Fun Stuff
Beyond STEM I have also developed lots of interest in the following subjects over the years.
Sports
I enjoy sports where strength and control are both central, especially powerlifting, tennis, badminton, and skating. I also follow a consistent gym routine. Recently, I have been working toward my NASM Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach certifications. As a side interest, I learn anatomy to better understand muscle growth and training from a scientific perspective. I also enjoy trying new activities and sports, such as calisthenics, bouldering, sailing, surfing, foiling, and outdoor recreational shooting.
Fun fact: I play badminton, write, and use chopsticks with my right hand, but I play tennis and use a mouse with my left.
Travel
I am always eager to step outside my comfort zone and explore the world. So far, I have visited 30 of the 50 U.S. states, including 12 national parks, as well as 19 of China’s 34 provincial-level divisions. Beyond beautiful landscapes, I am also drawn to local history, culture, and celebrations. I have especially enjoyed Independence Day fireworks in Philadelphia, Boston, Miami, and Washington, D.C.
History
As Tang Emperor Taizong, Li Shimin (李世民), once said, “With history as a mirror, one can understand the rise and fall of a state” (以史为镜，可以知兴替). I enjoy reading documentary works and listening to talks on history, especially topics such as World War II, the Industrial Revolutions and the evolution of capitalism and communism.
In 2026, I took a “Freedom 250” road trip through Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Charlottesville, and Richmond, visiting historic sites and deepening my understanding of the American Revolution and the Civil War.
Visual Arts
I enjoy visiting art museums to see materpieces of different ages, and especially favor surrealist arts, featuring Salvador Dali, René Magritte, and Max Ernst. Sketching and Chinese calligraphy are two hobbies I have developed since primary school. I was fortunate to learn Chinese calligraphy (Kai 楷书 & Xing 行书) from my grandpa when I was young. I have also learned a little digital painting with Procreate or Clip Studio Paint. As a beginner, I would recommend Schoolism and anatomy books for artists.
Storytelling
Stories can be told in many formats including audio, novels, manga, stage works, or movies. No kid does not love stories. I have been a big fan of Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Avatar: The Last Airbender since childhood. I remember the days when every evening I would turn on my MP4 and listen to those audio books until falling asleep. As I grew up, my interest gradually turned from fantasy to sci-fi, and then to suspense and historical stories. I have also been fascinated in two Chinese classical novels, Romance of the Three Kingdoms (三国演义) and Dream of the Red Chamber (红楼梦). Here is a list of stories that I recommend.
Linguistics
I have also developed a growing interest in linguistics, with a particular focus on phonetics, historical Chinese phonology (漢語音韻學), and comparative linguistics.
Music
I enjoy listening to classic songs in different languages. I am a big fan of Lady Gaga, and other singers I often listen to include Bruno Mars, Shakira, Angela Chang (張韶涵), George Lam (林子祥), Tom Chang (張雨生), A-Mei (張惠妹), and Jay Chou (周杰倫). My favorite bands are Queen and BEYOND.
