Lately, accessing the internet in China with a VPN has been increasingly frustrating. Are VPNs still working in China? At times, it feels like VPNs don’t connect at all or drop after a short time. If you’ve felt like this or you’re worried that this is going to be the … read more
If you plan to do any shopping around China’s capital city, it helps to know the best markets in Beijing. There are plenty of large, modern malls and small shops, but if you’re looking for an old fashioned market, these are the eight places you’ll want to visit. The great … read more
Will you miss the season finale of your favorite TV series when you move to China? Or your cozy Tuesday evenings snuggling up on the couch and watching the latest episode of a TV show you have been following for years? In China, your local TV will be mostly limited … read more
Living as a foreigner in Beijing makes for many great experiences. But not all is just great all the time. Behind all the good stuff hides some not so pleasant stuff. Well, sometimes it doesn’t hide, it is just out there, right in your face. Below is my list of … read more
Wherever you live, buying clothes will eventually be on your agenda, either for fun or as a necessity. You have many options for clothes shopping as a Westerner in Beijing, from foreign brands to domestic labels and specialty clothes. Learn also what you need to know about sizes, sales and … read more
What if you have an accident at home or on the street? Or sudden chest pain? How to call an ambulance if you don’t speak Chinese? Where do you find an emergency room where they speak English? Or where to go for urgent care? We don’t really want to think … read more
Going out in a new city and making new friends can be a bit daunting. Especially cross-cultural friendships can be challenging. But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are expat events in Beijing that make meeting people easy and fun. I actually met one of my best friends … read more
Despite the disgusting reality of dog meat dishes in the Chinese cuisine, Chinese people generally are pet friendly. But there are a few things you should know about having pets in Beijing. This guide to pets in Beijing covers: Bringing a pet to Beijing Getting a pet in China Preventing … read more
Do all the food scandals in China make you nervous about the quality or safety of produce here? I never really got sick, even from street food (thanks to my iron stomach), but even I found myself scrubbing all greens for cooking at home with special soap and hoping that … read more
Isn’t he adorable? I don’t have a cat but love cats. So I was excited when I had the opportunity to take care of this sweetie for a few weeks as a pet-sitter. I also got to try out living in a different part of Beijing, near Ritan Park. A … read more