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An Expat Talks about Living in Zhuhai, China

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Zhuhai

How long have you lived there?

Since 2007

What activities, clubs and organizations would you recommend to newcomers to help them meet others?

ZhuhaiNights.com is Zhuhai's only English city-wide dedicated lifestyle web site, run by expats living locally in the city. With over 3,000 members, half of those being Chinese and half being foreigners, it's a great way to meet friends. It's fun and free.

The organisers of the web site also host regular events, including a weekly English / Chinese language exchange, days out to Zhuhai's International Race Circuit, trips to surrounding islands, pool parties, dance parties and more to boot.

DeltaBridges.com covers the entire Pearl River region and is great for anyone looking to visit more surrounding cities. It's another great way to connect with the locals and the DB city guide is very large with English and Chinese address details to help you get around. Additionally, you might spot on of their handy pocket-sized city guide books in one of the many locations around town.

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William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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In terms of religious, racial, economic and cultural diversity, are the people of this city or town diverse? Are they accepting of differences? Describe.

I have met some of the nicest people here in Zhuhai.

Part of the secret of the success of the city is that in the past 40 years it underwent rapid development, meaning that most people who live in Zhuhai aren't really FROM Zhuhai. When you have a city where the majority of people are 'outsiders' it makes everyone a little more respectful of the fact that they are honoured guests in this city.

Speaking Chinese (Mandarin) helps a LOT. Services like http://www.chinesepod.com/ means you've got no excuse not to be able to bust out a bit of Chinese to break the ice, but an improved level of Chinese makes the world of difference.

What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?

For foreigners here, families are usually located here by an overseas company (inc. house, car, expenses etc.). Jobs made locally available in many industries generally pay less than what an expat would expect to be offered in their home country (i.e. if you haven't moved yet and they want you to, there's likely to be a good offer in it. If you are already here, it will cost them less to sign you up!)

Singles and couples in Zhuhai generally teach English as a second language to Chinese nationals in the city. Ages range from 21 (fresh outta college) to 60+ (although it's hard to find work in Guangdong for a teacher after 60 years)

Hard-working teachers can easily find private students to tutor to substitute the often low wages - although even the lower wages can offer a comfortable level of living - if you are a good money-manager.

The Job Hunters Group on ZhuhaiNights.com is a good place to start if you are looking for work here: http://www.ZhuhaiNights.com/group/jobs

In general, what are peoples' priorities in this city? For example, do lives revolve around work, family, socializing, sports, etc.?

Zhuhai is a sleepy, laid-back city on the South China Sea.

It's miles of coastline attract tourists the world-over, so the priority is usually to have a great time. Work does go on here though - in the form of new cutting-edge business districts, multi-national corporations and SMEs all managing to operate successfully. To be well-and-truly on the pulse of life in Zhuhai, I strongly recommend joining www.ZhuhaiNights.com!

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If a friend of yours was thinking of moving to this city or town from far away, what other advice would you give them.

1. Learn Chinese ASAP!

2. Remember this is a Communist Country

3. Remember you are a guest here

4. Join www.ZhuhaiNights.com

It's easy to have fun and get very comfortable here. The joke is that once you've been here, you can never truly leave (my 2 week holiday to Zhuhai is in its third year now!!!) but it's also important to remember to be on your best behaviour at all times. I have never seen the inside of a Chinese jail and I intend on keeping it that way!

William Russell
William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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