It’s cold outside, there’s no denying it. The onset of the Shanghai winter means that you’ve locked your bike away, and there’s not much chance you’ll be walking any further than the Lawson’s at the end of your block. Let’s admit it – you’ll only ... Read More>>
Many expats don’t take public transportation, and even those that regularly take the subway won’t step foot on the bus. There are good reasons to avoid the bus, and the truth is, it’s difficult to navigate if you don’t speak Chinese and aren’t familiar ... Read More>>
Having to go to the hospital is always a scary experience. That said, going to the hospital in a foreign country where your native language is not spoken can be downright terrifying. Luckily, Shanghai is more than well-equipped when it comes to ... Read More>>
Counterfeited products are readily available throughout China; from DVDs and CDs, to electrical products, jewellery, bags and clothing. Some of them are so good that even the most envious stares won’t be able to tell the difference between an original and ... Read More>>
When moving to a foreign country (or continent, as the case may be), it’s important to fully integrate yourself into that new culture in order to gain the most from your experiences. That said, sometimes you’ve just got to call home! Staying in touch with ... Read More>>
Shanghai is a shopper’s paradise. Her streets are branded with labels in both boisterous plazas and glossy boutiques, but the blaring billboards and bright lights overshadow striking examples of real craftsmanship. The fabric market is popular destination ... Read More>>
Shanghai is a cosmopolitan city where chic western lifestyles compliment its timeless oriental heritage. On any given street, high-rise apartment buildings sit alongside authentic concession-era villas and old lane houses, and gleaming SUVs grace the same ... Read More>>
In the wake of the national holidays millions of Chinese boarded the train networks and returned home to visit loved ones. Why trains, you ask? Read More>>
Life in Shanghai can get lonely sometimes. Coming home to an empty apartment is pretty depressing, which is why a lot of expats decide to get a pet. Of course, the advantages of having a pet are obvious, but owning an animal as in China isn’t as easy as ... Read More>>
A big part of what makes China both daunting and interesting for expats is the language barrier. Mandarin has a reputation for being difficult to master, and not knowing any can make you feel out of touch with the local community. There are limits to what ... Read More>>
Having someone else do your washing, cleaning, tidying and even cooking for you is one of Shanghai’s great pleasures. Many an expat struggles to imagine what life would be like without their beloved ayi there to pick up after them. For new arrivals to the ... Read More>>
Moving to Shanghai can be a daunting prospect. In a city so huge, choosing a good apartment can be like looking for a needle in a haystack. Because of Shanghai’s enormous population there are residential buildings everywhere, even right in the centre ... Read More>>