I tried moving back to Boston. It made me realize I wanted to build my life in China.
An American entrepreneur shares his personal journey of moving to China, returning to Boston during the pandemic, and ultimately deciding to build his career in the Chinese hospitality industry. He cites the convenience and kindness of the people as primary reasons for his preference for living in China.
Why it matters
It provides a personal perspective on the expatriate experience and the cultural appeal of China for Western professionals in the hospitality sector.
Moving back to Boston after living in China helped Nick Lappen realize that's where he wanted to build his life. Provided by Nick Lappen Nick Lappen found his passion for bartending after a transformative stint in China in his 20s. After returning to Boston during the pandemic, he opened a small bar to test the concept he hoped to bring to China. By 2023, he was back in China and went on to open a bar in Chengdu, specializing in tiki cocktails. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Nick Lappen, an American bartender and entrepreneur based in China. His words have been edited for length and clarity. I first visited China when I was 22 on a road trip from London to Mongolia, and the experience left a lasting impression.
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