Real expat guides to living, working & traveling in China in 2026. Privacy tips, visas, flights, bringing your dog, and daily life hacks from IkkyInChina.
IndiGo will operate a daily direct flight between New Delhi and Guangzhou starting November 10, and Kolkata–Guangzhou services will resume on October 26. This restart is broadly framed as a symbolic sign of warming ties between India and China and is expected to lower travel costs, shorten journey times, and reopen channels for tourism, education,…
This guide covers every reliable method to find and add friends on WeChat, explains privacy and verification nuances, and provides troubleshooting tips when searches fail. Practical examples, a comparison table of methods, and links to official support are included. Official methods listed by WeChat include searching by WeChat ID or phone number, Friend Radar, mobile…
Hair transplant procedures in China have grown rapidly as demand for aesthetic treatments increases across the country and among international medical travelers. This guide explains common techniques, realistic costs, clinic selection criteria, before-and-after expectations, recovery and follow-up, regulatory and safety considerations, and travel planning for patients considering a hair transplant in China. Why choose China…
Moving to China as an expat brings many decisions, and choosing the right medical insurance ranks near the top. This guide explains how healthcare works in China for foreigners, the main types of insurance available, cost expectations, what to check in a policy, claim and billing practices, visa and residency requirements, recommended providers, and actionable…
This guide explains how US to China flight routes operate, which airports and airlines serve them, how to choose nonstop versus one-stop options, booking and award strategies, visa and transit rules, and practical tips to make long-haul travel smoother. It links to a live list of available flights from the United States to China and…
Credit to Raphael from the 5SC Wechat group for review and corrections. Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, has become one of China’s most important aviation gateways. Famous for its giant pandas, fiery Sichuan cuisine, and cultural heritage, Chengdu is also a strategic hub for global travelers. With Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU), the city…
Longyang Road Station is a major transport hub in Pudong, Shanghai, serving as an interchange for Shanghai Metro Lines 2, 7, 16 and 18 and the Shanghai Maglev Train. The station opened with Line 2 in 1999 and later became the Maglev terminus in 2002, growing into Shanghai’s only five-line interchange when Line 18 opened…
In China, emojis often have cultural, linguistic, or symbolic meanings that differ from Western interpretations. While Western users rely on emojis for direct emotional expression, Chinese digital culture uses them for coded wordplay, implicit messages, and traditional symbolism. Red emojis, in particular, carry layers of meaning tied to connotations like luck, love, and celebration. Navigating…
The resumption of direct flights between India and China marks a milestone in post-pandemic aviation and bilateral relations. Beginning October 26, 2025, IndiGo will operate daily non-stop services from Kolkata (CCU) to Guangzhou (CAN) using its modern Airbus A320neo fleet. This route will not only shorten travel time for business and leisure travelers but also…
Navigating Taobao’s Chinese interface can feel like decoding an ancient script, especially when product details, seller ratings, or shipping options are all in Mandarin. Switching to English removes guesswork, reduces order errors, and helps you compare items more confidently. For expats and international buyers, an English interface transforms Taobao from a high-stakes puzzle into a…