When it comes to shopping, there are so many ways in which the final price of an item is determined, and every country seem to have its own rules and preferences, e.g., membership and other discounts, coupons, special sales events, bargaining. So how do you get a good price when … read more
In a typical Chinese market, you won’t find many price tags. The seller may adjust the asking price as he or she sees fit, and the bargaining can begin. Haggling for the price is common in Chinese markets, no matter if for clothing, household items, electronics, jewelry, or any kind … read more
With the summer over and the short fall underway, the dreaded Beijing winter will soon be here. This post explores the seasons in Beijing and how to cope with them. Technically, Beijing has four seasons, but a hot, humid summer and a freezing cold, dry winter dominate the year. Spring … read more
We have traveled throughout the Asian region and had the opportunity to witness different ways of doing things. After living in China for a while, no less in the capital city Beijing, I have learned a lot about the Chinese people and their way of doing certain things. And I have … read more
When you are coming to Beijing you probably want to know about the people you will encounter here. In a recent post I shared 10 things learned about the Chinese. I now turn the attention to my fellow Beijing expats and explore the different types of expats you find here. … read more
Being an expat trailing spouse can have its perks but it also has its challenges, especially if you are giving up your job to follow your spouse abroad. I have done this twice, about 10 years apart, and I can tell you it can put a strain on your self … read more
We love to eat. And fortunately, my husband loves to cook. Even before we moved to China, he cooked many Chinese dishes at home – really tasty! Now in China, it is even easier than before, with easy access to cheap local ingredients. We found great authentic Chinese recipes in … read more
Having access to quality healthcare is always on top of mind when moving to a foreign country, if not on yours, it will be on your parents, friends or other loved ones who want you to be safe. Lets look at healthcare for foreigners in Beijing. Doctors and hospitals As … read more
After spending some time as a Westerner in China, both living in Beijing and traveling around the country, you can’t help but notice some things peculiar to Chinese people. Below are my top ten things I learned about the Chinese. This post often generalizes for the sake of brevity. Of … read more
Do you love to read? Can’t imagine a relaxing evening without a book in your hands? You might wonder how easy it is to get English language books in Beijing. Well, there are a few steps you can take to make access to books easier. E-books are the way to … read more