You're forgetting about the 5th category. The 5th category is being under 18 and dragged to China by a parent that falls under one of the four categories that you spoke of.

Winston to CCP: _Don't mess with me. I have tons of incriminating footage of politicians._ CCP to Winston: _We have a recording of your Lemon Tree singing performance._

One of the smartest most respectable people I know went to Beijing and taught English for years. And said they’d never do it again.

When I lived in Beijing, we had a saying to describe the 3 (m) types of foreigners “mercenaries, missionaries, and misfits”. I guess we could add “miscreant”.

I know you're using a green screen, but I like to imagine it's standard practice in China for laowai to set up a camera and chair and lighting in the middle of the street and talk about random stuff for an hour at a time

I'm a clean slate foreigner here in China. Not that I'm a criminal. But I went thru a bad divorce and moved to Central America for a few years. Then came to China last August. It is def a different world here. Your videos give a lot of great info. Helps me to survive here.

Hilarious: “I learned very quickly to not hang out with the foreigners who used to work at the Kindergarten with me.” Most ironic statement I’ve heard in ages.

I love that c-milk is off in the background. You guys having escaped china and keep working together is inspiring. I hope you continue to have fun adventures around the world.

I lived in China for 13 years and while I feel myself wanting to chime in on the guy's points like "well there's an exception to that" or "you could have said it this way more effectively", this guy is pretty much bang on. I mean ultimately, anyone who has clearly spent the time in country and isn't self dellusional should eventually come to the same opinions. Definately a good series of videos to watch if you're interested in China.

About being a "phile" to a country then have the dreams shattered by the reality when actually arrived in that country. The Japanese have a social syndrome called "Paris Syndrome". This occurred due to Japanese's love to Paris as they view Paris is a elegant and romantic place. When they actually arrived in Paris, all they could see are the littered street and people moving in rush. Which they feel depressed as they had very high expectation, especially seeing large number of local working class not acting elegant and romantic in the way which the Japanese people would imagined.

The story of your arrival in China is fascinating. I have so much respect for all the South African expats in New Zealand. So often it has cost everything but the shirt off their back to get here, and they always grind hard to start a new life from scratch, often doing so whilst providing for their families as well.

Good video man I was living studying and working in China during 7 to 8 years and if I wouldn’t have met my girlfriend (Chinese) I would have fall in the second category. She really saved me from this self destructive habits that foreigners have there and can drag you along with. However after a while the local behaviours got under my skin . I felt I add to leave .. fortunately my jobs offer me to work in Bangkok it was a tough decision cause I felt good with my girlfriend . Anyway I took the opportunity and that was a complete change of my self I got into Muay Thai and learn to respect my self no more drinking habits nor smoking . Fortunately me and my girlfriend are still together even though she lives in China still. And due to covid it s hard not to see her . But I agree China is challenging and many people try to escape themselves by changing location . Sports helped me to solve those issues . Thank you and Godspeed to you and your wife.

Totally agree with the four (maybe five) categories. Most of expats I know or have run into in Taipei are #1 ("Taiwanophiles"), who were drawn by just the abject "foreign-ness" of the society, culture, way of life, and language. A subset of this group are the types that have never felt particularly comfortable in or connected to their home culture - so, I guess there's a bit of the "clean slate" group in them, because they're looking for a place where they can fit in. It's seems like a bit of a contradiction, of course, because, as foreigners, we can never fully become Chinese/Taiwanese. But, in a strange way, I think being a total outsider works for these types, because then there's no expectation that they should "fit in," so they can be comfortable in their "outsider-ness", in contrast to the "black sheep of the family" feeling they have in their own society.

This type might be a sub-category of them all... but a common type I've noticed is foreign men who come here, still in the honey-moon phase and get wife'd up by the first halfway decent Chinese girl they date and have kids. I've noticed they often tend to be nice-guys that don't really know what they're getting into and get pushed by their Chinese girlfriends into marriage. Often they end up regretting it later and/or getting divorced. I've noticed Chinese girls can be quite good at getting foreign men to marry and have kids when these same men probably wouldn't have done so as easily to women in their home country.

One of my friends husband is an engineer and he spent a year in China supervising the building of factories (We are from NZ) and he hated it there. Not the ordinary people but the regime and the corruption. He also got sick with a virus he caught there and passed onto his wife and toddler son (this was 12 years before Covid) and they were all really sick for months and couldn't shake it off. It also kept recurring.......

I think this guy is honest and has true value. Worth the listen.

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="420">7:00</a> This whole story is believable. I've had an expat in a bar approach me, and after a little bit of talking decided to tell me his secret to teaching little kids was coke. Gave him lots of energy which the children loved. Seriously man. What the f?

An old Arab saying. Believe half of what YOU SEE, And nothing of what YOU HEAR.

We need more journalism like this! Thank you for having balls and intelligence. A rare combo in the age of batty losers. Thanks from a Chinese Australian 👍

Love your videos! I was there from 2006-2017 in Guangdong, and you hit everything on the head. Glad you got out in time brother!

I went to teach in China 17 years ago, when the country was starting to become more 'open'. I actually enjoyed a lot of success there and had a very comfortable life. (I found myself in high demand, being British) I did not stay in a large 'modern' place, but instead opted for a backwater situated in the autonomous region of Inner Mongolia. It was a barren place, dusty and inhospitable (which did not bother me). Many of the foreign teachers there were not native English speakers. I did meet some bad westerners during my time there, including a Canadian who would get drunk and try to get into the girls dorm area. I had the unenviable job of telling him to sling his hook. Religious nut jobs from the USA would also descend on my school with the intention of spreading the word, after using fake credentials to gain access to the students. I stayed there for over 4 years, during which time I witnessed things that both fascinated and horrified me in equal amounts.

All these personal stories from you two is what makes your work the best when it comes to China and your adventures in general Keep up the great work!

Interestingly enough, I lived in Portugal as an expat for 18 years and the four types of immigrant you described are exactly the same as in China

I would love a series where you guys travel the States! :D Additionally, for Americans/Canadians, it would be a good idea for people who want to travel to China to go to Taiwan. Taiwan is an independent state right now and has been actively building relations with the US. China says the world needs to repect the "One China" policy and that Taiwan is a rogue independant state that will be taken back by force if necessary. If I'm not mistaken the US put their embassy there recently. Seems like a lot safer way to experience some Chinese culture in the world's current state.

I lived in Russia for many years, and it's astounding how this resonates with my experience. Obviously it's a LOT easier to blend in, but these categories of foreigners are EXACTLY the types I would see there. The only difference is, most of the corporate guys were happy to be there seemingly :)

Also after my year in China I've grown to resent the attention.... it's no longer fun hearing "FOREIGNER" every-time you go for a walk. :/

I love your honesty. Congratulations being a Dad The Best

I just love everything about your content, even your personality is so bold, like you're so strong that you talk about many deaths of people you know so casually and its impressive how strong you are, and it inspires me how you somehow can always steer things positively.

I'm in Japan, where there may be a 5th category: Introverts and Aspies, who find a friendlier environment than overseas (or China).. This doesn't mean that Japanese are all introverts or Aspies, but there are enough of them that they know how to work with us in a pleasant and productive way.

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1315">21:55</a> Love how casually you say "We have been almost everywhere in China except for the west, you know', where all those concentration camps are"

I moved to Shenzhen 2002-2005. Corporate move, Automotive background. Hired by a Chinese Company named Bailong headquartered in Guang Ming Bao. I know exactly what you are talking about. Hands off to you Mate for sharing your experiences Cheers

I found your channel just a few days ago. Im really enjoying the stuff you talk about. Much love from another Okie

Honestly, I went for 3 reasons: 1. Stable income and savings for my 10 year plan, which is IMPOSSIBLE as an educator with student loans in the U.S. 2. I was already learning the language in college and wanted to put it to use. 3. I had NO IDEA what China was really like. I imagined neat architecture and an ancient culture to delve into. I'm still in Beijing 5 years later...but only because my wife is here. To me, China is like Cyberpunk 2077 gone wrong. We're working on a strategic exit plan, not sure what country to pick.

I was an American sent to China as a hotel manager, first to Guilin, Dalian, and Shanghai. Company sponsored visa, suite in the hotel, no utilities, food etc. I enjoyed China learned the language culture and married a Shanghai girl. This was back in 1994 to 2001. I think China has changed since then so I felt I was there doing a great time.

Starting to watch your vlogs...enlightening down to Earth social, cultural and political insights Thanks for sharing!

It's always interesting to hear someone else's observations and experiences about China. Listening to you confirms and relates to some of mine and expands my knowledge of this brave nation. Congratz for the new start in the US. Blessings to your family and best of luck. Cheers

I was a little bit type 1 - grew up on Chinese movies and fantasy movies, and when I got the chance to go to Beijing as a type 4 I loved it. All the food they thought I wouldn’t eat, the tourist locations, work, people, pollution etc. I really feel for those guys for what they’re going through currently.

You’d have to be nuts at this point. I think they’re talking about executing a couple of Auzies and are charging 2 more Canadians with espionage or vise versa.

I met a Canadian who pretended to the Chinese that he was some sort of Hollywood superstar but most were just people who wanted an adventure

I appreciaate your honesty, you where in really sad situations, I respect how you get out of those

Pretty spot on. I ran my factory in Shenzhen for 5 years and was very happy to move in January to Taiwan. Still setting up again here just like starting over BUT very happy to be OUT of China. I guess I'm category #4 hahaha.

U forgotten the 5th type. Foreigners who go to china because of their spouses. Stay awesome.

i fit into the last one but i do enjoy going everytime. i usually go twice a year to canton fair and stay for 10-12 days. It is exhausting for sure, but it is always a great time and i leave with lots of memories :)

I have been watching your videos for a few weeks now and I have to say, they are very interesting. You and laowhy86 show a lot of content that I would never see in my life given how closed off China is. Also good common sense, keep up the good work!

Thanks for such an objective presentation! I have been to China 4 times with my Chinese wife and can relate to feeling isolated by Cantonese family conversation. I was “trapped” in Guangxi in January this year due to return flights being difficult to the U.S.A. The authoritarian shut down felt like trying to escape from an occupied country during W.W.2. It gave me a negative attitude toward the CCP but that is only a part of the China experience. I am 77 years old and worry a bit about needing any serious medical help in that country. In any case I will probably return again.

There's a fifth one: Evangelical Protestant missionaries working a 'cover' job as an ESL teacher.

Always very informative. Thanks.

I fall a bit into any one of those categories depending on the day of the week haha. nice video again watched it entirely. Greetings from Xiamen this time Stay Awesome

I recall a story my late uncle told me regarding China. He was a missionary priest who initially trained for the missions in China. His timing could not have been more unfortunate. He entered China in 1949, when the Communists won the Civil War and the Nationalists were pushed out to Taiwan. He was, as a foreign Catholic priest, in grave danger of being executed and was placed under house arrest. With the aid of a catholic chinese boatman he was smuggled out to Hong Kong and managed to get home (Ireland) from there. He retrained in the Korean language and spent time as a Chaplain in the US armed services in Korea in 1951 and eventually trained in the Japanese language and became a priest in Japan. While he was in China he was subject to psychological torture and many of his fellow priests were killed by the Chinese Communists. This made him very anxious and led to a destructive abuse of tobacco and alcohol and his premature death at the age of 55. While China was a highly stressful place and time for him he found the Japanese very kind and hospitable to work with. I have no doubt that his time in the far east, on his own as catholic priests are celibate, contributed to his early death.

100% spot on. #2 You really mean Sexpat, AKA: Gweilo60. #3 Yeah, I think that is interesting. I met a lot of wonderful people from countries that just didn't offer them any opportunity. The criminals thing is also funny you mention. I never met so many criminals until I moved to China. I was so confused about how all of these dudes were criminals that just ran away from the west. I guess that would be like Nathan Rich. In America that dude would be delivering Pizza's. Instead he's in China... Well, where is he?Dude hasn't made a video in a month. Maybe he's out having tea with the police? Who knows. #4. Yeah, that's so true, I had a really good friend in Shenzhen that worked in the oil industry. Really awesome guy, but after his contract ended he returned back to America. It's funny how all of the stuff you mention is this video is so real.

i visited china twice and i fit the business category as i went there because im an electric bicycle mechanic and i needed to help my boss check the factories and stuff. while the factory visits themselves were boring (and often awkward) the rest of it was fun, but mostly because my boss is my dad and we pretty much visited factories for half a day then traveled around the town we were in for the rest of the day, and once few days you travel to another town

Love your vids!

You are not a "wierdo". I've watched a lot of your wonderful videos on China, and you are consistently well spoken and obviously have above average intelligence and compassion.

You forgot one category: travellers. They will stay in one country 3-6 months and teach English, just long enough to save money to go to the next place. Repeat and rinse. Or, then there are people like my American friend: he went to work in China because he could managed to save money from his salary towards paying his student loan. (He studied Far Eastern cultures.) And he could get work/ teaching experience, which he couldn't do in America.

Just found your vlog few days ago, I hv to say that you know China very well and what you said it’s very true. Love your channel and just subscribed try to catch up all your past videos.

My first car was a 79 T/A Atlantis blue, 403 with the 4 speed! I miss that car so much. Congrats!!!

I'm high as a kite and Serpentza looks like he's flying above the street in his magical desk chair @<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1148">19:08</a> and I think I'm losing it.

PS I really wish I had watched you live. So many comments to make .... This is why I love watching your podcasts. You really know your stuff and put it out there. I'm so happy you left China so you can speak out on the reality of life in China -- both the good and the bad and the weird. Thanks.

Ive been married to a vietnamese woman that i met in vietnam we came to the U.S. in 1973 she has been back to vietnam numerous times and i asked her if she wanted us to retire in vietnam she emphaticaly said no she loves the U.S. and is an ameerican now

I am so glad I found you. Your videos are informative & fascinating. I would probably enjoy listening to you while you read a phone book. You definitively have a gift ❣️

The things We do as children and later realize it wasn't nice.

Visiting China (on vacation) was definitely my most exhausting trip for the reasons you mentioned (noise, pollution, etc). However, it was a very good trip.

Thanks so much for another thoughtful video

Winston, love your & C-milk's videos. It is heartbreaking what's happened in China, I have a Chinese (Hong Kong)ese friend who is trying to relocate to the U.S. due to all the craziness. I hope that things calm down here in the U.S. and also in China once better leaders get into power.

my work mate, 50s, was divorced and his heart health meant he couldn't work in his trade, so he packed up and went to where the economy was booming. I can imagine he was a sexpat but he did bring an appropriately aged girl friend back to nz

You guys hit it out of the park; great pod cast!!!

Another good video sir, to me is a real personal insight from a genuine experience.

This is one of my favorite videos from serpentza - I can’t believe it’s already 2+ years ago, time is flying!

I am very grateful to live in Australia. I have no intention to live in or even to visit China.

I grew up in Hawaii which is basically an extension of Asia, and yes, respect for teachers is strong. In return it's just expected that a teacher isn't going to be a drunk or an adulterer etc.

China is a truly sobering place to live, I lived there for a year, it was tuff. I was 21. Now I’m 47 and I can live anywhere in the world because of my experiences in China.

Great perspective and clear thinking. Thanks for the video.

You forgot about the American SPY that all of those “Evil Uncles” are on alert/patrol for.

You have given out great information over the years such as Chinese mother-in-law leaving veggies in the corners lol. Unfortunately things have changed a bit in the past couple of years since you left. Google translate absolutely does work without a VPN and isn't blocked. I'm in western China far from the first tier cities and there's English on nearly every street and highway sign here. When you get married you don't have a criminal check although you do have a single status certificate required from your native country consolate. Nothing was required for a residence visa either. C-milk also stated you need a STI test prior to marriage in a video once and that isn't the case (in Sichuan province anyhow). I was able to easily get a bank account here with bank of China within a day and link to WeChat pay moments after. Sure it's different here but it's still better than living with the turmoil in the west. I'll go back to Canada when they all can figure out a mask works. By the way, you were confused as to why an Asian woman may want to bring her foreign husband back to China. That's simple. Status symbol to wave about her friends and likely past boyfriend/ex husband.

Love listening to you Winston. I lived in South Africa in 19 8182. I loved it never forget it. I know things have changed. Glad you made it to the USA. Hope to meet you one day.

I appreciate your 'shoe leather' videos. They are so much more real than the fluff pieces put out by pampered ex-pats or an Asian Studies professor at an American university. You have walked the walk among the locals and offer perceptive observations. Good job!

"Kurt Russell, who's your favourite 80's action movie hero?" - I'm a big fan of Winston.

all my life i want to visit china historical places for 2-3 weeks. but now i do not wish to travel to china anymore. sorry

Great videos! When i see you i think of the Boers from the James Michner's South Africa novel. You live an exciting life. Thank you for sharing it with us

Thank you so much for doing these videos, I've found many of them to be very hardworking, career driven ,brilliant, skilful and very beautiful, when I look at your videos and one other guy with his baby's name is Lincoln you two guys do a hell of a job because you do it to expose the reality of China and everything that's involved with them,not like others who does it because someone is funding their pockets and they spread lies and hide the bad things about China, so keep up the awesome work bro,Abraham Lincoln Ramlochan from Trinidad 🇹🇹God bless and Godspeed,stay awesome.

Some of us corporate types enjoy the country, learn the language, integrate, have Chinese spouses, and do ok, though we still sometimes - ok often- bitch about it. Perhaps we're category 5, people who have a responsible reason to go, live responsibly, and end up acclimating and fitting in.

Gotta say I noticed the same thing in the Philippines. In the end I would avoid meeting new foreigners

Winston, as an immigrant to America you probably appreciate this nation more than the average native. The Second Amendment is a big part of what makes the USA what it is. Please consider supporting The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF ORG ) verbally and / or financially, at any one time they have some 4o or more pro gun freedom cases in court, and they win circa 80% of them! So glad that you chose America.

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="2440">40:40</a> my wife's hometown had several incidents like that when she was little then the police just refused to go there again until the covid 19 outbreak.

Jesus Christ! You have opened my eyes on some really serious things! Thanks a lot!!!

Love your no nonsense personality Winston. I have learned a lot from you. God bless u and ur family. Love ❤️ from so California.

I have different categories, I also think you need 2 more categories: those that grew up in China (myself). And career builders, things move fast with little oversight. my categories are: expat, halfpat, quarterpat and nopat Also if they survive the 18months honeymoon period, they will stay longer

Your stories are really interesting thanks for sharing

1. Sinophiles 2. “Play-a-bouts” 3. Criminals and clean-slaters 4. Corporate types

A funny story for me in regards to the foreigner “that is special because he’s not chinese” 3 years ago I lived in shanghai for studies and internship for about a year, and one time around christmas i walked out of the gym and saw something hanging off the side of my scooter. I initially thought it was just one of those marketing things that they often give around, but when i looked closer it was a bracelet with a medal with a chibi version of me on it. It had way too much detail including the logo on the shirt i was wearing, which was something you can only buy from a local shop in the us.. and i’m half asian half western european lol.. i never found out who it was. It even said merry christmas on the back of the amulet. Which means someone knew it was mine, and it was a very generic looking scooter. Also the person must have taken a picture of me or stalked me in order to know exactly what i was wearing to the gym in full detail.. it gave me the chills

I am enjoying a lot your channel I am from Brazil and It is been amazing knowing China throw your point of view, thanks a lot and stay awesome. God Bless You and Your Family.

As an American who came as an immigrant….seeing the riots - I still feel safe and blessed living in the USA. Unfortunately those born here or more recent generations in the ‘land of freedom’ do not appreciate what they have.

Serpentza: The amount of scumbags is astounding, myself included...😉

Like one of the other comments, I might be in 5th category, as I've been going to China since 2002, because my wife is a Chinese Dr and I now have more relatives in China than UK. I've tried to learn Chinese, plus playing the erhu and Chinese painting, but not very good at any of these, as a too late starter. One day, I was swimming in Yintan and a local asked my brother in law, if 'I was a real human being!'.I usually stay about 6 months, as I'm retired, but generally enjoy my time there, apart from the heat sometimes and the toilets!

Serpenza, it's interesting, but your situation with discovering that you ended up finding China a place where you decided that you wanted to live is like a mirror image of my same experience when I had the opportunity to go to Japan for a work-related situation. I actually had always been drawn towards Asian women and dancers from an early age and Asian countries in general. When I was a teenager, I ended up dating one of my sister's best friends who had been adopted from a Korean orphanage by a family here in the states. I remember that I was always looking at the Asian girls from at least kindergarten, if that sounds funny, I don't know. My older brother said to me one time "I'm still looking for that book on how to date American women for you." I used to laugh at that. I have been a long-time practitioner of Creative Visualization and Affirmations (mantras to manifest what I desire or what I am seeking in life) and let me tell you, I have been rewarded with everything I've ever asked for while also receiving that which I thought I didn't want in my life, because, let's be frank here, we also attract negativity if our heads and minds are not in the right place, right? Anyway, I had this mantra that I used to repeat all the time about wanting to live in Japan which led my employer to offer me the opportunity to go and do a special effects installation in the San Rio Ginza Department store in Tokyo, Japan. San Rio is the company that created and sells Hello Kitty and Choco Cat and other future landfill corporate for-profit crap that no one actually really ever needs ... but hey, you gotta make a living somehow, right? Anyway, I jumped at the chance to go and work in Japan for two weeks. That experience, of course, led me to start visualizing living there. And the great thing about creative visualization and affirmations is that you use Universal Law, which is basically don't worry about any of the details on HOW it's all going to come together, but just know in your heart that it IS. That it already exists. While my boss and I were flying back to Los Angeles from Japan, he asked me what I thought of my experience there and I replied that I was going to move to and live in Japan. He laughed at me ... at least, up and until I quit my job and actually moved to Kyoto, Japan after one night meeting a restaurant and sushi bar owner who was from Kyoto. He and I hit it off immediately and we became good friends. So much so, that he ended up hiring me to paint a mural in his North Hollywood sushi bar-restaurant, which he paid very handsomely for ... and that money he paid me he said would be my way of being able to buy a plane ticket to Japan and that he was going to let me live in his house in Kyoto and that if I wanted, he would give me a job in his Korean BBQ restaurant which was literally a five-second walk from his house. Anyway, to make a long, long, story short, it turned out that this friend of mine was actually the son of one of the top Yakuza dons in Southern Japan. Hey, how was I supposed to know? As it turned out, he and I ended up having a very long friendship until his death in 2015. I am still friends with his family and I have quite a few friends still, in Kyoto who I am in regular contact with. It's strictly just on a friendship level these days. The Japanese government really started cracking down on organized crime in their country about twenty years ago or so. So anyone I knew who was in organized crime had to go legit or go to prison, so, as far as I know, pretty much ALL of those I knew to be in organized crime ALL went legit. In other words, they pay their taxes. Hahaha! Funny thing is, Wall Street, U.S. corporations, and Washington, D.C. (a.k.a. REAL organized crime) are still committing crimes every-single-day with total impunity! I guess that's how its always been throughout human history.

Thx for the informations bruh

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="2750">45:50</a> serpentza: I'm an African American 👍😂 Funny but true

Thanks Serpentza you have broken the culture barriers....Keep up, guy for reaching out to the rest of the globe

I know a guy who dropped out of high school as soon as he was old enough and went from working a checkout in a supermarket part time to teaching English in a university in China. They don't check credentials at all.

I have recently subscribed, thank you for your experience. I go to China regularly on business.