Fieldwork in the People's Republic of China: Some Reflections

Abstract

This article reflects on over thirty years of ethnographic research experiences in China, highlighting the evolution of fieldwork practices amidst changing socio-political and institutional contexts. Using personal anecdotes, the author examines the challenges and opportunities of conducting in-depth qualitative research, particularly in migration studies, and the methodologies employed, including participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and archival work.