Chinese at Dawn

Intermediate

SuzhouThis comprehensive input video follows Dawn exploring a quaint alleyway in Suzhou, experiencing a vintage hairstyle called "手推波", and sharing updates on his upcoming move to Shanghai. Despite the bustling tourist scene in Suzhou, Dawn visits a small, cozy barber shop for the unique hairstyle experience, showcasing the charm of local life in Suzhou's alleyways and ending the day at a nostalgic cafe on a peaceful note.

Intermediate

Food as a love language The video discusses the relationship between food and people, sharing personal experiences and insights. It reflects on how food can be intertwined with memories, emotions, and relationships, from watching a movie to dining with loved ones, highlighting the significance of food in various aspects of life.

Intermediate

2 days in ShanghaiThe video follows Dawn exploring daily life in Shanghai, discussing random topics, showcasing a birthday celebration, and visiting unique locations in the city. She also shares her experiences with friends, buying flowers, and exploring cultural and historical aspects of Shanghai.

Intermediate

A laid-back day in ShanghaiThis comprehenible input video captures a day in Shanghai, starting with morning preparations in a hotel room, exploring the city, reflecting on personal experiences and memories, and meeting up with friends while discussing language and identity complexities.

Intermediate

A day out with meThe video follows Dawn as she take viewers on a trip to various locations in China, such as a subway station, a supermarket, an old bookstore, and a cafe. Dawn engages in conversations in Chinese with locals, explores different places, and shares language learning tips, including using an AI-powered language learning app called Super Chinese.

Intermediate

A remedy for unhappinessIn this video, Dawn shares and discusses the contents of a notebook called "The Prescription for Happiness," offering various remedies for modern-day afflictions such as coffee dependency, music addiction, negative thinking, and more. She emphasizes the importance of finding a balance in life and using tools and technologies to serve oneself rather than becoming enslaved by them.

Intermediate

A matchmaking event in ChinaThe video transcript discusses Dawn's experience at a blind date convention, where she observed the matchmaking process and felt uncomfortable with the way participants were matched based on looks. She concludes by expressing their preference for natural encounters and the beauty of serendipitous moments in love, rather than arranged meetings.

Intermediate

Plum blossom viewing in China The video showcases a visit to Xiangxuehai to appreciate the beauty of plum blossoms in early spring. Dawn explores the gardens, discusses the cultural significance of plum blossoms in Chinese culture, and ends the day by dining at a local farmhouse restaurant.

Intermediate

Friendship Q&A In this video, two friends engage in a friendship test by answering questions about each other. They discuss topics such as gaming preferences, favorite activities at an amusement park, snacking habits, and more, revealing insights into their friendship over the past six years.

Intermediate

Lantern Festival walk & talk in the old townThe video follows a family celebrating the Lantern Festival in China, a traditional holiday that falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month. They enjoy eating tangyuan, viewing lanterns, and solving riddles while exploring the ancient city of Suzhou. The video also touches on the difficulties of preserving traditional lantern-making techniques, but notes the positive trend of incorporating these crafts into modern settings.

Intermediate

Visiting my hometown in Rural JiangsuIn this video, Dawn visits her father's hometown during the Spring Festival. She visits their grandfather and other relatives, explores the town, sharing photos of old buildings, communal activities, traditional games, and street vendors, providing insights into the local culture and customs.

Intermediate

Chinese New Year essentialsThis video discusses the concept of "年货" in China, which refers to items purchased in preparation for the Chinese New Year. It explores the different types of "年货" such as nuts, fruits, decorations, new clothing, items for celebration, and gifts for others, all of which contribute to the festive atmosphere and traditions of the holiday.

Intermediate

Writing Spring Festival CoupletsThe video discusses the importance of Spring Festival couplets and the tradition of decorating homes with them to symbolize good wishes for the upcoming year. Dawn gives a demonstration of how to write a Spring Festival couplet with a focus on selecting appropriate words and using calligraphy techniques.

Intermediate

BeijingThe vlog takes viewers on a journey to the Mutianyu Great Wall in Beijing, highlighting the beauty of the less crowded location and the experience of riding cable cars and a thrilling slide down the wall. The video also features a local meal of cold-water fish and other traditional dishes, providing a glimpse into the cultural and culinary delights of the region.

Intermediate

Aternoon runThe video shows someone running in a peaceful and natural area with almost no traffic, surrounded by nature and ecological beauty. They enjoy running in this quiet location due to the lack of traffic and the soothing presence of nature.

Intermediate

Picking a restaurantThe video is a dialogue between two friends discussing where to go eat. They use a restaurant review app to decide and end up choosing a new Thai restaurant with a high rating, but are worried about the potential wait time on the weekend.

Intermediate

How I input information every day Dawn discusses adjustments to subtitle options on their channel and shares insights on their daily knowledge input methods, including reading books, listening to podcasts, watching educational YouTube videos, and reading articles on Kindle. She express a preference for long educational YouTube videos and podcasts, while acknowledging the potential drawbacks of excessive consumption of short videos on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels.

Intermediate

My 2024 Recap The video is a reflection on the year 2024, focusing on personal growth in terms of academics, travel experiences, and interpersonal relationships. Dawn discusses learning to make mature decisions, embracing spontaneous travel adventures, and prioritizing important relationships while learning to say "no" to unnecessary social obligations.

Intermediate

Scottish HighlandsThe video captures the feelings and experiences of Dawn after returning from a month-long trip. Despite feeling tired, a bit sick, and a sense of loss, the speaker reflects on the fulfilling journey and looks forward to sharing snippets with the audience.

Intermediate

A messy train journeyDawn and her friends had a turbulent journey trying to reach an Airbnb in Sheffield, England, due to train-related mishaps. Despite the challenges, they all ended up arriving at the same time in Sheffield, experiencing the concept of "different paths leading to the same destination".