Ji Yuan
UChicago Center in Beijing
Senior Advisor
Ji has worked at the Center in Beijing since its inception, starting first as a consultant to help with preparations before joining the staff full-time in 2010 as the senior program and government relations officer. Since then, Ji has served in many different capacities, from deputy director to interim executive director. Today, he maintains an advisory role to the Center’s executive director whil also managing external relations and student programs.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your work?
Working with students at different levels from UChicago has enriched my life in an enormous way. Their curiosity, energy, and eagerness to experience new things always incentivized me to do more. We’ve shared a lot of laughter on cultural differences while on excursions to the countryside or visits to historical sites. Meeting with people of different backgrounds is another plus for me.
Q: What is your favorite lunch spot when you’re at work?
Inside the student lounge in a nice corner with glass windows where you can see bustling streets downstairs and a big part of the whole city.
Q: What is your commute like?
I drive to the Center. It brings me some headache when meeting traffic jams during rush hours. I listen to music to calm down.
Q: What is one thing about Beijing that the average tourist/visitor wouldn’t know?
People don't know Beijing is both modern and old at the same time. Most are surprised to see modern high-rises surrounded by century-old houses.
Q: What is one thing – cultural, social, economic, or political – that everyone is talking about in Beijing?
Peking duck. Almost all the visitors like Peking duck. They consider it a big treat to eat it!
Q: What surprises visitors to the Beijing campus the most?
It’s spacious and functional with architectural design following the style of UChicago’s main campus. People recognize their presence at UChicago immediately after they get to the Center.