We're Your Friend in China
Visiting or moving to China can feel overwhelming. From navigating a cashless society to understanding healthcare costs, the information gap is real—and sometimes expensive.
China Neighbor exists to bridge that gap. We're your friendly guide to make life in China easier, clearer, and less stressful.
Our Story
China Neighbor was born from a simple observation: foreigners coming to China face the same questions over and over—but the answers are scattered, outdated, or hidden behind paywalls.
In 2026, we set out to change that.
We started by answering the most Googled questions:
- "Is healthcare in China free?"
- "How do I pay in China without a bank account?"
- "Which VPN actually works in China?"
What began as a handful of guides has grown into a comprehensive resource covering medical tourism, daily living, insurance, and cultural navigation.
Our name reflects our mission: we're not tourists writing for tourists. We're your neighbor—someone who's been here, knows the shortcuts, and genuinely wants to help.
What We Do
China Neighbor is a free, independent information platform that provides:
1. Medical Tourism Guidance
- Hospital recommendations for international patients
- Cost breakdowns (so you can budget properly)
- Insurance options for expats and travelers
- Real stories from foreigners who've received treatment in China
2. Living Guides
- How to use WeChat Pay and Alipay
- VPN setup and recommendations
- eSIM options for travelers
- Transportation (metro, Didi, high-speed trains)
- Cultural tips and etiquette
3. Insurance & Health Resources
- Expat health insurance comparisons
- Understanding China's healthcare system
- Emergency preparedness
Our approach: Every guide is researched, tested, and regularly updated. We don't write fluff—we write what actually helps.
Who We Serve
Medical Tourists
Planning a trip to China for treatment? We'll help you understand costs, find reputable hospitals, navigate insurance, and prepare logistically.
First-Time Travelers
Never been to China? Our guides cover the essentials: payments, internet access (VPN), transportation, and avoiding common pitfalls.
Expats & Long-Term Residents
Living in China long-term? We provide in-depth resources on health insurance, hospital systems, and adapting to life here.
Our Values
1. Honesty Over Hype
We don't sugarcoat. If something is difficult (like setting up WeChat Pay without a Chinese bank account), we'll tell you—and then show you how to do it anyway.
2. Practical Over Perfect
Our guides prioritize what works over theoretical ideals. We test apps, compare prices, and share real-world solutions.
3. Transparency Over Profit
We're upfront about how we make money (see below). Our editorial content is never influenced by partnerships or sponsors.
4. Up-to-Date Information
China changes fast—apps get updated, policies shift, services launch. We commit to keeping our guides current. Every article shows a last updated date.
How We're Different
Not a Medical Tourism Agency
We don't book appointments or arrange travel. We provide information so you can make informed decisions yourself.
Not a General Travel Blog
We're not here to tell you about the Great Wall or where to eat dumplings. We focus on practical, life-enabling information that helps you function in China.
Not a Forum
Unlike Reddit or expat forums, our content is structured, fact-checked, and maintained. We aggregate the collective wisdom—minus the noise.
Revenue & Transparency
Our content is free. We believe essential information shouldn't be locked behind paywalls.
We earn revenue through:
Affiliate Links
When you book a VPN, eSIM, or insurance through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These partnerships never influence our editorial recommendations—if we recommend something, it's because we genuinely believe it's the best option.
Advertising (Future)
We may display contextual ads (Google AdSense) to support operations. Ads will always be clearly marked and never disguised as content.
What We Don't Do:
- Sell your data
- Accept payment for positive reviews
- Promote services we haven't researched
- Hide our commercial relationships
Who We Are
China Neighbor is run by a small team with real experience living and working in China.
We're not faceless corporations—we're individuals who've:
- Navigated Chinese hospitals (both public and private)
- Struggled with WeChat Pay setup (and finally figured it out)
- Tested countless VPNs (so you don't have to)
- Used Didi in 20+ cities
- Helped friends and family prepare for China trips
We're expats, travelers, and long-term residents who understand what it's like to be foreign in China—because we've been there.
For privacy reasons, we don't publicly identify individual team members. If you need to reach us, use our contact page.
Looking Ahead
China Neighbor is a living project. We're constantly:
- Adding new guides based on reader questions
- Updating existing content as China evolves
- Collecting real stories from the community
- Exploring ways to make expat life in China even easier
Our vision: to become the most trusted, comprehensive resource for foreigners navigating life in China—whether you're here for two weeks or two years.
Join Our Community
Have a question? Contact us—we read every message.
Found our guides helpful? Share them with friends planning China trips. Word-of-mouth is how we grow.
Spotted outdated info? Let us know. We take accuracy seriously and update content promptly.
Want to share your story? We're always looking for real experiences from foreigners in China. Reach out if you'd like to contribute.