Jan 15, 2025
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>>
Nov 20, 2024
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>>
Oct 09, 2024
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>>
Aug 28, 2024 Comments(2)
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>>
Jul 17, 2024 Comments(2)
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>>
Jun 05, 2024 Comments(20)
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>>
May 22, 2024 Comments(8)
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>>
Apr 11, 2024
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 ...... Read More>>
Feb 28, 2024
Language and cultural barriers put pressure on large and small companies alike, but I would argue the economy is the main thing that affects the Chinese business practices that foreigners find the most jarring. ... Read More>>
Jan 17, 2024 Comments(5)
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>>
Dec 06, 2023
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>>
Nov 22, 2023 Comments(6)
Let's face it; most expats in China live very differently to most locals. So how can you live more like a local and save money as an expat in China. ... Read More>>
Oct 11, 2023
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>>
Aug 23, 2023 Comments(2)
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>>
Aug 10, 2023
Some Chinese rules of social engagement can be complicated for foreigners to understand. Let’s take a look at some of the social constructs expats in China typically struggle to navigate. ... Read More>>
Jul 12, 2023 Comments(3)
The path to speaking fluent Chinese is a long and rocky one. While everyone has their own methods, techniques and tactics, no matter what level you’re at, there are some definite Dos and Don’ts of learning Chinese. ... Read More>>
May 31, 2023 Comments(3)
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>>
Apr 21, 2023 Comments(4)
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>>
Mar 08, 2023 Comments(8)
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>>
Jan 17, 2023 Comments(4)
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>>
Dec 07, 2022 Comments(2)
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>>
Oct 26, 2022 Comments(11)
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>>
Sep 14, 2022 Comments(5)
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>>
Aug 04, 2022 Comments(4)
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>>
Jun 07, 2022 Comments(4)
Finding the right apartment in China is fairly easy. Not always so easy is finding the right housemates. ... Read More>>
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