Job Discussion Forums

[Hsinchuguy]

I'm considering a move to Daqing. can anyone tell me what it's like for an expat? I've lived in China before (Xian) so I can handle China, but at the same time, I don't want to be too isolated. I don't care if they have Starbucks or McDonald's, but I'd rather not be the only foreigner in town.
Can anyone tell me what it's like?

[Milamber]

If this is DaQing, Heilongjiang province then I'm afraid to say you'll be a little isolated from any foreign community. I certainly don't claim to be an expert on this place as I have never been in it for any length of time, but regularly went through it on my travels between Harbin and QiQiHaer. Harbin is the provincial capital, and there are quite a few foreigners there, as they have the foreign teachers and a Russian population there. QiQiHaer usually has at least 1 foreigner in there at any one time (usually me during the major holidays as I return to my adopted hometown with the wife).

One major drawback of what would otherwise be quite a pleasant area is that DaQing is very near some acid/salt plains - there are literally acres and acres and acres of.... nothing, because the soil is too acidic in places and too alkaline in others and isn't suitable for building blah, blah, blah. DaQing is one of the major oil centres in China too - although there are indications that it's running low or something (My Chinese isn't good enough to get whole conversations). Finally, it's bl^^dy cold up there in winter. If winter is bad you're looking at -40. If it's mild you're looking at -25 to -30 degrees C. And it won't become positive until about April/May time, give or take. As a result, you'll drink lots of Industrial Cleaner (known as Baijiu to the locals), and the snow/ice will be black as they use a lot of coal up there to keep warm. When I was there in 2002/2003, I was wearing 4 layers in winter. The buildings are great though - always warm - it's just outside.

DaQing to QiQiHaer - about 1.5 hours away by train. DaQing to Harbin, the same.

Personally I would recommend looking at Harbin - your salary and conditions are likely to be better as they know better the needs etc. of a foreigner. That is, if you're planning on going to that area still.

PM me if you have any more questions...

[Roger]

I wouldn't touch Qiqihar nor Daqing - cultural desert. Plus the climate and the monocultural economy.

[Milamber]

Come on Roger! Qiqihaer isn't all that bad. Besides, I don't know exactly what's going on, but I did notice a few more foreigners there during the Spring Festival break - I wonder if a new private school has opened up there. No one said anything.... Besides, I'm not allowed to say anything bad - wife's hometown!!!

They have some pretty cool beef restaurants and their own brewed putaojiu isn't too bad either. True it's a bit of a backwater, but it's a nice place to come if you want to get away from it all. Spending a lot of time there as I have done is a bit of a drag, but it's nice for a few days or so.

I also noticed that the Xinhua bookstore there is significantly better than the main one in Harbin - you want good foreign novels? Go there - you won't be disappointed. I could have picked up the Harry Potter collection there, or even a John Grisham novel or two.... I didn't as it turns out.... and for those who like gaming, the PS2 recently made it's way that far north!

The Ice/Snow festival isn't a shade on Harbin's that's true, but as a result there are fewer people who go there, it's cheaper and they have a few exhibits that are worthy of a postcard home!

I do have to admit, though Roger that it's not for everyone, naturally, and for those who want a larger community I would prefer Harbin, but for a weekend or two of getting away from the sheer number of people and getting some peace, then it's alright....

Have a good 'un.

[Hsinchuguy]

thanks for your input guys, much appreciated. Sounds like Daqing in winter is about as pleasant as Saskatchewn in winter.