Hangzhou

Stories about life, love and marriage in Hangzhou, China. From one Western woman with a Chinese husband from Hangzhou.

6 Surprising Experiences My Husband and I Had in a Chinese Hospital

Published by Jocelyn Eikenburg on June 27, 2016 | 42 Responses

“It’s appendicitis. You need surgery.” The words echoed through my mind like a bad nightmare. But the bigger shock was that I’d need surgery in China.

Posted in Articles | Tagged appendicitis, China hospital, Chinese hospital, Hangzhou

4 Things I’m Embarrassed to Share About Living with My Chinese In-Laws

Published by Jocelyn Eikenburg on March 28, 2016 | 32 Responses

It’s embarrassing to admit that I’m in my thirties and still enjoy a lot of support from my in-laws that I probably shouldn’t.

Posted in Articles | Tagged China, Chinese family, Chinese in-laws, Chinese mother-in-law, Hangzhou, Zhejiang

Photo Essay: Enjoying the Golden Spring in Rural Hangzhou, China

Published by Jocelyn Eikenburg on March 18, 2016 | 7 Responses

While I’m still on break this week, I thought I’d share some recent photos from the gorgeous “golden” spring blooming all around us here in the Hangzhou countryside. I call it “golden” because of the golden yellow rapeseed flowers that dominate the fields at this time of year. There’s nothing quite like standing among these fields […]

Posted in Articles | Tagged AMWF, China, Hangzhou, photo essay

Photo Essay: 2016 Chinese New Year’s Eve at the Family Home

Published by Jocelyn Eikenburg on February 8, 2016 | 20 Responses

We’re busy celebrating Chinese New Year, the biggest holiday of the year here in China, at John’s family home in rural Hangzhou. I thought I’d share a few photos from Chinese New Year’s Eve. It was a lovely day to celebrate Chinese New Year’s Eve, with some of the most gorgeous blue skies of the winter. […]

Posted in Articles | Tagged China, Chinese culture, Chinese family, Chinese New Year, Hangzhou

Father-In-Law on the Roof? Strange Scenes During Extreme Cold in Southern China

Published by Jocelyn Eikenburg on January 25, 2016 | 18 Responses

There are things you never expect to see in a lifetime. Like watching a grown man whack snow off the roof with a bamboo pole.

Posted in Articles | Tagged China, chinese father-in-law, Hangzhou, winter

Surviving Winter in a South China Family Used to Living Without Heating

Published by Jocelyn Eikenburg on January 4, 2016 | 17 Responses

Leave it to me — a cold-averse American woman — to marry into a family in Southern China, where people are used to winters without heating in their homes.

Posted in Articles | Tagged China, Chinese family, Hangzhou, South China, winter

Interview with Jo Gan: Fashion Entrepreneur, App Creator and Bar Owner in China

Published by Jocelyn Eikenburg on November 20, 2015 | 11 Responses

Want proof of how far you can take your business dreams in China? Meet Jo Gan. She has started an online business, launched an app and become a bar owner.

Posted in Yangxifu Pride | Tagged Freebao, Hangzhou, Heilan Hair & Fashions, Jo Gan, Life Behind the Wall, SharesBar

Photo Essay: Celebrating My Birthday Beside Hangzhou’s West Lake

Published by Jocelyn Eikenburg on August 3, 2015 | 32 Responses

Last Monday, I wrote about how wedding anniversaries aren’t a big deal to my Chinese husband. But not birthdays — especially my birthday. We just celebrated and, once again, he approached as if it were a national holiday. John still loves coming up with what he calls “birthday programs” for my special day and this year […]

Posted in Articles | Tagged AMWF, birthday, China, Hangzhou

“Is that your foreign friend?” Why my Chinese husband hides the fact that I’m his white American wife here in China (Guest Post on China Elevator Stories)

Published by Jocelyn Eikenburg on April 13, 2015 | 12 Responses

My guest post for China Elevator Stories just published today, sharing why my husband prefers to call me his “foreign friend” when we’re out in Hangzhou.

Posted in Articles | Tagged Chinese husband, Guest posts, Hangzhou, Western women Chinese men

Why Hangzhou China is truly for lovers (and Valentine’s Day)

Published by Jocelyn Eikenburg on February 9, 2015 | 13 Responses

Here are four reasons why Hangzhou, China could be the perfect place to spend your Valentine’s Day – or, for that matter, any romantic holiday or getaway.

Posted in Articles | Tagged China, Hangzhou, Su Causeway Hangzhou, West Lake Hangzhou