The China Helper
Your practical guide to studying, living and learning in China.
LIFE IN CHINA
Live in China
With Confidence
Practical guides and useful information to help international students understand daily life in China, from payments and transportation to food, culture, and local services.
Daily Life Essentials
Everything you need to know for a comfortable life in China.
Payments & Apps
Learn how to use Alipay, WeChat Pay, mobile payments and essential digital services in China.
Housing & Accommodation
Understand renting procedures, accommodation registration and tips for finding a suitable place.
Transportation
Guides about metro systems, high-speed rail, taxis and travelling around Chinese cities.
Food & Dining
Discover Chinese food culture, ordering tips and practical dining experiences.
Healthcare
Basic information about hospitals, insurance and accessing medical services.
Useful Apps
A practical list of apps that make studying and living in China easier.
China Digital Life
Essential digital tools for international students.
Alipay
Payments, transportation and daily services.
Communication, groups and social connection.
12306
China railway booking platform.
Maps & Navigation
Find places and explore Chinese cities.
Explore China Easily
Transportation guides to help you travel around China.
High-Speed Rail
Learn how to buy tickets, use railway stations and travel between Chinese cities.
Metro Systems
Understand subway maps, ticket purchasing and daily commuting methods.
Taxi & Ride Apps
Practical information about Didi, taxis and local transportation services.
Food & Chinese Culture
Discover everyday Chinese culture through food and local experiences.
Chinese Food Guide
Learn about regional cuisines, ordering food and dining customs in China.
Traditional Culture
Explore festivals, customs and cultural traditions during your stay.
Local Experiences
Discover cities, communities and meaningful experiences beyond campus.
Campus & Social Life
Build connections and enjoy your student journey in China.
University Life
Understand campus services, student activities and academic environments.
Making Friends
Tips for communicating with local students and joining communities.
Student Activities
Explore clubs, events and opportunities to experience Chinese campus life.
Featured Life Guides
Popular resources for international students.
Your First Month in China
A practical checklist covering registration, payments, transportation and daily adaptation.
Read Guide →
Essential Apps in China
A complete introduction to apps that make studying and living easier.
Read Guide →
Understanding Chinese Cities
Learn how cities work and how to adapt to different living environments.
Read Guide →All Life in China Guides
Practical guides for daily life, food, health, shopping and getting around.
- 01Chinese University Life7 min read
- 02Cost of Living in China for Students7 min read
- 03Culture Shock in China11 min read
- 04Essential Apps for Living in China as a Student7 min read
- 05Food in China11 min read
- 06Healthcare in China11 min read
- 07Online Shopping in China9 min read
- 08Staying Safe in China8 min read
- 09Paying Bills in China7 min read
- 10Apartment Hunting in China8 min read
- 11Winter Heating in China8 min read
- 12Gyms and Fitness in China7 min read
- 13Pharmacies in China10 min read
- 14Vegetarian Food in China10 min read
- 15Making Friends in China10 min read
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from international students.
Can international students use mobile payments in China?
Yes. Many international students can use services such as Alipay and WeChat Pay after completing identity verification and payment setup.
What apps should I install before arriving in China?
Popular apps include WeChat, Alipay, Maps, translation tools and transportation apps.
Is daily life in China difficult for international students?
With the right information and preparation, most international students can adapt quickly to daily life in China.
🎁 Free China Life Starter Pack
Download practical resources including essential apps checklist, payment guide, transportation tips and daily life information.