American in Beijing lives his Chinese dream

Speakers: Li Ningjing and Sam Duckett

Crossman prepares to launch a patrol in a hutong.[Photo/VCG]

Terry Crossman is a 62-year-old American who describes himself as a "real Beijing gentleman" after having lived in China's capital for over 22 years. He became an online celebrity after a video of him applying to become a "Xicheng Dama" went viral.

"Xicheng Dama" refers to a group of volunteers who roam Xicheng District in central Beijing acting as public security volunteers. About 70% of them are females aged between 58 and 65.

Crossman said in fluent Beijing dialect that "'Dama' means auntie, because most of the volunteers are female. I call myself a 'Xicheng Daye,' which means an uncle doing volunteer work in Xicheng District."

He can also speak fluent Cantonese, because he had worked in Hong Kong for 12 years as a headhunter before coming to Beijing.

Now he teaches English and Chinese for free to those who are interested in cultural immersion.

The audio clip is from Studio+, produced by CRI.