Author: Mike Cairnduff

Mike has lived and worked in China, and has traveled extensively across the country. He loves Chinese food and has a keen interest in Chinese culture. Mike is from Melbourne, Australia.

Can I bring bak kwa to China?

Posted by Mike Cairnduff | Updated December 24, 2023 | China blog, Travel

Bak kwa is a tasty Chinese dried meat that’s like jerky. But can you bring it to China? You’re not...

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What every American traveling to China in 2025 needs to know

Posted by Mike Cairnduff | Updated March 10, 2025 | Travel

OK, so you’re American and you’re traveling to China. Firstly, congratulations! That is so...

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10 tips to help you conquer Huashan Mountain in China

Posted by Mike Cairnduff | Updated November 7, 2023 | China blog, Travel

I love traveling around China so much that I’ve been to Huashan Mountain twice. Yep, twice! So, I...

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What you need to know about rural Chinese toilets

Posted by Mike Cairnduff | Updated October 24, 2023 | China blog, Life

Ever wondered what the toilets in rural China are like? Well, I’ve got some good news and bad news...

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What’s the best China hotel booking app in 2025?

Posted by Mike Cairnduff | Updated January 8, 2025 | Travel

I’ve stayed in countless hotels in China over the years. While I don’t want to think about all the...

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80 China quiz questions (and answers) to test your ability

Posted by Mike Cairnduff | Updated February 4, 2025 | Culture

Think you know what a baozi is? What about the difference between Suzhou and Xuzhou? Well, now’s...

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Best things to do in Kunming (expat tips and photos)

Posted by Mike Cairnduff | Updated January 11, 2025 | Travel

Kunming isn’t really known for being a tourist hotspot. But I was super-surprised when I visited...

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Keats Chinese School Review (I went undercover!)

Posted by Mike Cairnduff | Updated December 1, 2023 | China blog, Study

This is an independent review of Keats Chinese School in Kunming, China. Are you thinking about...

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Why do Chinese people spit (and do other weird things)?

Posted by Mike Cairnduff | Updated August 3, 2023 | China blog, Culture

Here’s an article about Chinese spitting and a bunch of other weird things that’ll make you...

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Tipping in China (here’s the truth from an expat)

Posted by Mike Cairnduff | Updated July 24, 2023 | China blog, Life

Do people tip in China? The short answer is ‘no’. Tipping is not common practice in Chinese...

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How long is a flight to China?

Posted by Mike Cairnduff | Updated June 26, 2023 | Travel

Here’s a quick and simple guide to China flight times. If you’re planning a trip to China, it’s a...

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What do people in China wear? Mostly what you do – with a few surprises

Posted by Mike Cairnduff | Updated February 23, 2026 | Life

Are you traveling to China soon and wondering what the locals wear? Spoiler alert: these days you...

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Are VPNs legal in China in 2025? (Short answer, yes)

Posted by Mike Cairnduff | Updated January 20, 2025 | Tech

If you’re about to travel to China, this brief article is for you. Aside from your passport and...

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My quick and helpful Beijing travel tips for 2026

Posted by Mike Cairnduff | Updated February 23, 2026 | Travel

Beijing is one of the oldest cities in the world. It’s also one of the largest. Beyond the surface...

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40 China travel tips for 2026 (I swear by every one)

Posted by Mike Cairnduff | Updated February 16, 2026 | Popular, Travel

I’ve heard some pretty lousy China travel tips over the years. “Bring an inflatable travel...

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Top 12 things to do in Yinchuan (I’ve been three times!)

Posted by Mike Cairnduff | Updated November 25, 2023 | Travel

Here are the best things to do in Yinchuan. And you can trust me as I’ve been three times (and...

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