Nationwide crackdown on illegal entry, stay, and employment in China. Rewards for reporting reach 50,000 RMB. Fines up to 100,000 RMB, detention, and deportation with 1–10 year bans. Essential for foreign nationals in China.
This June, Guangzhou just raised its reward for reporting a “Three-Illegal” foreigner: 1,000 RMB per person, up from 200 RMB. Report an employer who hires illegal workers – up to 50,000 RMB.
This is not a Guangzhou quirk. Dalian offers 500 RMB per report. Inner Mongolia offers 1,000 RMB. Shenzhen, Dongguan, Chongqing, Sanya, Sichuan, Yunnan, Guangxi—cities across China are rolling out or upgrading similar policies. The direction is consistent: the nationwide crackdown on “Three-Illegals” is intensifying.
Firstly, let’s see what exactly are the “Three-Illegals”?
* Illegal entry: entering with forged documents, using someone else‘s passport, avoiding border inspection.
* Illegal employment: working without a valid work permit, working outside the permitted region or employer, or foreign students working beyond permitted hours or roles.
The new rules go further: they target the entire gray-industry chain. Not just the individuals—employers who hire them, agents who refer them, landlords who house them. Report a business employing illegal workers: up to 50,000 RMB. Report a landlord harboring them: up to 20,000 RMB.
What are the legal consequences?
Under China‘s Exit and Entry Administration Law:
* Illegal stay: warning, or a daily fine of 500 RMB (up to 10,000 RMB total), or 5-15 days of detention.
* Illegal employment: 5,000-20,000 RMB fine; if severe, detention plus fine.
* Illegal hiring: 10,000 RMB per illegally employed person, up to 100,000 RMB total.
* Harboring: 2,000-10,000 RMB fine; if severe, detention plus fine up to 20,000 RMB.
In Kaiping, two landlords who rented to “Three-Illegals” foreigners were detained for 15 days and fined 20,000 RMB each.
The most serious outcome: repatriation or even deportation. Repatriated individuals are banned from re-entering China for 1-5 years. Deported individuals are banned for 10 years.
This crackdown is nationwide. Multiple cities are conducting joint inspections across urban villages, factories, rental buildings, and markets. Police, immigration, and market regulators are working together—unannounced checks are now routine.
We’re not trying to scare you. We are telling you: if you live and work in China, make sure your visa is valid, your work permit is legal, and your residence papers are in order.
Bar P.J. on Shaanxi Nan Lu serves 11 signature cocktails at RMB98 with playful pineapple twists. Open Mon-Thu & Sun 6.30pm-1.30am, Fri-Sat till 2am. No weekend surcharge noted. Ideal for tropical drink lovers.
Now, he's launched Bar P.J.—Bar Pineapple Juice—and the vibe is purely cheerful. Nestled upstairs next door to the first bar, it is a larger venue with plenty of juicy details to enjoy.
Bar P.J. Sign. Photo courtesy of Bar P.J.
The bar is housed inside the Golden Express trio of F&B spots, a space designed to resemble the interior of a vintage train car—climbing the stairwell to reach it already feels like the start of a journey.
The entry to the Golden Express. Photo by Heather Millet / That’s.
A yakitori spot occupies the ground floor, while upstairs, the hallway curves around to a members-only whiskey bar tucked on the same level.
Hallway between Bar P.J. and the Golden Express private whisky club. Photo by Heather Millet / That’s.
First, the Bar P.J. sign —cleverly designed as an unraveling pineapple—greets you at the door.
The sign outside Bar P.J.
A sliding entrance opens to reveal a direct view of the action inside. The bar shares a similar vintage-minimalist aesthetic with its sister spot, but while Bar O.J. evokes a 1970s living room, Bar P.J. leans into something with a bit more disco flair.
Bar P.J. interior.
Overhead, massive demi-globe lights pulse with occasional red, green, or blue flashes—growing more frequent as the night wears on.
Squeeze the day!
Real pineapples line one wall, while small nooks with rotating tables offer cozy corners for intimate conversation.
The remaining floor space accommodates larger groups with open seating.
The bar top, shaped like a boomerang.
The bar top is shaped like a boomerang, with bartenders stationed at the inner and outer corners of the elbow—as though they're poised for a frenzied face-off.
Owner Yifu Jiang tends the bar
Around them, olive green corduroy stools encircle the counter, while staff in pineapple-print tiki shirts circulate to hand out the libations.
Bar P.J.’s busy opening evening. Photo by Heather Millet.
The sense of train travel and motion lingers. The music is mainly house, with weekend DJs wedging into the corner to pump up the volume beyond what you'll hear downstairs.
Tracks like 'Friendz' by Blu Leopard—classic in beat—blend eras within the vintage setting.
The Drinks
The signatures menu at Bar P.J.
Yifu Jiang says that when crafting the menu of 11 signature cocktails—all priced at RMB98—he aimed to provide "familiar tastes with unfamiliar textures. These are well-known cocktails served in unknown ways."
Bar P.J.s perfectly clear mojito.
The Mojito is a perfect example. A classic mojito is served on crushed ice with muddled mint, leaving bits in every sip.
Bar P.J.'s take? Perfectly clear, clean, and just as refreshing for summer nights.
Refreshment is a key aim of this first menu—especially during August's record heat. Several cocktails come as in the form of a slushy or ice-cream.
Bar P.J.’s smoothie Pina Colada.
Naturally, there's a Pina Colada riff on the menu, crafted like a smoothie and served with a spoon.
Creamier than the usual holiday staple, something mysterious has been done that makes it feel like a miracle in your mouth for a coconut-lover.
Spoon definitely required.
This Bar P.J. signature cocktail is made with tequila, tortilla chips, tomato sorbet, and Tabasco.
The signature offerings venture even further from the familiar. Unnamed and identified only by line-work icons that express the flavors within.
One features a tortilla chip wearing a sombrero—a playful nod to its components: tortilla-infused tequila, Tabasco, and tomato sorbet.
Its presentation is striking—a perfect sorbet sphere resting in what resembles a tequila consommé.
Don't be fooled: this drink will jolt you right back into your corduroy chair.
On its own, the clear liquid hits with tequila and full corn tortilla flavor. Once mixed, the sorbet unleashes a wave of spice, and it suddenly becomes obvious that this is in fact a take on a Bloody Mary.
Gin cocktail made with lemon, tippy green tea, carbonation, and raspberry and cucumber granita.
For something a bit lighter—and more hydrating in the heat—there's a cocktail served with raspberry and cucumber granita as a garnish, perched over a carbonated lemony gin and light leaf-tip green tea.
Blended cocktail with tequila, mango, lime, cilantro, salted cream, and sea berries.
The mango-cilantro slushy is another bang-on sweet treat— thoroughly blended, perfectly smooth, and completely unexpected.
Salted cream balances the sweet mango base, while a sea berry garnish adds an extra pop of fun texture.
For one final classic, the mini-coconut Negroni is both adorable and delicious—tropical heaven in a glass for those who love a Negroni twist.
Made with rum as the base, along with vermouth and bitter liqueur, a medley of pineapple, coconut, banana, and sesame floods through.
The garnish? A truly mini-coconut.
The Vibe
Like its sister bar, P.J. is retro cool, with comfortable chairs and curious concoctions.
With a playful pineapple motif, a boomerang-shaped bar, and a menu that turns familiar classics into unexpected delights, this upstairs hideaway offers a welcome escape from the summer heat—and a whole lot of fun besides.
Whether sinking into a corduroy stool or sipping a spoonable Pina Colada, guests are sure to leave with a smile, a buzz, and perhaps a newfound appreciation for juice-named bars.
Reservations: +86 150 0066 0857
Mon-Thu & Sun, 6.30pm-1.30am
Fri & Sat, 6.30pm-2am
Bar P.J., 2/F, 76 Shanxi Nan Lu, by Julu Lu, Jing'an District 陕西南路76号, 近巨鹿路
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[All photos by Jimmy Jordan / That’s unless otherwise stated]▼For more news, click 'Read more' (阅读原文) below.
Rider University will not renew its partnership with Shanghai Sanda University after 2026, ending a 21-year dual-degree program in International Economics and Trade due to declining enrollment and Rider's financial crisis.
Rider University in Lawrence Township, New Jersey, has announced that it will not renew its partnership with Shanghai Sanda University after the current agreement expires on November 1, bringing a 21-year U.S.-China higher education collaboration to an end.
The partnership, which began in 2002, was established with approval from the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission and recognition from China’s Ministry of Education. Under the program, Shanghai Sanda University and Rider University jointly offered a four-year undergraduate program in International Economics and Trade. Each cohort admitted 70 students as part of China’s national higher education enrollment plan.
A 21-Year Partnership Comes to an End
Beginning in 2005, the program was upgraded to a dual-degree arrangement. Students could earn two degrees—a Bachelor of Science and either a Master of Business Administration or a Master of Accountancy—within 20 to 24 months after completing the relevant requirements.
Students studied in both Shanghai and New Jersey, gaining exposure to international business and multicultural perspectives.
According to information published on the Ministry of Education’s regulatory platform for Chinese-foreign cooperative education, the program was approved to enroll students from 2002 through 2026, with one intake each year. Its approval certificate remains valid through December 31, 2030.
The enrollment period was extended twice, in 2018 and 2023, but the program will not continue beyond 2026.
NJ.com reported that a Rider University spokesperson said participation in the program had declined steadily in recent years, which was the direct reason for the decision not to renew the agreement.
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Rider’s accreditor, approved the university’s request to terminate the program on June 24.
Enrollment Decline Meets a Deeper Financial Crisis
Falling participation, however, is only part of the story. Rider University has been facing a serious financial crisis, which has placed increasing pressure on the private institution to cut costs.
In October 2025, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education placed Rider on probation over financial concerns. The university, which has roughly 3,700 students, had deteriorated to the point where it was unable to meet the accreditor’s basic expectations regarding financial viability.
Losing accreditation would have major consequences for the university and its students, including the potential loss of access to federal financial aid and difficulties transferring academic credits to other institutions.
Rider has since implemented a series of significant cost-cutting measures. Starting in December 2025, the university reduced base salaries for all employees by 14%. It also eliminated 35 to 40 full-time faculty positions, representing roughly 25% of its full-time faculty, and suspended retirement contributions indefinitely.
As part of a $10 million assistance plan, the university also agreed to sell part of its campus property to Mercer County.
Rider President John Loyack told NJ.com that the university was making progress in addressing its financial difficulties and was not in danger of losing accreditation. However, the Middle States Commission has extended Rider’s probation, with a final decision on the university’s accreditation status expected at its November 2026 meeting.
Against this backdrop, ending an overseas partnership whose participation had been steadily declining became a financially logical cost-cutting decision for the university.
Part of a Broader Shift in U.S.-China University Partnerships?
The end of the Rider-Sanda partnership is not an isolated development.
In recent years, several U.S. universities have ended or scaled back partnerships with Chinese institutions. The University of California, Berkeley and the Georgia Institute of Technology, among others, have recently concluded cooperative arrangements with Chinese universities.
In New Jersey, Kean University continues to operate its 500-acre campus in China, but similar cross-border academic partnerships are facing greater scrutiny and pressure.
Rider’s case is notable because its withdrawal appears to have been driven primarily by its own financial difficulties rather than political considerations.
For a cross-border academic program that depends in part on student enrollment to generate revenue, a sustained decline in participation can eventually undermine the economic rationale for maintaining the partnership.
From its approval in 2002 to its conclusion in 2026, the Rider-Sanda collaboration spanned 24 years, including the preparation period before enrollment began. The long-running trans-Pacific educational partnership ultimately could not withstand the financial pressures facing the U.S. university.
What happens next to students currently enrolled in the program remains unclear. Rider’s spokesperson did not disclose their exact number or provide NJ.com with details of a transition or teach-out plan.
For those students caught in the middle of the partnership’s termination, how their remaining studies and academic futures will be protected remains an unresolved question.
August 2026 school roundup: Highland Games tickets (RMB150 adult presale), Harrow 10th anniversary, Wellington IB avg 38.2, SAS virtual tours, and more. For parents and educators.
Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Child): Pre-sale RMB350 | Door RMB425
Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Children):Pre-sale RMB400 | Door RMB500
Click below to get your tickets now:
From Shanghai to the Aegean: Concordia Students Trace Ancient Greece
This June, 18 high school students from Concordia’s Explorations program traded Shanghai’s skyline for the shores of the Aegean on an eight-day journey through Greece—retracing the footsteps of athletes, philosophers, and sailors from Ancient Olympia to Cape Sounion.
The adventure began weeks before takeoff, with a crash course in all things Hellenic: students visited the Greek Consulate in Shanghai, learned the alphabet, and immersed themselves in ancient history.
By the time they boarded the plane, they were already primed for discovery.
Once on Greek soil, the curriculum came vividly to life. They sprinted along the original Olympic track, tasted locally pressed olive oil, and traded English for elementary Greek with tour guides and villagers alike.
Yet the most memorable moments were the unscripted ones: new friendships forged over shared meals, spontaneous dancing in city squares, and the quiet thrill of stepping well beyond their comfort zones.
Harrow Shanghai 10th Anniversary Celebration
In 2016, Harrow International School Shanghai opened its doors for the very first time, bringing centuries of distinguished British educational tradition to this dynamic city.
In 2026, they mark an incredible milestone—their 10th anniversary. Harrow warmly invites you to join us as we look back on a decade of heritage, excellence, and achievement.
Program highlights include a campus tour, official ceremony with stories from founding parents, current students, and distinguished alumni, and a festival with live music, delicious food and drinks, plus a dragon dance!
Spots are limited, scan the QR code on the poster above to RSVP.
Experience Student-Built Shanghai American School Virtual Tours
What began as a student project has now become part of the official Shanghai American School (SAS) website.
During the 2025–26 school year, teams from both campuses transformed an early virtual map into fully functioning tours—programmed entirely by students.
The Puxi team included Preston L. ’26, Kelly W. ’27, and Annabell Z. ’27, while Leon H. ’27 built the Pudong tour with support from the Engineering Club.
Along the way, students collaborated with SAS Marketing to brainstorm ideas, demo new iterations, respond to feedback, and gain real-world project experience.
Head to the SAS website to explore the student-built tours for yourself!
Fortune Kindergarten Summer Camp
Fortune Kindergarten's summer camp got off to a vibrant start with a rich and varied lineup of engaging activities.
Children dove into exciting science explorations and tried their hands at woodworking, designing and building their own small creations.
Many also took center stage during lively drama sessions, where they expressed themselves freely and confidently stepped into the spotlight.
Whether thinking independently, collaborating with peers, or sharing ideas openly, the children discovered new interests, produced original work, and formed meaningful connections with one another.
Throughout this action‑packed summer session, every child embraced a host of unforgettable adventures and made the most of each moment together.
Wellington College Shanghai Celebrates Outstanding IB Results
Wellington College International Shanghai is proud to announce that its graduating Class of 2026 achieved an impressive average IB Diploma score of 38.2 points, with a 100% pass rate.
More than one-third of the cohort attained 40 points or above, including one pupil who earned a perfect score of 45.
Across all subjects, 72.4% of grades were a 6 or higher, while the IB Core average stood at 2.2 out of 3, results that reflect the dedication and resilience of every student.
Dulwich College Shanghai: One College, Two Campuses
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This academic year marks an exciting new chapter as Dulwich College Shanghai's Pudong and Puxi campuses officially unite under the banner of Dulwich College Shanghai, following a ‘One College, Two Campuses’ model.
Both campuses have long shared the same educational philosophy, commitment to academic excellence, and belief in putting students first.
Now, as Dulwich College Shanghai, they are building on these strong foundations by combining the expertise, opportunities, and strengths of both sites.
This collaboration creates an even richer educational experience for every student—including expanded academic pathways such as A-Level and the IB Diploma—while preserving the distinctive character and community spirit that families value at each campus.
Visit Dulwich to learn more about the campuses, educational programs, and the wide range of opportunities available across Dulwich College Shanghai.
BISS Opens New Performing Arts & Sports Center
BISS is thrilled to announce the opening of a brand-new, two-floor performing arts and sports center as part of its campus expansion.
Students will now benefit from a new sports hall, dance and drama studios, and a state-of-the-art gym.
These facilities enhance the school’s ongoing collaborations with world-renowned institutions: The Juilliard School (New York) and IMG Academy (Florida).
Shanghai Singapore International School
SSIS has officially commenced the 2026–27 academic year, welcoming students to a brighter, newly refurbished campus.
The school has also strengthened its teaching faculty with a new group of educators, bringing fresh expertise to the community.
A well-structured New Family Day and Orientation Day preceded the first day of classes, helping new families settle in comfortably—reflecting the meticulous, caring approach that characterizes a Singaporean-style education.
YCIS Students Excel in IGCSEs
YCIS Shanghai students have once again excelled in the IGCSE examinations, delivering an impressive haul of top grades across a wide range of subjects.
These results reaffirm the school's standing as a leader in international education and stand as a testament to the relentless drive and intellectual ambition of its learners.
A new academic year is now in full swing at YCIS Shanghai, and the campus is buzzing with purpose and promise.
Committed to a holistic, globally minded education, the school invites families to its upcoming Campus Open Day—an ideal opportunity to meet the faculty, explore the facilities, and see firsthand how YCIS Shanghai nurtures confident, well-rounded young minds.
All are welcome.
Outstanding IBDP Results for SUIS Gubei
The official results of the 2026 IBDP Global Examinations are now in. After two years of rigorous and rewarding study, the Class of 2026 has delivered an exceptional performance—demonstrating not only strong academic foundations but also critical thinking, collaboration, and perseverance.
The cohort's overall average score remains well above the global IBDP average, a clear reflection of the curriculum's strength and the unwavering dedication of the teaching and support staff. More than 30 students achieved scores exceeding 40 points.
Average Scores of Top-Ranked Students:
Top 10: 42.5
Top 20: 41.9
Top 50: 39.7
Top 100: 37.2
Yet the true measure of success lies beyond the statistics. Every student who rose to the challenge, made meaningful progress, and reached—or surpassed—their own personal goals deserves recognition and pride.
Congratulations are due to the Class of 2026 for their outstanding IBDP results and university placements, as well as to the teachers, university counselors, and staff whose dedication made this achievement possible.
Looking forward, SUIS Gubei remains steadfast in its commitment to academic excellence and to preparing students to thrive on the global stage.
Shanghai French School Welcomes Record Student Body for 2026–27
Shanghai French School welcomed students back to its Qingpu and Yangpu campuses, officially marking the start of the 2026–27 academic year.
This occasion holds special significance as the school celebrates its 30th anniversary with the largest student body in its history.
More than 1,610 students, from Pre-K to Grade 12, are enrolled across the two campuses this year, with 200 new families joining the community.
The school is supported by 322 staff members who work across both sites to support students’ learning, development, and well-being.
Back-to-school activities began before the first day of classes, with both campuses hosting a Family Day, giving families the opportunity to meet teachers and staff, learn more about school services and activities, and connect with the wider school community.
For some students, the return started even earlier with Summer Camp at both Qingpu and Yangpu.
Combining morning language activities with afternoon sports, the program helped students ease back into school life while giving new and non-French-speaking students a chance to familiarize themselves with their campus and make new friends.
The new academic year marks another chapter for Shanghai French School as it enters its fourth decade.
German School Shanghai: Ready for 2026-27
Both campuses of the German School Shanghai have welcomed back their school communities, with new staff members and students joining the fold.
Backed by an enthusiastic, dedicated, and motivated team, the school is fully prepared for the 2026-27 academic year.
As a forward-looking institution, the school continues to invest in innovation, excellence, and the future of its students.
A central focus this year is digital innovation and artificial intelligence. From primary school onward, students now benefit from state-of-the-art tablets, a school-developed AI-powered learning chatbot, and new partnerships in AI, coding, and robotics.
Investment extends beyond technology to people and programs. The school has added additional computer science specialists, appointed a new Head of Kindergarten, and expanded its co-curricular offerings.
Highlights include an extended after-school program spanning nursery through Grade 6, increased opportunities in music, and a renewed emphasis on science through competitions, hands-on projects, and the return of popular initiatives such as the school's bee project.
Another notable addition is the completely redesigned canteen and café at the Hongqiao Campus, offering a modern and inviting space for the entire school community.
Taken together, these developments strengthen an inspiring learning environment that seamlessly combines academic excellence, innovation, and a strong sense of community.
Building Strong School-Home Partnerships at Shanghai Community International School
During the first weeks of the new school year, Shanghai Community International School (SCIS) welcomed families across its campuses for Back to School Night—a key opportunity for parents to connect with teachers, explore academic programs, and gain a clearer picture of the experiences that will shape the year ahead.
Over the course of the evenings, families learned about curriculum expectations, student support systems, co-curricular offerings, and essential aspects of campus life.
These conversations offered valuable insight into how learning happens both inside and beyond the classroom, while deepening the shared understanding that underpins student growth and well-being.
Back to School Night is just one of the many ways SCIS nurtures meaningful collaboration between school and home.
By fostering dialogue, engagement, and partnership, the event helps build a strong foundation for student success and reflects the school’s ongoing commitment to a connected, supportive learning community.
Arrange a Bespoke Tour of Britannica
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Seeking a top-tier British education in the heart of Shanghai?
Looking for world-class international school facilities with a truly international community and strong pastoral care?
Interested in an immersive language program, diverse extracurricular activities, and unwavering academic excellence?
Then look no further than Britannica International School, Shanghai—where tradition meets innovation in global education...
To arrange a bespoke tour of Britannica, scan the QR below:
Discover Nord Anglia International School Shanghai, Pudong
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If you are looking for a warm British international school in Shanghai Pudong, with personalized learning and accelerated progress, discover Nord Anglia International School Shanghai, Pudong.
Whether you are considering a school transfer or planning ahead for the next academic year, you can book a campus tour across Early Years, Primary, and Secondary.
Visit the campus, observe classes, and meet the academic team to learn about their English National Curriculum, IB and AP pathways, teaching approach, and student support, and experience everyday life at NAIS Pudong.