Natallia Slimani

China is an East Asian country you will enjoy exploring. From stunning natural landscapes and UNESCO World Heritage Sites to historic landmarks and dazzling modern architecture, China has a lot to offer in terms of leisure activities. The 4th largest country in the world, China will need a lot of your time and travel to be seen in full. But, as most of the country's visitors note, it will be 100% worth it.  

Shanghai is a modern international metropolis that offers plenty of accommodation options for expats, both long-term and short-term. The city has over 25 million inhabitants, including a large number of expatriates from around the world.  

Shanghai has continually appeared close to the top of the list of cities with the most expensive real estate in the world. It also remains the most expensive city in mainland China (followed closely by Shenzhen) and the one most popular with expats.

Shanghai is a large city covering an area of 6,340 square kilometers and home to over 25 million people. And it comes as no surprise that getting around the city is not always a breeze: traffic jams are a common sight in Shanghai, and getting a taxi in rush hour may prove to be an impossible task. So what is the most efficient way to commute to work during your stay in Shanghai?  

China's largest city is also the country's commercial hub and one of the trendiest cities in Asia. The city of 25 million people offers exciting entertainment and shopping facilities as well as historical and cultural sites and attractions. Because of China's quick economic boom in recent years, Shanghai has completely transformed, but you can also visit old quarters and travel back in time to Old Shanghai.

Studying abroad can be an exciting and eye-opening experience in a variety of ways. Especially if you have chosen China's most international city, Shanghai, as your academic destination. Home to several of the world's top-ranking universities and offering a variety of post-graduate career options, Shanghai is a popular destination for international students. From learning Chinese and exploring the local culture to getting to know other students from all over the world, you will find it almost impossible to get bored in this bustling metropolis

Wuhan is the capital of Hubei province, located in the heartland of China. The city's central location makes it easy to explore the rest of the country from. It's also well-connected to China's major cities, including Shanghai and Beijing. With that, the cost of living in Wuhan is relatively lower compared to other popular destinations in China. This makes it a suitable destination for those who want to continue their studies in Wuhan or come here to learn Chinese.

For those new to the term, a digital nomad is someone who works remotely using telecommunications technology and is, thus, able to move around and choose which country to settle in and for how long. The choice of a place to settle in would usually be guided by the cost of living and Internet speeds. Thus, Asian countries like Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia often top the list of digital nomad destinations. What about China?

China continues to be an attractive destination for new and experienced professionals from around the world. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, traveling to the country as well as obtaining a work permit has become much more complicated. Plus, because of some of the recently introduced policies, finding a job in the teaching industry in China has also become more difficult.  

China is an attractive destination for those seeking new professional and business opportunities. However, following the pandemic, finding work in the country has become more complicated. You will also need to take travel restrictions into account. Here's what you need to know about China's labor market.

Beijing is the capital of China, and as the country's major city, it offers a wide range of opportunities for expat job seekers. If you want to work in media, technology, education, marketing, and more, you will find lots of work options in this city. The competition, however, is tough.  

Shenzhen is known as the “Silicon Valley of hardware” in China — it's the city where a lot of local and international companies choose to set up manufacturing bases for their high-tech projects. The city is also known for its large number of startups, makers' hubs and design studios.  

Guangzhou – formerly known as Canton – is the capital of Guangdong province. It's the country's third largest city (after Shanghai and Beijing) and a favorite among expats due to its booming economy and abundance of amenities. A multitude of professional opportunities are available for foreigners hoping to work in Guangzhou, but it's always a good idea to start by exploring the sectors with the highest employment potential.

One of the first things you will need to do once you've arrived in China is to find a place to live. Renting an apartment in China is not difficult. But it's best to come prepared and know what to expect. The housing market in China is quite different from that of many western countries. And there will definitely be things that will require some adjustment on your part.  

If you are moving to Beijing, one of the first to-dos on your list will be finding a place to live. China's capital city is one of the most densely populated cities in the country, and you will have lots of competition when looking for the perfect apartment to rent. However, if you've done your research, picked your neighborhood, and managed your budget, you'll find a new place to call home in no time.  

Shenzhen is one of China's youngest and fastest-growing cities. Once a small fishing village, the city has grown into one of the country's key business and financial centers and the world's leading electronics hub. The city's fast development attracts plenty of opportunity-seekers from other cities in China and abroad, and while there is no shortage of accommodation options in the city, housing prices are growing fast.  

Chongqing is an important city in southwest China. It is home to over 30 million people and is considered to be the largest city by size in the whole country, covering an area of over 82,000 square kilometers.

Dalian is the biggest city in Liaoning province. The city is home to over six million people, many of which are students: both residents and foreign visitors. Dalian is often called the City of Students because of its high concentration of colleges and universities and its large student population.

Jinan is the capital city of China's Shandong province. It is home to over eight million people and is an important administrative and economic center. Jinan is nicknamed the City of Springs because of the large number of hot springs located within the city limits, which has also made it a popular tourist destination for locals and foreign nationals.

Guangzhou is a populous city, and the housing supply is as great as the demand. Its population is over 13 million people, including a large number of expats. Finding accommodation in Guangzhou should not be a problem, and there are many options to choose from. Before looking for a place, though, take some time to learn about Guangzhou's neighborhoods.

Tianjin is a first-tier coastal city in northern China and a busy and crowded metropolis with over 15 million inhabitants. Whether you are moving to Tianjin for a short time or planning a long-term stay, you should not have a problem finding suitable accommodation. Prior to the move, however, it's recommended that you learn more about the city, accommodation options, rent prices, and the housing market in general.

Xiamen, located in Fujian Province in China, is one of southern China's most picturesque coastal cities and has been a popular summer getaway for Chinese nationals as well as expats. The city gained popularity among the expat community due to its proximity to Taiwan, friendly international atmosphere, unique cultural heritage, and stunning beaches. Xiamen is home to close to four million people.  

Located in China's Jiangsu province, Suzhou is home to over six million people. The city is often called the Venice of the East because of the many canals piercing the city. Despite the fact that it's not a first-tier city, Suzhou is quite popular with expats thanks to its proximity to Shanghai (under 30 minutes on a high-speed train).

Chinese cuisine is one of the most popular cuisines in the world, and its dishes frequently make the list of the world's most famous. From spicy to sour and sweet to zesty, food in China is diverse and exotic, using a variety of ingredients, spices and sauces. Once you move to China, your taste buds will have a whole new world to discover. But before indulging in a feast, learn a few interesting facts about Chinese food, restaurants, and eating habits.

China is generally a very safe country to travel to. Most expats living in China don't have to worry about violent crime or burglaries. However, there are other things to take into account, such as air pollution, traffic accidents, food and water safety — and more.

Having a baby in a foreign country takes planning. Knowing your options as an expat in China and having a strategy will help you avoid unnecessary stress.  

Whenever you travel to a foreign country, you will need to get medical insurance to cover the length of your stay — and China is no exception. If you are traveling to the country for a short time, your travel medical insurance will suffice. But if you are setting up to be an expat in China, you will need to look into some long-term insurance options.  

Meeting new people in a foreign country can seem overwhelming at first. But you shouldn't let fear stand in the way of new friendships, and maybe more. In this mini-guide, we are looking into China's dating scene and what it might look like for expats.  

A sprawling city at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, Chongqing is one of China's most important and prosperous cities. Its rapid economic growth brings in more and more expats with the offer of various career opportunities at all levels.  

Located in Jiangsu province, Suzhou is an important Chinese city. It is just about 100 kilometers away from Shanghai. So if you hop on a speed train, you can get from Suzhou to Shanghai in just 30 minutes. This has contributed significantly to Suzhou's popularity among expats — as well as the career opportunities that the city has to offer.  

Tianjin is an important port city in northeastern China, one of the five central national cities, and one of China's largest urban areas with a population of over 15 million. The city hosts numerous big companies and industries recruiting expats, and it shouldn't be difficult for a foreign professional to find a job in Tianjin.  

If you are looking for a job in Dalian, you will find opportunities in trade, logistics, marketing, technology, education — and more. Dalian is a city of students, with a large expat community and lots to do in your free time.  

Xiamen is one of the most beautiful coastal cities in southern China and has a lot to offer to expats: from its long sandy beaches to promising career opportunities. Located in China's Fujian Province, the city has a well-developed prosperous economy, a pleasant climate, and agreeable living conditions. Professional opportunities exist in a variety of fields, from trade, finance, and technology to tourism and education, and finding a job in Xiamen should not be a problem.  

Jinan is the capital of China's Shandong province. It's one of the most beautiful cities in China, known for its stunning landscapes and hot springs. But if you have something more long-term in mind than just soaking in mineral-rich waters and admiring nature, you'll be glad to know that the city also offers professional opportunities for expats willing to settle in the area.  

As excited as you may be about your upcoming move to China, safety comes first. Take the time to learn a bit about the healthcare system in the country and make sure you have comprehensive health insurance for the entire length of your stay.

If you've lived in China for a while and are planning your life in the country, you may be considering getting married here. However, before you can start planning the festivities, there are the formalities. In this article, find out what it's like to get married in China, what legal procedures you will need to go through, and how traditional weddings are celebrated.  

Taking up an internship abroad is a great opportunity to gain international working experience and get a glimpse into another culture and lifestyle. What is it like to be an intern in China? And how to find and apply for an internship? Find out in this article.  

As the world's second economy, China attracts a lot of entrepreneurs and investors. However, running a business in China as an expat is not easy. It takes a lot of research, planning, paperwork, and a substantial investment. Here's everything you need to know about opening a company in China.  

Whether you are a fan of watching sports or enjoy an active lifestyle, China has everything one needs to keep fit and stay in tune with the latest games and competitions. China has a long sports history. Sports are more of a culture than a habit in this Asian country. Apart from traditional sports, which have been practiced for hundreds of years, like tai chi and kung fu, international sports, such as football, volleyball, basketball, and table tennis, have become very popular.

With so much to see and so many new places to explore, you may be tempted to start driving in China right away. This country is home to a multitude of historical sights and urban attractions, as well as stunning landscapes beyond city borders. However, before getting behind the wheel, you will need to get a Chinese driver's license — a process that is not quite as simple as you might expect.

Mysterious, spiritual and perched 4,900 meters (16,000 ft) above sea level, Tibet has been nicknamed “The Roof of the World” and attracts adventurers from around the globe. Whether you are lured by the exploits of Tintin in Tibet or eager to test the legend of the Abominable Snowman firsthand, here's what you need to know about this enchanting oasis in the Northern Himalayas.

Moving to a foreign country is both exciting and challenging. You will have a lot to learn and a lot to think about. Settling in a country like China especially requires proper planning. Hiring a professional international moving company will rid you of a lot of worries and give you the time and space to focus on other things related to your life in the new country.

When considering a move to China, you may want to bring along more than a few suitcases. If you have pets, having your furry companions with you in the new country would definitely be comforting. But is taking your pets to China complicated and costly? What will happen to your pet upon arrival and what is it like caring for animals in China? Find answers to these questions in the article below.

China is the world's 4th largest country covering an area of over 9.597 million square kilometers. But despite the country's impressive size, traveling around China is easy and convenient. With a developed network of air, land, and sea transport, you will not only be able to see a lot of China, but also do so in comfort and with a wide choice of transportation means at your disposal.  

Are you moving to China with your children? If so, you will probably have to find suitable childcare for them during your working hours. This should not be too difficult, as the country offers different types of child care: nurseries, pre-primary schools, private nanny services, and more. However, private childcare facilities and international kindergartens and schools can be quite expensive. Here's what you need to know.

Getting a professional visa for China — especially a work visa — has never been particularly easy. And following the COVID-19 pandemic, the regulations for applying for a work permit in China have only got stricter. Here's what you need to know.

Ready to visit China? This big and versatile country offers a lot to see and experience: from exciting business opportunities to a variety of cultural, historical and natural sights. However, before you can hop into a plane and fly over the Great Wall, you will need to check whether you need a tourist visa to visit China. In this article, learn about entry requirements to China and how to apply for a tourist visa if you need one.

If you've moved to China with the intention to stay for long, there is no way to get around opening a bank account. And it's best that you do this sooner than later, as opening a bank account as an expat in China can be quite a hassle. Having a Chinese bank account will make your life in the country substantially more convenient.    

China's capital is not only the second largest city in the country (after Shanghai) but also a leading hub in the entire Asian continent. Beijing seems to have it all: historic attractions, shopping hubs, mega entertainment facilities, and cultural offerings. Due to China's economic rise in the last decades, it's no surprise that students are eager to study in Beijing.

Even 600 years ago, Nanjing was a major center of culture and education in China. Today, the city is a major research and trading hub and home to some of China's best universities, like Southeast University. The city's rich history is engraved in its century-old city walls, temples, and mausoleums found in and around the city. With that, Nanjing is a fun modern city with a lot of educational and career opportunities to explore. Plus, a short high-speed rail trip away from Shanghai, it's a great destination to explore the rest of China from.