Xuan

Travel information

I am currently

Description

Hi, I’m Dariya (Xuan) Zhang, 26, Female, currently based in London.

I graduated from University of the Arts London, with a background in Marketing, Branding, Visual Design, and Film. I’ve worked across marketing and creative roles with companies like Anker, Soundcore, and Insta360.

I’ve travelled across around 18 countries and 35+ cities across Asia, Europe, and the US. I enjoy experiencing places beyond sightseeing — observing daily life, culture, and how people live differently.

Right now, I’m on a gap year working as a freelancer, exploring a more creative and flexible way of living. I also run small creative handmade workshops in London and operate two Etsy shops.

😄What I can help with：
I focus on creative and cultural work, and can contribute in the following areas:
• Photography & video — shooting and editing (lifestyle, space, product, storytelling)
• Content & branding — social media, website visuals, copywriting
• Creative documentation — capturing your space or project in a thoughtful way
• Craft & workshops — I work with bamboo weaving and create modern handmade pieces (earrings, brooches, coasters, small objects), and sometimes host workshops

I'm always up to contribute creatively to any artistic or cultural projects.
I’m also open to helping with simple day-to-day tasks such as cooking, tidying, or simple gardening.
I’m willing to learn and happy to help where I can.
I’m not the best fit for heavy physical work, but I’m very hands-on with creative tasks and happy to contribute consistently in that area.

🙋‍♀️What I’m like to live/work with：
• Easy-going, respectful, and considerate in shared spaces
• Reliable with deadlines, quick to adapt, and comfortable working independently once aligned.
• Naturally observant — I pay attention to details, aesthetics, and atmosphere
• Curious and open — I enjoy learning new skills, perspectives, and ways of living
• I value calm, creative environments and meaningful daily routines
• I also enjoy cooking and would be happy to share some simple Chinese home-style meals.

🎞️ Interests & hobbies：
I’m generally drawn to creative expression in many forms:
• Photography : I love capturing people, everyday moments, and subtle emotions. I’ve organised a student photography exhibition during university, and some of my work has been collected by a gallery in China. I often shoot on the street, observing how people express themselves in different ways. I’m also planning to visit the Les Rencontres d'Arles to explore more global perspectives in photography.
• Movement & performance: I’ve trained in jazz (3 years), Chinese dance (5 years), and ballet (1.5 years). Recently I’ve been interested in exploring more social and expressive forms like swing and tango.
• Improv & theatre: I enjoy improvisational theatre as a way to relax, connect, and co-create with others. I’m also very interested in stage design and how simple materials or settings can be transformed into meaningful storytelling.
• Film: I studied film at University of California, Los Angeles summer school, and have a strong interest in storytelling through moving image. I’m especially drawn to films that offer unique perspectives — not necessarily mainstream or traditional narratives.

Overall, I’m someone who enjoys exploring different creative disciplines and learning through experience.

👭I’m particularly drawn to:
• Artists, makers, and designers
• Thoughtful interiors and unique living spaces
• People who care about lifestyle, aesthetics, and meaningful daily routines

💡Why I’m doing this：
I want to experience local ways of living more deeply, beyond typical travel. I’m especially interested in places where people are building something with intention — whether that’s a home, a creative space, or a personal project.

I also hope to document these experiences through photos and videos, and develop them into short films or a small documentary, maybe, with your consent.

⏰ Availability
- UK / visa-free destinations (with Chinese passport): May 21 – June 2
- UK / Europe (flexible): July 15 – September 20
I’m still flexible with my plans after September, happy to discuss.

If you think I could be a good fit for your place or project, I’d love to hear more about what you’re looking for.

Interests

Technology

Videography

Movies & TV

Fashion or beauty

Culture

Music

DIY & crafts

Books

Art & design

Photography

Architecture

Writing

Performing arts

Drawing & painting

Yoga / Wellness

Nature

Mountain

Dancing

Beach

Outdoor activities

Cycling

Hiking

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Chinese (Mandarin): Fluent

More details about my language interests
I’m very interested in learning new languages, especially Spanish, French, Italian, and Japanese. I’m not necessarily looking for a very structured or intensive approach — I’d love to pick up everyday expressions and phrases that carry cultural meaning and reflect how people really speak. I believe language shapes the way we think, so I’m curious about how different languages express different perspectives and ways of seeing the world. In exchange, I’d be happy to help with Mandarin Chinese, and also English for non-native speakers.

Find a language partner

Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Creative DIY projects

Hospitality/Tourism

---

Some knowledge of:  

Art Projects

Languages

Helping with Computers/ Internet

More details about your skills

😄What I can help with：
I focus on creative and cultural work, and can contribute in the following areas:

• Photography & video — shooting and editing (lifestyle, space, product, storytelling)

• Content & branding — social media, website visuals, copywriting

• Creative documentation — capturing your space or project in a thoughtful way

• Craft & workshops — I work with bamboo weaving and create modern handmade pieces (earrings, brooches, coasters, small objects), and sometimes host workshops

I'm always up to contribute creatively to any artistic or cultural projects.

I’m also open to helping with simple day-to-day tasks such as cooking, tidying, or simple gardening.

I’m willing to learn and happy to help where I can.

I’m not the best fit for heavy physical work, but I’m very hands-on with creative tasks and happy to contribute consistently in that area.


🎞️ Interests & hobbies：
I’m generally drawn to creative expression in many forms:

• Photography: I love capturing people, everyday moments, and subtle emotions. I’ve organised a student photography exhibition during university, and some of my work has been collected by a gallery in China. I often shoot on the street, observing how people express themselves in different ways. I’m also planning to visit the Les Rencontres d'Arles to explore more global perspectives in photography.

• Movement & performance: I’ve trained in jazz (3 years), Chinese dance (5 years), and ballet (1.5 years). Recently I’ve been interested in exploring more social and expressive forms like swing and tango.

• Improv & theatre: I enjoy improvisational theatre as a way to relax, connect, and co-create with others. I’m also very interested in stage design and how simple materials or settings can be transformed into meaningful storytelling.

• Film: I studied film at University of California, Los Angeles summer school, and have a strong interest in storytelling through moving image. I’m especially drawn to films that offer unique perspectives — not necessarily mainstream or traditional narratives.

Overall, I’m someone who enjoys exploring different creative disciplines and learning through experience.

Age

26

What else ...

This is my first time using Workaway, and I’m really excited to explore the different lifestyles and people here.

I’m naturally curious, open-minded, and easy to get along with. I’m always happy to communicate clearly — we can also have a call or video chat beforehand to make sure it’s a good fit for both sides.

At this stage of my life, I’m exploring what kind of lifestyle feels meaningful to me. I’m especially interested in experiencing different ways of living, being part of your daily life, and learning from it.

Looking forward to connecting with you and sharing a meaningful exchange together.

Some more information

• 

  Smoker

• 

  Driver's licence

• 

  Allergies

• 

  Special dietary requirements