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....

Published: Oct 1, 2025 • For: Foreigners living in China & global investors China has made a major policy shift that directly affects foreigners. On Sept 15, 2025, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) announced nine new FX measures, including the loosening of long-standing limits on foreign property ownership. Key changes Non-self-use homes now allowed: Foreign...

Greetings are the first step to connecting with people. In Chinese, they are simple, polite, and easy to learn. Here are the most common ones you’ll hear every day. 👋 Common Greetings 你好 (Nǐ hǎo) — Hello (most common, polite for most situations) 早上好 (Zǎoshang hǎo) — Good morning 下午好 (Xiàwǔ hǎo) — Good afternoon 晚上好 (Wǎnshàng hǎo) — Good...

China can open doors, but it doesn’t promise an easy path. A lot of people arrive with expectations of instant jobs and fast money. The truth is different, and the reality hits quickly if you don’t prepare. Expectation 1: “I’ll get a monthly job quickly.” Most foreigners discover that monthly jobs aren’t as common as they imagined. Only a small number...

For students, part-time opportunities can be a lifeline, but rules are strict. Legally, universities must approve internships, and the work permit process is often tied to the school. Still, there are options:   Tutoring in English or your native language. Internships with international companies. Remote freelancing for global clients.It’s not always straightforward, but with the...