Moving to China
One wouldn't think that China is only taking measured steps towards capitalism; for expats moving to China, the country represents an opportunity-filled frontier of international business. Skilled expats are swayed to China to be at the forefront of the rapid growth and inherent changes in the country.Although China is an immense country, expats in China inhabit only a selection of major coastal cities, namely Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Xiamen and Hong Kong. These cities, acclimatising to international business, have attracted not only eager expats but waves of Chinese job hunters from deep within the mainland. Consequently, the cities are increasingly becoming sprawling metropolises packed with rural populations.
While this can make for surprising diversity and a hotpot mix of Chinese cultures, drawbacks of rapid growth (such as pollution and uninspired building developments) can define large parts of the cities. Yet amidst the rapid development, expats can experience a Chinese way of life still centred around familiar values and traditional family structures.
While this can make for surprising diversity and a hotpot mix of Chinese cultures, drawbacks of rapid growth (such as pollution and uninspired building developments) can define large parts of the cities. Yet amidst the rapid development, expats can experience a Chinese way of life still centred around familiar values and traditional family structures.
Whether moving to China for business opportunity or moving to China for novelty, the new culture and settling cities can make unexpected difficulties for newly adjusting expats. Huge and jostling crowds, bureaucracy and tensions of a new culture weigh against luxuries of higher than average incomes and active expat communities. The complex layers of China's cities provide expats and Chinese alike a colourful culture and new way of life.
Related Links:
A detailed guide to China
China Travel Guide
Learn to write Mandarin
Join our China Expat group on Facebook
Related Links:
A detailed guide to ChinaChina Travel Guide
Learn to write Mandarin
Join our China Expat group on Facebook Tags
