Published on: 2026-10-08
Source: People’s Republic of China — Translation
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
At the end of September, the weather in Beijing is clear and fresh. Gao Tianrui—that is Terry Crossman in Chinese—wearing a red vest and red volunteer cap, begins his “shift” in the historic Shichahai district. This native of the USA speaks Chinese fluently, and the neighbors in the area call him the “foreign grandpa” from Xicheng.
In 2016, Gao Tianrui settled in one of the hutongs near Shichahai. Ten years have passed — the nearby streets and landmarks have long been imprinted in his memory. Shichahai is a popular spot among Chinese and foreign tourists, and “How to get there?” became the most frequently asked question to volunteers. Fluent in several languages, Gao Tianrui always patiently answers questions and directs passersby.
Every time after “finishing a shift,” Gao Tianrui likes to take a walk along Shichahai, greet and chat with familiar neighbors, and if he notices something interesting, he films it on his mobile phone. Having lived in Beijing for many years, Gao Tianrui has witnessed rapid changes in this city with his own eyes, but he is still most attracted to the Beijing hutongs, filled with the spirit of everyday life.
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