Blog Author - Andrew Killeen

Mandarin Monday: Chinese Phrases to Know While House Hunting
Apartment hunting is arduous enough under any circumstances. Now imagine doing it in a second language.
嚯, 嚯, 嚯! How Santa Claus Came to China
Before the 20th century, the Chinese remained almost entirely oblivious to Christmas.
Chaoshi Choice: The Morel of the Story
If your local supermarket stocks this fabulous fungus then I urge you to try some now, while it’s in season.
Quizzing Qixi: The True Meaning of “Chinese Valentine’s Day”
Today is Chinese Valentine’s Day, and while it might seem like a corporate cash grab, there's more to it than that.
Does Second Tier Necessarily Mean Second-Rate?
Having lived outside of Beijing for a while now, I've had a few thoughts about living in a first versus second-tier city.
Fecal Attractions
We sent our intrepid reporters out onto the streets to discover Beijing’s lesser-known institutions and attractions.
Medical insurance: Why You Need It, and How to Get It
A trip to the doctor isn’t cheap, especially to an international hospital.
Sign Up for Taobao, and Beat the Face Mask Scammers
With face masks now mandatory to even enter a supermarket or use Didi, they're slowly becoming an essential part of Beijing life.
Love Is Blind: Meet the Organization Transforming the Lives of Vision-Impaired Children
Spread the spirit of giving these holidays with some of Beijing's hardest-working charities.