TEN YEARS AGO, there were fewer than 100 Irish people living in China, according to the Embassy’s registry. Today there are more than 3,000, working in bars, teaching language, reporting on China or making their fortunes in international trade.

With Irish pubs in nearly every city, a raft of GAA clubs and regular cultural events – including a St Patrick’s Day Parade in Beijing and Shanghai – China-based Irish expats rarely thirst for a taste of home.

Groups such as the Irish Network China and the Ireland China Business Network offer support for the newcomer, as well as a ready-made base of acquaintances who will quickly become friends.

This section of The Red Gate introduces readers to the Irish in China – bringing their stories of setbacks and success; their frustrations and fascinations. Read how the Irish have cultivated their careers in this far-away land. Learn of their projects, companies and involvements, and draw some tips before you start your own journey east.

Its pace has accelerated this past decade, but the story of the Irish in China remains in the early chapters. This section of The Red Gate may well put our servers under strain, as more Irish look to the Middle Kingdom and become part of that tantilising tale.

And who knows? On Paddy’s Day in the not-to-distant future, they might even turn the Yangtze green.

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Irish? In China? Contact us to tell your story