Living in China
What’s it like to live in China? We’ve highlighted some of the major differences here, but words can’t tell the whole story. Moving to a different country with a different language and culture is an experience that is best understood first-hand.
No matter how well a person prepares, culture shock is both a natural and inevitable part of the experience. It’s impossible for people to predict how they will respond physically or emotionally to the change, so we advise them to remain patient and to let go of unrealistic expectations.
Many people find that the best way to manage change is to remain flexible and to trust in their purpose for moving to China. One never knows where a particular path might lead, but there is wisdom to be found on the journey.
How do you say…?
Mandarin, which literally means “common talk,” is the main language of government, the media and education in China. More than half of all Chinese people can speak standard Mandarin Chinese.
For Westerners, whose languages are Latin-based, learning Chinese can be challenging, frustrating and humbling. Many people who have lived in China and studied the language for years still consider themselves students of the language. While it can be intimidating to try to speak the language in front of natives, the Chinese people are gracious hosts who are willing to help newcomers learn.
How much does that cost?
The cost of in China living varies from city to city, but it’s quite reasonable when compared to other countries.
The Chinese currency is called Renminbi (RMB), which means the “People’s Money,” and the basic unit is the yuan (also known as "kuai"). The yuan comes in paper notes of 1, 2, 5, 10, 50 and 100 yuan notes and 1 yuan coins. Because exchange rates now fluctuate some, it’s helpful to consult an online currency converter for the most current rates.
How to get around
Within the cities where LDi operates, transportation is typical of what one would expect to find in any large urban area. Most cities have subway systems, as well as busses, taxicabs and bikes. While many people travel between the cities by train, domestic airfare is an affordable alternative.
What to expect
When newcomers arrive in China, they are greeted by a team from LDi who support them and introduce them to the new city. The support team helps with everything – from furnishing an apartment to offering instructions on how to hail a cab.