ความคิดเห็น •

  • @Flitalidapouet
    @Flitalidapouet ปีที่แล้ว +20

    Thanks for this honest and neutral review. It's hard to navigate between bloggers that destroy China, and bloggers that tells you it's only paradise. LOL HAPPY NEW YEAR LOVE. ♥

    • @AleeseLightyear
      @AleeseLightyear ปีที่แล้ว +6

      I'm happy to be one of the honest ones that shares the reality!

    • @biancaboshoff
      @biancaboshoff ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@AleeseLightyear you still moving Aleese?

    • @AleeseLightyear
      @AleeseLightyear ปีที่แล้ว

      @@biancaboshoff I'm posting a video about that TOMORROW!

    • @biancaboshoff
      @biancaboshoff ปีที่แล้ว

      Whoop, I’ll be watching

    • @mariusmatei2946
      @mariusmatei2946 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@AleeseLightyear awesome video, and, if you haven't done it already, you've got very legit reasons to want to move to another city in China; I'm digressing a little bit here, but living in cities like Tokyo, Shanghai, or Beijing is definitely a privilege, but the pressures that come with that privilege, can be oppressive, sucking the joy out of living there. You, briefly, mentioned Tianjin; have you considered living there? Again, I'm digressing a little bit, but, personally, I'd rather choose to live in cities like Tianjin, Osaka, or Nagoya (than Tokyo, Shanghai, Beijing), in part, because some of the reasons you are considering leaving Beijing. All the best to you!

  • @TeachCarib
    @TeachCarib ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Well-balanced and spot on observations about city-living in China. Thank you, Aleese.

  • @pamelawright4672
    @pamelawright4672 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I can’t believe you left Beijing and moved to Chengdu…..when I was teaching pre-k inHaidian…..I was making 40000 rmb…..and had amazing accommodation…. At least you’ll be close to the pandas🥰

  • @chopsticksandtrains
    @chopsticksandtrains ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Hi Aleese - greetings from (an American) in northern China. New subscriber here. Enjoyed the video!

    • @AleeseLightyear
      @AleeseLightyear ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yay!! Much love and thanks for watching me and my randomness!

  • @fdoctor79
    @fdoctor79 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    To everything is a season! And you have served well during your time in Beijing! Looking forward to what the next chapter holds for you! God speed and continued success with your endeavors!

    • @AleeseLightyear
      @AleeseLightyear ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you!!!! I too am looking forward and thankful for the experiences that I've had in Beijing.

  • @JamesandKeli
    @JamesandKeli ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Moving cities is definitely never easy, and neither is making decisions! When the time comes you’ll know in your gut. Enjoy the time you have in Beijing though!

    • @AleeseLightyear
      @AleeseLightyear ปีที่แล้ว +1

      This is why I need to start the decision making process 9 months in advanced cus I=I need to let it marinate and slow cook in my mind!

  • @yuranwu8831
    @yuranwu8831 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I can relate to ur points cus I live in Beijing too. Also international restaurants are more easily accessible in Beijing than any second-tier city which is also the PROS for me😂😂

    • @AleeseLightyear
      @AleeseLightyear ปีที่แล้ว +2

      We are definitely spoiled for choice when it comes to restaurants and if I leave, that will probably be what I miss the MOST!

  • @fxrvr
    @fxrvr ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I’m always so excited when you upload ❤

  • @BO-fp6ul
    @BO-fp6ul ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Really needed this and cannot wait to meet you!

  • @talkinnmedia4535
    @talkinnmedia4535 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I love watching your videos. Cool shades

  • @dividedrighful
    @dividedrighful ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I moved back to my hometown Xi'an after living in beijing for 15 years since I was 18. Damn do I feel free, I don't have to pay for 6000rmb a month for only my rent!

    • @AleeseLightyear
      @AleeseLightyear ปีที่แล้ว

      I hope to be enjoying that same low rent soon!! Beijing prices are insane

  • @Cecilia-
    @Cecilia- ปีที่แล้ว +1

    So happy your channel came up on my FYP

  • @talkinnmedia4535
    @talkinnmedia4535 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Keep up posted. Be blessed, my friend

  • @thehighsandluos
    @thehighsandluos ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I'd love to see you explore a new city! :)

    • @AleeseLightyear
      @AleeseLightyear ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Maybe one day! I'm anxious about having the stress of a new city, but the excitement of meeting new people and places would make me so happy!

  • @charliely1833
    @charliely1833 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Whatever you do girl, you will flourish and prosper and I wish you all the very best and cannot wait to follow you on your journey 🙌🏼🙌🏼

  • @talkinnmedia4535
    @talkinnmedia4535 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video.

  • @speakingheaven
    @speakingheaven ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I love your curiosity and willingness to explore China 🇨🇳 GIRL, I say do it. But make a backup plan if you decide to change your mind. I know you will. Just don’t get stuck. ❤ ❤ ❤

    • @AleeseLightyear
      @AleeseLightyear ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks a ton!! Deff a plan B is in the works!!

  • @asiandramablackwomen2572
    @asiandramablackwomen2572 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Wow Aleese! I’ve been vicariously living in China through you for several months now!!😂😂😂 I need to get-a-packin’ & start my international travels…for-real!
    BTW, I’ve met, via a virtual conference, a young lady about your age who returned to the US after living in Beijing for about 3 years. She admittedly has been experiencing “homesickness” for Beijing - China. Apparently the return to the States hasn’t yet turned out to be what she expected. Huuuummmm????

    • @AleeseLightyear
      @AleeseLightyear ปีที่แล้ว +2

      ohhh thank you love! 💗 💖 I Hope you can start traveling soon!!
      I wonder what this girl was "homesick" for. I know that reverse culture shock when you get back home can hit pretty hard, especially if you haven't been back in a while. I think as much as I miss home, I will get there and probably miss a lot of things about China....especially the prices, food and public transportation

    • @asiandramablackwomen2572
      @asiandramablackwomen2572 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@AleeseLightyear I’ve definitely heard that returning to the U.S. after long stays abroad takes quite a bit of readjusting.
      I did have the opportunity to speak with the young lady who returned the US from Beijing & she shared that the Chinese cultural communication style & “non-judgmentalism” were things she came to appreciate. I’m sure the international experience can certainly be different based on personality types.

    • @stepahead5944
      @stepahead5944 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Reverse culture shock is a real thing, for virtually anyone returning home after living abroad for a while.

  • @peterfromla7505
    @peterfromla7505 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    As always aleese
    Dope editing and nice story telling.
    Keep it up, Watching you from LA

  • @lexiezhen1077
    @lexiezhen1077 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    As an international student studying in Australia since 15, I have experienced and learned a lot growing up which are totally different views from Chinese culture. Your experience of teaching in private schools reminds me of when I was little there are foreign teachers who are called 'wai jiao' teaching a whole class of young children English. At that time, none of us knew what he/she was talking about and all we did was chat and ignore the teachers. I feel really ashamed now that I think of what image and thoughts we as Chinese students must have brought to our innocent wai jiao. Feel like different cultures and different languages really make barriers for us to respect and appreciate.

  • @Aiya912
    @Aiya912 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Love your videos. It is real, objective and fun 😂 love the part of woman touching your hair with curious look . 😂😂

    • @AleeseLightyear
      @AleeseLightyear ปีที่แล้ว

      😊 thank you!! I try REALLY hard to just be objective because I don't want to deal with ppl's extreme ideas/views on China lol so thank you for that compliment!

  • @lilkitten545
    @lilkitten545 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    You should go to Chongqing or in another city, you looked really happy in your vlogs there. And yeah, I understand about rent and things going up, Toronto has gotten way too expensive but I'm not sure where else to go here

    • @tc2334
      @tc2334 ปีที่แล้ว

      I second this. I stan Beijing, but if I were to leave, I think Chongqing or Chengdu would be one of my choices if I were looking to avoid high prices of renting.

  • @pengguo4954
    @pengguo4954 ปีที่แล้ว +27

    life in USA is even worse in past two years, rent went up 60%, inflation hit hard.

    • @AleeseLightyear
      @AleeseLightyear ปีที่แล้ว +12

      And the salaries just aren't enough, it's so terrible

    • @miazhang5132
      @miazhang5132 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@AleeseLightyear Yes!! I'm an international student at USA. When I first came here in 2018 I can buy a week's grocery with 30 dollars, but now it's like only enough for several cabbages 🥲.

    • @Antbeast23
      @Antbeast23 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Depends your Job and where you live tbh. Living abroad more cheaper though. I did a lot of studied abroad and internships and I enjoyed it outside the USA

  • @solotraveller888
    @solotraveller888 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I knew it that you’ve fallen in love with Chongqing the first time you went there.😊

    • @AleeseLightyear
      @AleeseLightyear ปีที่แล้ว

      Was it that obvious?!? Being there just makes me so happy cus it's so beautiful and the food is damn good

  • @Bowen_J
    @Bowen_J ปีที่แล้ว +2

    You are funny,love ya

  • @laowaiinshanghai7708
    @laowaiinshanghai7708 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Cool video! Have your thoughts changed at all since the loosening up of COVID restrictions?

    • @AleeseLightyear
      @AleeseLightyear ปีที่แล้ว +1

      ummmm nope....hahah I think I can't ignore or get over what's happened in the last 3 years here.

  • @simplyluke1584
    @simplyluke1584 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Beijing Bing Chilling!

  • @johnnychannel7824
    @johnnychannel7824 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Minimum effort is minimum dollar. It is good point I can learn from this video. Good luck and enjoy your life my friend. ❤🎉😂

    • @uwanttono4012
      @uwanttono4012 ปีที่แล้ว

      This is the 躺平 (tang ping) school of thought so prevalent apparently among today's young. I did it too 20 years ago in China lol!!

  • @ThisisCHINA-qp4zf
    @ThisisCHINA-qp4zf 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    as a local person who has lived in Beijing for over 25 years. I think what you said is very accurate description of the city. Nowadays I don't think Beijing has improved so much in these years. The pace of the city is faster than before which makes this city very competitive and not comfortable to live in.

    • @AleeseLightyear
      @AleeseLightyear 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Thanks for sharing your opinion! Good to know that I've painted an accurate pciture of Beijing!

    • @mariusmatei2946
      @mariusmatei2946 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Ha, I just wrote a reply on that (a little bit further up, in this comments' section), as the main reason that I wouldn't like to live in cities like Tokyo, Shanghai, or Beijing.

  • @justinwhaley1288
    @justinwhaley1288 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    The biggest Con is the struggle on Mandarin

  • @spicykimchi1
    @spicykimchi1 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I've taught in Shanghai and Shenzhen, and I'll be returning to China soon. However, after watching this video, I'm not hell-bent on Beijing now. I'm at the point where I might not even bother with my upcoming interviews. First, I was under the impression that the air quality in Beijing has improved significantly. Second, my interviews will be for two schools in the Haidian District area. After doing a bit of research - and watching your video - it might not be worth it. Beijing is obnoxiously expensive.
    Back here in the U.S., there's still a labor shortage. I work overnights at freakin' Walmart and make $17.50 an hour. That's $2,800 a month / 20,000 RMB, and my sh!tty hometown in the Midwest is uber-cheap.
    Thanks for the info. I appreciate it!

    • @AleeseLightyear
      @AleeseLightyear ปีที่แล้ว

      Well I'm glad I could help you make a decision. When you were teaching in Shanghai and Shenzhen, didn't you find those cities to be expensive too? They are on par with Beijing prices. What other cities are you considering?

    • @spicykimchi1
      @spicykimchi1 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@AleeseLightyear Actually, you have a point. The fancy-shmancy areas of Shanghai will be just as - if not more - expensive as the Beijing areas.
      Shenzhen's a little cheaper than Beijing, but Shenzhen is not a good choice. The salaries have always been ho-hum because illegal teachers would work there and do border runs. Public school jobs there only pay about 16-18K.
      In my opinionated opinion, it's not a first-tier city. The only good thing about Shenzhen is that it's next to Hong Kong.

  • @qasi1030
    @qasi1030 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Welcome to Chongqing 🎉

  • @maledingduo2397
    @maledingduo2397 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Chongqing is super hot in the summer, I am not sure you can stand that. For me, I strongly recommend Chengdu🎉

    • @AleeseLightyear
      @AleeseLightyear ปีที่แล้ว

      YOU ARE RIGHT!! I don't think I could stand it either! I've only been in the fall and Spring time and that was damn near too much for me to handle

  • @ArusHarutyunyan
    @ArusHarutyunyan 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    May I know, which platform did you use to rent an apartment?

  • @Czy2008
    @Czy2008 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi! Im going to china on monday and i was wondering how you got socials like insta to work abroad! Thanks :))

  • @allen5678
    @allen5678 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    just come to shanghai

    • @AleeseLightyear
      @AleeseLightyear ปีที่แล้ว

      Don't want to live in Shanghai! It's even more expensive than Beijing.

  • @Hamoodn
    @Hamoodn 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Nice video , I wish I could talk to u some how. I'm coming to Beijing in May 2024 due to my work and I'm scared to hell

    • @AleeseLightyear
      @AleeseLightyear 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Why are you scared?

    • @Hamoodn
      @Hamoodn 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@AleeseLightyear All google services are banned, No whatsapp, Language issues. My whole routine is managed by Google and smart home. How will i move using chineese maps. And how will i communicate in Hospitals. scary

    • @AleeseLightyear
      @AleeseLightyear 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@Hamoodn Get a VPN and Google will work. I'm very surprised you're unaware of VPN's and how they will unlock all western apps if you are moving to China so soon. Communication = translation app like Baidu or Deep L

    • @Hamoodn
      @Hamoodn 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@AleeseLightyear i have already got 2 paid VPN and some free ones as a backup. But few peopke living there told me, its very unreliable. 😔

  • @kendrick5994
    @kendrick5994 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Chongqing is foggy, because it is surrounded by mountains

  • @don-ricodasilva5205
    @don-ricodasilva5205 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Funny, find the cost of living in Beijing has become better... Over the last 6 yrs, prices haven't changed much.

  • @uwanttono4012
    @uwanttono4012 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks for this very informative update especially post Covid-19 when the West has moved on but China is still in a time warp!. I know the city has become more expensive since I left in 2019, but am curious to get your take on the impact of the Evergrande collapse on tier 1 property and rental prices. I SELDOM hung out with laowai while I lived in BJ, so apart from housing I never thought it was an expensive city. I just hope China re-opens soon so that I can return post haste!!

    • @MsGiantsrock
      @MsGiantsrock ปีที่แล้ว +1

      the West may have "moved on" from COVID but COVID certainly hasn't. we've lost more than 1 million people due to covid in the US which is the sacrifice the West was willing to make to attempt some sort of "normalcy." china hasn't had a covid death in MONTHS. and like aleese said, they barely have any covid cases AT ALL in beijing, which is unheard of for any american city. covid is everywhere in the US, with new variants developing rapidly. i would much rather be somewhere where they took the pandemic seriously to ensure it's complete or near eradication, and significantly less people had to die due to an irresponsible and negligent govt

    • @AleeseLightyear
      @AleeseLightyear ปีที่แล้ว +4

      The death toll of Covid in the US has been horrible, no doubt about that. But I think the way that China has handled covid can only work in China. Just how this country is set up in terms of controlling people's ability to travel is just something that the US simply can't do. I do think that a lot of China's polices have been overkill, in terms of lockdowns and constant online schooling, but in the grand scheme of things, my opinion doesn't matter and it's hard for me to say that one system is better than the other.

    • @AleeseLightyear
      @AleeseLightyear ปีที่แล้ว +1

      A time warp indeed, which makes it feel like it will never change. Just traveling to nearby cities is a struggle to wrap your brain around all the changing Covid regulations, and I live here! So I just don't understand how they could simplify the process to allow tourists to come back and easily travel. But what do I know....?

    • @mariusmatei2946
      @mariusmatei2946 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@@AleeseLightyearwell, that's the thing/what makes China so effective at doing things: set priorities, and policies are actually being followed through (to accomplish the desired goal/result); when you've got a significant proportion of the population preferring to deny there's even a health crisis out there, it's, virtually, impossible to follow through with any designated priority, or policy (and the result of that is a manageable predicament, very quickly, turning into a tragedy)!

  • @user-zo1ik2oi5n
    @user-zo1ik2oi5n ปีที่แล้ว +1

    很高兴看到大家喜欢和欣赏我的国家,我也很想去看看世界,但是却不知道怎样学好一门语言,有没有美国的网友可以和我交个朋友,我可以教你们中文,你们教我英语,可以吗谢谢啦

  • @Horcsogg
    @Horcsogg ปีที่แล้ว

    How much are you making now in BJ? If I may ask.

  • @lynndakay
    @lynndakay ปีที่แล้ว +1

    We shall miss you ! When I went to Kunming! I didn’t want to go back to Beijing 😂😂😂😂! When I went to Dalian I said Beijing is too busy for us 😂😂😂! About expensive part! You are right 😒😒😒😒! Money runs thru your hands so fast!

    • @AleeseLightyear
      @AleeseLightyear ปีที่แล้ว

      Every-time I travel now, I'm just considering if I could live there. It's the Beijing prices and pace of life that has got me wanting to try something different. Will you stay in BJ long term?

  • @kateokonkwo3288
    @kateokonkwo3288 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Welcome to Chongqing!

    • @AleeseLightyear
      @AleeseLightyear ปีที่แล้ว

      We will see......I don't know if i can handle that weather!!

  • @pandabearoceanpark
    @pandabearoceanpark ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I did stare at at a few foreigners when I was a kid in China. The first time I saw a blonde girl: How can her hair be blonde? It's not natural! My kindergarten was a "foreign facing" kindergarten in the old days, meaning foreigners were allowed to visit. We had foreigners from all different countries visited us in a group setting. One day a black visitor from Tanzania picked me up in his arms. First I was in shock, and then I touched his hair and skin. Hmm...interesting! But ever since then, I consider myself worldly! When other kids ran after foreigners on the streets, I thought to myself with a smirk: "these kids have never seen a foreigner before, how backward they are!" My point is: it's a process as people expand their perspectives....On the other hand, yes, I am sorry that they did it by invading your personal space (albeit hair is less strict a personal space in China). You may have to deal with this more in non first-tier cities.

    • @AleeseLightyear
      @AleeseLightyear ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Thanks for your thoughtful comment, I think that it's harmless and acceptable for young children to be surprised, confused, and curious. But it's a very different feeling when an adult exhibits the same behaviors. I understand and respect that it's a process to expand people's perspectives but I wish some people were more respectful and tactful when approaching ppl who look different than them.

    • @boluo8465
      @boluo8465 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      It's not polite to touch a stranger's hair, but it's not discrimination. It is hoped that black people in China will not regard misconduct as racial discrimination

  • @SinginTheDream
    @SinginTheDream ปีที่แล้ว +2

    What's the current Covid-19 situation in Beijing? I'm hoping to move there for 2 months starting June and am wondering if anyone has some current experience or advice to share ❤

    • @AleeseLightyear
      @AleeseLightyear ปีที่แล้ว

      I can never take a comment like this serious, if you're telling me that you plan on moving here but then in the same sentence you're asking bout the covid situation. If you're honestly planning on "moving" here, then you should already know that Covid is no longer an issue in China.

    • @SinginTheDream
      @SinginTheDream ปีที่แล้ว

      @@AleeseLightyear Given that I live in a country where everything about China has been blocked out, I do have to reach out on platforms like these and sometimes receive unkind comments like yours. Thanks though for taking the time to leave a response.

  • @raorao3240
    @raorao3240 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Too expensive living in BJ crazy I wanna go chengdu or chongqing

  • @user-pt9lt7kd8u
    @user-pt9lt7kd8u 22 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    I can't see any attraction in Beijing. I don't identify ot with anything. I'm sure I'm wrong but I'm afraid I'd be bored.

    • @AleeseLightyear
      @AleeseLightyear 22 วันที่ผ่านมา

      That's fine, it's not for everyone

    • @user-pt9lt7kd8u
      @user-pt9lt7kd8u 22 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      @@AleeseLightyearHi Aleese, thanks for reading my comment and also for posting your video. Beijing a gap for me. I don't have imagery for it like I do for London, NYC, Tokyo, or Rio say. As a country mouse cities have to work hard to attract me.

  • @Nobody-bv8pp
    @Nobody-bv8pp ปีที่แล้ว

    To those who doesnt know yet, she is the mom of karate kid y'all

    • @AleeseLightyear
      @AleeseLightyear ปีที่แล้ว

      I am?

    • @Nobody-bv8pp
      @Nobody-bv8pp ปีที่แล้ว

      @@AleeseLightyear can you say "pick up your jacket" in the next vlog please?

    • @AleeseLightyear
      @AleeseLightyear ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Nobody-bv8pp why?

  • @John-cu7dv
    @John-cu7dv ปีที่แล้ว

    You said in one of your Beijing videos that you had 'no interest' in learning Chinese, i.e. as an adult, it's too hard etc. That just didn't come across well. How would you feel if an immigrant living in the US had 'no interest' in learning English? Would you be so chill about it? Or expect them to at least have SOME amount of interest in learning the language of the place they're living? I get that it's difficult, but it just sounds a bit crass and ignorant. Honestly was a surprise to hear.

    • @chukinaa
      @chukinaa 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      To be completely honest there’s a lot of foreigners in the Uk who refuse to learn English or are not interested, but who cares we have a lot of immigrants who can have jobs like translators just because of people like this. I wouldn’t say it’s ignorant. Just a choice

  • @adish24reshiram79
    @adish24reshiram79 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Maybe India would be a right place for u , world biggest democracy , low cost of living ,english speaking country most of all friendly to USA ! China definitely not for the Americans vice versa, anything could happen War is inevitable bec.of increasingly provocative behaviors of USA , u need a safe place to live , maybe India is the right place !

    • @usmanamjid7791
      @usmanamjid7791 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I don't think anyone wants to go to the rape capital of the Earth

    • @smashsmash5866
      @smashsmash5866 ปีที่แล้ว

      Democracy but without the freedom of China. In China we can go anywhere no matter what time. In india people are scared to go out because they will be the next rape victim.

    • @spikermike2843
      @spikermike2843 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      LoL India?

  • @xichen9459
    @xichen9459 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    北京就是太大太大了!人有时候都特别容易迷失自己!因为面对的东西太多太多!

    • @AleeseLightyear
      @AleeseLightyear ปีที่แล้ว +1

      我想中国以外的人不知道北京到底有多大。就像你说的,很容易迷失自我

    • @xichen9459
      @xichen9459 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@AleeseLightyear 是啊!您面对的不确定的事情,比我们中国人还要多!比如,结婚,生子,以后生活的地方和方式!总之,不论您做什么选择。都希望您可以平安喜乐!!在中国愉快!