The well-known saying "Seek knowledge even if in China" is not authentic; hadith scholars graded it very weak and some declared it fabricated, so it should not be attributed to the Prophet (peace be upon him). Its meaning about striving for knowledge is, however, supported by an authentic wording: "Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim." So we cling to the established narration and abandon the weak one, which is the way of the Salaf in preferring sound evidence over popular but baseless reports.
Evidence — the daleel
On deen2u
Informational, not a personal fatwa. Consult a qualified scholar for rulings on your situation.