After 4 years living in China, these are the 4 truths I've learned!

I've lived in China for 4 years. So much has happened in my time here and I wanted to share the 4 truths about life in China as an expat. Life in China isn't easy and it's not the perfect place for everyone. Hope you can watch this video and learn more about why I enjoy living here.

00:00 Intro
00:39 Truth #1
02:26 Truth #2
6:16 Truth #3
11:02 Truth #4

---ABOUT ME--- 😜
Hi! I'm Aleese Lightyear, a 34-year-old Black American living in Beijing, China.
- Born in Michigan, USA
- Lover of Cheese Itz & bike rides
- Been in China for 4 years
- Currently, working as a high school teacher at an international school
- Frequent hairstyle changer who's constantly lost and always hungry
*Follow me on INSTAGRAM: @aleeselightyear

*BUY ME A COFFEE☕

#aleeselightyear #lifeinchina #expatlife #blackinchina #truthaboutchina

[williama.jefferson]

Been here for 10 years and love it! Always happy to see a fellow African-American living well and at peace abroad! Wishing you continued happiness, health and wealth sister Aleese!

[xiaoq]

All your experiences are what I, as an international student and scholar in the US, have experienced on the daily basis for years. So, I can resonate with you. Luckily, China is so safe and friendly to foreigners. No risk no danger at all, which we cannot even wish to have in the US at this moment as Asians.

[ayleth_]

I'm 31 years old and only just starting to get the hang of Mandarin now, but it's my dream to live in China - this is a great video! ♥

[jchock]

I think for a foreigner, the key to living a happy life in China is to learn the Mandarin language which will immediately open the door to understanding everything about China and the Chinese way of life through communication and asking the right questions to get the answers you need, in the different situations you are in.

[genghis]

This is sad but crime is getting worse in the major cities of USA to where I don't even feel safe visiting my home town, Chicago. I am glad you are safe and wish you the best in China.

[DIYDiaz]

Happy Chinaversary! 🇨🇳 It’s funny how Americans always think of other countries as dangerous, but I’ve never felt more unsafe than at home. I’ve traveled all over with all my stuff and have never had an issue, but at home in the US, I constantly have to watch my back (and that’s whether I’m in a nice area or back in the hood 😂). Anyways, great content as always!

[JJr-cevv]

When I was a college student and later, a college teacher, I traveled over 120 cities in China. Everything is cheap, tasty, and lovely, it's safe, and people are so friendly. I missed China so badly.

[aabbcc]

As a chinese people i would say thank you for sharing all your life here and thank you for loving my country so much. China loves you too. cheers

[ykfei]

Amazing content. I am a Chinese living in America right now and can fully understand how challenging it could be living in a different culture. Your open mind and adventurous nature are very encouraging.

[oceejekwam]

Nice to hear of a positive story of your life in China.

[vince]

Being a Chinese Panamanian in my whole life, I have ever been back to China as an adult. My last memory was when I was a little kid 30 years ago. Now I live in Canada and I want to see all the progress that China has had. It's also so sad that I've never learned to speak Mandarin until now because I've been too trapped with the western way of life. Gotta open my horizon for learning in this new multipolar world. Continue to have amazing success there.

[raymondlianto]

Even though the pandemic situation in China made many forigners leave, you stayed. Happy 4th Chinaversary.

[japeri]

How nice to know that you are enjoying that country, despite the cultural differences.
Greetings from Brazil!

[cabasadefogo]

Happy to see a fellow american enjoying China. Continue the great work in building bridges!

[tinypanda]

Amazing content Aleese!😍The things you listed (high quality of life, 💰, booming economy, high tech infrastructures, diverse career options, safety; affordable, amazing trips, saving 💰, vast food & cultural experiences, etc.) are out of reach for the average person outside of China (US & Europe included), except for the RICH. That gap is widening and becoming increasingly more noticeable unfortunately.😭

[cricketyever]

Thanks for sharing your experiences! Love your point about the cameras and feeling of safety! As someone living in the USA, I definitely do not feel safe walking around alone at night. Sometimes I wish there are more cameras on the streets in the US.

[derrick]

Travel with an open mind, experience different cultures and respect their culture, don’t expect people live the way you lived back home.

[travelaroundlife]

Yes, the cameras! My 8 year old son left his Nintendo Switch on a cafe table on the patio outside in a mall one night. We didn't realize it until the next day. The cafe had it after we had someone call there! In the States it would have been GONE.

[jukio]

You have a good attitude in life. I think attitude is the most important thing in a person.

[regulator]

Glad to see you are almost at 30k subscribers! I was watching you when you had like 5000. ❤