China Reflection

China Reflection is an ecotourism culture exchange center that puts its focus on learning with, from, and about Chinese culture in an active, “hands-on” environment. Whether it is Mandarin Chinese, music, or massage, we try to fulfill a multitude of learning styles and skills. For those visitors who travel here and wish to have a very “human” experience at a low impact cost to the “real” China, the best way is to jump right in and get involved. We offer our guests the unique chance to get up close and personal with families through homestaying at a variety of locations.

We also offer opportunities for our guests to shadow different Chinese in Beijing as they make their way through their work day. We want our guests to get a “taste” of what life is like from the perspective of common, everyday Chinese in this ever-changing booming economy.

We provide visits to smaller villages, other provinces, unique “special programs,” and visits to more commonly renowned historical sites as well. In accordance with our mission of ecotourism at low impact costs, we try to utilize the public transportation system as much as possible when we visit other areas. Our main goal is to provide opportunities for both the visitor and the local to learn from one another through cultural exchange at low costs to the environment and community. We are certain that through our selective but low impact programs that our visitors will be able to leave China with an open mind and fresh view as they reflect upon their experiences with China Reflection.

Lin is originally from Shaanxi Province, also home to the world famous Terra Cotta Warriors.  Besides working at Chinareflection, she also works at Tsing Hua University in Beijing.  Conservative in action, she is open in thought.  Serious and lively, Lin is a classic example of traditional Chinese elegance. 

“It’s easy to overlook who or what makes China such a special place.  I hope I can help friends from abroad notice the beauty that sometimes goes unnoticed.”

Jeffrey is originally from Lexington, Virginia.  He has spent the past five years living abroad in Asia.  In the past, Jeffrey worked as an English teacher and now devotes his time fully to ecotourism.  His hobbies are constantly evolving and he enjoys learning as much about the world as possible through travel, musical instruments, exercise, writing, drinking tea with friends and strangers, and just having simple conversations with old friends in the park. 

“The most important thing about traveling to me is not necessarily whether or not I get to see a beautiful scene, climb a tall mountain, or visit a famous site.  All I need to make a traveling experience worthwhile is one small encounter with one good person.”

Adrian comes from Chongqing Province in Southern China.  He currently lives in Beijing where he likes to spend his time riding his bicycle and lifting weights.  Whether it is Chinese, Russian, Japanese, or English, Adrian’s mouth is always ready for a conversation.  But be careful…when he eats food he sweats like a waterfall.

Simon from Switzerland, has been living in China for more than 3 years.  Like his fellow countrymen, Simon truly walks to the beat of his own drummer.  While he may not be a fan of of singing, dancing, or performing, this Swiss is truly a one of a kind gentlemen who knows how to enjoy traveling at his own pace, and in his own style.  It will truly be a challenge to find anyone with his patience and penchant for asking such thought provoking questions.

 “China is like a giant ancient statue:  marvelous and stunning, but at the same time mysterious and open to the viewer’s own interpretation.  Though the surface might weather over the years, its inner life will always retain its original significance.”

Coming China’s most populous area of the country and the home of Kung-fu, Pinno left her home of Henan Province 5 years ago for the metropolis of Beijing.  A graduate of Beijing Foreign Language University, Pinno is not only fluent in English but also Albanian.  She has a great interest in foreign cultures, and has a particularly keen eye for abstract art, all of which she stores in the pockets of her creative mind.  Eager to make new friends, Pinno is an exceptionally easy person to travel with.

“Broad China. Broad eyes.”

Services for the deaf and hearing impaired

“Greetings everyone!  My name is ‘Zhanglong,’ a graduate of Special Education College of Beijing Union University.  My hobbies and interests are wide and varied:  sign language, swimming, photography, travel, etc.  Why am I interested in sign language?  As a deaf person, I consider sign language my ‘native tongue,’ just as nuanced and alive as any other language.  Because I’m interested and use sign language everyday in my daily life, I’ve also been a part of helping those with hearing disabilities as well as organizing activites for those in the deaf community.  During my studies at university, I learned and earned a degree in international sign language.  Currently I’m learning American Sign Language (ASL).  It’s one of my dreams to be a guide to those deaf friends from afar who would like to come to Beijing.  I’ll do my best!”

A member of China’s Zhuang Ethnic Minority, Albert comes to Beijing from the Southern Province of Guangxi, near the city of Nanning.  His hometown is located in the small village of Ping Le (meaning “Serene Happiness”).  Albert currently studies and works as an intern at Beijing Serum and Vaccine Institute.  Always smiling and full of energy, Albert is wonderful company and will light up just about any room.