The Real Truth When many Africans think about coming to China, the first plan is usually simple: “Let me get a job and collect salary every month.” On paper it sounds easy, but in reality it is one of the hardest routes to survive here. Out of 100 people who come with a pure “salary job” mindset, maybe 5 will actually land a proper, stable job. Even those 5 don’t...

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,...

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....

In China, jobs are not always found on websites—they’re found through people. Foreigners who succeed here actively build networks. This means attending industry meetups, connecting with alumni, joining professional WeChat groups, and even showing up to local community events. One connection could open a door that online applications never will.

In other cities, midnight is a polite cough telling you it’s time to go home. In Shenzhen, it’s the moment the city leans in, winks, and says: “Sit down, this is where it gets interesting.” The malls roll down their shutters like a theatre ending its matinée show — and outside, the streets immediately start the late-night premiere, with a bigger cast, a...