Only in Beijing: BSB, Shunyi Teens Share Their Stories About Life in the Capital

Beijing is a unique place to spend your formative years, and it can take time to adjust to life here. From the range of different foods to the unusual local customs, there’s a lot to discover in this city, and at times the discoveries come as something of a shock. Students from The British School of Beijing, Shunyi (BSB Shunyi) decided to compile some of their favorite funny and sometimes bizarre moments, when they realized they “weren’t in Kansas anymore.”

Fabulous Foods

By Kelly V (Year 9)

When I first came to Beijing, I found that Beijing cuisine was really extensive, but some of the smells were a bit strange. I’ve had chicken nails, pig blood, frog legs, and stinky tofu. Not only did they smell strange, but they tasted strange as well. I’m sure if you get used to them, they may not smell so bad, but there is one thing I will never get used to – it’s called doujiang, and is also known as soya bean extract. This is a really famous traditional breakfast drink in Beijing. I tried it last summer and it tasted sour and smelled awful. It was like drinking through a sock that hadn’t been washed for a long time, and almost made me feel sick. The funny thing was that when I looked around the restaurant, everyone looked as if they were about to be sick. That makes me wonder why the local people in Beijing like to drink doujiang.

The Photobomber

By Denisa B (Year 9)

About one and a half years ago, when I first came to Beijing, my family and I were looking around and taking pictures. One day, we were taking a family picture in front of a Buddha, and my Mom asked some family friends who were with us to take the picture. There was a man walking around us saying something in Chinese, and then he just came and took a picture with us. That happens to me all the time, so I am used to it now. When it happened for the first time, I was confused.

Driving Me Crazy

Brian L (Year 9)

When I first came to Beijing, the most shocking thing for me was the Chinese drivers: they did not use their indicators when they drove and changed lanes. This was a culture shock for me. In Korea, this kind of behaviour is unthinkable. It seemed really dangerous too! After two years now, I’m completely used to this kind of driving. I don’t even care when the taxi drivers don’t signal to turn, even though I know it’s dangerous; I actually find it funny and interesting.

Personal Space

Konnor W (Year 12)

After I had lived in Beijing for about two years, I thought I had experienced all that the city and its people had to offer. When my grandparents visited for the first time, my family and I did the standard tour of famous tourist locations: the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. It was my third time visiting the Forbidden City, so I considered myself used to the densely packed crowds at the entrance, which form a large pushy mob. I was also used to my appearance as a foreigner attracting attention from local tourists. The only difference from my previous visits to this particular location was my own appearance. At the time of this visit I had chosen to grow an afro; a decision which I was already regretting in the Beijing summer heat. Shortly after passing though the entrance, an older woman, who was walking around with others in a Chinese tour group, reached out and touched the back of my head. When I turned around in surprise she paced quickly back towards her group. At first, I considered this to be a singular incident. However by the end of our visit, it had happened three more times.

Interesting Characters

Yannick (Year 7)

I first came to Beijing when I was just 7 months old. Let’s face it, I don’t remember anything. Now, I’m back again! I returned to Beijing in August 2018, just eight months ago. When I came, I thought it was all very weird. I wasn’t really used to ‘city life’, Beijing is a very busy city. I wasn’t used to different languages either, I’m just used to English. Thankfully, my Dad and my Nanny know some Chinese. My sister, my brother, my Mum and I couldn’t speak a single word. All we knew was “Ni Hao,” but that was nothing to be proud of. Now I think my life in Beijing is amazing, even though I still don’t know the language well…Beijing is a busy, amazing city.