Category Archives: Life & Society

Revisiting Xi’an: Old Memories & New Experiences

In January of 2020, I finally returned to the Chinese city of Xi’an after 20 years. The experience reminded me of many reasons I have grown to love China, and how there are many interesting things to learn about and enjoy in the country.

All About Xiaomi: Smart Homes and Cool Tech

Chinese culture and society have long been one of my interests, and it’s been fascinating to observe how the country has developed over the past 20 plus years. I’ve also been working in the Chinese high-tech sector for several years, and it’s been extremely enlightening to be on the ground in China, and watch howContinue reading “All About Xiaomi: Smart Homes and Cool Tech”

How to Successfully Take a Taxi in China

One thing that stands out about China is its massive size, not just the country but its many mega cities, such as Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Therefore, knowing how to get around quickly is important for getting by. Thankfully, there are many transportation options that foreign visitors can take advantage of, including subways, buses,Continue reading “How to Successfully Take a Taxi in China”

Grab Those Red Envelopes – On WeChat!

WeChat is China’s #1 social media app, and a great place to give gifts and maintain relationships. In this article, you’ll learn the basics of gifting Red Envelopes on WeChat, and why it’s such an important tool for foreigners living and working in China.

“Little Sisters” and “Older Brothers” in China

Do you know about “Little Sisters” and “Older Brothers” in China? These two terms are a common part of everyday life and are often used by China’s younger generation to communicate and build relationships. Take a look at the following article t begin building relationships the Chinese way today!

Baijiu: the Misunderstood Drink of China

Many Westerners in China wince at the mention of Baijiu, the most consumed type of alcohol in the country. However, new arrivals to China shouldn’t be so quick to judge. Baijiu is both a useful business tool, and an important part of Chinese culture and history. So if you’re interested in doing business in China, check out these important Baijiu basics!

The Chinese Families of Flight MH370

News on MH370 has been dominating the Western news networks for more than a month, but with little in-depth coverage on the families of the missing Chinese passengers. In this article read about the cultural and social factors that affect their grief stricken public outbursts and what this tragedy means for them in the future.

3 Ideas For More Effective Networking With the Chinese

There are now a number of events in China and abroad where Westerners can meet new Chinese friends and business contacts. However, if you do not understand how to create a personal connection with the Chinese, you may find your efforts coming up short.

The Difficulties in Connecting With Influential Chinese

It is common to encounter Western business people looking for introductions to Chinese executives or government officials, with the idea that creating these types of guanxi can be the instrumental in establishing a successful business venture. And while possessing strong guanxi is important in China, it is not as easy find as some people may think.

China Expat Survival Tips: Joining a Chinese Company

The office culture of many companies in Mainland China can cause stress and worry for the unprepared Western expatriate. In order increase an expatriate’s chances of success and reduce the time required for cultural acclimation, it is a good idea to be aware of the basic elements at play within a Chinese office environment.