Fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese and English, he frequently helps tourists.

Gao, who speaks the Beijing dialect, also updates information boards about nearby attractions in English.

Gao, who now lives in a hutong, was first exposed to Chinese culture when he was 12 years old, and then read his first classic, Tao Te Ching. When he was 13, he read the translated version of Zhuangzi.

Gao is still learning Chinese. And the American who loves to eat Lanzhou beef noodles uses a second-hand electric motorbike for transport.

As for the future, Gao, who is optimistic and easy-going, says: "I like Beijing and I want to do something to help others.

"This is where I live, where my friends are. This is my home."