The China Helper
Your practical guide to studying, living and learning in China.
FREE PDF RESOURCES
Free China Study Resources & PDF Guides
Download free practical guides, checklists and learning materials to help international students prepare for studying, living and adapting to life in China.
CHINA ARRIVAL GUIDE
China Arrival Checklist
A practical checklist for international students preparing to move to China, including documents, payments, apps and first-month tasks.
LEARN CHINESE
50 Essential Chinese Phrases
Learn useful Chinese expressions for daily communication, shopping, transportation and everyday conversations.
CHINESE LEARNING
100 Essential Chinese Characters
A beginner-friendly guide covering meanings, pronunciation and examples for international students.
CHINA APPS GUIDE
Essential China Apps Every Student Needs
Discover important apps for payments, transportation, communication and daily life in China.
Coming SoonWhere to go next
- China Arrival Guides — SIM cards, bank accounts, police registration and your first month
- Daily Life Guides — housing, transport, food, healthcare and the apps you need
- Learn Chinese — pinyin, characters, phrases and HSK preparation
- Study in China — applications, scholarships and student visas
- All Articles — the complete guide library, newest first
Downloads: common questions
Do I need to pay or sign up?
No. The downloads on this page are free and no account is needed.
What format are the files?
PDF files you can keep on your phone or laptop and open offline.
Are the downloads kept up to date?
We refresh them as procedures change. Check back before each intake season.
Can I share these with classmates?
Yes — share this page with anyone preparing for China.
Where should I start if I am arriving soon?
Start with the China arrival checklist, then add the phrase sheet and the character sheet.