It’s amazing the amount of stuff – clothing, books, furniture – you can accumulate throughout your stay in China. But once everything is sorted out, what should you do with everything you no longer need? The answer is simple: donate. Read More>>
The same economic reforms that transformed China from a planned economy into a global model of market capitalism during the last 30 years have also dramatically altered many of the foundations of Chinese society itself. Nowhere is this more evident than in the dramatic transformation of the concepts of love and marriage. Read More>>
If you are unfamiliar with China on your first visit here, or if you've lived here for ten years and don't get out often, you might not know how to behave around your eastern neighbours. Here are some things not to do in China. Read More>>
You can tell the ideals of a nation through its adverts, or so the popular saying goes. Loyal to that saying, adverts from 21st century China reveal fascinating insights into the national psyche. Read More>>
On February 10th, the second mass hearing for the 71 people arrested during a recent “call-girl ring” raid was held at the Court of Justice in the Fengtai District of Beijing, and 34 people (22 Men and 12 Women) were sentenced. This was the largest call-girl ring case in China's history. Read More>>
Expats are no strangers to the lure of the bargain, but when shopping in China, getting the oh-so-coveted “Chinese Price” can be difficult to pull off, even if your Mandarin skills are off the charts. Here are ten commandments to make you an expert bargainer. Read More>>
For many people, China is a land of mystery. Whether you’re coming here as a visitor, or settling here as an expat, there are certain things you should know, many of which you won’t learn in guidebooks. Read More>>
Mah-jong is a game of skill, calculation and luck. While those familiar with rummy may pick it up faster than others, the game is closer to a cross between cards and dominoes. Here’s what you’ll need to know before sitting at your first Mah-jong table. Read More>>
A recently published survey about Chinese netizens’ impressions towards foreign countries shocked some of our readers. Interestingly, the same media source that published the much-lambasted survey recently published their own criticism of Chinese media, and how negative reporting is only fuelling China’s worrisome “angry youth movement”.... Read More>>
Most people who work in China have similar expectations when they first arrive: to learn some Chinese, tour around, and save a little money. No problems for the first two, but that last objective can prove elusive. Read More>>
The wet market can be a scary place for expats in China. Strange smells, heaps of products, loud voices. And yet, they can also offer a host of benefits. Here are a few tips to navigating your local wet market. Read More>>
The official holiday calendar for 2012 is now out for your perusing pleasure. While it may seem similar to any other year, there are a few big differences of which to take note… Read More>>
Whether it be for Valentine’s or just to treat yourself to a well-deserved break from work, the selection of films hitting the big screens across China are going to be worth your time. Here are the new releases coming out this February and March. Read More>>
Many foreigners come for months and stay for years. Here we peer into the mind and motivations of the long term expat in China: what keeps them here, what are the advantages of sticking it out, what on earth are they thinking? Read More>>
From teaching methods and ethos to extracurricular activities and college accommodation, life at a Chinese university is a far cry from a Western campus. But which system is better? Will a degree from Peking University stand you in better stead than one from Oxford? Read More>>
Following a recent scandal casting China's premier vacation destination, Sanya, in a less-than-pleasant light, many Chinese netizens have posted their own "Spring Festival vacation scam" anecdotes online. In addition to the oft-lambasted Sanya, many other popular spots also appear on netizens’ “vacation scam” lists. Read More>>
For foreigners living in China, it’s likely that there will be occasions when some element of Chinese life irks you to the point that you want to make your less-than-kind feelings known to Chinese friends, colleagues, or classmates… Read More>>
So you’ve met the right woman, or man, and you’ve popped the big question, and now you have to plan a wedding. In China. If you feel a little bit intimidated by the prospect, join the club. Read More>>
