We’re in that mode again.

Our move is on the horizon and we’re on the hunt for good resources for living in China. Cost-of-living calculator? Check. VPNs and how to use them? Check. Where to travel first when we have a long weekend? Check. A list of all the national holidays? Check.

I know we’re not alone in our tendency to hoard information. It’s just that, unlike other countries, we’ve found reliable, current information about China to be difficult to uncover. Sadly. I mean, eventually we’re happy to become the preeminent authorities for expats in China, but for now, we’re relying on others to fill up our well of knowledge.

Anyway, we’ve been doing our homework and here’s the beginning: 100 resources for living, working and traveling in China. From taxes to visas, to visiting the dentist. Plus all the fun stuff, including the ultimate guide to traveling by train in China, to how to book cheap flights.

Side note: We’d love to hear about anything we’ve missed, so please email or comment below with any of your most fantastic resources for living in China. Many thanks for helping us keep this list current and accurate.

Last Updated: May 2017

Expat Forums

Know Before You Go

Visas

Cost of Living

Taxes

Our China Travel Bucket List

Miscellaneous

And there you have it. 100 resources for living, working and traveling in China. We are so excited about our upcoming adventure and can’t wait to immerse ourselves in a fascinating new culture.

Like we said from the top, we’re hungry for all amazing resources for living in China that you know of, so please feel free to leave links and tips in the comments below. Or if you have too much to say, shoot us an email. We will be updating this list periodically and we’re happy to include any and all valuable information.

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  • May 13, 2017

    Holy wow. If you’re planning a move to China, or even a long trip, you wouldn’t have to visit any other sights to get information. I cannot believe how comprehensive your China resource page is. This will help tons of people.

  • May 13, 2017

    Wow you’ve put together a great resource here! Good luck with the move, guys!

  • May 14, 2017

    What a fantastic resource! There’s nothing more reassuring when you’re moving to a new place to learn from others’ research and experience. Definitely bookmarking this to recommend to others when asked.

  • May 15, 2017

    This is a great, well-researched piece for expats. Often we know where to get all the information, but if someone has provided a short-cut checklist like this one, it all seems so much more manageable. One stop shop!

  • May 15, 2017

    It’s crazy how much you learn when you’re preparing to live in a new country, isn’t it? This is a true testiment to your dedication as expats. I’m looking forward to reading about your adventures in China. It promises to be a crazy, awkward, incredible journey for you two.

  • May 15, 2017

    WOOOOOOW. This is such a comprehensive post for anyone moving to China. Great work. I’m excited to read about all your adventures.

  • May 16, 2017

    Holy smokes. You guys have certainly done your homework. While I won’t be moving to China, this is a great resource guide and super helpful. I wish someone had posted this before we bought property and started living part-time in Panama.

    • May 16, 2017

      Thanks! It was a lot of work for sure!

  • May 16, 2017
    Barb

    This is such a great list. I will definitely send it to my friend who just moved to Shanghai. I think she will find this list very useful. Thanks for sharing.

  • May 17, 2017
    Megan Jerrard

    Wow, this is huge, thanks for putting this together. I know it’s meant as an expat guide, but honestly it’s great for anyone interested in or traveling in general to China. I found Express VPN really useful while in China last year, so can definitely recommend as a great option for both your phone and laptop – but organize before you get there 🙂

    • May 22, 2017
      Julie

      We’re definitely going for the Express VPN as well – it’s what we’ve heard is the best!

  • May 17, 2017

    Fellow ‘information/research hoarder’ here, and proud of it! We’re putting China on the list of our next possible stops and I’ve bookmarked your site- clearly you’ve done the legwork for me so thanks! I’m wondering if you know what the best resources are to find info on vaccination requirements, etc. I have 3 small kids and we’re also going to need info on International schools so I’m curious if you run across something specific there too. Again, many thanks!
    Farrah recently posted…Where To and What NotMy Profile

    • May 22, 2017
      Julie

      Farrah – as of now (early 2017) there are no vaccination requirements for entry into China. We didn’t need to get any, nor show evidence of any. If you’re coming from a country that is known to have yellow fever, you frequently need a yellow fever vaccine to travel in many countries…but that’s it! I also know that the major cities (top 10?) have plenty of international schooling options. Anywhere there are expats quickly result in lots of education options. we don’t have kids so haven’t done detailed research in this area, but I know for sure that the major cities are well-stocked!

  • May 18, 2017

    I’ve read several articles on how difficult it is to get into China but hey, you’ve got a comprehensive list of resources out here!