Editor's Note:

For those of us living north of the Qin-Huai Line, it's getting cold and the winter is long. And super gross. Some hole up, others migrate, most drink. Fortunately for you, eChincities.com has our own winter survival strategy.

Any survival strategy revolves around food, and there is no shortage on food that warms the soul in China. On those bad days when you're just done and you're going back home, go get some hot pot with some friends and reevaluate. You live in a land of plenty, where they throw leftover fried rice to the pigs. Why go back? All your sustenance needs are met here, and it doesn't taste too bad as well.

Shelter is critical too, a roof to protect from the elements. What's better than sinking into a warm bed as the night winds wail? Sinking into a warmer bed with your significant comforter! Lovelessness is in the air everywhere you look around thanks to 11/11. See what Chinese citizens are saying about it.

Winter is a bummer, but ever year we get through it. We come out of it clutching at our coats, blinking at the sunlight. Not defeated, but forlorn, sending job applications to Shenzhen. At the end of it all, we do what we have to do.