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...

Looking for a quick escape this Golden Week? If you want to avoid the big crowds but still enjoy the holiday, here are some of the best day trips you can take from major cities in China. Beijing ➝ Great Wall Hike the Mutianyu or Jinshanling sections of the Great Wall for stunning views and fewer tourists compared to Badaling. Shanghai ➝ Suzhou Known as the “Venice of the...

China is one of the best places in the world to do business, but it is also one of the easiest places to make costly mistakes if you rush in unprepared. Many people arrive with big ideas, excitement and confidence, but few take the time to truly understand the environment they are stepping into. The entrepreneurs who last in China don’t just work hard — they work intentionally....

How to Extend a Chinese Visa Smoothly in 2025 A step-by-step guide for foreigners in China on how to extend your visa without stress — requirements, tips, costs, and mistakes to avoid. ✍️ Intro Visa extensions in China can feel confusing — especially with changing rules, language barriers, and long lines. But the truth is: it’s possible to extend your visa without stress if...

Learning Mandarin might feel intimidating at first, but you don’t have to master thousands of characters to start communicating. Just a few phrases can make your life in China much smoother — from shopping and traveling to making friends. 50 Useful Mandarin Phrases 你好 (Nǐ hǎo) – Hello 👋 早上好 (Zǎo shàng hǎo) – Good morning 🌅 晚上好 (Wǎn shàng hǎo) – Good...