Meals on Wheels: Nothing in the fridge? Order in
There are half-open boxes lying all over the house, and the kids are clamoring for…
Browsing: Lifestyle Guides
Call 911! (I Mean, 120): Heading to a Chinese hospital? Here’s what to expect
Nothing makes a foreign country feel more foreign than being ill and being able to…
The Help: Hiring an ayi and a driver in Beijing
The relatively low cost of domestic help in China is one of the luxuries of…
Prepare to Dial: How to acquire, recharge, and activate a mobile phone
Though we often try to wean our children (and ourselves) off of technology, connecting to…
Back to Basics: How to set up and pay for utilities in Beijing
When in China, do as the Chinese do. You’re embarking on a utilities journey that…
This Land Is Your Land, Part 1: An introduction to popular expat neighborhoods
One of the first things that newcomers and visitors tend to notice about Beijing is…
Legal Alien: Demystifying Chinese visa regulations
Having lived in Beijing for nearly four years, I have realized that keeping abreast of…
Checking All the Boxes: Making the standard health inspection as painless as possible
The health inspection (known as tijian in Chinese) is a mandatory part of the residence…
Healthcare 101: Navigating the city’s clinics and hospitals
Healthcare in Beijing is one of those things you may want to know a lot…
What does Malayalam have to do with Mandarin? Stirring the Language Hot Pot in Beijing
The driver of my red-cloth-covered pedicab is trundling along on the Beijing street, threatening to…