Life in China, simplified
Practical guides written by expats for expats. Visas, housing, banking, healthcare, and the day-to-day reality of life in China - no fluff, no outdated advice.
1M+
foreigners living in China
40+
cities with expat communities
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practical guides
Cut through the noise. These are the practical answers to the questions every expat has when moving to China.
Work visas, residence permits, Z-visa applications, and navigating the PSB. Updated for 2025.
Read guides →🏠Finding apartments in Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, and more. Lease tips, agent fees, and what to watch out for.
Read guides →🏥International hospitals, health insurance options, expat clinics, and getting prescriptions filled.
Read guides →🏦Opening a Chinese bank account, WeChat Pay, Alipay, wire transfers, and moving money home.
Read guides →🗣️Mandarin basics for daily life, the best apps for learning characters, and survival phrases that actually help.
Read guides →📱VPNs, WeChat, Didi, Meituan, and every app you need to function in China in 2025.
Read guides →China has dozens of cities with established expat communities. Here are the most popular choices.
China's cosmopolitan financial hub. Massive expat scene, world-class dining, and great international schools.
The capital. Rich in history, strong job market in tech and government sectors, harsh winters.
Tech boomtown bordering Hong Kong. Young, fast-moving, and excellent for startup and manufacturing roles.
Laid-back, affordable, incredible food, and a rapidly growing international community. Giant pandas included.
There is a lot of outdated, generic information about China online. ExpatChina is different: every guide is written or verified by foreigners currently living in China, and we update them when the rules change.
Can I open a bank account without a residence permit?
Yes, but your options are limited. We break down exactly which banks accept foreigners on a tourist visa and what documents you need.
How do I get a work visa (Z visa)?
Your employer handles most of it, but there are steps you need to take too. Our step-by-step guide walks you through the full process.
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