Pros and Cons of Living in Qingdao

"The people are friendly, the variety of cultural experiences is widely varied. Travel is cheap and the exchange rate makes my Social Security go about 5 times farther than it would in the US. I have easy access to Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Mongolia, Nepal, and with a bit of visa effort, Tibet and Vladivostok are accessible. I'm currently in a seafood based cuisine here but I love the access to multiple dining experiences," replied an expat in Qingdao.

"Expats in Qingdao appreciate the friendly and welcoming locals. They also appreciate the diversity of the city, with people from various backgrounds living together in harmony. The vast selection of restaurants featuring a variety of ethnic cuisines is also a draw for foreigners, who can find enjoyment in exploring different dishes from around the world. The beautiful scenery of Qingdao's seaside also offers a great escape for expats looking for a tranquil getaway. The city's vibrant nightlife, festivals and events are also a major appeal, allowing expats an opportunity to explore a different culture and experience something new," remarked one in Qingdao, China.

"I would have to say language is high on the list but a translating program is available for download on smart phones, tablets, and computers,.. and that can help when necessary. maintenance of visas takes some effort but as I approach the end of my current visa in September, I'm hoping the newly relaxed visa requirements between the US and China will make renewing my visa easier. I am constantly recruited to teach English but currently am not on a work visa. I am not sure if these are challenges or simply items to which I have focused too little effort," said a person living in Qingdao.

"Expats in Qingdao may find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of the local culture. Communication can also be difficult due to cultural differences, such as people’s attitudes towards hierarchical relationships, being direct and making eye contact. Another challenge is navigating the differences between Chinese and western dining etiquette, including the lack of knives and forks. Additionally, as Qingdao is a predominantly conservative city, modest dress and behavior is generally expected in public areas," explained one expat living in Qingdao, China.