With over 1.4 billion people, social media plays a significant role in every aspect of daily life, from communication and entertainment to business and government. However, foreigners living or visiting China face a distinctive challenge as many global platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are blocked. Instead, there’s a set of local platforms that dominate the market. Here’s a...

1. What Are WeChat & Alipay? WeChat Pay is part of the WeChat messaging app (like WhatsApp + Facebook + PayPal in one). Alipay is a digital wallet owned by Alibaba widely used in stores, taxis, and online shopping. 2. What You Need to Get Started A Chinese bank account linked to your passport A Chinese phone number The WeChat and Alipay apps installed from App Store/Play Store Tip:...

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,...

Introduction China, a country that has been experiencing rapid economic growth over the past few decades, has become an attractive destination for foreigners looking for promising startup ideas. With its large consumer market and evolving business landscape, there are numerous lucrative business opportunities available for expatriates in China. In this article, we will explore the top 10...

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...