Moving to China can feel like stepping into another world — exciting, fast, and full of daily surprises. I thought I was prepared, but there were a few things I wish someone told me earlier. If you’re planning to move or you just arrived, these five notes will make life much smoother. 1) Cashless Life is Real QR codes run everything. Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay as soon as you can....

Golden Week isn’t just a local holiday — it’s also a special time for foreigners living in China. From exploring new cities to enjoying cultural festivals, expats find unique ways to make the most of the 7-day break. Here are some community picks and ideas from fellow foreigners: 🎆 Joining Local Celebrations Many expats love to take part in fireworks shows, parades, and...

Chinese Learning – Class 3: Ordering Food and Drinks Food is a big part of life in China. In this class, let’s learn how to order food and drinks. 🍜 Key Phrases 我要… (wǒ yào…) – I want… 请给我菜单 (qǐng gěi wǒ càidān) – Please give me the menu 一杯水 (yì bēi shuǐ) – A glass of water 一碗米饭 (yì wǎn mǐfàn)...

Ever booked a hotel in China, rolled in with your suitcase all excited, only to hear that dreaded line: “Sorry, we’re not qualified to accept foreigners”? Yeah… me too. Awful. It’s been repeated so often it might as well be part of the hotel’s welcome script when a foreigner walks in. And the reason they give? “According to the law…” Well,...

Native ESL Teachers Wanted – Shandong Province   School: Kindergarten & Primary School (via Beijing Broaden & Top-trans Communication Center) Location: Zoucheng, Shandong Province Type: Full-time Positions: 3–4 teachers needed Start Date: September 2025 Salary: ¥22,000 – ¥26,000 RMB/month (after tax) Benefits: Free accommodation provided Workload: No more...