Spending a month in Beijing gave me first-hand experience of the kind of culture shock in China that guidebooks rarely prepare you for. I was left wide-eyed more than once. The cultural differences were sometimes subtle, sometimes surprising, and occasionally just completely unexpected. This post doesn’t attempt to explain every tradition — instead, it’s a...Continue reading→

Shopping in Beijing’s Chinese street market is unlike a visit to a typical high street or shopping centre. It’s noisy, fast-paced, and full of surprises — and if you don’t know how to bargain, you’re likely to pay well over the odds. This guide will show you exactly how to handle yourself in one, whether...Continue reading→

The Beijing City subway is one of the world’s largest and busiest underground networks. With over 10 million daily passengers and more than 25 lines, it can be a little daunting at first — especially if you’ve never been to China before. Fortunately, it’s also efficient, safe, and relatively easy to use once you know...Continue reading→