Digital Nomad Life in Tianjin, China

"Expats in Tianjin often join or attend activities and clubs based around their hobbies or interests such as art, photography, sports, food, or music. There are also other social events that take place or that they can attend to meet people such as networking events, language exchange evenings, comedy nights and cinema evenings. Additionally, many expats join expat-specific groups and activities such as the Tianjin International Flavour Community, which provide expats with the opportunity to meet like-minded people of other nationalities. Other informal ways for expats to meet people include joining organisations and groups via WeChat and TenCent, attending local events such as festivals, joining a gym or fitness class, using online forums such as Tianjin Expat or Bespaar, or just striking up conversations with the locals," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Tianjin, China.

"Tianjin is an attractive destination for expats and digital nomads due to its low cost of living, convenient transportation, and vibrant culture. Expats and digital nomads in Tianjin can enjoy a wide variety of activities, from exploring the city's historical sites to sampling the local cuisine. The city is also home to a large expat community, making it easy to make friends and find support. Expats and digital nomads in Tianjin can also take advantage of the city's excellent healthcare system and access to high-speed internet. Overall, Tianjin is an ideal destination for expats and digital nomads looking for an exciting and affordable place to live and work," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Tianjin.

"There were not that many choices in Tianjin of what we call, "western style" housing. Still are not that many choices. We ended up in the place we have(23rd floor of a centrally located Singaporian run apt building) because one became available when we needed it and we grabbed the bird in hand not knowing if there were any left out there in the bushes, so to speak," remarked one member in Tianjin.

"One way to find a place to live in Tianjin is to use a property listing website such as 5i5j, soufun, or wuba. These websites list apartments, houses, and other types of places to rent in Tianjin. The websites also list information such as the area of Tianjin, the rent and the size of the space. Additionally, some websites have maps to help you find the area that you are searching for. Additionally, it is also possible to find a place to live in Tianjin by connecting with others who already live in the city. Joining online expat communities like Tianjin Expat or attending local events such as International Cultural Exchange Events are two ways to meet potential contacts who may be able to help you find a place to rent," explained one expat living in Tianjin, China, China.

"Lousy weather - cold, windy winters and very polluted. Hot sticky summers. Little to do aside from eating out and shopping malls. However, there is an airport close by and a train station - and Beijing is 2 hours away," said one expat in Tianjin.

"1. Expats should research and familiarize themselves with the local culture and customs of Tianjin before retiring there. 2. It is advisable to research the different visa options available to expats before moving to Tianjin, as different visas may have different restrictions. 3. Expats should also research the availability of healthcare options in case of emergency. 4. It is important to consider the affordability of housing and local amenities in Tianjin before deciding to retire there. 5. Make sure to investigate the utility and transportation systems in the city, as they may vary from the accustomed standards in the expat's home country. 6. Learning some Chinese language skills might be useful, as not every resident may be fluent in English. 7. Lastly, it is advisable to learn as much as possible about the climate in Tianjin before relocating, as the weather can be unpredictable and extreme," remarked one member in Tianjin, China.

"Expatriates in Tianjin enjoy the city’s long and interesting cultural history, as evident in its picturesque architecture and well-preserved heritage sites. Expats appreciate the local people’s friendliness and hospitality, as being welcomed warmly into the community makes them feel at home. Food is another thing appreciated by expats; the city’s culinary culture is rich and varied, providing them the opportunity to try something new and expanding their palate. Furthermore, the city’s vibrant art and music scene is well-known in the countryside, allowing expats to explore and engage in local culture," said one expat who made the move to Tianjin, China.

"One challenge faced by expats living in Tianjin is the language barrier. As relatively few people speak English in the city, communication can be difficult for those arriving in the region. Additionally, cultural norms, such as behaviour in public spaces, can be difficult to navigate, as they differ considerably from those of western countries. Expats in Tianjin may also find it difficult to adapt to the more conservative attitudes and expectations surrounding clothing, gender roles and relationships that are found within the local culture. Finally, understanding and navigating the Chinese bureaucracy, particularly when it comes to obtaining necessary visas and residence permits, can be a significant challenge," said one person in Tianjin, China.

"If you plan on staying in Tianjin for an extended period of time, you will need to apply for a residence permit. Depending on your purpose of stay, you can obtain a work permit, student visa, family visa, business visa or seasonal residence visa. Depending on your nationality, you may also need to obtain a visa from the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country prior to your arrival in China. Additionally, if your stay in China is longer than half a year, you will need to apply for a Chinese foreign residency permit," explained one expat living in Tianjin, China, China.

"1. Refrain from discussing any political views as it is not appropriate in Chinese culture. 2. Avoid referring to other people or places by nicknames; use proper titles and honorifics. 3. Avoid bringing up sensitive topics such as Taiwan, Tibet and Falun Gong. 4. When entering someone's home, always respect their house and the rules of their home. 5. Do not shout or lose your temper in public. Chinese people generally keep their emotions in check. 6. Do not touch or offer to shake hands with someone of the opposite sex who is not a close relative or friend. 7. Do not point with your index finger; this is considered rude in many parts of China. 8. Do not open gifts in front of the giver as this is considered inappropriate," said one expat who made the move to Tianjin, China.

"Tianjin offers a wide range of healthcare services to its citizens. The city has a number of public hospitals, clinics, and health centers that provide medical care to the local population. These facilities offer a variety of services, including general medical care, specialized care, and emergency services. Additionally, there are a number of private hospitals and clinics that offer more specialized services. The city also has a number of health insurance plans available to its citizens, which can help cover the cost of medical care. In addition, the city has a number of traditional Chinese medicine practitioners who offer treatments such as acupuncture and herbal remedies," said one member in Tianjin.

"Expats and digital nomads living in Tianjin often appreciate the city's convenient transportation system, its vibrant nightlife, and its diverse cultural attractions. They also enjoy the low cost of living and the abundance of delicious local cuisine. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the language barrier and the lack of English-speaking locals to be a challenge. Additionally, the air quality in Tianjin can be a concern for some," explained one person living in Tianjin, China.