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My name is Dan, though in China, people also know me as Tang Danzhong. This Chinese name was chosen by my wife’s grandfather, incorporating her family’s surname, Tang. Interestingly, my English name “Dan” sounds similar to “Danzhong,” which means loyalty - a beautiful blessing from my father-in-law for our marriage. In a way, my name embodies a perfect blend of Eastern and Western cultures.
China has become my second home. When I first arrived, I disliked being referred to as a "foreigner," as it made me feel like an outsider. But over time, my heart has become intertwined with this vast and fascinating land. Today, I jokingly call myself a "pseudo-foreigner" in my content-creation work, reflecting how deeply I’ve immersed myself in Chinese life and culture.
I was born and raised in Chicago, the eldest of six siblings. Our suburban home was filled with laughter, games, and the occasional chaos of sibling squabbles. While we didn’t own a television - my mother believed it wasn’t conducive to our growth - our living room boasted a wall-sized bookshelf. My parents, both lawyers, spent their limited free time reading to us. These moments sparked my love for books and, later, a passion for language and storytelling.
My journey to China began in high school when I befriended several Chinese exchange students. Fascinated by their stories and culture, I took my first Chinese class in my senior year. The language's four tones were a challenge; my pronunciation was often so off that it amused my Chinese friends. But their encouragement, paired with my stubborn determination, pushed me to continue learning.
In college, I practiced Chinese with Chinese students and used language apps to improve. What began as a hobby grew into a deep appreciation for the language and its intricate writing system. By 2011, I took a leap of faith, applying for an exchange program that allowed me to live with a Chinese family in Beijing.
Living with my host family was an eye-opening experience. They treated me like a member of the family, helping me navigate daily life in China. One of my first challenges was mastering chopsticks. Unlike in the U.S., where individual plates are common, meals in China are communal. My clumsiness often resulted in dropped food, much to my embarrassment. For two weeks, my hands ached from practice, but by the third month, I was confidently enjoying hot pot with friends.
In return for their hospitality, I tutored the family's two children in English. It was my first experience teaching, and it sparked a passion I hadn’t anticipated.
During this time, I also met my future wife. We initially crossed paths at a small bar in Beijing, where her casual appearance and genuine demeanor stood out among the crowd. Our first conversation lasted hours, and our connection only deepened with time. By the end of my exchange program, I had to decide whether to return to the U.S. or stay in China. I chose to stay, largely because of her.
We moved in together near Wudaokou, a bustling area popular with students and young professionals. Over the next few years, I juggled teaching English, translating documents, and even assisting a real estate company with international projects. While these jobs paid the bills, I yearned for something more fulfilling.
In 2019, I co-founded a small translation studio with my wife and a friend. Our startup faced challenges, but with persistence and support from friends, we began securing clients. The COVID-19 pandemic unexpectedly brought new opportunities. Working from home allowed me to focus on creating content about my life in China. My videos and articles resonated with audiences, bringing in both followers and freelance work.
Nearly a decade has passed since I first arrived in China, and this country now feels like home. My fluency in Mandarin often surprises locals, especially taxi drivers who, upon meeting me, remark, "I couldn’t tell you were a foreigner from your voice!" These compliments warm my heart, as they signify my integration into Chinese society.
From learning to use chopsticks to understanding ancient Chinese philosophy, my journey in China has been one of discovery and transformation. In 2020, I completed a master's degree in Eastern literature, delving into the works of Zhuangzi and Sima Qian. I also developed an appreciation for Chinese art, particularly landscape painting, which I explored in my coursework. Winning an award for an essay on the subject remains one of my proudest moments.
