Working in China? Thinking about it? Below are my top 5 China blogs worth reading on at least a weekly basis – they’ll tell you what’s really going on here, and not just the really really weird stuff, though there is plenty of that.
They say: Shanghaiist is part of Gothamist LLC, the most visited network of city blogs on the Internet today. Founded in 2005, Shanghaiist has emerged as one of the most popular English-language websites about China, covering local news, events, food, and entertainment for a diverse audience of young and affluent urbanites.
I say: it’s called Shanghaiist, but it’s China-wide and features the key news stories of the day. Some admiteddly less key than others, but always worth knowing about.
See also: Timeout Shanghai / Smart Shanghai
They say: Serious without being pompous, deep without being self-indulgent, Foreign Policy is an essential modern guide to global politics, economics, and ideas for people who want to know what’s really happening in an increasingly complicated world. Foreign Policy both simplifies and clarifies complex topics with crisp, insightful writing and clear design.
I say: it’s big, it’s meaty, it’s also very readable and gives you an international perspective on politics and culture in this fair city.
See also: The Guardian’s China Section
They say: chinaSMACK is a daily-updated collection of news and content from the Chinese-language internet. These latest stories, pictures, videos, and topics have become very popular, spreading across China’s major BBS forums, social networking websites, or through email forwards sent between normal Chinese people everyday.
I say: It’s like reading The News of The World.
See also: HaoHao Report
They say: Flamingo Shanghai is a consumer enabled brand consultancy that uses qualitative research tools to provide inspired, clear and actionable recommendations. We call it Thinking That Works.
I say: thoroughly nice chaps with easily read blog, covering insights, research and of course the weekly weibo roundup.
See also: The World of Chinese
They say: Thoughtful Media Group’s advertising affairs weekly round-up covering the media industry in China.
I say: I’m waiting for my invitation to guest-star in one of their episodes.
See also: China Internet Watch
(BONUS! Red Luxury and Jing Daily - the likelihood is that you’re coming to China for some sort of luxury business thing… so it would be remiss of us to not post anything about Luxury. These two are definite go-to sites on the development of the Chinese luxury industry).
EDIT: More worth while commentators to read include (and apologies for being so remiss!)
New York Times China Section - Natch
The Economist China Section - Natch
The Economist Banyan Tree - APAC Blog and Commentary
Tea Leaf Nation - Commentary on cultural happenings
Baidu Beat - Baidu (China’s Google) top ten most searched for terms yesterday, in English
China Daily - Seriously. You need to know what they’re being told to know.
