Editor’s Note:

In the wave of globalization and economic growth, a growing number of foreigners are coming to China in search of opportunities. With diverse purposes, some of them choose to work in the world’s fastest growing economy, or some want to experience a cross-cultural environment and successfully integrate into it, while others go on to achieve their aspirations in China. Regardless, working or living in a cross-cultural environment isn’t a walk in the park.

At the end of the year, a time to reflect and start fresh, we rounded up some inspirational stories of six foreigners living in China. We hope these stories can inspire you in the start of the New Year. Here is Tyler’s (鐵蛋兒) story.

Tyler came to China to learn Mandarin. When he first came to the beautiful coastal city Dalian, he seemed like a typical Northeastern guy. But then everything started to change after Tyler met his Chinese sidekick and love of his life. Now, this awesome Dalianer and sensational web celebrity goes by the Chinese name of Tie Dan (鐵蛋兒).

Sensational web celebrity: Not easy to come by in the world

Life in 2016 has been a year of change. Although this year has presented its challenges, it has also brought me so many amazing blessings. This year I became a father, started a business, bought a house and participated in programs on three nationally televised TV stations. It all seems like it happened overnight. But in truth, it took forever.

Hard work, time and a lot of luck helped me gather quite a fan-base over Weibo (@鐵蛋兒Tyler) and a few other web-based platforms. It all actually started back at the end of 2015, but really took off in 2016.

Most of the time it’s just me, but I also try to bring in my wife and other friends to film funny, short videos (usually lasting between twenty seconds to three minutes in length) and share them online. Some of these videos have gone viral on the Chinese web and it has laid out the foundation and fan base for me to be able to do other things, such as hosting, acting, and streaming on platforms like CCTV, Jiangsu Weishi and Liaoning Weishi and Weibo.

It’s awesome for me as I’m just being myself in all of these videos and events. I truly like other people and am honored that they find me to be fun and able to give them a good laugh. It’s pretty fun to make people happy. Most of my fans are huge supporters and actually encourage me to keep going. They can be extremely motivating. I love my fans!