My Life as an Expat Running a Business in China

I’m an American living in Shanghai for five years. I run an e-commerce startup selling eco-friendly clothes to young Chinese buyers. It’s been a wild ride—exciting, tough, and eye-opening. Here’s my story, straight from the heart, about doing business in China.

I moved from Seattle in 2020 for a tech consulting job. China’s huge market—1.4 billion people—pulled me in. I started my business two years later. The potential here is massive, but it’s not easy.

My first business meeting in Beijing was a shock. In the U.S., deals are simple: pitch, sign, done. Here, it’s about “guanxi” relationships. You build trust over dinners, drinks, and long chats. I felt lost at first. I didn’t get the subtle hints or unspoken rules. But when I signed my first supplier after months of effort, I was over the moon. That win felt like hitting the jackpot.

China’s business world moves fast. Trends change in weeks. If you don’t keep up, you’re out. My startup sells sustainable fashion, and Chinese millennials love it. They’re picky, though. They want quality, style, and a good story behind the brand. I learned to adapt quickly, tweaking designs based on WeChat feedback or Douyin trends. It’s stressful but exciting. When a new product sells out, the adrenaline rush is unreal.

The government is a big factor. Rules are strict, and they change fast. Getting licenses was a headache—paperwork, approvals, and more paperwork. I hired a local consultant to navigate it, which saved me. Taxes and regulations are complex, but you learn to deal. It’s part of the game.

The language barrier was tough. My Mandarin is decent now, but early on, I leaned on translators and patient partners. Misunderstandings cost me time and money. Once, I ordered 1,000 units of a product because I mixed up words. Lesson learned: double-check everything.

Competition is fierce. China has millions of entrepreneurs, and they’re hungry. Local businesses know the market better than I ever will. I stay ahead by focusing on my niche—sustainability—and building a loyal customer base. My customers love that my brand cares about the planet. It’s personal for me, too. I want to make a difference, not just money.

Living here has changed me. Shanghai is vibrant but chaotic. I love the street food—spicy noodles at 2 a.m.—and the energy of the city. But I miss quiet moments and clean air. Some days, I feel like an outsider; others, I feel at home. The people are warm once you break through the initial reserve. My neighbors invite me for dumplings, and my team feels like family.

The biggest challenge? Balance. Business in China never stops. My phone pings with WeChat messages at midnight. I’ve burned out more than once. But the rewards keep me going. Seeing my brand grow, getting messages from happy customers—it’s worth it. I’m proud of what I’ve built.

Would I do it again? Yes, in a heartbeat. China tests you, but it also rewards you. It’s taught me patience, grit, and how to think on my feet. I came here chasing opportunity, but I found something bigger: a new way of seeing the world.

If you’re thinking of starting a business here, my advice is simple. Learn the culture, build relationships, and move fast. It’s not easy, but nothing worth doing is. I’m still learning every day, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.