It is not rare for expats to write about China, but German author Christoph Rehage has something unique to offer.

Rehage was in Beijing recently for his new book, Chinese Characteristics, a compilation of columns he wrote in Chinese for local media.

Unlike the many books that tend to explain China to the world, Rehage's work offers a fresh perspective for Chinese people to reflect on themselves while providing a window for them to learn more about Germany.

"I'm casual about what to write, including daily chores, history, society, religion and politics," he said. "I may remind Chinese people about things they never notice in their daily life, and also share how Germans do things and help them reflect how to get things done."

Rehage studied sinology at the University of Munich and came to Beijing in 2005 as an exchange student for a year. He then stayed for another year learning photography.

In November, 2007, he decided to walk from Beijing back to his home in Munich, which was halted halfway in the northwestern city of Urumqi. But he recorded and wrote about experiences on the road, which resulted in his first book, The Longest Way, in 2012.

The book sold more than 100,000 copies in China and he shot to fame overnight. On the microblog site Sina Weibo, he now has 170,000 followers. He shares insights about China with them and sometimes even disputes with them.

Rehage said Chinese and German peoples may have many misunderstandings about each other, and he hopes his book would provoke readers to think what's behind it all.

An example he listed is the Chinese way of crossing streets, which has been criticized by many as breaking traffic rules.

Rehage said some people think the Chinese have lower morals and principles than Germans, which to him is unreasonable.

"Actually it is a systemic problem, instead of a personal problem," he said. "Germany's strict rules give not much chance for people to break them. Most drivers drive in a good way, not because they are of higher morals and principles, but because the consequences will be huge if they break the regulation."

Though he speaks fluent Chinese, Rehage is not quite sure about writing. He describes it as primary school student level.

"I have an adult logic, but I probably write things with the grammar or words used by primary school students," he said. "If I write in German or English, I could probably play some word games or tricks, but in Chinese, I need to think through my logic and points before writing."

Already graduated from university, Rehage now defines himself a freelancer who is interested in a broad range of fields and will need a few years to develop his writing career.

He said China will always be a very important topic and probably a focus for his life and career in the future, but at present he is more looking forward to starting other adventures, maybe soon in Africa or Latin America.

chenyingqun@chinadaily.com.cn