Hi, I’m Ryan.
I’ve lived in Shenzhen for over 20 years. I’ve seen this city transform into one of the most digital places on Earth.
But here’s the truth: China’s digital ecosystem is a walled garden.
Google Maps doesn’t work well here. Uber is gone. And if you try to pay with cash, you might get a confused look.
I built The China Manual for one simple reason:
To help you navigate this “digital jungle” without the headache.
What you will find here:
- Real, tested workflows for payments (Alipay/WeChat).
- Honest reviews of tools that actually work (VPNs, eSIMs).
- Practical survival tips from a local perspective.
No hype. No culture shock drama. Just the manual you need to survive and thrive.
Welcome to Shenzhen. and Welcome to China.