Safe
China is one of the world's safest destinations for international students, with welcoming communities and reliable daily life.
International cultural exchange in China
Discover the Real China
Experience authentic Chinese family life while discovering one of the world's most exciting countries.
Why China
Why the World Is Looking at China
Modern cities, deep traditions, warm families and everyday discoveries make China one of the most meaningful places to begin a global journey.
Modern
Experience smart cities, high-speed rail, digital payment, creative cafes and technology that shapes everyday life.
Affordable
Enjoy an international experience with lower living costs than many Western destinations and remarkable travel value.
Career
Build international experience, improve cross-cultural communication and strengthen your resume for a global future.
Culture
Live with a Chinese family and experience traditions, language, food and festivals that tourists rarely discover.
Adventure
Explore mountains, megacities, historical landmarks, ancient towns, night markets and breathtaking natural scenery.
China in Numbers
A Country of Scale, History and Possibility
- Years of Civilization
- 5000+
- Province-level Regions
- 34
- UNESCO Heritage Sites
- 300+
- Cities With High-Speed Rail
- 160+
- Host Families
- 2000+
- Nationalities Welcome
- 100+
Experience China
Moments That Make a Country Feel Like Home
Share tea, learn calligraphy, ride across provinces by high-speed rail, discover local food and join family weekends that reveal China beyond tourism.
Tea Ceremony
Slow down with a family tradition shaped by patience, conversation and quiet hospitality.
Read MoreChinese Cuisine
Learn how meals become connection, from dumplings at home to street food after sunset.
Read MoreCalligraphy
Discover a cultural art form where language, movement and history meet on paper.
Read MoreHigh-Speed Rail
Travel from modern skylines to mountain landscapes with speed, comfort and ease.
Read MoreNight Markets
Follow the lights, sounds and flavors of local streets where every evening feels alive.
Read MoreLocal Family Life
Cook, celebrate, travel and build the kind of friendships that continue long after the program ends.
Read MoreInteractive China Map
Find the City That Fits Your Story
From ancient capitals to creative megacities, each destination offers a different rhythm of family life, study, food and travel.
Featured City
Shanghai
China's global skyline, international cafes, universities, museums and riverside neighborhoods make Shanghai a powerful first impression of modern China.
- Known for
- Skyline, design, finance, cafes, museums
- Lifestyle
- Fast, international, creative and highly connected
- Local food
- Xiaolongbao, noodles, riverfront dining and neighborhood bakeries
Popular Cities
Discover China's Most Inspiring Cities
Ancient Capital
Beijing
History, universities, hutong neighborhoods, museums and daily life beside some of China's most iconic landmarks.
Explore BeijingModern China
Shanghai
A global city of skylines, cafes, creative districts, international students and unforgettable night views.
Explore ShanghaiPoetic Lifestyle
Hangzhou
West Lake, tea villages, technology companies and a calm rhythm that blends nature with innovation.
Explore HangzhouWarm Living
Chengdu
Pandas, teahouses, spicy food, parks and one of China's most relaxed urban lifestyles.
Explore ChengduAncient Wonder
Xi'an
Terracotta Warriors, city walls, Muslim Quarter food streets and a living gateway to ancient China.
Explore Xi'anInnovation Hub
Shenzhen
A young, fast-moving city known for technology, design, coastal parks and future-facing energy.
Explore ShenzhenLife with Host Families
Life Beyond Tourism
Become part of a real Chinese family. Share meals, celebrate festivals, travel together and build lifelong friendships.
- Private bedroom
- Weekly allowance
- Chinese language classes
- Health insurance
- Cultural activities
- Visa support
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Dedicated coordinator
Au Pair Journey
Your Journey Starts Here
A clear process helps you move from curiosity to arrival with confidence, support and personal guidance.
-
Register
Create your free VIPAUPAIR account and tell us about your goals.
Day 1 -
Interview
Meet our advisors online and discuss your experience, interests and preferred cities.
1-3 days -
Family Matching
Choose a host family that matches your personality, lifestyle and expectations.
1-3 weeks -
Visa Preparation
Receive invitation documents, visa guidance and pre-departure preparation.
2-6 weeks -
Arrival
Land in China with airport pickup, orientation and a warm welcome from your host family.
Welcome week
Why VIPAUPAIR
Built for Cultural Exchange, Not Just Placement
VIPAUPAIR
Traditional Agency
Real host family immersion
Limited cultural connection
Chinese lessons and local coordinator
Minimal learning support
Airport pickup and emergency support
Support may end after placement
Community events and travel opportunities
Few local activities
Transparent process and personalized matching
Unclear steps and generic matching
Student Stories
Read Their Stories
Students trust other students. These voices show what it feels like to arrive nervous, become part of a family and leave with a second home.
USA
Emily
I arrived nervous. Three months later, China feels like my second home.
- Program
- Gap Year
- Focus
- Mandarin and family life
Germany
Lucas
I never expected Shanghai to be this modern, welcoming and easy to explore.
- Program
- Cultural Exchange
- Focus
- Travel and career growth
Brazil
Sofia
My host family completely changed how I understand China, friendship and home.
- Program
- University Break
- Focus
- Culture and confidence
Au Pair Reviews
The Moments Students Rate Most
Family connection, practical support and the confidence to explore are the experiences students remember long after their time in China.
Emily
USA · Gap Year
A second home, not just a destination
“The small family routines made the biggest difference. I felt welcomed from my first week.”
Lucas
Germany · Cultural Exchange
Support that gave me confidence
“I started out nervous and left knowing how to navigate daily life, travel and friendships on my own.”
Sofia
Brazil · University Break
Friendship that stayed with me
“I expected a new country. I did not expect to leave with friendships that still feel like family.”
Gallery
Moments You'll Never Forget
Family
Shared meals, weekend walks, birthday celebrations and small daily routines.
Travel
High-speed rail journeys, city weekends, mountains, lakes and historic landmarks.
Food
Hot pot, dumplings, tea, breakfast markets and family recipes passed across generations.
Universities
Campus life, language classes, international friends and new academic surroundings.
Festivals
Traditions experienced from inside a home, not through a tourist window.
Daily Life
Subway rides, local cafes, parks, homework time and ordinary days that become memories.
Partners
Trusted by Educational Partners Across China and Around the World
- Chinese Universities
- International Universities
- Language Schools
- Educational Partners
- Cultural Organizations
- Global Student Communities
FAQ
Everything You Want to Know
No. Many students arrive as beginners. VIPAUPAIR helps you prepare before departure, and Chinese language classes support your growth after arrival. Still have questions? Contact our advisors.
China is widely regarded as safe for daily life, public transportation and student routines. VIPAUPAIR also provides local coordination and 24/7 emergency assistance. Still have questions? Contact our advisors.
Yes. Host family arrangements include a private bedroom so you have personal space while becoming part of family life. Still have questions? Contact our advisors.
Yes, free time and weekend travel are part of the experience. Your coordinator and host family can help you understand local options and travel expectations. Still have questions? Contact our advisors.
Apply Now
Your China Story Starts Here.
Join thousands of international students discovering the real China through VIPAUPAIR.
- No application fee
- Personalized matching
- Visa support
- 24/7 assistance