Chinese Language Residents

2025-2026 Academic Year: Wenlu Xu

Tell us something special about your hometown.

I was born and grew up in Wuxi city, Jiangsu province. People here speak a soft dialect called Wúyǔ, and the folk song “Wuxi Scenery” has even been featured on CCTV’s Spring Festival Gala. One thing you should know: Wuxi’s food is famously sweet, so if you enjoy sweet flavors, steamed soup dumplings (xiǎolóngbāo) and savory-sweet braised spare ribs (jiàngpáigǔ) are must-tries.

What would you like to learn from your students in your classes?

I'm genuinely fascinated by the unique life philosophies each student brings to class. When they share their stories and perspectives—whether about values, cultures, or personal journeys—these exchanges become a vibrant dialogue where we mutually broaden our horizons.

Tell us about a favorite activity that you pursue when you have free time.

In my free time, I’m usually diving into films. Movies let me walk in countless lives, ponder society, and discover beauty in unexpected places. Directors like Ang Lee, Éric Rohmer, Wes Anderson, and Hayao Miyazaki resonate deeply with me. Meanwhile, you might find me sketching, playing with watercolors, practicing Chinese brush painting, or crafting quirky little things. At the end of the day, it’s all about letting my mind wander and having pure, simple fun.

Past Chinese Language Residents