Digital Nomad Life in Xi'an, China

"Expats in Xi'an have a range of activities and clubs to join to meet other people in their host city. Popular activities include networking groups targeted towards expats, language exchanges, hiking groups, food and drinking events, as well as cultural activities such as learning to make traditional Chinese art and music. Additionally, a range of sports and fitness activities are available for expats to join, such as running clubs, soccer teams, ultimate frisbee and martial art classes. Expats in Xi'an can also meet people in their local area by attending live music shows, theatres, museums, festivals and other cultural events. Joining meetup groups, using online forums and apps are also good ways to meet people when living in Xi'an," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Xi'an, China.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Xi'an is generally quite pleasant. The city is known for its rich cultural heritage, and there are plenty of attractions to explore. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. The city is also well-connected, with good public transportation and plenty of international flights. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and there are plenty of expat-friendly bars, restaurants, and cafes to explore. Overall, Xi'an is a great place for expats and digital nomads to live and work," remarked one member in Xi'an.

"When looking for a place to live in Xi'an, there are multiple avenues to explore. Finding a good agent in the city who is familiar with the different neighbourhoods is an ideal way to start. Searching online on rental platforms such as Airbnb and Chinese rental platform like Ziroom and DankeApartments, can also give an indication of the type of accommodation, price range and availability. Once you have a shortlist of potential places to live, it is worth discussing directly with the landlords, or agents, for further details about the accommodation. Additionally, Xi'an is filled with plenty of communal housing options such as college dorms, shared apartments, or expatriate complexes. It is worth looking into these types of accommodations as well," explained one expat living in Xi'an, China, China.

"Before retiring in Xi'an, it is important for expats to get familiar with the local language, Mandarin, as well as the cultural norms of the country. Expats should also make sure to consider the local climate and adjust to the weather accordingly. Additionally, it is important to understand the local healthcare system, and consider purchasing health insurance to ease the burden of any necessary medical treatment. Furthermore, finding an apartment or house that meets the needs of the expat and their family is essential as many rental properties cater to locals. Finally, it is beneficial for expats to find other expats to create a support system and make the settling process easier," said one expat in Xi'an, China.

"Expatriates in Xi'an appreciate its rich history, vibrant culture and fascinating sites. The ancient city walls are a source of fascination to many and the restored Bell Tower is breathtaking. Expats also love the unique local cuisine of the region; from Xi'an's dense noodles to dumplings, there's something to suit everyone's taste. Additionally, exploring the vibrant markets and bazaars, festivals and special seasonal events is a great way to get to know the culture and traditions of Xi'an. People in Xi'an also have a love for haggling and bargaining, so expats can expect to find great deals as well as get to practice their bargaining skills," explained one person living in Xi'an, China, China.

"One of the most challenging aspects of the local culture for expats in Xi'an is navigating the language barrier. Even with some level of Chinese language proficiency, obtaining everyday services and ordering food can be incredibly difficult. Additionally, Xi'an's culture is quite conservative and many of the locals may not be exposed to foreign cultures. As such, expats may encounter difficulty communicating with locals or having their values and beliefs accepted within the community. Finally, given the size of the city, navigating its public transportation network without an understanding of the language can be overwhelming and stressful," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Xi'an, China.

"If you plan to stay in Xi'an for a while, you will need to obtain a Residence Permit. This permit is usually issued by the local police station or Entry & Exit Bureau of the Public Security Bureau. You may also need a valid foreign passport with a valid Chinese visa and a completed application form. In some cases, you may also need additional documents such as a copy of your residence registration form, a health report, employment verification, and proof of financial support," remarked one member in Xi'an, China.

"When visiting Xi'an, it is important to be respectful of the city's culture, avoiding certain behaviors that may be seen as disrespectful or rude. Some cultural faux pas to avoid include public displays of affection such as holding hands or kissing, speaking too loudly in public, pointing fingers at others, discussing politics, refusing food offered by locals and entering homes with your shoes on. Additionally, you should always remove shoes before entering a temple, mosque or church. Greeting people with a “nihao” or “nihaoma” is also customary and should be respected," said one person in Xi'an, China.

"Xi'an offers a wide range of healthcare services to its citizens. The city has a number of public and private hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that provide a variety of medical services, including general practice, specialist care, and emergency services. The city also has a number of pharmacies and health stores that provide over-the-counter medications and health products. Additionally, the city has a number of traditional Chinese medicine practitioners who offer treatments such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and massage. Finally, the city also has a number of health and wellness centers that offer a variety of services such as yoga, tai chi, and meditation," said one foreigner in Xi'an.

"Expats and digital nomads living in Xi'an appreciate the city's rich cultural heritage, with its ancient city walls, terracotta warriors, and vibrant night markets. They also enjoy the city's low cost of living, which allows them to stretch their budget further. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads find the language barrier and lack of English-speaking locals to be a challenge. Additionally, the air pollution can be a problem for those with respiratory issues," said one foreigner in Xi'an.