Mark Ellison

About the Author: Mark Ellison

Hey there, I’m Mark Ellison — the guy behind chinabrides.net and, more importantly, a man who’s been through just about every twist and turn of international online dating, especially when it comes to meeting amazing women from China.

So how did I end up here?

Well, I’m originally from Vancouver, Canada — born and raised. I speak English like your average North American guy (eh, sometimes literally), but after spending nearly seven years working and traveling across China — from the neon buzz of Shanghai to the historic quiet of Chengdu — I’ve grown to understand Chinese culture, values, and, yes, the dating scene in a way most Western guys don’t.

My journey into international dating didn’t start as some grand research project. It began the way it does for a lot of us: curiosity, some late-night Google searches, and the hope of connecting with someone special overseas. I tried pretty much everything — from mainstream platforms to niche Chinese dating sites that promised “real women, real love.”

Let’s be honest — some of those promises were complete garbage.

I’ve had my share of heartbreaks, awkward Skype calls, and even one moment that still makes me cringe: I once spent three months chatting with a woman who turned out to be using stock photos and a fake translator to string me along for gifts and “travel expenses.” Yeah, that one hurt — both emotionally and financially.

But I’ve also had some genuinely beautiful connections. I’ll never forget Liying, a graphic designer from Nanjing I met through one of the better-known sites (yes, I’ll tell you which one in my reviews). We spent over a year talking, FaceTiming, even visiting each other’s countries. That relationship didn’t lead to marriage, but it taught me so much about cross-cultural communication, long-distance dating, and what real chemistry looks like — even if it’s on a screen at first.

Over time, I started noticing patterns. Some dating platforms are just click farms in disguise, filled with bots, translators, or women with scripted messages. Others? Surprisingly solid — offering real profiles, strong verification processes, and women who are just as serious as you are about finding a real connection.

And here’s the deal: most review sites out there don’t tell you the whole truth. They throw stars and ratings around like candy but don’t live the experience. I did — the good, the bad, and the outright weird. That’s why I created chinabrides.net.

This site is my way of giving it to you straight — no fluff, no paid hype. I break down each site I’ve used, give real examples of conversations (yes, I screenshot everything), and share red flags you need to watch for. I’ll also talk about culture, language barriers, gift-giving traditions, and even how to spot a scam profile within 30 seconds (trust me, it’s a skill you’ll want).

Have you ever wondered:

• Why does every girl on this site seem to be a 28-year-old English teacher with the same bio?
• Should I really be sending virtual flowers for $10 a pop?
• Is this girl writing to me… or is it just her translator?

I’ve asked myself all those questions — and now I’ll help you answer them too.

I want this site to be your compass in the often confusing world of online dating with Chinese women. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been burned before like I have, you’re in the right place.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that love across cultures can be incredibly rewarding — but only if you know where to look, and how to look smart.

So pull up a chair, dive into the reviews, and don’t hesitate to shoot me a message if you’ve got a question. I’ve been there. And I’m here to help you avoid the pitfalls… and find the real gems.

Let’s make this journey together.

— Mark Ellison
Founder of ChinaBrides.net

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