Job Discussion Forums

[mankindmatt5]

Hi

I'm thinking of making the move to the mainland (from Taiwan) later in 2011. But with the PRC being such a vast country I'm afraid I'm in a bit of a muddle as to where to actually go.

Was hoping some of the fine members of this board could recommend or disparage some regions/cities of China - or provide links to any good overview websites?

To let you know what I'd be looking for. Somewhere with a reasonable amount of expats and good social scene, easy to make friends etc - but also somewhere where being a foreigner is a novelty. Reasonable weather, good food, friendly people and the potential to save money (not a prime concern, but would be nice to put a little aside)

Something that strikes a nice balance between convenient and adventurous. Taipei is super convenient and easy, but not really all that adventurous. Previously I lived in rural SK, which was very adventurous but decidedly inconvenient.

Thanks

[7969]

you might want to take a look at a map and then narrow the field down a bit.

[cormac]

[mankindmatt5]

Thanks for the helpful words Cormac, thats just the sort of nice insight I'm looking for.

In response to the other posters. Looking at a map isn't really all that helpful if you don't have other detailed background information to go on. I can see the city Huizhou on a map, I can see what it is near, I can see images of it online - but I don't have the insight on someone who lives there to tell me something useful about the place

and as for tr_waters - Why even bother writing something so unhelpful? What a waste of time.

Of course I can make a decision on my own. Presumably when you watch a film or buy a book you don't read or listen to a review? I want recommendations - something all people look for when pursuing anything.

[Mister Al]

OP, you could help us and yourself if you choose a half a dozen or so places that look like they may be interesting enough for you and do a search here on them. Or ask about a particular spot you might fancy. You could also check out if there are any any expat sites related to them as well and use those.

[mankindmatt5]

Of course, currently looking at lots of things all over the place. Just wanted peoples thoughts

In terms of location I've thought about Shenzhen, Shanghai, Guangzhou (although heard so much bad about this one) Xi'an, Hangzhou, Wenzhou, Ningbo, Nanning

Would love to give Beijing a try, but I fear its too big and far too cold

[nickpellatt]

I think most (or all) of the places you list are pretty big places! They are certainly all cities with many millions of people. I would think some of them arent exactly going to escape bitter winters either. ShenZhen and Guanzhou might not be too cold, but I would probably think twice about the others because of climate.

And I guess thats the problem with asking such a general question about location, with a country that is so big and offers so many different answers.

I have previously worked in Hainan, I really liked it there, and I like the weather (hot and sunny) but there are few opportunities there, especially outside the state system unless you want kindy, wages are low, and comforts from home are scarce. Cities are small too, which suits me, but puts Hainan in a very different category to the mainland.

Ive also worked in Yangshuo...even smaller as its a town you can walk from end to end of. Weather can be pretty damn cold in Winter, and is very uncomfortable for a month or two. Lots of opportunities for work with adult students (my preference) but wages tend to be on the low side. All the advatanges of a city (expat community/western foods) with none of the disadvantages IMO.

Cant say if these places would be a good fit for you or not ... but if anything I have written holds any appeal it might be worth looking at those areas closer.

[cormac]

I've only lived in Xi'an, but I did stay a few weeks in Beijing doing consultancy previously. I liked it, although its a terribly big city to get used to. I didn't like the food as such, although you can find just about any type if you're willing to search or have some friends to help out. People were, for the most part, friendly although there are so many scams that its sometimes rather difficult to know if people are friendly or just looking to take advantage. Plenty of great nightlife. Overall, a good city. However I must admit I prefer the "smaller" cities like Xi'an.

[nickpellatt]

Id like to visit Xi'an, but it looks far too big for me!!! So I guess it is all about individual opinion, likes and dislikes. When in Hainan I would sometimes visit the capital city Haikou (pop 1.8 million according to Wiki) and I used to hate the big city vastness and population of it!

Im from a town of about 80,000 people in the UK, and I kinda like similar sized places in China. Which is probably the opposite to most people on the board I think.

[A'Moo]

[xi.gua]

Like A'Moo said, more than likely you will be places in the suburbs. Being in Hunan I used to be thrilled because Changsha was only 3 hours away........but i've actually gone to Changsha for fun a whole 0 times out of being here for 2 years. You could be surprised that even in your smaller city on the outskirts of town you can find a nice little expat community.

I'm personally more like Nickpellatt and prefer smaller towns away from the chaos and they can surprise you too. Before I lived in a small county town in Guizhou that had way more western products and amenities than my city now which is significantly bigger so don't count out smaller less known cities. And if you wanna save money, smaller cities is the place to be. I spend less than 500rmb each month, but i'm also not a big party guy, I don't drink beer and don't want a lot of useless crap. Enjoy the little things.

[cormac]

[Vaporate]

[mankindmatt5]

Thanks for all this info

I guess its just that the big cities jump out at you on a map, and tend to have more job postings and word of mouth about them.

I mean imagine someone who knew little about the UK would say 'Should I move to Manchester, Glasgow or London?' When of course there are dozens of much more interesting and hospitable places.

Also, the best thing for me would be somewhere where there are jobs in the public sector, or teaching adults. Private kids schools (whilst I'm sure there are some nice ones) are basically the lowest of the low.

[jibbs]