Living, working and traveling in China featuring Stephanie and EE

Stephanie joined us on 23 May, 2024 to discuss traveling, living and working in China. We had EE join us in June to talk about her experience as a student in China.

Our discussions with Stephanie.

1. Living Experience in China

Friendly Locals: Stephanie and others shared experiences of Chinese hospitality and friendliness. Despite cultural differences and stereotypes about loudness or rudeness, locals are often warm-hearted and curious about foreigners. Taking slow trains is a good way to connect with curious locals.

Cultural Adjustments: Understanding and adjusting to local customs is important. Learning basic Chinese can greatly enhance the living experience, making it easier to navigate and communicate.

Daily Life: Digital payments through WeChat and Alipay are ubiquitous. These apps are essential for transactions, from grocery shopping to booking taxis. However, having some cash on hand is advisable, especially for smaller or less tech-savvy vendors.

Stephanie enjoyed living in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, appreciating the blend of historical significance of the region and the modern conveniences. Despite initial fears and cultural adjustments, she found the locals to be genuinely friendly and helpful.

EE completed a master’s degree in China and found the academic environment rigorous but rewarding. Highlighted the curiosity and friendliness of Chinese people towards international students.

2. Working in China (as a teacher)

Teaching: There are opportunities for English teachers, especially in international schools. However, there is a strong preference for native speakers from Western countries (US, UK, Australia). Non-native speakers or those from non-Western countries might face challenges. Persistence is key. Using LinkedIn and directly applying to schools via WeChat can be effective strategies. Some schools, particularly in smaller cities or less popular provinces, may be more open to hiring non-native speakers.

Teachers are highly respected in China, and students are generally very disciplined and academically focused. This cultural norm extends to local and international teachers. Chinese students are dedicated and often have long study hours. They are curious and show a keen interest in learning about cultures outside China. Kim (who also teaches in China) noted the academic focus and curiosity of students. Highlighted the challenges and changes in the job market post-COVID-19.

3. Travel Tips

Use WeChat and Alipay for most transactions. However, carry some cash for emergencies or smaller vendors who may not accept digital payments.

Use local map apps like GaoDe (Amap) and Baidu Maps. These apps are in Chinese, so basic knowledge of the language can be helpful.

For popular attractions and train tickets, book in advance through apps like Trip.com and Meituan (thanks Rebekah). Some places may require advance reservations even for free entry.

High-speed trains are a fast and convenient way to travel between cities. Train stations for high-speed rail are often separate from regular train stations, so plan accordingly.

4. Recommended Destinations for first time China visitors

Henan Province: Besides Zhengzhou, visit historical cities like Kaifeng, Luoyang (known for the Longmen Grottoes), and Anyang (famous for oracle bone inscriptions).

Guilin and Yangshuo are good for first time China visitors. Known for their natural beauty and cultural experiences. Xian (for the history) and Kunming (for the weather) are other good first cities to visit. Chengdu also.

In June 2024, we had EE join us and talk about her life in China.

Talking to EE about her student life in China (2017 to 2019)

We had EE who studied for her MBA in China just before the COVID years join us for a chat. We were interested in learning how China was changing during that time (2017 to 2020). EE had an interest in China since Junior College and took up Chinese studies in English, hence the decision to move to China to study.

1. Location and Experience in Haining:

• E E lived in Haining, a tier three or four city, which was relatively rural but strategically located between Shanghai and Hangzhou.
• The campus where E E studied was newly built and large, but sparsely populated initially.
• The campus aimed to attract international students through scholarships and had Western-style facilities, including single dormitory rooms.
• Foreign students, especially those with Western looks, received significant attention from locals initially.

2. Language and Education:

• Courses were taught in English, which was a challenge for some Chinese professors due to their proficiency primarily in reading and writing rather than speaking.

3. Urban Development and Changes:

• E E observed rapid development in Haining and major cities like Shanghai and Hangzhou, including advancements in technology and infrastructure.
• Notable changes included the shift from cash and card payments to Alipay and facial recognition payment systems.
• E E mentioned tightening security, such as facial recognition for jaywalking and stricter entry protocols in various places.
• There was a noted shift in the atmosphere, with increasing nationalism in the society and more emphasis on local festivals.
• Foreign friends who remained in China faced difficulties with work and travel back home, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

4. Travel and Local Life:

• E E traveled extensively within China, primarily using high-speed trains, and noted the differences between larger cities and smaller towns.
• Observations included changes in street food culture and the increasing presence of organized hawker centers.
• E E still recommends people to travel to China as it is a safe and diverse destination.