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...

🚄 From City Lights to Secret SkiesImagine leaving Shenzhen’s skyscrapers behind and heading deep into China’s wild west—Qinghai Province. That’s exactly what this traveler did to uncover the truth about Chaka Salt Lake, the so-called “forbidden mirror.” 🌌 Walking on Water (Almost)Chaka isn’t just a lake. It’s a massive salt flat that perfectly...

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...

China has made new changes to how foreign workers are classified, and it could affect how expats apply for or renew their work permits. The Ministry of Human Resources announced that the country is giving more power to local governments to decide which foreign professionals are most needed in their area. Before, foreign workers were grouped under three main types — Category A (top...

Wealthy, Educated Man Chooses to Live on the Streets Zhao Dian, a 32-year-old from China, has sparked widespread debate after abandoning an elite lifestyle to live as a homeless individual, surviving on just 100 yuan (US$14) a month. Despite his prestigious background — having lived in cities like Sydney, New York, Beijing, and Paris while earning multiple degrees in finance —...