This study examines the role of wisdom in the cross-cultural adaptation of Chinese visiting scholars in Canada, as mediated by different coping styles. Path analysis was used to for hypotheses testing. The findings suggest that wisdom measured by 3D-WS and Adult Self-Transcendence Inventory, independently had direct correlation with social and psychological adaptation, and positively associated with engaged coping ; the independent effects of 3D-WS and ASTI on social adaptation, psychological adaptation, and life satisfaction were mediated by proactive–reflective coping; wisdom, when (...) measured by 3D-WS, promoted positive psychological adaptation through decreasing passive coping. This study shows that wisdom is a critical factor affecting cross-cultural adaptation, and the use of proactive–reflective coping is a wise way of handling future life challenges. (shrink)