Hey everyone! I'm excited to share my journey living in Wuxi as an expat. It all started in March 2020 — right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Moving to China during such an uncertain time was nerve-wracking, but looking back, it was one of the best decisions I ever made.
My first days in Wuxi: A rollercoaster ride
Arriving in China at that time meant strict quarantine, health checks, and limited movement. I spent weeks confined to a small hotel room, dreaming about exploring my new home. I watched the world outside from a window, wondering if I had made the right choice. But once things eased up, I could finally step outside and take in the beauty of Wuxi.
Fast forward five years, and I can't imagine living anywhere else. Wuxi is a hidden gem with its mix of history, modern life, and peaceful vibes. Some of my favorite places to visit include Lingshan Grand Buddha, Taihu Lake, and Nanchang Street — each offering a unique slice of China's rich culture and breathtaking scenery.
The author poses for a selfie with his family at Nanchang Street. [Photo provided by Achala Herath to wuxi.gov.cn]
Life and work in Wuxi
I work for a foreign company as a textile engineer from Sri Lanka, and I find the industry in China fascinating. The pace is fast, the expectations are high, and the innovation is incredible. Adapting to the work culture took time — it's more direct, more fast-paced, and extremely results-driven — but now, I love the efficiency and the limitless opportunities it brings. I've grown professionally in ways I never expected and constantly feel challenged and inspired.
The cultural adjustment: Learning and growing
One of the biggest adjustments was learning the language. At first, I couldn't read menus, signs, or even recognize anything. But I picked up a few phrases over time, and technology became my best friend. With apps for translation, food delivery, transportation, and payments, everything became manageable and enjoyable.
Technology here is next-level. Mobile payments are everywhere, and automation is part of daily life — from hospitals to grocery shopping. It makes life smooth and flexible once you get used to the systems.
Living with my wife and welcoming a child
One of the best parts of my life here is living with my wife and, more recently, welcoming our child into the world — right here in Wuxi. Adjusting to family life in a foreign land has been an adventure, full of both joy and learning.
We chose to have our baby at Wuxi Woman and Enfants Care Hospital, one of the most reputable maternity hospitals in the region. The experience was smooth, professional, and reassuring. The facilities were modern, the doctors experienced, and the prenatal care comprehensive. Everything was well organized, from regular ultrasounds to blood tests and parenting classes. Despite the language barrier, the staff did their best to communicate with us, and with the help of translation apps and a few kind bilingual nurses and doctors, we navigated it all.
They were attentive to both the mother and baby during labor and delivery. Postnatal care was impressive too. They offered support with breastfeeding, nutrition, and early baby development — areas I knew very little about as a first-time parent.
The author and his wife take a group photo with Wuxi Woman and Enfants Care Hospital staff members. [Photo provided by Achala Herath to wuxi.gov.cn]
Raising a foreign child in Wuxi: Joys and challenges
Raising a child in a foreign country is both exciting and daunting. On the one hand, our child will grow up bilingual and multicultural, surrounded by a unique mix of Eastern and Sri Lankan values. On the other hand, there are challenges — from finding the right school, handling visa and healthcare paperwork, and blending cultural expectations from both sides.
Access to good pediatric care, daycare centers, and bilingual kindergartens in Wuxi seems promising. We often exchange tips on how to deal with things like vaccinations, baby food, and early childhood development with my Chinese colleagues, who are extremely helpful.
What truly stands out in Wuxi is how friendly the locals are. They are caring, loving, and pleasant.
Building a life and a community
As an expat, one of the biggest concerns when moving to a new country is finding a sense of belonging. Thankfully, Wuxi surprised me with how open and warm people are. I've made friends through work, events, and even casual encounters in elevators or parks.
Even more rewarding is how local Chinese friends have welcomed me into their homes during holidays, shared family meals, and taught me traditions I never knew about. Chinese New Year celebrations, Mid-Autumn mooncakes, and Dragon Boat Festival rice dumplings are now a part of my family's life.
The author takes a group photo with his Chinese friend in Wuxi. [Photo provided by Achala Herath to wuxi.gov.cn]
Why Wuxi feels like home
After five years, Wuxi has become my second home. I love the quiet surroundings, the friendly people, and the perfect balance between city convenience and natural beauty. It's not as flashy as Shanghai, making it feel authentic and grounded.
The well-maintained parks, scenic lake views, and cultural richness make every day here special. Even grocery shopping becomes an adventure when you're picking between different kinds of mushrooms, tofu, or unfamiliar spices. Life here keeps surprising me in the best ways.
Exploring Wuxi through food
Let's talk about food because it's one of my favorite things about living in China. Wuxi has spoiled me with its endless variety of flavors, ingredients, and cooking styles.
I love Malatang and Malaxiangguo — the customizable spicy hotpot where you pick your ingredients and cook them in a savory broth. Then there are the classic dumplings, silky wontons, and soul-warming hot pot nights with friends. Nothing beats dipping thinly sliced meat into boiling broth while sharing stories around the table.
Wuxi also has its famous dishes. Wuxi-style spare ribs are slow-cooked in a sweet soy glaze that melts in your mouth. I've appreciated Hong Shao Rou (braised pork belly) — a dish that combines sweet, savory, and melt-in-the-mouth textures.
Let's not forget the local street food stalls — tiny operations that serve the best scallion pancakes, xiaolongbao, and fried noodles.
Funny challenges: My super long name
Living in a foreign country comes with its quirks, and for me, one of the funniest, as well as most frustrating, has been dealing with my long Sri Lankan name. In China, most people have short, two-character names. Mine has six names, closer to 50 characters. Well, it's a mouthful and doesn't fit neatly into most online forms or official documents.
I've abbreviated, split, or modified my name multiple times to get through banking, telecom registrations, and even food delivery apps. There were many challenges. I even had to ask the hospital to modify their system to get my daughter's birth certificate.
The beauty of everyday life in Wuxi
Beyond work and food, Wuxi offers a calm, clean, and connected lifestyle. Unlike the chaotic rush of mega-cities like Shanghai or Beijing, Wuxi moves more comfortably. The streets are wide and well-kept, public parks are everywhere, and the city has done a great job preserving its natural beauty.
One of my favorite routines is taking evening walks along Taihu Lake, especially during autumn. The golden leaves reflect off the water, and a peaceful hum of conversations, music, and laughter is in the air. Another favorite is spending weekends exploring Nanchan Temple, sipping tea in small cafes, and trying out traditional snacks.
The author and his wife take a photo during autumn in Wuxi. [Photo provided by Achala Herath to wuxi.gov.cn]
Looking back: No regrets!
Thinking back to 2020, I remember how nervous I was about moving. I was leaving behind everything familiar, stepping into uncertainty. But today, I wouldn't trade my life in Wuxi for anything.
From incredible food to a fulfilling career, a supportive community, and a peaceful family life, this city has given me so much. I've learned resilience, adaptability, and how to thrive in the unknown. I've watched my family grow here, welcomed a child, and built a meaningful life.
So, for anyone considering moving to Wuxi—whether for work, study, or a new beginning—I say: go for it. This city has something special to offer, and it just might change your life, as it did mine.
The author is Head of Fabric Technical for the Alpine Group, an international company in the textile and garment business. He has been working in Wuxi since 2020 and has been living with his wife since then. Photos are all provided by the author.
If you would like to share your Wuxi stories, then send us your writings at wuxiexpatstories@outlook.com.
