This study explores the impact of translingual practices on Critical Language Awareness (CLA) in English as an Additional Language (EAL) writing education within a non-English Medium Instruction (non-EMI) Chinese higher education context. A case study approach was employed to investigate five students’ EAL writing practices and language ideologies. Data collection included screen recordings of students’ writing processes, semi-structured interviews, and their written products. The findings revealed that translingual practices facilitated CLA development. Students adeptly meshed their home language and English, which reflected a complex interplay of linguistic identity and power dynamics in academic settings. The study found that translingual practices enabled students to challenge monolingual ideologies and develop a critical understanding of the socio-political implications of language use. The findings indicate that translingual practices can not only facilitate content learning but also promote a deeper engagement with social justice issues within EAL writing education. Hence, this study emphasizes the necessity for EAL writing education to embrace translingual practices, thereby enriching students’ CLA.