A few years ago, China was a place digital nomads usually avoided, and they had good reasons for it. But today, China has become a very popular destination for remote workers. Advantages like tech-driven cities (e.g., Shenzhen, Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Chengdu), probably one of the richest cultures, and a growing coworking scene are all drawing independent professionals around the world.
But, like anywhere else, it’s not all shine and glitter. Living and working in China comes with some challenges, and if you don’t know what to expect, it is most likely that you are going to be caught off guard.
The language barrier (honestly, how many people outside China speak their language, except if it was their chosen field of study in the university), very strict and uncommon internet regulations, and fast-paced lifestyle can be overwhelming combined altogether, if you come unprepared. It sounds like there’s a lot to take in, but it’s not. Preparation is key.
In this article, we’re focusing on 7 lessons that are going to help you adapt no matter where you want to live as a digital nomad in China.
1. Super‑Apps
Chinese existence revolves around ‘super‑apps’ WeChat and Alipay. These are not just messaging or payments apps; they are essentials for getting taxis, settling bills, and even ordering food or splitting dinner bills.
If you want to stay ahead, here’s what to do:
- Download and install WeChat and Alipay before your arrival.
- Log in using a bank card (some international cards are now supported).
- Learn how to scan and pay with QR codes. They’re everywhere.
Adapting to this environment at an early stage spares you the embarrassment of being left behind and struggling over simple daily transactions.
2. Secure Internet + VPN
China’s ‘Great Firewall’ blocks most Western websites and apps, such as Google, Facebook, and most work tools you’re probably using.
So, to work normally, you need to:
- Register for a reputable paid VPN before arriving in the country.
- Have a backup VPN on hand in case one fails.
- Test out the coworking space and apartment connections to check for stability.
It’s pretty much a must if your work includes video calls or cloud-based apps, or even simple things such as Google Drive/Docs/Sheets, etc. If that’s the case, without a VPN, you’ll have trouble getting any work done.
3. Friends and Groups
The digital nomad lifestyle in China can be isolating, particularly because it’s a nation where not as many people speak English.
Having a support group is important:
- Large cities like Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Beijing have top-notch coworking spaces.
- Most cafes welcome laptop workers and longer stays without having to reorder.
- WeChat nomad/expat communities easily connect you to like-minded people.
The groups are a hidden blessing for socialising, networking, and even exchanging tips on visas or apartments. But if you just have general questions, this is probably the best way to get detailed answers to your FAQs.
4. Blend in
Choose local etiquette to facilitate day-to-day interactions.
Here are three very useful tips that will go a long way:
- Learn some Mandarin basics – greetings and numbers come in handy.
- Respect personal space and queue properly in public places.
- Understand indirect communication – locals may avoid saying “no” outright.
A little bit of connecting with the culture of the place you’re currently in helps avoid misunderstandings and builds better relationships. Plus, for locals to see a foreigner immersed into their culture is always a welcome experience.
5. Work-life Balance
Life in China’s bustling cities can be exhilarating but also exhausting, especially for digital nomads arriving from smaller towns or countries with a slower rhythm. In places like Shanghai, Shenzhen, or Chengdu, coworking cafés, teahouses, and even fast-food outlets are alive with productivity from morning until well past sunset. The constant movement and vibrant work culture can be motivating, but without proper planning, it’s easy to get swept into the current and burn out.
To maintain a sustainable remote lifestyle, pacing yourself is key. Many nomads living in China develop their rhythm: a few days of intense work followed by moments of calm in a tea garden, a weekend trip to a hot spring town, or even a hike in the bamboo forests near Hangzhou. These micro-retreats help recharge the body and refocus the mind. For longer stretches of rest, some workers plan month-long getaways during quiet work periods—often still working part-time but in a completely new setting.
China’s vast geography makes this balance easier to achieve than in many other countries. Within a few hours of most major cities, you can find peaceful lakes, snow-dusted mountains, tropical islands like Hainan, or historical villages with barely a sound other than birdsong. And yet, for those wanting something different altogether, hopping out of the country is just as rewarding. Many nomads plan rejuvenating escapes to neighbouring countries or even far-off destinations. A relaxing Pier Park vacation rental in Panama City Beach, for example, offers a completely different pace of life—sunshine, sand, and a cocktail within arm’s reach while the laptop hums nearby. It’s a reminder that remote work isn’t just about the hustle; it’s about freedom.
Ultimately, what keeps digital nomads productive isn’t just great Wi-Fi or a city with fast trains—it’s the freedom to create a lifestyle that supports your mental and emotional well-being. With the right approach, China becomes more than just a destination; it becomes a launchpad for balance, discovery, and deep focus. Choose a rental that feels like a home base, make space in your schedule for exploration, and let the country’s sheer size and variety feed both your work and your wanderlust.
6. Manage Money
Finance management in China requires planning. While most of the nomads bank overseas, having an understanding of local systems will come in handy if you’re planning to stay long-term.
- Check currency exchange rates before making large transactions.
- Avoid using multiple banking apps without checking their fees.
- If local home loans or business loans are an option, check terms and repayment schedules closely.
When you live abroad, it’s super important to manage your money well. You don’t want to be stuck without a roof over your head or without food, or without a way to at least buy a one-way ticket home if things go south, especially in a country where systems are very different from ones that you are used to.
7. Explore!
As we’ve already mentioned, living in China as a digital nomad isn’t just about work.
This rule applies to any country, but when you are living in one with such a rich culture, it’d be a waste of time not to explore it. Take time to enjoy and visit places from the Terracotta Army in Xi’an to bamboo rafting in Yangshuo, Macau, Hong Kong, Beijing, there are too many to count, and make them a weekend adventure.
Even tier‑2 cities like Chengdu or Hangzhou offer a more relaxed pace that’s perfect for calming and making it less stressful between deadlines.
Conclusion
China offers a unique experience for digital nomads who are ready to go beyond their comfort zone. With learning all you need to know about local tech, a good VPN, community, and work-life balance, you can build a sustainable and satisfying life in one of the world’s most fascinating countries.
