Hi Reader,
I’m moving back to China in August.
Mainland China. Not Hong Kong.
And whenever I tell people that, the reaction is almost always one of two things:
“Are you serious?”
Or:
“Yeah… I get it.”
There’s rarely any middle ground.
After living across Asia for 24 years — including three years in China and eight in Hong Kong — I’ve spent a long time thinking about this decision. And what struck me most is how much outdated information, political noise, and flat-out myth surrounds the conversation about both places.
So I decided to write the article I wish I’d found myself.
In it, I break down:
- Why China no longer feels “cheap” — but still offers far better value
- What daily life in China actually feels like in 2026
- The myth of “no freedom”
- Why Hong Kong still wins socially for many expats
- Which place makes more sense depending on your stage of life and career
- Why I ultimately chose China again after four years in Thailand
I also talk honestly about what’s changed in both places since 2020 — without turning the article into a political debate.
One thing I’ll say here:
The version of Hong Kong I experienced in 2011 felt like the centre of the world.
The version of China I’m returning to now feels like the future.
That doesn’t mean one is objectively “better”. But it does mean the old assumptions many teachers still hold about Asia no longer fully match reality.
If you’re considering teaching in either Hong Kong or China — or even just curious about how Asia is changing for expat teachers — I think you’ll find this one interesting.
Read the full article here:
👉 https://www.thefootlooseteacher.com/blog/china-vs-hong-kong-for-expats-whats-changed-whats-a-myth-and-where-you-should-actually-live
And if you want to download my free resources for getting a teaching job overseas, then check this out too https://www.thefootlooseteacher.com/my-products
— Mark
P.S. If you’ve lived in either Hong Kong or mainland China recently, I’d genuinely love to hear whether your experience matches mine. Reply and let me know.
Talk soon,
– Mark
The Footloose Teacher
🎥 YouTube Channel | 🌐 Website
P.S.
If you’re newer around here, welcome! This community is all about helping teachers build a life of adventure, purpose, and financial freedom — often in places you never expected. Glad you’re here. 🌍
