Foreigners have a reputation for clumsiness in China. The litany of knocks, breaks and injuries accumulated by my expat friends is truly alarming. Excluding digestive disagreements, simply for brevity’s sake, here are some of the most common expat injuries in China. Read more>>
Marrying into a Chinese family can be intimidating. Family obligations are stronger here than they are in much of the West, while independent-mindedness is not. ... Read More>>
“Grass is Always Greener Syndrome” is characterized by homesickness, a refusal to live in the moment and low-grade anxiety about getting "stuck" in China.. Here’s my guide to shedding the burden of negativity as an expat in China. ... Read More>>
China and Chinese culture have been confounding foreigners for centuries. Here, I take a look at four cultural and social phenomenon that expats in China find hard to accept. ... Read More>>
When it comes to Western food in China, it can be a heartbreaking experience. Away from the top tier cities, there are few places to choose from and many disappointments. Here are seven ways to spot a bad Western restaurant in China. ... Read More>>
I soon as I had my feet on the ground in Shenzhen, I realized I was set to be nothing less than a spectacle; an object of either admiration or disgust. Here’s my account of what it’s like being Black in China. ... Read More>>
Being overly critical of China in front of its citizens is likely to affect your relationships. So how can you speak your mind without suffering a blowback? Here I bring tips on how to complain about China without losing Chinese friends. ... Read More>>
While foreigners do have a little leeway in their behaviour, there are certain things that’ll land you with, at best an eye roll, at worst, a spell in jail. Here are five things foreigners in China shouldn’t do. ... Read More>>
Along with refraining from using bad language, visiting hospitals and cutting their hair, Chinese people are expected to adhere to some pretty rigorous superstitions over Chinese New Year. ... Read More>>
Doctor Anthony David Beck has been working as a vet in China for almost 20 years. One half of the team that heads up Beck & Stone, he tells us what he thinks about expats bringing pets to China. ... Read More>>
While some Chinese may be overeager to make your acquaintance, you’ll find befriending coworkers, classmates, neighbors, or whoever, may take a bit more work. Here are a few ways expats can find and keep Chinese friends. ... Read More>>
Chinese wet markets can be scary places for expats. But with some expert tips and a few trips under your belt, you'll soon be navigating the sights, sounds and smells of a Chinese wet market like a local. ... Read More>>
Working in a Chinese office can be quite the culture shock, but teaching in Chinese schools is arguably more so. Here are a few important points to know about the Chinese education system. ... Read More>>
As the adage goes, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” Perhaps returning to China as an expat after a stint away is the exception? Here I bring you my second first impressions as an expat in China. ... Read More>>
While you may love your fake Uggs (Fuggs?), pirate TV box and wonky "Louis Vuitton,” there are a few things that you really shouldn't scrimp on as an expat in China. ... Read More>>
What is it that makes Mandarin so hard for us laowai to get our heads around? Let’s take a look at the major hurdles for foreigners learning Chinese. ... Read More>>
Much ink has been spilt on the things expats find weird when they arrive in China. But how about the things Chinese people find funny about foreigners? ... Read More>>
There comes a time in every longterm China expat's life when you realize that you’re starting to adopt the cultural nuances you found so strange on arrival. Here are eight signs that you’ve gone native as an expat in China. ... Read More>>
Most foreigners come to China for a short stint and don’t want to spend a fortune finding and furnishing a new home. If you’re in this boat, here are some tips on how you can move to China on the cheap. ... Read More>>
In a culture where fake and authentic things are sometimes hard to distinguish and where a good copy trumps copyright, many an expat has asked, “What is the real China?” ... Read More>>
In a striking turnaround, China has surged back into the global expat spotlight, landing 6th place overall in InterNations’ 2025 Expat Insider ranking. ... Read More>>
Whether you have family of your own or you’re accompanying a friend or loved one, here are a few tips for celebrating Spring Festival with a Chinese family. ... Read More>>
The teaching industry is far more diverse and nuanced than people realize, with many different ways to start and end your journey. Here we take a look at just some of the typical career paths for teachers in China. ... Read More>>
Your first few months as an expat in China can be overwhelming. Whether you’re only here for a semester or are likely to stay for several years, here are some ways to make your first few months in China easier. ... Read More>>
If you’re moving to China with kids, getting them a high level of education is probably your first priority. Here, I take you through the main options for schooling in China, complete with their pros and cons. ... Read More>>
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