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...

Chinese Learning Series – Classes 5 to 10 Welcome back! In this part of our series, we’ll cover Classes 5 to 10, focusing on practical topics like shopping, transport, weather, time, family, and hobbies. Class 5: Shopping and Money 这个多少钱？ (Zhè ge duōshǎo qián?) – How much is this? 太贵了 (tài guì le) – Too expensive 便宜一点 (piányi...

Published: Oct 1, 2025 • For: Foreigners living in China & global investors China has made a major policy shift that directly affects foreigners. On Sept 15, 2025, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) announced nine new FX measures, including the loosening of long-standing limits on foreign property ownership. Key changes Non-self-use homes now allowed: Foreign...

Shanghai is one of China’s most exciting food cities — a melting pot where East meets West and local flavors blend with international flair. Whether you’re new in town or a longtime resident, here are some of the best places and dishes to explore when hunger hits. 🥢 Must-Try Local Dishes Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings) – Steamed buns filled with hot broth and pork,...

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)...