos at a café until you are free.

I almost never travel without my camera. Photography is a passion, and I am the kind of person who waits an extra ten minutes for the sunset to settle into the perfect colour. If you are comfortable with it, I would love to capture a few candid moments of our adventures or take a portrait of you in a favourite local spot. No awkward posing, just authentic snapshots. Consider it a small thank you, plus you will have some memories or social media material. Of course, every photo I take is yours as well.

More than anything I bring curiosity and good company. I enjoy trading stories over coffee or whatever drink you prefer. We can hunt for the best local hidden gems or simply relax at home with music. I am fluent in both calm evenings and spontaneous outings, so I will follow the vibe that feels right to you.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Bahrain, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Maldives, Monaco, Netherlands, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, China, Qatar