Expat Advice: Living in Guangzhou, China
What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?
Guangzhou
How long have you lived there?
2 years
What activities, clubs and organizations would you recommend to newcomers to help them meet others?
GWIC-Guangzhou womens International Club, The Christian worship service (Sunday mornings at 10a.m.)
In terms of religious, racial, economic and cultural diversity, are the people of this city or town diverse? Are they accepting of differences? Describe.
Guangzhou is very diverse. I have friends from South Africa, Nigeria, Scotland, Ecuador, Paraguay, Brazil, Australia, etc. The Chinese people are very very open and accepting of other people and other cultures. They are excited to talk to foreigners and become friends. They are very open and interested in religion, as it is still very controlled by the government. Western holidays are just becoming popular. The city always has operas, ballets, orchestras, plays, etc. most of which come from all parts of the world. As westernized as this city is quickly becoming, you can still see an abundance of traditional Chinese art and calligraphy and TaiChi and ancestor worship.
What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?
Guangzhou was the first city in China to open up to outside businesses. There are tons of foreign owned factories. everything really is made in China. Most of it made in Guangzhou. It's a really industrialized city -- polluted, crowded, and somewhat ugly. But along with that, comes a much larger variety of jobs and more job opporutnities and a much larger and more varied expat community. The smaller cities that are more quaint, are also more secluded.
If a friend of yours was thinking of moving to this city or town from far away, what other advice would you give them.
Take some Chinese classes. It is so frustrating to live here without speaking basic Chinese. And learning to speak is actually quite easy. It's the writing and reading that makes everyone thing Chinese is impossible -- so learn some verbal chinese.
Moving to China soon?
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guestHello Friend, Just read your info on Guangzhou... If I may, I'd like to ask a few more questions.. How does one find an appartment in Guangzhou..I have previously lived in hotels ... If in fact I wanted to furnish it to my own liking, how do I find or purchase furnature here..?? Any help would be greatly appreciated..:) Thanking you in advance, Kevin..
guestMy company ships any personal items and goods to China from USA and Canada. USA: $5.75 per lb Canada: $6.75 per lb 2 lb minimum 4-7 business days delivery to door by EMS email inquiries to dave@anlexpress.com
