Which Expat Has Made Beijing a Great Place for Tourists? Let Us Know

Many of us call Beijing home. But at one time, most of us were simply tourists. And we all have a few "go-to" people who we call upon to smooth the path our guests when they come for a visit.

Last month we asked you to name some of the expat residents of Beijing that have helped make Beijing a great place to visit.

The Beijinger, in conjunction with the Beijing Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau, is seeking to recognize expatriates who have 'made a difference' to the life of visitors to the capital.

Though there are countless local Chinese that have helped literally millions of tourists here, the tourism bureau specifically designed this award to honor the role that expatriates have played.

So far, our list of nominees include:

Rodrigo Camposagrado, 20+ year veteran of Beijing’s hotel industry
Dominic De Couto, B-Electric
Sarah Keenlyside, Bespoke Beijing
Ignace Lecleir, TRB
Hayden Opie, Beijing Hikers
Joel Shuchat, The Orchid
Jim Spear, Schoolhouse at Mutianyu
Lars Ulrik Thom, Beijing Postcards
Gael Thoreau, Beijing Sideways

Do you know of others that have made Beijing a great place for tourists? And remember, there are plenty of foreigners out there that have made Beijing a great place for expat residents, but put on your tourist hat for a minute and think: who are your go-to people that you would entrust with your visiting family, friend or business associates?

Who we're looking for

Think of:

• The restaurateurs who have helped to make Beijing an international culinary capital.
• The Hoteliers whose boutique hotels give our visitors one-of-a-kind experiences.
• The Tour guides who offer unique, exceptional experiences in the city.
• The Influencers who have brought this city to life via their blogs, social media channels, videos, or podcasts.
• The Service providers that have in countless ways made life easier for newbies.

What do they stand to win?

We will be profiling these “Great Wall Heroes” in the Beijinger before the bureau selects five to be feted at an awards ceremony in the spring of 2020, alongside several foreign key opinion leaders who are visiting the city just for the event.

Know someone that fits the bill?

If you would like to nominate somebody (or even yourself) for this award, please send us their name and a sentence or two describing why the nominee deserves the honor to info@thebeijinger.com.

READ: One Year in Beijing: Advice to My Former Self

Images: 吕树伟, Uni You