I FINALLY FOUND THE PERFECT APARTMENT!! IN CHENGDU, CHINA!!

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I just moved to Chengdu China and I'm searching for a new apartment to call home and I finally found the perfect place! I'm taking you along on my apartment-hunting process in China. In my mind, moving to a new city in China would
If you are an expat living abroad, considering moving to China, or just wondering what life the heck my life is like in China--- I hope this video will give you some insight!
LINKS FOR SITES TO SEARCH FOR AN APARTMENT
Ziroom: www.ziroom.com/
Wellcee: www.wellcee.com/
Lianjia: bj.lianjia.com/
5i5j: www.5i5j.com.cn/
#livinginchina #apartmenttour #movingtochina #chinavlog #blackinchina #costofliving #chinavsusa #chinaapartment
📹New videos every week!
👍Support my channel:
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📱Stay connected:
Instagram: @aleeselightyear
About me 😜
Hi! I'm Aleese, a 35-year-old Black American living in China
- Born in Michigan, USA
- Lover of Cheese Itz & bike rides
- Been in China for 4 years
- Currently working as a high school drama teacher
📷 My camera:
Sony Zv-1
iPhone 14 Pro

[@marytaberner2875]

I started crying with you. Whew! You had valid concerns and feelings about everything for sure. You are so blessed to have a friend who came to support you on your search. The place is so beautiful. I am so happy for you.

[@nadineinchina]

Aleese, People always ask me why I still live in Shenyang and why I don't move somewhere warmer or a new city, and this video perfectly explains why. At my age I'm in a comfort zone, I know the city well, I know my favorite places, I know my way around, it feels like home, the thought of moving and starting over somewhere new, and throw a child into the mix, I don't think I have the mental strength to go through all that. Yesterday we went to one of the oldest industrial districts in the city, and I felt so out of my comfort zone and I felt like I did 11 years ago, it was overwhelming and I couldn't wait to get back to the part of the city that I am familiar with. maybe if i was younger, but I'm way over the age of packing up and starting over every few years😂 i imagine moving to a new city and having to get familiar is like that first trip to Chinan It's overwhelming and no one ever talks about how mentally draining and exhausting that can be. Either way I hope you'll settle in quickly! How lucky you are to have such a lovely supportive friend and congrats on your new home!

[@elimlinrr6898]

Nadine ! Something I had been wondering for a long time. Like, why are all your videos from Shenyang ? Thanks for sharing.

[@nadineinchina]

@@elimlinrr6898 I also don't get many opportunities to travel, although i do hope that will change in the future😄 You need money to travel and my kid is taking all my money😂😂😂

[@tc2334]

I will never not be astounded by how much less people living in basically every other city besides Beijing have to pay in rent for quality apartments. So jealous.

[@AleeseLightyear]

SAME!! This is a big reason why I left Beijing---more bang for your buck!

[@FelThommy]

A lease for Aleese! haha Nice video!

[@AleeseLightyear]

Thanks! 😃

[@Bowen_J]

It reminds me of my first day in Australia. Excitement turned into frustration. It hit me so hard. But things do get better ❤

[@fdoctor79]

Aleese, please know that living in China is not in vain. Your journey has inspired so many and caused me to hope and hold fast to pursue my international dreams. 😊 So happy you found your place! Tfs

[@spikermike2843]

LoL - "not in vain"? She would never live her life with this quality in the US.

[@BestluckYan]

Congratulations, having some good foods to celebrate

[@chillipeppa88]

Yaaaay congratulations on your new home, Aleese! Cheers to wonderful new beginnings and many more adventures in China 🎉🍾🥂 Here's what I've learned from watching your videos: 1) it takes a LOT of courage to leave your home, your loved ones (both 2 and 4 legged), your job and pretty much your whole life to start over in a new country. This clearly shows that you have courage, persistence and determination by the truck load and I hope you can give yourself the recognition and credit you deserve 2) There are times when you are down, but you don't stay down 💪this video is such a testament to your strength of character, because nothing keeps you down for long 3) Your videos are so awesome and enjoyable that I press like even before watching, because I know I'll love it! Thank you for being your beautiful self and I'm sure that wonderful laugh has the power to push all the rain clouds away!! Keep smiling ❤

[@allw547]

It was worth the wait! We stress when we don't let go of control and we have this idea in our minds of how things should go instead of trusting the process. Sending good vibes from Hungary!

[@abcdefg-oj5wn]

This apartment looks really simple but spacious, I had a bit of a shock when I saw that the total for 5 months rent was only about $2,600 (for a 3-bedroom apartment!!!). That's less than 2 months rent (for a 1-bedroom apartment) where I live.

[@AleeseLightyear]

Thank you!! The prices are very affordable in this city! A BIG reason why I moved here!

[@jukio02]

Congratulations on finding a new place.

[@AleeseLightyear]

Yes, thank you!

[@Zyaplease]

The laugh lol That be me when I’m under so much pressure

[@AleeseLightyear]

The crazed almost crying laugh 😂😂😂

[@uwanttono4012]

Well done Aleese! Glad you got settled FINALLY!!!! I went to China when I was fifty, so I know about exploring the unknown and perhaps because it's the difference between men and women, I wasn't too concerned about the condition of the apt. I rented. I was just glad to find a place within 1 week of arrival into China, and that was in 2004, before ANY apps were available to help you find an apt.!!! Anyhow, glad you found your sweet spot and good luck in Chengdu!!

[@AleeseLightyear]

Hahaha What amazing experiences for you to look back on! When I hear stories of expats living in pre-taxi and apartment app China, I am beyond impressed and inspired!

[@karenedwards3938]

Sending Hugs. You got this girl. ❤❤❤

[@AleeseLightyear]

Hug received!!🤗🤗🤗

[@daniellewilliams7560]

Aleese first let me thank you for your courage, I see you I hear you and I appreciate you. Leaving home and everything you know not once but twice is beyond expectation. You’re living your best life and sharing it with all of us. Thank you for keeping it real. Congratulations on your new home and wishing you much success on your new adventure ❤🎉😂😊

[@AleeseLightyear]

I appreciate that so soooo much!! I don't give myself enough gratitude for the accomplishments, but I'm just taking it one day at a time like we all do!

[@r-cdmx]

Try moving to and finding an apartment in New York City where it takes weeks, if not, months to find a halfway decent place that will still cost a fortune. You will make it as always. Congrats on the new place. Enjoy! ✨

[@WANDERER0070]

3br for 600$ a month,amazing,wont find that price in any Canadian city 😊

[@AleeseLightyear]

Truly a steal!

[@user-bx9zi5oc5f]

Reminding me moving to different countries, everytime it was accompanied with a lot of stress due to a massive change, it will calm down over time ❤

[@RosaliaShiweva]

I am here ❤❤❤❤ liking before watching.

[@AleeseLightyear]

you're the best!

[@user-wp8gi9ck8q]

Chengdu is one of the beautiful cities in China, congratulations.🎉

[@AleeseLightyear]

Thanks! 😃

[@annagor4727]

Congrats!

[@AleeseLightyear]

Thanks! I'm loving the new place!

[@raymondlianto9882]

Congrats you finally got the right apartment.👏👏👏

[@RosaliaShiweva]

Congratulations for your new home. Hope you have a wonderful stay there . ❤❤❤

[@manuesiaDeluxe]

Wow I‘m so happy for you! So glad you‘ve found an Appartement. I‘m already excited to see some chengdu vlogs 🥰❤️

[@AleeseLightyear]

💜💜🤗🤗

[@bethany8906]

"lime green ass kitchen" made me laugh ! i felt so similar when i moved cities in china as well ~ i was somewhere alone wondering the same thing , why do i think i don't need people ? but you can build a home for yourself where ever you are because of who you are !

[@lindaang7814]

Congratulations Aleese....so happy for u, looking forward for more video from Chengdu 🎉

[@AleeseLightyear]

🥰🥰

[@shines775]

So pleased for you! Brilliant news.

[@RamMohammadJosephKaur]

Congratulations Aleese 😊

[@lpgilber]

Now with the world opening back up, family and friends from back home have the opportunity to visit and you can host them with the bigger appartment.

[@yanie3000]

Congratulations on your new apartment! Also, thank you for keeping it real with us always. It's nice to see the highs and lows of living abroad. Wishing you many more highs than lows tho.

[@FreedomWriter3]

YAY!!! So glad you finally found a place! We moving in, y'all! ❤🎉🥂✨

[@lingo7743]

i understand. the first time i went to germany. I feel similar. language, knowing no body, room hunting lead to homeless feeling and crying. once i find a proper accommodation, everything is much better. its really important to have a cozy accomodation to settle down.

[@elimlinrr6898]

The view from the patio is so serene and peaceful; it's definitely my favorite spot. So much green right out of the living room that you don't even need to buy or maintain any plants. Great final choice !

[@Callyinchina]

Wow!! Congrats on your new apartment!! It’s so big I envy the space 😁😁🎉 I hope your Chengdu journey is magical & adventurous 😋✨💕

[@mstexasg6243]

Congratulations!!! Hope you are feeling better. As a mom of two grown children who live in other places I understand what your mom is feeling. 😘😘

[@priscillaferguson267]

It's okay Aleese, it will all come together in a very short time. Take a deep breath and look ahead to a new and exciting experience.

[@speakingheaven]

Appreciate the honesty of your vlogging. You tell your content like a “stream of content “ …it’s your editing that is so authentically you! Loved the voiceover!!! Go Aleese Go !!!!!! You do you and excel !!!👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾♥️

[@Diana-dd7vl]

Poor Aleese! I wanna give you a hug!Relocation is not easy.I have been relocated many times and just relocated to Wuhan in October.I was overwhelmed,frustrated .so totally understand your feeling.hopefully I can settle down in a nice place in the end.

[@ColorsOfTheeWind]

im so glad you found a home so quickly... thats a huge stressor off the back. so glad to see youre still in china (or went back to). I always wondered how it feels to be in a foreign country for years and to find it to be a home you always go back to. Ive wanted it for so long just have to find it... or let it find me. Either way your videos give me hope for my wildest and biggest dreams and look up to both you and jesstination being both black women finding home elsewhere and succeeding. Thank you again □

[@mrsmitchell27]

Hi from NY! Congratulations, I am so happy for you. The apartment seems kinda big.

[@hera_m]

Congratulations Alice 🎉 hope you see never cry again and stay happy . trust in yourself and your decisions 💕

[@user-ec5wh2qf1q]

Congratulations on your new apartment. I’m at your old compound in Shunyi. I’ve been apartment hunting for a few months and It is very frustrating and I think it is a new hobby for me. I am new to China and I have thoroughly enjoyed your videos. Hang in there in your new home. Like you, sometimes I don’t want to put the effort into making new friends.

[@rudsondeygner5721]

Girl, when you just opened the door and all that noise came in, I was like... does China also offer cicadas concert for free!? They are sooooo loud in there. OMG! 😂 Before you saying it, I had also thought on moving around the fridge to the same exact spot you pointed, in order to save room. I was like: "Why is this fridge blocking the space around the table!?". Goodness! I noticed a small detail. When your friend and you lied down in bed, your respect for the culture (not entering a house with shoes on) was seen through those blue plastic bags covering your feet. That's so cool. I liked the "lease for Aleese" and I didn't quite enjoy the bathroom too. It's a bit weird, but after a while you get used to it. Happy to see you back in this roller coaster of emotions. God bless! 😁🤪

[@faryalalam7730]

Enjoy your new home 🏡.

[@Zanessence]

You are a brave and intelligent young woman. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. I love your new apartment. ❤🎉

[@AleeseLightyear]

Thank you so so much!!

[@evebrown7977]

You're an amazing woman! Sending lots of love and energy!

[@AleeseLightyear]

Thank you so much!!

[@reneemichael1574]

I was just on the other video. Glad you waited until you saw the 3 bedroom for the same price as the 1 bedroom. $587 is a great price for that. Enjoy your place!

[@juki0h391]

Where I live here in California, it's not even a major city or anything, and 1 bedroom is $2200, 2 bedrooms $2600. 6 years ago it was $1600 for 1 bedroom. It's crazy. I'm lucky that I inherited my house, though. I can't imagine paying that much a month. Actually, I looked it up again just to make sure, it's actually $2200 for no bedrooms, just a studio. It's closer to Disneyland, not even on the beach or anything.

[@DIYDiaz]

Thank you for sharing your experience and vulnerability. I can’t imagine how hard that all was! I’m so glad you found a new home! 🎉

[@AleeseLightyear]

It was unbelievably exhausting, frustrating and emotional. That first week in Chengdu felt like a full year! So relived that it's over! 👍👍

[@hereigoagain5050]

Great video! Glad to hear about the downside of moving.

[@AleeseLightyear]

Thank you!! It's not all excitement and happy times!

[@missneah0215]

I know there's a bit of a delay between these vids and irl, so I hope things are better for you now. Everyone preaches finding friends and a community, but I've been like you: I don't want to start over! I dont need to start over! Lol. My real issue is just that my shy, introverted self struggles with establishing those connections let alone maintaining them. 😅 I will say China has forced/helped me out of my shell a lot. I think it's because people are so kind and open to exchange that I feel safe to venture out more. Have you been able to explore the different districts/towns yet?

[@NitaG03]

Congratulations and Cheers 🥂 to new beginnings ❤

[@AleeseLightyear]

Thank you so much!!

[@kathryn3318]

Congratulations on your new home

[@AleeseLightyear]

🤗🤗

[@mitko174]

congrats on the new apartment! I'm sure u will have a great time ahead in chengdu!! :)

[@AleeseLightyear]

I hope so too!

[@sombrerogalaxy1]

Congratulations on your new home! So happy for you 😊 Chengdu is a great city.

[@AleeseLightyear]

Thank you!! 😊

[@jjc4232]

Always enjoy your videos. ❤❤

[@AleeseLightyear]

I'm so glad!

[@BO-fp6ul]

Chin up Ms. A! You conquered Beijing, Chengdu is a stroll in the park🧡🧡🧡 ..Get my room ready😊

[@voicemuse1620]

I hear you, I hear you, I hear you! Some days it is so difficult here. Other days, pretty great. I don't feel like I could accurately describe it. Thanks for allowing those feelings to show up. Take care. Be good to yourself. Happy you found a home base. 🎉

[@AleeseLightyear]

Thanks for sharing!! Life abroad is truly an emotional roller coaster!

[@RP-mm9ie]

Hope you have a wonderful stay there . ❤❤❤

[@AleeseLightyear]

💜💜💜

[@ishadi]

Wow 🎉 we also feel revealed now tbh😂 I'm glad you finally found that even though this happened like a month ago or so. You got this ❤ BTW is cheongdu the city has crazy building architectures? I've seen some tiktoks that in like 18th floor you have a road, and sometimes it feels like you're in ground but it's like 27th floor of a building. Isn't it cheongdu?

[@deafheart23]

The perfect place will always find you when the timing is right. Congrats!😌🎊

[@AleeseLightyear]

So true!

[@tiaoxingma]

What a surprise! It turns out you live so close to my home. I reside in the neighborhood near yours.世纪朝阳

[@yingliren9262]

Chengdu is becoming a more attractive city!

[@MonkeyKing_1]

u got Dis 💪

[@DW-op7ly]

Not easy to leave home especially a whole new country language and customs...I did it... you end up getting use to it. And will be shocked at how little you remember the reality was, when you go back home. If invite family and friends to come visit you. You would be surprised how many will come just on the free accommodations you provide alone.

[@catskapanga]

This place is perfect for you ❤

[@cee_el]

The prices are crazy cheap! 600 per month including furniture?! As an expat in Japan, a 3-bedroom apartment that's new but NOT furnished would be close to 1500 in the city of Osaka

[@liveiria]

You can purchase cabinet wallpaper for that lime green kitchen! When you move, just peel it off 😊

[@AleeseLightyear]

I feel like I don't hate it that much to but in the effort of doing all that 🤣🤣🤣

[@user-sy6lk6tf7n]

wonderful

[@msnangiej]

I’m from Detroit! My Cousin lives in Shanghai. Been there for years. He’s from Chicago.

[@AleeseLightyear]

Love to hear this!

[@skysthelimitrai7590]

Congrats! Guest room for your family to visit

[@AleeseLightyear]

That's the plan!

[@zehaoyu2986]

Welcome to Chengdu! I used to rent a 0-bedroom appartment in Beijing for 6700 yuan per month and now a 3-bedroom in Chengdu for 3200 yuan, the rent is so much more affordable ~ Congratulations!

[@alicemaple5423]

still like you even you cry😢

[@kayyy590]

Ziru 自如 apartment, expensive but reliable and it's a big company in China

[@falconfrank548]

Chengdu is so cheaper,compared with Shenzhen here.

[@AleeseLightyear]

100% Shenzhen, Shanghai and Beijing are maybe the most expensive cities in China

[@falconfrank548]

Chengdu is a good life city,as long as you do not mind their spicy food.@@AleeseLightyear

[@BestluckYan]

Need adjustments for newcomers.

[@kaitomomo]

i plan on moving to china to teach next year im so nervous but the pay is so good for an english major ahh i hope it isnt too hard to make friends there

[@Alex_k_Q]

I can still remember my first day in Seattle in 2009. Arrived nearly noon, found some random hotel, went to an Asian restaurant for a takeaway meal of 2 serves of fried rice and found it terrible, and went to sleep like 6or 7 pm. Then I woke up like 5 in the morning, realized that now I’m really alone and far far away from Chongqing 😂😂. The next day was really busy, registering at school, then registered my dorm, moved in, set up my dining account, then start to make new friends. That’s how I started my college lol

[@Alex_k_Q]

Btw that restaurant sucks! I wished it closes but for some reasons it didn’t 😢, not when I was there…

[@AleeseLightyear]

Super relatable!!! The transition can be so tough!

[@MatteoLonghi7]

congrats. but 20K for 5 months, that's less than 4k per month? how is it possible?

[@americankudiinindia8031]

“I just don’t have any expat friends here.” - NOT TRUE! You have me! I live in Chengdu, too.

[@lindyralph8792]

As soon as I saw the neutral tones, big mattresses and amazing view I was yelling 'get it Aleese, Get it!' 🤣

[@AleeseLightyear]

hahah keyword: NEUTRAL TONES! That's surprisingly uncommon here! I guess who ever designed the kitchen thought of lime green as a neutral tone too lol

[@lindyralph8792]

@@AleeseLightyear haha yeah. It could be worse though!

[@kaf711]

growing up is hard

[@bayernfan9557]

is 2:37 O'hare? when was that? in summer?😂

[@wendyyang2381]

Congratulations for finding your new home. Is the rent in China really that inexpensive? I’m comparing to in CA the city I live in to rent just 1 bedroom from someone else home is $1000.

[@AmelieZh]

Chengdu... I'm surprised by how little she paid too !

[@RosaliaShiweva]

Ooooo I feel you. 😢

[@AleeseLightyear]

ALL the feels! It's tough! But WE got this💪🏾💪🏾

[@bingboyify]

its a nice apartment, but chengdu seems more polluted than beijing! if you dont like it, i would recommend go to the south like Shenzhen or Hong Kong..

[@313teejay]

Just found your channel. What area of Michigan are your from?

[@AleeseLightyear]

Thanks so much! I'm from the 734!

[@Welshtravelled]

It wa so funny to watch this when I experienced it myself first hand with you! I am so glad I could be there for you in your time of need even if that bed camera angle was sus. Love you

[@dyankee7214]

What part of Chengdu is your apartment? My wife and her daughter had a small home in southwest Chengdu.

[@piecesoftheikners.9945]

Is that guys name Shawn in your video!?

[@AleeseLightyear]

Shawn from Michigan??

[@bayernfan9557]

The Food Ranger was living in Chengdu. no idea if he and his wife are still there.

[@AmelieZh]

They r based in Malaysia now

[@echocrep]

you are so brave......imagine if i move to a totlly unfamilar country imay cant sleep at night ... anyway enjoy your life best wishes~🎉 新年快乐万事如意(≧▽≦/)

[@AleeseLightyear]

Thanks! It ain't easy my friend!

[@foodtravellife88]

So you pay 8/12 months rent upfront? Then does your company give you the 4000 for rm you talked about on stories like after?

[@NellspeaksTruth]

Hey Aleese do they have Sunny D juice there?

[@AleeseLightyear]

No Sunny D hahahaha

[@Horcsogg]

What was that website at 1:27?

[@AleeseLightyear]

The link is in my description!

[@Horcsogg]

ty!

[@user-bx9zi5oc5f]

So it is a 300 monthly rental for a 3 bedroom flat?

[@AleeseLightyear]

no, $600 a month

[@calmingbabysleep1256]

What age do you teach?

[@AleeseLightyear]

I teach high schoolers

[@jjhollenkoppell2975]

Thanks Aleese so much for sharing so much honest content & for sharing stuff that others forget/neglect to share. You give us the reality & not what other content providers give - making each content looking flawless & effortless. I appreciate your healthy ups and downs/ pro’s & cons. Sometimes it is easy as an on looker or person like myself searching for info in an effort to make my own fearless journey easier get caught up in the sold images of flawless journeys. I am about to head your way in a few months so am doing as much research as possible. If you have any advice, it Is much appreciated. I did hit you up on Instagram recently but I know your busy at the moment. So happy you got to rejoin family for how ever long & and excited you have a new safe haven😝😇😇 Anyway keep making us smile!!! I will keep cheering you on my dear!

[@chloe2152]

很高兴你找到新房子

[@computer-ot8si]

As tourist to visit China. It's absolutely ok. Just like some people also go to Cambodia, Burma, Gaza, Afghanistan, Africa, North Korea, Russia. Mostly, it's the China govt which is crazy in the way that power is highly concentrated in the hands of a small group of party leaders, and there is little to no tolerance for political pluralism or independent. But most of the middle class, intellectuals and influential people choose to support or endure such govt. The serious problem of such dictatorship country is like covid incident, the government turned it's policy from zero tolerance to totally free fall without any explanation and no one is responsible for making wrong decision. They even don't feel embarrassing to say that they were the best of the world. The West news media have to remind people of these issues. And an ordinary citizen in Beijing, 彭立发, he could be caught by the police and disappeared forever only because he put a protest banner on the bridge. And the plane crash China Eastern Airlines Flight 5735 could be covered up without investigation? And over 150 hong kong people, some are legislative council member, lawyers, professors, students in university were taken into prison without trial for over 3 years and continue on. Over 6000 hong kong people are on bail or to be kept in prison over 5 years for violation of national security laws and in foreseeable future, in such case, they will not be allowed to travel out of Hongkong for over 5 years or even decades.