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Get Started Free →Use when users need practical guidance for daily life in China, including cultural adaptation, dining, shopping, social connections, and long-term living strategies for expats and digital nomads.
.claude/skills/leoyeai-move-to-china-living-guide/SKILL.md| Test case | Without → With | Effect | Δ tokens | Δ turns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| case-10 | ✗→✓ | ▲ Improved | 246% | 0% |
| case-11 | ✗→✓ | ▲ Improved | 220% | 0% |
| case-19 | ✓→✓ | ＝ Same ✓ | 266% | 0% |
| case-02 | ✓→✓ | ＝ Same ✓ | 265% | 0% |
| case-03 | ✓→✓ | ＝ Same ✓ | 391% | 0% |
Your comprehensive companion for thriving in daily life across China. This guide focuses on the practical, cultural, and social aspects of living in China long-term—from ordering food and building social circles to understanding cultural nuances and maintaining work-life balance as an expatriate or digital nomad.
Living successfully in China extends far beyond logistics—it's about building a fulfilling life in a dynamic, sometimes challenging environment. This guide addresses the human side of relocation: finding community, navigating cultural differences, maintaining wellness, and creating a lifestyle that balances Chinese immersion with personal comfort.
Phase 1: Honeymoon (Months 1-3)
Phase 2: Culture Shock (Months 3-9)
Phase 3: Adjustment (Months 6-18)
Phase 4: Integration (Year 2+)
| Aspect | Western Norm | Chinese Context | Strategy | |--------|--------------|-----------------|----------| | Communication | Direct, explicit | Indirect, contextual | Read between lines, observe body language | | Hierarchy | Flatter structures | Respect for authority | Address seniors formally, defer to age | | Time | Punctuality critical | Flexible, relationship-based | Build buffer time, confirm appointments | | Guanxi | Transactional | Relationship-first | Invest in relationships before business | | Face (Mianzi) | Direct feedback acceptable | Public criticism avoided | Give feedback privately, praise publicly | | Group vs Individual | Individual achievement | Collective harmony | Emphasize team contributions |
DO:
DON'T:
| Give clocks as gifts ("giving time" = death) | Discuss sensitive political topics casually | Assume "yes" means agreement (often means "I hear you")
Daily Survival | English | Pinyin | Chinese | |---------|--------|---------| | Hello | Nǐ hǎo | 你好 | | Thank you | Xièxiè | 谢谢 | | Sorry | Duìbùqǐ | 对不起 | | I don't understand | Wǒ bù dǒng | 我不懂 | | How much? | Duōshao qián? | 多少钱？ | | Where is...? | ...zài nǎlǐ? | ...在哪里？ | | Check, please | Mǎidān | 买单 | | Too expensive | Tài guì le | 太贵了 | | I want this | Wǒ yào zhège | 我要这个 | | Help | Jiùmìng | 救命 |
Numbers (Critical for Shopping) | Number | Pinyin | Chinese | |--------|--------|---------| | 1 | Yī | 一 | | 2 | Èr | 二 | | 3 | Sān | 三 | | 10 | Shí | 十 | | 100 | Yī bǎi | 一百 | | 1,000 | Yī qiān | 一千 | | 10,000 | Yī wàn | 一万 |
| App | Best For | Offline? | Cost | |-----|----------|----------|------| | Pleco | Dictionary, character recognition | Yes (limited) | Free/Premium | | Google Translate | Sentence translation | Yes | Free | | Microsoft Translator | Conversation mode | Yes | Free | | Baidu Translate | Chinese-centric features | Yes | Free | | Waygo | Camera translation (menus) | Yes | Free/Premium |
For Non-Mandarin Speakers:
| Region | Signature Dishes | Characteristics | Best Cities | |--------|-----------------|-----------------|-------------| | Sichuan | Mapo tofu, hotpot, kung pao chicken | Spicy, numbing (málà) | Chengdu, Chongqing | | Cantonese | Dim sum, roast duck, seafood | Fresh, subtle flavors | Guangzhou, Shenzhen, HK | | Shandong | Braised seafood, dumplings | Salty, crispy | Qingdao, Jinan | | Jiangsu | Sweet & sour pork, braised dishes | Sweet, delicate | Nanjing, Suzhou, Wuxi | | Zhejiang | Dongpo pork, Longjing shrimp | Fresh, tender, soft | Hangzhou, Ningbo | | Hunan | Steamed fish head, cured meats | Very spicy, sour | Changsha | | Beijing | Peking duck, zhajiangmian | Imperial, hearty | Beijing | | Shanghai | Xiaolongbao, shengjianbao | Sweet, oily, rich | Shanghai |
At Restaurants:
At Private Homes:
Generally Safe:
Exercise Caution:
International Supermarkets | Chain | Locations | Specialty | Price Range | |-------|-----------|-----------|-------------| | City Shop | Shanghai | Western imports | $$$ | | Ole' | Major cities | Premium international | $$$ | | April Gourmet | Beijing | Western groceries | $$$ | | Carrefour | Nationwide | French/European | $$ | | Metro | Major cities | Bulk, restaurant supply | $$ | | Sam's Club | Major cities | American warehouse | $$ |
Local Markets
Online Grocery | App | Delivery | English? | Best For | |-----|----------|----------|----------| | Hema (盒马) | 30 min-1 hour | Limited | Fresh food, ready meals | | Meituan Maicai | 30 min-2 hours | No | Convenience, speed | | Dingdong Maicai | 30 min-1 hour | No | Fresh produce | | Epermarket | Same day | Yes | Western imports |
Shanghai
Beijing
Shenzhen
Strategies That Work:
Cultural Notes:
Cultural Context:
Tips:
Communication | App | Purpose | English? | Must-Have? | |-----|---------|----------|------------| | WeChat | Messaging, payments, everything | Limited | ABSOLUTELY | | WhatsApp | International messaging | Yes | For home contacts |
Payments | App | Purpose | Foreign Cards? | Must-Have? | |-----|---------|----------------|------------| | Alipay | Payments, services | Yes (limited) | ABSOLUTELY | | WeChat Pay | Payments, transfers | Yes (limited) | ABSOLUTELY |
Transportation | App | Purpose | English? | Notes | |-----|---------|----------|-------| | DiDi | Ride-hailing | Yes | Uber equivalent | | Amap / Baidu Maps | Navigation | Limited | Google Maps doesn't work well | | 12306 | Train tickets | No | High-speed rail booking | | Ctrip/Trip.com | Flights, hotels | Yes | Travel booking |
Food & Shopping | App | Purpose | English? | Notes | |-----|---------|----------|-------| | Meituan | Food delivery | Limited | Dominant platform | | Ele.me | Food delivery | Limited | Alibaba-owned | | Taobao | E-commerce | No | Everything marketplace | | JD.com | E-commerce | Limited | Electronics focus |
Lifestyle | App | Purpose | English? | Notes | |-----|---------|----------|-------| | Dianping | Reviews | Limited | Yelp equivalent | | Xiaohongshu | Lifestyle content | No | Instagram + reviews | | Bilibili | Video | No | YouTube equivalent | | NetEase Music | Music | Limited | Spotify alternative |
Step 1: Account Setup
Step 2: Payment Setup
Step 3: Essential Features
Why You Need a VPN:
Recommended VPNs for China: | VPN | Reliability | Speed | Price | Notes | |-----|-------------|-------|-------|-------| | ExpressVPN | High | Fast | $$$ | Consistent, easy | | Astrill | High | Fast | $$$ | Popular with expats | | Surfshark | Medium | Good | $ | Budget option | | NordVPN | Medium | Good | $$ | Occasional blocks |
Tips:
Gym Options | Chain | Locations | Price/Month | English? | |-------|-----------|-------------|----------| | Will's | Major cities | $80-150 | Limited | | Physical | Major cities | $60-120 | Limited | | Pure Fitness | Shanghai, Beijing | $150-250 | Yes | | CrossFit Boxes | Major cities | $100-200 | Yes | | Community Gyms | Everywhere | $20-50 | No |
Alternative Fitness
Challenges Expats Face:
Resources Available: | Resource | Type | English? | Access | |----------|------|----------|--------| | International hospitals | Counseling | Yes | Premium cost | | Shanghai Mental Health Center | Professional | Limited | Affordable | | Online therapy (BetterHelp, etc.) | Remote | Yes | Requires VPN | | Expat support groups | Peer | Yes | Free | | Company EAP programs | Corporate | Yes | Check benefits |
For Routine Care:
For Emergencies:
High Demand Fields:
Declining Opportunities:
Pros:
Cons:
Visa Options for Nomads:
Meetings:
Gift Giving:
Entertainment:
Curriculum Types: | Type | Description | Best For | |------|-------------|----------| | IB | International Baccalaureate | University-bound, global mobility | | British | A-Levels, GCSE | UK university path | | American | AP, US curriculum | US university path | | Bilingual | Chinese + Western | Long-term China residents |
Top Schools by City:
Shanghai
Beijing
Shenzhen
Application Timeline:
Requirements:
Pet-Friendly Cities:
With Partner/Family Abroad:
Tips for Success:
North China (Beijing, Tianjin)
East China (Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing)
South China (Shenzhen, Guangzhou)
West China (Chengdu, Chongqing)
Monitoring:
Protection:
Health Impact:
Physical Copies (in safe place):
Digital Copies (cloud storage):
Keep this filled out and accessible:
LOCAL EMERGENCY: 120 (Medical), 110 (Police), 119 (Fire)
YOUR INFORMATION:
Name: _______________
Address (Chinese): _______________
Phone: _______________
Blood Type: _______________
Allergies: _______________
EMERGENCY CONTACTS:
1. Name: _______________ Phone: _______________
2. Name: _______________ Phone: _______________
INSURANCE:
Provider: _______________
Policy Number: _______________
Emergency Line: _______________
DOCTOR:
Name: _______________
Hospital: _______________
Phone: _______________
EMPLOYER/UNIVERSITY:
Contact: _______________
Phone: _______________| Category | Budget | Moderate | Premium | |----------|--------|----------|---------| | Housing | $1,200 | $2,500 | $4,500+ | | Food | $300 | $600 | $1,200+ | | Transport | $80 | $150 | $400+ | | Utilities | $80 | $150 | $300+ | | Entertainment | $200 | $500 | $1,000+ | | Fitness | $30 | $100 | $250+ | | Phone/Internet | $30 | $50 | $100+ | | Insurance | $200 | $400 | $800+ | | Miscellaneous | $200 | $400 | $800+ | | TOTAL | $2,320 | $4,850 | $9,350+ |
Last Updated: March 2026 | For informational purposes only. Verify current regulations with official sources.
| Case | Status | Duration (ms) | Turns | Tokens | Tool calls | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Without | With | Δ | Without | With | Δ | Without | With | Δ | Without | With | Δ | ||
case-19 | pass→pass | 10,707 | 7,074 | -34% | 1 | 1 | 0% | 1,650 | 6,046 | +266% | 0 | 0 | — |
case-01 | fail→fail | 19,532 | 17,894 | -8% | 1 | 1 | 0% | 3,314 | 8,129 | +145% | 0 | 0 | — |
case-02 | pass→pass | 11,304 | 8,013 | -29% | 1 | 1 | 0% | 1,746 | 6,371 | +265% | 0 | 0 | — |
case-03 | pass→pass | 9,334 | 7,004 | -25% | 1 | 1 | 0% | 1,269 | 6,237 | +391% | 0 | 0 | — |
case-04 | pass→pass | 11,693 | 11,421 | -2% | 1 | 1 | 0% | 1,721 | 6,797 | +295% | 0 | 0 | — |
case-05 | pass→pass | 8,452 | 5,866 | -31% | 1 | 1 | 0% | 1,243 | 5,937 | +378% | 0 | 0 | — |
case-06 | pass→pass | 11,647 | 8,317 | -29% | 1 | 1 | 0% | 1,939 | 6,421 | +231% | 0 | 0 | — |
case-07 | pass→pass | 16,563 | 15,760 | -5% | 1 | 1 | 0% | 2,739 | 7,546 | +176% | 0 | 0 | — |
case-08 | pass→pass | 12,001 | 9,112 | -24% | 1 | 1 | 0% | 1,826 | 6,686 | +266% | 0 | 0 | — |
case-09 | pass→pass | 5,566 | 3,565 | -36% | 1 | 1 | 0% | 803 | 5,635 | +602% | 0 | 0 | — |
case-10 | fail→pass | 10,756 | 3,193 | -70% | 1 | 1 | 0% | 1,610 | 5,573 | +246% | 0 | 0 | — |
case-11 | fail→pass | 12,865 | 7,613 | -41% | 1 | 1 | 0% | 1,959 | 6,267 | +220% | 0 | 0 | — |
case-12 | pass→pass | 8,439 | 8,302 | -2% | 1 | 1 | 0% | 1,564 | 6,464 | +313% | 0 | 0 | — |
case-13 | pass→pass | 4,428 | 3,192 | -28% | 1 | 1 | 0% | 724 | 5,617 | +676% | 0 | 0 | — |
case-14 | pass→pass | 11,013 | 8,420 | -24% | 1 | 1 | 0% | 1,594 | 6,388 | +301% | 0 | 0 | — |
case-15 | pass→pass | 9,934 | 5,052 | -49% | 1 | 1 | 0% | 1,637 | 6,018 | +268% | 0 | 0 | — |
case-16 | pass→pass | 4,597 | 3,314 | -28% | 1 | 1 | 0% | 907 | 5,630 | +521% | 0 | 0 | — |
case-17 | pass→pass | 7,761 | 2,711 | -65% | 1 | 1 | 0% | 1,292 | 5,473 | +324% | 0 | 0 | — |
case-18 | pass→pass | 12,576 | 8,970 | -29% | 1 | 1 | 0% | 1,737 | 6,643 | +282% | 0 | 0 | — |
case-20 | pass→pass | 11,977 | 8,212 | -31% | 1 | 1 | 0% | 1,855 | 6,362 | +243% | 0 | 0 | — |
case-21 | fail→fail | 19,718 | 21,323 | +8% | 1 | 1 | 0% | 3,435 | 8,705 | +153% | 0 | 0 | — |
case-22 | fail→fail | 19,456 | 22,331 | +15% | 1 | 1 | 0% | 3,037 | 8,678 | +186% | 0 | 0 | — |
case-23 | fail→fail | 17,092 | 18,872 | +10% | 1 | 1 | 0% | 2,772 | 7,945 | +187% | 0 | 0 | — |
DecimalAI ran this skill against gemini-3.6-flash twice over the same eval suite — once with the skill loaded and once without — and compared the two runs case by case. 23 cases were attempted. The headline lift of +9 percentage points is the difference between those two pass rates over the 23 comparable cases.
Without the skill loaded, the model failed this case. With it loaded, the same prompt on the same model passed. This is one improved case from the latest verified run; every case, including any that regressed, is in the table above.
Other measured skills in the registry, with their headline benchmark lift.