Christmas Specials | Five China Stories You Need to Read

As we bid farewell to 2023, many of you are already basking in the festive ambiance or gearing up for the holiday season. It’s with a heart full of joy that I extend my warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to each of you.

Reflecting on this year, my journey has been a tapestry of varied experiences. Returning to China has been deeply gratifying, not just for the comfort of home, but for the liberty it has afforded me to chase my dreams. I'm particularly proud of launching the 'One Day in China' series on YouTube. Balancing these projects with a full-time job has been challenging, and while I couldn’t produce as many episodes as I had hoped, I am eager to delve deeper into these ventures in 2024.

In this special Christmas edition, I'm excited to share four captivating stories from China, translated into English for your enjoyment. These, coupled with the most popular story from the Ginger River Review (GRR) in 2023, make up our festive treat for you. Spanning a range of topics from cross-cultural dynamics to the fluctuating tech sector, and including diverse characters like scholars, tech workers, students, veterinarians, doctors, and children, these narratives offer a multifaceted view of life in China. While they represent just a slice of the vast array of stories here, they provide a meaningful glimpse into the lives of ordinary Chinese people.

Due to their length, these stories are available for download on Google Drive, ensuring easy access and sharing. The translations, though not perfect, have been crafted with the help of our diligent interns and I am confident they will provide a smooth reading experience.

And now, for a personal note of joy – I am over the moon to introduce you to my new family member, Ana, a 45-day-old American Shorthair kitten. This adoption marks the fulfillment of a long-held dream, previously unattainable due to my nomadic lifestyle and strict childhood home rules. The delightful twist? My mother, who once opposed the idea of pets, has become utterly smitten with Ana, her new 'grandkitten', during her recent visit.

I hope this newsletter brings an extra touch of joy to your holiday celebrations. Enjoy these tales, and may you cherish these moments with your loved ones.

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