Expat Guide to Living in China
Whether you're already living in China or preparing to move to China, our Expat Guide to Living in China offers articles and reports submitted by expats about expat life in China. For answers to specific questions, visit our China Forum to talk with expats in China.
10 Best Places to Teach Abroad
Anne Keeling highlights the 10 most popular cities for teaching overseas. From Dubai to Bangkok, Doha to Shanghai.
5 Tips for Living in Qingdao, China
With its huge expat population, expats in Qingdao enjoy numerous expat-oriented social events and local resources. Expats also appreciate the friendly and welcoming to locals, sea view homes in the Laoshan district and Qingdao's international schools.
Thanksgiving in Beijing
For American expats looking to dine out on Thanksgiving, here's a list of several restaurants offering Thanksgiving dinners in Beijing.
International Schools in Shanghai, China
Shanghai has a number of great international and bi-lingual schools. Some of these schools cater primarily to expats while others have mostly local students. We cover several popular schools in Shanghai and include feedback from parents.
Culture Shock in Qingdao, China
Enjoy a thorough exploration of culture shock in China from the perspective of a 65-year-old man who is married to a Chinese woman. This is a great report that is fun to read!
Culture Shock in Shenzhen, China
One expat in Shenzhen described her experiences with culture shock. She had difficult adjusting to the local food and lifestyle, but knows that the stages of culture shock will pass and appreciates having friends there to support her.
Living in Tianjin, China
An expat in Tainjin talks about expat life in China. Tainjin has lots of pollution, lousy winters and hot sticky summers. Having an airport and train station are very convenient. Plus, being 2 hours from Beijing is a major bonus.
Retirement in Nanning, Guangxi Provence, China
An American retiree in Nanning, China appreciates the low cost of living and friendly locals. Unfortunately, the traffic is horrendous -- motor bikes are the fastest way to get around.
More Culture Shock Reports for China
Culture shock is part of the settling in process. Knowing the different phases of culture shock and how other expats in China handle it can be very comforting. Below are some of the responses from expats in China:More Living in China Reports
What are people's priorities in China - work? family? What are the best ways to meet other expats? Are people accepting of racial, cultural and religious differences? Below are some of the responses from expats in China:
More Moving to China Reports
What should you take with you when you move to China? What should you leave behind? What type of housing and neighborhoods are typical for expats in China? Below are some of the responses from expats in China:
Reviews of Schools in China
Reviews and school profiles from expat parents and even a few school administrators in China. Great place to find insight into school facilities, teachers and curriculum. Below are some of the reviews from expats in China:
Submit an International School Review
Dream vs. Reality Report
Most expats have have "dreams" (and fears) about the expatriate experience before they moved to China. If you are already living in China, share how those "dreams" have been fulfilled, and how they have not by filling out our Dream vs. Reality Report.
Submit a Dream vs. Reality ReportRetiring in China Reports
Retiring abroad can be a great option for retirees seeking their dream lifestyle at an affordable price. Help other retirees, who are thinking about retiring in China, by filling out our Overseas Retirement report. Below are some of the reports from expats in China:
Having a Baby in China Reports
How did expats choose their doctors, midwives, hospitals? What is childbirth like in China? Below are some of the reports from expats in China:
Working in China Reports
What's it like to find a job in China? How difficult was it to obtain a work permit? What types are jobs are typical for expats in China? Below are some of the reports from expats in China:
Expat China: 10 Tips for Living in China
Expats living in China find learning Mandarin a big challenge, but most say that learning even a little is very worthwhile. They also agree that the spitting, squat toilets and Chinese culture take some getting used to. Expats share their tips and experiences living in China.
Living in Shanghai - Five Top Tips for Families
Rob Kellaghan shares 5 top tips for families relocating to Shanghai - from where to live to how to meet people.
Newcomers Handbook to China
Modernism and traditionalism, communism and capitalism – all seem to be living comfortably side by side. It's amazing how the Chinese have achieved this as it certainly is not an easy mix to deal with.
Want to teach in China? Here's what you need to do
Practical information about how to get a job teaching in China.
Learning Chinese in Shanghai: China's financial powerhouse
Expat Alex Phillips shares his adventures moving to Shanghai to learn Chinese - he tells how he chose his language school and where to live to his cultural impressions and practical advice for others moving to or traveling to Shanghai.
