A Story About Helping Expats in China
Over a decade ago, when I was studying at the University of Michigan, I had an experience that left a lasting impression – I was hit by a drunk driver and taken by an ambulance. As a foreigner then, I felt helpless at that moment. My first call was not to my family but to my best friend, who was then pursuing a JD degree at Michigan Law School. To me, even though he was just a student, I saw him as the “lawyer” I could trust. Knowing I had someone to call during this emergency brought me a sense of relief and security.
Fast forward a few years, I moved back to Beijing and quickly got engaged with the growing expat/foreigner community in China. Many of my expat friends would reach out to me with various challenges they faced in daily life, and I was happy to help them navigate these situations using my legal knowledge. It became clear to me that they shared the same feelings I had back in Michigan: the desire to find someone they could trust in an unfamiliar country.
Then came the pandemic, and life changed in countless ways. During this time, I said goodbye to my favorite bar owned by an expat friend, and in the final year of the pandemic, to an expat friend I used to enjoy live jazz with. The expat community in Beijing slowly shifted, with some leaving and new faces arriving. Whenever I meet someone awesome – whether at a great restaurant or during a meaningful conversation, I selfishly hope they’ll stay and become part of this vibrant country.
Now that China’s borders are reopening, I anticipate a growing number of expats arriving here, each with their own unique challenges. That’s why I started this blog and why I offer services tailored to the expats. I was once a foreigner too, and I understand what it feels like to navigate life in a different country. As both a local and a legal professional, my goal is to provide the kind of support you may need when life throws you a curveball.
Meet My Co-Author, Yu
Let me introduce Yu, one of the smartest policy and legal professionals I’ve ever met. If you are running a business looking for policy guidance in China, I can confidently say she’s among the most experienced persons in this country. Yu is also a proud University of Michigan alum, and we’ve teamed up to bring this project to life. Here’s a bit more about her:
Yu
Yu is professional expert in China policy and government affairs, and has been working in the field for a decade. Yu has experience consulting multinational companies in navigating business in China. Yu graduated from the University of Michigan and holds a master’s degree. Yu possesses PRC Bar Admission, and has massive experience in resolving cases in China immigration and foreign employment area.
Yu is native in Chinese and can speak very fluent English. Yu can also speak elementary-level Spanish, and she is a big fan of Mexican food and culture. As a young kid’s mother (and soon to be a mother of two!), Yu’s favorite hobby is playing piano along with her son singing children’s melodies.
What We Offer
This blog hopes to provide guidance in helping expats navigate life in China, but our services go beyond that. If you encounter any legal issues, don’t hesitate to reach out. If your case falls outside our expertise, we’ll connect you with top-tier lawyers we’ve trusted for years. Through us, you’ll have access to the best legal resources in China. We provide professional legal services – not just someone who speaks English but a true expert in the field.
Fees, Explained Simply
I’ve kept the pricing simple: it’s based on how much I love shawarma. One-hour basic consultation will cover my lunches for a week’s worth of shawarma wraps, while more complicated services might feed my habit for longer.
– I’m not going to tell you where my favorite shawarma spot is, unless you email me and ask!
Contact us: [email protected]
Zilong
Zilong is leading the in-house venture capital of a world-class media group in Beijing. Previously, Zilong works in fields of investment banking and private equity.
Zilong holds master's degree in economics from the University of Michigan - yes, Zilong is a die-hard wolverine and avid fan of American football.
Zilong possesses admission to PRC Bar, and has profound knowledge in Chinese business environment and laws. A fluent English and Chinse speaker, he can also speak basic Spanish and Japanese. In addition to his professional life, Zilong is a serious home cook, bartender and jazz lover.