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...

A strong cold front is sweeping across China, bringing a noticeable drop in temperatures and signaling the end of the lingering autumn heat. According to the China Meteorological Administration, most provinces will experience a temperature decrease of 4°C–8°C, while some areas like Beijing, Hunan, and Inner Mongolia may see a drop of over 10°C. From Friday to Wednesday, the...

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,...

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...

Just as important as saying hello is knowing how to say goodbye. In Chinese, the most common phrase is 再见 (Zàijiàn), which literally means “see you again.” 👋 Common Ways to Say Goodbye 再见 (Zàijiàn) — Goodbye / See you again 拜拜 (Bàibài) — Bye-bye (casual, borrowed from English) 回头见 (Huítóu jiàn)...