Next month heralds an event that will be incredibly meaningful to certain groups of people in Shanghai and across China, and is a milestone for communities worldwide. Whether you’re a tóngzhì [同志 | a gay man], a lālā [拉拉 | a lesbian], a liǎngxìng [两性 | bisexual], or simply want to ...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>>
“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>>
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>>
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>>
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>>
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>>
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>>
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>>
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>>
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>>
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>>
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>>
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>>
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>>
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>>
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>>
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>>
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>>
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>>
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>>
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>>
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>>
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>>
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