Digital Nomad Life in China

"Expats in China often join language exchange clubs and international schools, which can offer social activities and events for their members. Expats may also join casual meetups focused on hobbies or interests such as travel, yoga, or film. The popular social media app WeChat is also a great way to connect with the expat community and make new friends. Additionally, expats can join online forums such as Internations, attend embassy receptions, or take advantage of the city's nightlife and bar scene," said one person in China.

"Haven't really found any but I know there are expats teaching at Xiangfan University as well as Expats teaching at various English Learning Centers," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Xiangfan.

"It's a relatively small English-speaking expat community. There are clubs to join, but to meet others all you have to do is go to The Broadway, a Western restaurant in town. Every expat in the city ends up there at some time or another. For lack of another, it is our community center," explained one person living in Tianjin, China.

"My impression is that for most people here, the priorities are work. People work long hours and there's not much else to do unless you leave town," said one expat who made the move to Tianjin.

"I came here to move in with my BF and he's been living here for few years already," said one person in Beijing.

"If you are looking for a place to live in China, there are several options available to you. You can look online and search through various real estate websites that list rentals and properties. You can also contact a real estate agency, which often knows of listings that are not advertised online. Additionally, you can visit local newspapers and magazines in China to search for listings. Finally, you can contact friends or family who may have information about available houses, apartments, or other rental properties," said one expat who made the move to China.

"Make friends with the locals. Visit Xiangfan Museum. Make sure your cab driver uses the meter. If you are large sized like me make sure you have enough shoes and clothing as it's very hard to find otherwise. I wear a size 48 here (which is size 13 US ) and most shoes here stop at size 44. I needed some new shirts and had to have them specially made which is very expensive in Chinese RMB. Some of the Restuarants have picture menus so if you don't speak/read Chinese you can point to what you want. I recommend learning at least some Chinese before coming here, as it will be extremely helpful," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Xiangfan.

"Expatriates in China often appreciate the unique cultural heritage this country has to offer. From Chinese architectural wonders such as the Great Wall to appreciated art forms like Chinese calligraphy, expats find a variety of things to appreciate about Chinese culture. They also relish the opportunity to participate in traditional festivals such as Chinese New Year in order to get a more intimate experience with Chinese culture. Furthermore, many expats in China find eateries featuring authentic traditional Chinese cuisine to be an enjoyable part of their experience in the country," said one expat who made the move to China.

"The ties to family and friends is much deeper and the reliance on others is far more of a necessity than in the US or anywhere else I have lived," explained one foreigner living in China, China.

"Expat life in China can be challenging due to differences in culture. Many expats find getting around in a country where Chinese is the only official language difficult. Another challenge is the Chinese notion of 'saving face', which can lead to misunderstandings with locals. Many expats are surprised by the focus on maintaining harmony and avoiding conflicts and by the fact that Chinese people rarely say ‘no’ directly. Additionally, the significantly different dietary customs can be challenging for many expats and the strict censorship of the government on media, internet and television are often shocking for Western expats," explained one person living in China.

"The difference of knowledge of such things as basic science and understandings of how and why things work the way they do is vast. It can be very trying to the patience and can be a significant problem in any type of emergency situation," said one expat in China.

"I just came with a one year visa "invited" by a female friend I met on the Internet. That didn't work out, but got me into the country for one year," explained one expat living in Nanning, Guangxi Provence, China.

"In order to stay in China for an extended period of time, you would need to obtain a residence permit or a visa from the Chinese government. Depending on the purpose of your visit, which could include studying, working or researching, the specific travel document would vary. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a residence permit. For visits that are shorter than 90 days, a visa is required," said one person in China.

"I had very good handlers so I did not commit any big mistakes. But I saw others do so. One example came when we went out to dinner with a large group of friends and family. The man who invited us, American, wanted to split the bill at the end of the night. This is NEVER done in China. I told him this but he didn't listen. He insisted that we calculate the bill at the table and came up with what he thought everyone should put in. From that day on he was branded a cheapskate and shunned by almost everyone. The word spreads quickly in China and in a few days all of the extended families and friends turned a cold shoulder to him in every way. In China the one who invites, or even suggests, going to a restaurant pays the entire bill, the wives of girlfriends will scrutinize it for any possible errors. It should be paid with no fanfare once the women OK the amount," said one expat in China.

"When visiting China, it is important to respect their culture and traditions. Avoid public displays of affection, as physical expressions of love between couples are considered rude in Chinese culture. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the behavior that is considered polite; slurping while eating is considered a compliment, whereas blowing your nose in public or speaking too loudly is not appreciated. Furthermore, try to show respect to those of higher status, such as elders and people in positions of authority. Lastly, it is important to be aware of the Chinese taboos; avoid discussing sensitive topics such as politics, religion, and death," remarked one member in China.

"It is IMPERATIVE that you speak Chinese or else you need to take someone who is FLUENT in Chinese as interpreter. Some doctors speak English (or rather Chinglish) and communication is critical in receiving appropriate medical care. Also, be aware that the average Chinese person most likely will not have the medical vocabulary, so unless you have a medical interpreter communication will still be challenging, but it will be better than nothing," said a member in Shenzhen.

"Healthcare services in China are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is largely funded by the government and provides basic medical services to citizens. The quality of public healthcare varies from region to region, but generally it is considered to be of a good standard. Foreign residents do have access to the public healthcare system, however, they may need to pay a fee for certain services. Expats in China can use the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay a fee for certain services. In addition, many expats opt to purchase private health insurance to cover any additional costs," explained one person living in China.

"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the low cost of living in China, as well as the variety of cultural experiences available. They also enjoy the convenience of modern infrastructure, such as high-speed rail and the availability of international cuisine. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads find the language barrier and cultural differences to be challenging. Additionally, the air pollution in some cities can be a deterrent for some," said one digital nomad in China.

"Likes - Climate is great. Busy, dynamic city. Great public transport. Food range and quality is very good. Excellent links to other cities (HSR, Airlines) Dislikes - Cost of housing, lack of services aimed at foreigners/expats, poor traffic enforcement, allowing ebikes on the footpath," commented a person living in Shenzhen, China.