The 5 Best Books About Foreigners Living in China
5 Great Books Sharing Foreigners’ Experiences in China
Many people are curious about life in the Middle Kingdom. Is it a rising world power or an empire in decline? The pandemic, wolf warrior diplomacy and the financial troubles of some of China’s largest real estate developers have thrown further uncertainty on the topic.
For those considering a life in China, or just wishing to understand the country better, here are my top 5 book recommendations from foreign authors who have been there in the 21st century.
This is a great compilation put together by author Tom Carter, who has another book featured on this list An American Bum in China. With 28 anecdotes from foreigners of different backgrounds, you can explore a range of experiences here. Despite what the title may suggest, they are not all unsavory. Some are touching stories of friendship and cross-cultural exchange.
On of my favorite quotes from this book, expressing the grey nature of many laws and rules in China is this:
Nothing is allowed but everything is possible.
2. An American Bum in China: Featuring the Bumblingly Brilliant Escapades of Expatriate Matthew Evans
Here is our second entry from author Tom Carter. I’m not going to lie, at times this one is painful. Rich in bad luck and poor decisions, but nonetheless fascinating.
It’s a quick read but the (mis)adventures of Matthew Evans will keep you hooked throughout.
3. The Emperor Far Away: Travels at the Edge of China
This is one for those interested in ethnic minorities and borderlands. David Eimer takes a deep dive, traveling thousands of kilometers around China.
Truthfully, it’s my favorite of the bunch, but I put it at number 3 because the depths it explores may not be for those who are more interested in the rapid development of China and the modern cities of China. But it covers many important topics and challenges facing China, including ethnic assimilation and conflict and managing shared borders with 14 other countries.
If you are interested in geopolitics, international relations, and China, this is a must-read.
As a side note, if you’re interested in Myanmar (Burma), I also strongly recommend his book A Savage Dreamland.
4. The Underbelly of the Dragon: A Peek in China’s Shadows
This book may have more Unsavory Elements than the first title bearing that name in the list.
Author F.S. Upp (whom I interviewed) shares his fictionalized story of his experience in China. The front page says it is based on true events but some details have been changed to protect those involved. With stories of working illegally as a teacher, model and singer, designer drug consumption and illegal border crossings, that’s not surprising.
The story of Julia and Kevin Garratt is extremely relevant, especially with the release of alleged Canadian spies Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor in 2021.
Julia and Kevin Garratt spent more than 30 years in China and did a lot of great work while they were there, like helping out an orphanage and sending clothes to the needy North Korea.
They even opened a coffee shop in Dandong, a small city across the border from North Korea!
Sadly, they got tied up in an geopolitics and were used as bargaining chips after a Chinese spy was arrested in Canada, or so the story goes.
Most of the book focuses on their time in Chinese prison. It’s not for the faint of heart.
Do you have a favorite book about foreigners living in China? Leave a comment!
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