**Interview with Logan, a Canadian Living in Hohhot: “I Want to Spend the Rest of My Life Here”**

**By Cui Boqun**

On a bright morning in Hohhot, 30-year-old Logan, known locally as Xiarihu, cherishes his breakfast of shaomai, a popular local delicacy. With his striking blue eyes and golden curls, he expresses his enthusiasm for what he calls “the king of breakfast.” While locals often pair shaomai with brick tea, Xiarihu opts for ice water, noting that Northern China can still feel a bit warm for him.

Originally from Alberta, Canada, Logan is now an English teacher at a university in Hohhot and a social media content creator. Recently, he embarked on a project to make videos introducing the city, teaming up with reporters to show off the local sights.

Standing tall and robust, Logan’s handshake feels strong, akin to lifting a hefty piece of bread. He humorously recounts how his dancing at Dazhao Square turns heads, sparking friendly smiles from passersby. “I really enjoy the warmth of strangers’ smiles and the joy I can bring to others. When I first arrived in Hohhot, I felt a sense of friendliness that truly made me feel at home,” he shares.

Logan’s journey to Hohhot wasn’t initially planned; he chose the city because it reminded him of home. “When I first came to China, I was uncertain of where to go, but Hohhot felt familiar,” he recounts. He describes his love of horseback riding, a passion shared with his family and Mongolian friends, revealing that he learned to ride at the age of five.

A surprising link to his hometown surfaced during a recent visit to the Hohhot paper-cutting museum. The master artisan practiced her craft while sharing the cultural significance and history of this art form. After Logan created a pomegranate design that impressed her, she remarked, “This foreign guy is certainly no beginner!” With a proud smile, he explained, “In my hometown, we make paper-cuttings for Christmas decorations.”

Since his first arrival in Hohhot in 2019, Logan has yet to return to Canada. “I originally planned to stay for just eight months, but I found that I really enjoy living here. It’s been over five years now,” he reflects.

Two years ago, he invited his parents to visit Hohhot. “They were a bit hesitant and nervous since they knew nothing about China. But upon seeing how safe and clean the city is, and how friendly the people are, they were utterly amazed. They returned home and shared how wonderful China is with all their friends,” he reminisces.

During his two-day exploration of Hohhot, including visits to the Inner Mongolia Museum, Kuan Alley, Naobao Village, and the Chulu Chuan Grassland, Logan savored the city’s sights, culinary delights like lamb and milk tea, and its rich cultural allure. One memorable performance titled “Reunion on the Grasslands” moved him to tears. A few days later, he returned with friends, and the performers recognized him in the audience, inviting him to join them on stage for a photo.

“I’ve been here for five years, and I have no plans to leave. If possible, I want to spend the rest of my life in Hohhot,” Logan concludes.