A Beijing Christian shares his story of conversion

Simon Zhang, a 22-year-old student in Haidian district, Beijing, says he was converted to Christianity two years ago when trying to figure out the meaning of life.

Zhang spoke on condition of only being identified by his surname and English first name instead of his full Chinese name.

"People wondered why I would challenge myself with such a question," said Zhang. "Other people my age were preoccupied with more pragmatic things, such as school, job hunting and romantic relationships."