Aside from essential apps like WeChat, Alipay, Didi, Maps, etc., one of the other apps that I use most often here is Dianping, especially for looking up restaurants and bars. It's a great way to find new places, check opening times and addresses, book tables and get some banging discounts.  Almost every restaurant or bar is guaranteed to have at least one kind of deal or discount....

The Shanghai Public Security Bureau (PSB) has rolled out new measures to make it easier for foreigners to attend and do business during the China International Import Expo (CIIE). These updates improve visa access, registration, and mobility around the event. 1. Electronic Port Visa System For the first time, Shanghai has introduced an electronic port visa system for foreign exhibitors and...

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...

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...

Golden Week is one of the busiest travel times in China. Millions of people are on the move, which means it’s important to stay safe while enjoying the celebrations. Here are some quick tips to keep in mind. 1. Book in Advance Train and flight tickets sell out quickly. Always book through official apps like 12306 for trains and trusted airline platforms for flights. 2. Travel Smart...