Living in China: What No One Tells You (And Why It Might Be the Best Decision You’ll Ever Make)

Wondering if moving to China for a while is a good idea? Or are you just curious about what it’s really like to live in China as a foreigner? You’re in the right place. Living in China for over a year completely shaped my personality and became a huge part of my identity.

The confidence I gained from handling landlord disputes in Chinese or managing house rentals is something I’ll carry with me forever. Because here’s the truth: once you manage to live and travel around China without issues, there’s not much in life that can hold you back.

So yes, if you’re still wondering whether moving (or just traveling) to this fantastic country is worth it, I’m here to tell you it’s not just a good decision—it might be the best one you’ll ever make.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the pros and cons of staying in China and how this country helped me become the most confident, alive, and fearless version of myself, so you can finally learn more about the great experience that awaits you!

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How I Ended Up Living in China?

In late 2018, after completing my second year at university, I decided to take an exchange year in China. Xi’an was my first choice — I’d always been drawn to the more livable feel of a smaller city, compared to massive hubs like Beijing or Shanghai. And it turned out to be the right decision.

In Xi’an, I became a student at Xi’an International Studies University. And that’s the first thing I’d recommend if you’re considering moving to China for a while: book a Chinese course for a few months.

It’s one of the easiest ways to get a visa and get a taste of Chinese daily life before moving there for longer. (Plus, as a foreigner, you might even be able to find a small English teaching gig  — though maybe I shouldn’t be saying that.)

After a year of loving life in Xi’an, I extended my stay and signed up for another year of Chinese classes at the same university. I had just settled into a new apartment I adored when I flew home for Christmas at the end of 2019.

And then — poof. Covid hit. I couldn’t go back. All my belongings were still in my Chinese apartment. I had left not just my heart, but my entire life behind. (And no — I never got any of it back.)

In this blog post, you’ll find practical tips for planning your life in China and some of my best stories — the kind that might just convince you to pack your bags and never look back. Ready to discover what life in China is actually like for an expat?

Pros of Living in China

​​China completely changed who I am and what I want in life — and all for the better. The open-mindedness I gained and the confidence to navigate challenges (often in Chinese!) have become a huge part of my personality.

So yes, living in China comes with challenges, but the pros outweigh them. It’s an experience that will shape you in ways you can’t even imagine.

1. Lower Living Costs

Lower living costs are one of the things that make life in China… easier. Even if you plan to move to pricier cities like Beijing or Shanghai, the overall expenses are still lower than what you’d pay in most European or U.S. cities.

During my first year in Xi’an, I shared a two-bedroom apartment and paid around $260 monthly. In my second year, I upgraded to a beautiful studio for just $250. Wild, right?

Low cost of life is one of the main reasons you feel freer to go out and enjoy life. No expat cooks at home in China — not because they can’t, but because eating out is cheaper than using gas at home. There are plenty of restaurants to try, and the prices are often very low. I used to get away with around 150 yuan for a whole week of meals — about $21. That included eating out almost every day. 

Even bars and clubs can be free if you don’t drink, sometimes just because you’re a foreigner. And getting around is so easy: taxis are so cheap that you can explore the whole city and still get home safely at night without worrying about the cost.

China can be much more fun than most people expect. The fact that everything is so affordable just makes it even better.

2. China is Very Safe

If there’s one thing that made my stay in China feel truly magical, it was the sense of safety I felt from the beginning to the end. At the time, I probably took it for granted. But after returning home and spending time in Paris, I realized how much that safety had made everything easier.

I was never afraid of going out alone or walk home in the middle of the night. I never needed to glance over my shoulder or clutch my bag on the subway. I can’t even recall thinking about safety — except maybe when navigating Xi’an’s traffic on my electric scooter!

There’s something calming in the air, a certainty that that nothing bad will happen. That kind of peace changes the way you live.

3. Opportunities Are Everywhere

Whenever I talk about my time in China, I always come back to one thing: how many unexpected opportunities I had while living there.

If you enroll in Chinese classes at a university, chances are the school will organize all sorts of activities — talent shows, cooking classes, and cultural excursions around the city. Say yes to everything. You never know who you’ll meet or what door might open.

The first time I participated in a talent show, I performed a song and won. After that, the university realized I could sing and invited me to perform at competitions, gala dinners, and other events.

And then, completely out of the blue and without asking for anything, they gifted me a 4-day trip to a beautiful natural destination in Central China. Everything was covered. It was one of the most unexpected and heartwarming things that ever happened to me, just because I was showing up and being of service.

In my second year, another opportunity came through a friend: one of my Italian classmates decided to leave her English teaching job and asked if I wanted to take over.

Just like that, I landed not one but two teaching jobs at different kindergartens, and those became some of my favorite moments of the week. So, being open, especially to locals, is the best thing you can do in China. 

4. Travel Opportunities Around China & Asia

Living in China for a while gives you plenty of opportunities to pack your bags and explore — not just the country itself but nearby destinations like Japan, Korea, and Thailand.

If you don’t have time to travel throughout the year because of work or classes, make the most of long weekends and public holidays to explore different parts of China. Internal flights and high-speed trains are incredibly efficient — sometimes a 30-minute train ride is all it takes to find yourself in a completely new city.

Traveling around China allows you to experience life outside the major urban hubs and connect with the country’s most authentic side.

Remember that China is still developing — many rural areas remain untouched by modern infrastructure. But getting to know those places and the people there will deeply enrich your experience.

5. Rich Culture & Learning Opportunities

If you’re willing to get out of your way and participate in cultural activities, you’ll learn much about Chinese culture. My university used to organize cooking classes, calligraphy workshops, cultural events, and poetry competitions. There were endless chances to put yourself out there, have fun, and try something new.

In addition to Chinese classes, you might even have the chance to attend business courses. If you do — take it. Understanding how business works in China and learning the local etiquette is so important, especially if you’re considering staying long-term.

And don’t overthink speaking Chinese with locals: the more you do it, the better your pronunciation will get. Taxi drivers were my favorite — some of the friendliest people I met!

6. Locals Are Friendly

I know what you might think if you’ve ever been to China… that Chinese people seem rude. But in reality, they’re not — it’s just their way of being. Sometimes, I even felt like they were a bit intimidated or simply curious.

That’s why I always suggest not judging too quickly and smiling at people, whether you bump into them in the elevator or meet them elsewhere. You never know what might happen.

Once, a woman in the elevator asked me to teach her son English because I smiled at her, and we started a conversation. So be kind first; you’ll see how many doors can open for you!

7. Expats, Travelers & Student Communities

​​If there’s one thing I honestly can’t complain about, it’s all the wonderful people I met in China. Don’t think no one travels or lives there — the expat communities in major cities are very much alive.

People usually gather at the main expat bars, and after a while, it starts to feel like a real community. You’re in a city of 12 million people, yet somehow you end up running into the same familiar faces.

You’ll meet people who’ve been living and working in China for years, as well as travelers just passing through.

Once, in Xi’an, I met a girl doing the Trans-Siberian journey, and the conversations and insights you get in moments like that are inspiring and valuable. Since you’re all in the same boat, people are generally friendly and quick to welcome a new friend into the group.

Cons of Living in China

Despite how much I loved living in China, I can be honest and tell you—it does come with its cons. But to be fair, I often forget even to mention them because they didn’t really matter or change my overall experience.

What stayed with me was the longing I felt once I returned to Italy. Just one month after returning home, I was already missing China like crazy and dreaming of going back as soon as possible.

1. Language Barrier

​​Overall, I wouldn’t consider the language barrier a real issue. After a couple of months studying and practicing Chinese daily, you’ll be able to handle basic situations without too much trouble.

However, it can get tricky regarding more complex matters, like signing rental contracts or dealing with disputes.

I still remember when our first landlord suddenly decided to sell the apartment after we had already paid for half the rental period. Long story short, I had to practically fight with him (all in Chinese) to get our deposit and caution money back, and we ended up renting another place further away. That’s why I always say that after handling that, I feel like I can face just about anything.

2. The Chinese Way May Be Hard to Get Used To

I deeply loved living in China, but I won’t lie—after almost five months, I needed a break from city life and the constant crowds. The Chinese way of thinking and behaving is entirely different from what we’re used to.

Things tend to follow a fixed structure, and people are very procedure-oriented. The moment something goes “off-script,” it’s panic mode. As an Italian, I grew up thinking there’s always a creative way to solve things, so this rigid mindset sometimes drove me mad.

And yes, you’ve probably heard stories about spitting or the loud chewing noises at mealtimes—those are true. The same kind of effort to avoid bothering others that you might expect elsewhere… doesn’t really apply in China.

You’ll often see people watching TV shows on their phones without headphones or yelling at their kids in public. It’s not necessarily a huge deal day-to-day, but after a few months, these things can get annoying.

3. China is Crowded

If you’re an expat living in China, chances are you’ll be based in a city, and if that’s the case, get ready for crowds. It’s just part of the experience. Personally, I don’t remember ever having a dramatic “I need space” moment. At some point, you adjust and learn to navigate it, like avoiding public transport during rush hours or spending some time in the loneliness of your apartment.

When I lived in Xi’an, the population was around 12 million… and that’s Xi’an! I can’t even imagine what it’s like in Shanghai or Beijing. One vivid memory I have is returning to Italy and asking my parents, “Where is everyone?” Everything felt so quiet and empty in comparison.

4. Pollution

Despite all the improvements, China is still quite polluted. You’ll especially notice it in winter, when a thick layer of smog often covers major cities, hiding the sun for days (sometimes weeks).

I remember going out at night and seeing the sky in strange shades of orange and purple—probably not the healthiest glow. That’s one reason why living in China forever might not be ideal for your health. You’ll notice it in the locals, too, as many of them seem to have a constant cough.

5. Summer Heat is Unbearable

One thing no one warns you about: how hot China gets starting in June. And unless you’re headed to Hainan Island in the south, you’re not exactly on a tropical beach where you can cool off in the ocean.

If you’re staying in the city—whether it’s Shanghai, Xi’an, Beijing, Chengdu—it doesn’t matter, the heat is intense everywhere. I don’t think I’ve ever experienced anything worse than the temperatures in Beijing at the end of June. So if you’re planning a holiday, escape China in the summer.

So, Is Living in China Worth It?

Living in China is an experience that will truly change you and your life. And if you’re anything like me, you probably won’t be able to return home without missing it deeply. It has pros and cons, but the pros outweigh the cons.

China is incredibly alive: the energy, the pace, the opportunities to grow, learn, travel, and reinvent yourself are endless.

Eventually, you’ll find yourself craving those long walks, admiring skyscrapers, or having spontaneous dinners with your international friends. You’ll never again be surrounded by many chances to do something completely new.

To get the most out of it, you’ll need to commit to learning a bit of Chinese—but don’t worry, that doesn’t mean you’ll be isolated.

I remember having conversations in four languages simultaneously, and it felt like traveling the world without leaving the city. The diversity of people you’ll meet will give you fresh perspectives, new ideas, and lifelong memories.

Finding a job is relatively easy for a foreigner, especially if you go to study Chinese and then job hunt locally. So, if you were waiting for a sign to make a decision, this is it.

Tips For Living in China

Here are some quick tips (or a checklist if you prefer) for those who are planning on moving to China for some time.

1. Renting An Apartment

As mentioned earlier, the best strategy is to book a short-term place first, then find a fellow expat who speaks decent Chinese and can help you search for a long-term apartment—and maybe even negotiate a better price.

That’s exactly how I managed all my rentals. Remember that landlords usually expect a deposit and a few months’ rent upfront, often paid in cash.

2. Opening a Bank Account

If you plan to stay in China for over a couple of months and want to use WeChat Pay without issues, you’ll need to open a bank account. To do this, you’ll typically need your passport and residence permit. Having a local account also allows you to withdraw money without international fees.

I opened an account with Bank of China and used my N26 debit card to manage my funds. I kept my money on N26 and transferred what I needed to my Chinese account.

3. Purchase a Local SIM & Download VPN

Getting a local SIM card is the cheapest way to stay connected in China. I recommend getting an eSIM with a few GB of data before arrival to stay connected when you land.

Once there, head to a local SIM provider to set up a long-term plan. You’ll need your passport and residence permit to register. I initially signed up for a one-year plan with China Unicom as a provider, and later renewed it for my second year.

Remember to download a VPN before you arrive in China. Accessing most foreign websites, including Google, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is restricted, so having a working VPN from day one is essential.

4. WeChat

If you’re only visiting China for a few days, you might get by without WeChat—but if you’re staying longer, it’s essential. Not only is it used for messaging and payments, but it’s also the go-to app for food delivery (like the amazing Meituan).

Download WeChat before arriving in China. Once you’re there, you’ll need account verification from someone with an active Chinese WeChat account (this could be a local or an expat). The app functions differently in China and won’t be fully accessible until your account is verified.

If you’re looking for additional essential applications you’ll need while traveling and living in China, check out the blog post linked above.

5. Cooking & Food

As I’ve mentioned, almost no one cooks in China—for good reason. It’s usually much cheaper and more convenient to eat out. If you do want to cook at home, be aware that you’ll likely need to “charge” a prepaid card to use the gas supply.

Personally, I never cooked while living in China, partly because grocery shopping felt very different from what I was used to back home, and I didn’t have much time.

That said, if you start missing familiar imported products, you can always visit international stores like METRO, which are available in major cities. I used to go there for tuna cans and other basics so I could at least occasionally make myself a decent salad.

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There you go! Hopefully, this blog post gave you just the right dose of motivation to consider moving to China.

Moving abroad—especially to a country as unique and different as China—is one of the most powerful things you can do to get to know yourself on a deeper level, build confidence, and realize just how much you’re capable of.

China truly is a land of opportunity, as long as you stay open to the beauty, challenges, and surprises it brings.

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