Expats - who are living in China - Tell me, please! What makes you stay in China?

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Mr. W

wow, what a variety of answers, I stay in China b/c it is my life, some days it is like a love/hate relationship, some days I love it and some days I don't, but I really cannot see myself living elsewhere, I am called to live here and contribute to the people I live with and the city I live in,
teaching and learning is a big part of my life, sharing cultures, ideas, dreams, life! it is great and wonderful and tiring and frustrating all at the same time, I hope that I can stay here for a long time

Gone

I am in China because it's so easy to find jobs here. I have been working for 14 years at various companies now here in Shenzhen and when I was in the US I was nobody. Here they think I am somebody deserving this position and pay. Oh I believe so too, haha.

just plain jim

I love this country.

I don't wish the two to get out that people here have complained about. I wish for them to grow up and stop comparing the USA to China. The USA is not better or worse, we are both different. The people like the two above are typical of the Ugly American and its no wonder they hate it here. If I were them, I'd hate it too.

Above all, I love the people. It's not the government that makes the country, its really the other way around. That is why the government is slowly changing for the better.

The people are wonderful and curious. Many of them would give you the shirt off their back if needed.

As far as the scams -- I've been scammed in the USA by people who claimed to be friends. Things like that exist in all countries. However, I hate to say it, I trust the average Chinese over the average American.

The food here is out-frigging standing. Plus, curiously enough, I don't have the stomach problems that has plagued me for years in the states, here in China. The food here is extra heavy on the spices, something I couldn't do unless I doubled up on Zantac. I think its because of all the chemicals and crap we put in our food. (and people complain about what China is sending the USA ---- if you only knew)

The people I have met in the government are not rude. They are almost painfully nice.

Crime here is very low. I feel safer here at 10pm at night walking home then I would at 3pm in the same type of area in the states.

I love their culture and history. Its mind boggling to realize that China has about 2,500 years of recorded history and a culture that goes back 5,000 years. Every country world wide would do well to listen to China. This country is very wise and experienced. That is why it doesn't get itself messed up in unwindable wars and would rather deal with the world diplomatically then militarily. That is why the USA is into China bashing, so they don't have to pay attention to a country that is far wiser. Unlike the USA, China does indeed learn by its mistakes. The USA just keeps repeating them. That is why the USA is in decline and China is on the upswing. I liken the USA to an old 60's sit-com, of a perfect family and a perfect world and everyone gets along perfectly or should. Whereas China knows the world is more like the Simpsons. Therefore, who is the USA character in the Simpsons? I'd say Mr Burns and China is more like Marge and Lisa with a bit of Homer thrown in when they screw up.

In short, I love it here and intend on living out the rest of my life here.

Peace

Jim

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southerner

To Anthony Z (the person above me),
you will be fine as long as you respect Chinese culture and local ppl's habits. Yes, China is still a 3rd world country and there will be some scams. But there are very few violent crimes against foreigners. For scams, use your common sense, you can simply ignore them. For example, if someone asks if you need a taxi at the airport, just ignore him. Take the taxi at the designated area. Another thing is, you want to stay on the touring routes with your group to avoid unnecessary dispute. My suggestion is, forget what others say(particularly, 'RM' and 'TLMF') , go to China and experience it yourself.

what can I say about 'RM' and 'TLMF'? Just take a look at their posting records.....looks like most of the anti-china posts are from them...pathetic China haters? I am wondering why they are still in China while hating it so much. The answer is simple: They are something in China, but they are NOTHING in the states.

Response to RM and TLMF:
1.I am not Chinese. I am not American either..
2.I am currently living and working in the states....(ask whoever is managing the web to check my IP plz. IT IS FROM NY, )
3.I might have traveled to more countries than you do....
4.I have lived and studied in China....
5.I know some expats in China and heard their sorties....
6.Your statement is not based on facts. You kept saying ' I heard....I read...'....and some b*ll sh*t like that....You think you are Superior to all Chinese ppl? sh*t the f*ck *p !
7. If you hate a country, just say it and then go home. Don't list the misleading information here.
8. I am still sticking to my conclusion: You are something in China, while you are NOTHING in the states, period!!!

Sami V

China today is a nation with amazing progress! China today is totally different from China in 1950s and 1960s! More and more people from all around the world visit China on business or for sightseeing. As a developing nation, the country does face innumerable problems like any other developing nations but the potential for progress is sky high!

Tai

China is not as free as some of the western countries, but at least it gives the foreigners freedom of leaving if they don't like here. Some of the above guys hate China so much, I really don't understand why they have to suffer here.

I have been here over 17 years, it gave me the opportunity to develop my career. I have witnessed the changes in China in the past years, and I know China is moving toward a right direction. The living condition here has improved so much, I can live here like a Chinese, or I can enjoy the western life style.

Note to LF221:
Criticism make things better. I criticize Chinese people and Chinese governments all the time. But in no way I would say all Chinese people are bad. There are good ones and bad ones in every country, we just have to make constructive suggestions, not kill all with one word.

*cHiNeSsE gIrL*

well, i dont live in china but i love it. i was born at one of the biggest city,hong kong. omg, hong kong is sooo...beautiful at night time. so many light and pretty skyline. oh yeah, dim-sum...is YUMMY....i miss it soo much. the only way i can have dim-sum is at memphis or atlanta. but they have no match with hong kong. i havnt ate hong kong dim-sum in like 5 year...yeah a long time. you also cant forget about the mall....there mall are BIG....it like 3 story and is like 100,000square feet....man...there clothes and style are off the hizzy.lol...man i am ready to go back to hong kong...are you?? iam..

LadyofLeisure

hi, I agree troll would be troll, instead of adapting to the new environment, some would just cry and cry about it...Just let them vent it here..

I am writing to said that I have some friends living and working in China since 1994. They came from Austrialia, one is a Malaysian and another a French based in Shanghai. From without knowing a single chinese word, they are now living there like a local and glad to be a tour guide to their friends who visit them. They enjoyed every minute there and I don't think also have many other friends working in MNCs and hotel management being transferred there and enjoy every moment of it. I don't hear whining and crying from them although sometimes they do face some minor problems, this shows human are human but different people have different ways they settle their problem and some just whine only.

bambibalu3

I have only been there on holiday visiting friends living in Shanghai: they've got a nice appartment with an amzing view of the city centre, they always eat out, have got a cleaning woman, and they have weekly massages...I guess thta's why they like living there..I liked the city, but I didn't like having to bargain and argue with the taxidrivers and sellers....you have to be able to stand up for yourself in this city, it is really nice, but very stressful as well....

Poison

For the above 2 people who don't like China, get the hell out of the country then! I love China, it is a great place! You just can't handle it. Oh well, the diversity of the world, the strong and the WEAK.

CXfan

I love going back there because I have my family there, plus I love seeing the progressing nation uprising as it continue to progress. The subway system in my hometown is very efficient, more efficient than I expected. I have neighbors that I grew up with and I enjoy the pride to visit them. I love the Cantonese food that I grew up with and love the food. The places of interest are one of the things that interest me everytime I go back there and love taking the public buses and I could ask my uncle question about the public buses since he is a bus driver and I am interest in that. I love going to the restaurant every morning to "yum cha", meaning enjoying dim sum while drinking tea with my grandpa and my family. I love to do things with my family like gathering dinner and play mahjong and cards with them because although it is simple, but everybody is happy. By the way, I came from Guangzhou, but currently live in Chicago

china doll

I have no 'right' to answer your question as i do not live in China, ive only been on holiday twice. I think 'southerner' has brought up some excellent points about RM and TLMF they are nothing in their native countries and are obviously easy to con as they dont possess any common sense. Dont let idiots like these 2 put you off ever visiting a country as wonderful as China.

Shinou Atsumu

Kudos for a good question. While I do not live in China, I am a pureblooded Chinese and very proud of my own heritage. I can assure all those Chinese-haters out there that Chinese are not as vile or evil or backwards as what they think. Far from it, I'm afraid.

To Just Plain Jim,
How I only wish people can see the real China with your eyes. You know, being born in an Islamic country, I was very much westernised and during my younger days, I wasn't proud at all of my heritage but what you, Mr Jim, said was exactly what my parents told me. Really. Mr Jim, please allow me to say that I respect you and love you very much (just like how much you love China and its people). May you and your family have many more wonderful life in China. God bless you and your loved ones.

Summer0007

ai_leen_2003hk, though I love you dearly, I have to say this is not a good question. Don't forget you are asking a bunch of Americans who would complain everything even back in the states- 'how stupid the government is', 'how yankees suck'..blah blah blah. you just can't get a GOOD story from them.
Remember the old Chinese saying?---"Gou3 Zui3 Li3 Tu3 Bu4 Chu1 Xiang4 Ya2!!!" This is exactly what those ppl are. Complaining environment, f*cking human rights while still enjoying localâ€™s respect and their fabulous life in China.

But there are still lots of sane expats in China.... And more and more of them are coming for sight seeing or working. I m not hoping them telling good stories about China. Actually I don't care about them as long as they work legally and pay their tax. If they hate China so much, then bring their complaints back to the states.

update:oh..TLMF's comment has been removed...

Pillar of Rights

I love the Chinese people with all my heart. That is me personally.

I have just spent 5 weeks in Beijing and I think I have experienced both sides (good and bad) of Chinese people. My first impressions of the Chinese was that they seem rude. Spitting, shouting and general harassment of tourists were the first things I saw. I then came to realise these are just how Chinese people/Beijing ren behave and once you get talking to them (especially in Chinese, I was studying at YuYuan DaXue) they are really nice and interested in where you come from, where you are studying etc. Most people are willing to help and a lack of communication is the usual reason for being hostile (such as cab drivers who don't understand where you want to go). There is a HUGE culture difference which is quite a barrier between Westerners and the Chinese and I don't think it will be possible for the two to totally understand each other. So, some Chinese are just out there to get money out of tourists and some are there to represent China in a positive light. I have great hopes for China and I think their upcoming Olympics will be a milestone for tourism in China and co-operation between the East and West.

Jimguyy

i would one day like to visit China. Live there for a year in a smaller city. I imagine that the people are nice people. Maybe one day.

Yahooooo

I have to agree with most of the answers above. Some Americans are really giving a bad name to their country. Plz be realistic, China is not a developed country. You just can't expect it to have the same life quality as in the states.

to 'LF221': I agree with Tai. Criticism is important for developing countries like China. But you are somehow prejudiced. You can't just compare China to your home country and then accuse all Chinese ppl. Considering the huge number of violent criminals in the states, scams in China are like nothing...And I can tell most of the answers (or so called TMLF/RM attackers) are from real expats. Their opinion is actually neutral.

ileerchina

To those who hate china.i apologize for the bad things we bring you.China is not a perfect country.far than perfect.I also feel very sorry about China,my country has sent you bad quality goods and pollute this earth.I feel very bad about this.This is what China should reflect on.And about the other aspects,for exsample chinese people are rude to you,and want to do harm to foreign people.i dont agree with you.Chinese people is not as what you think about.Maybe it's the government who give you the bad expression,but not the whole chinese people.chinese people are busy with earning a living.no one has time or attendtion to do anything againsting the people from other countries.any people is visiting china,the chinese people always give warm welcome to you.
Chinese people are the most hard working people in the world!respect people who is making their living with their hands!

BYD

to the ppl above me : wow, i can't believe lesbians are kissing in the center of Tianman Square...and in front of two guards....China really has changed a lot, I mean, in a good way.;)

F T

Check out

http://www.snapchina.net/

With many many pictures from China, it'll give you a very visual (and better) way to SEE what's happening in China.

Anthony Z

I'm coming to China in less than 3 weeks. I'll be there for 3 months studying Mandarin in Kunming, and then for 2 weeks with my family visiting Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, etc. After reading some of the posts in this forum I'm really getting worried. Sounds like the Chinese are super rude and will scam you at every opportunity. Well I heard that the city of Kunming is a lot more laid back so hopefully I won't have to deal with any of that stuff...

justME!

Because of the US$$$$$ and also, the many perks my company is giving me. That is the only reason I am staying in China!! Btw, I was sent to China to set up a company and did not go on my own free will.

Who says we want to stay? A bunch of us are so sick of the scams and currupt cops who do nothing to stop crimes against foreigners, that we're leaving. I'm getting the he-- out of this country at the end of month...YES!!!!!!!!!!!

A WORD OF ADVICE TO THE FOREIGNERS WHO ARE THINKING ABOUT COMING.....DON'T!!!!

China is not what you think it is. It's fun for about six months because everything is cheap and you can live like a king, but then you realize how behind and rude these people are, and how pethetic the government officials are at enforcing law and order.
The only reason people think China is a safe place is because 95% of crimes against foreigners are undocumented because the police choose to do nothing.

Hey don't take my word for it, do a search on this site and go to sites like shanghaiexpat.com and read the horror stories of expats who live here.

FYI: People like southerner should keep their mouth because; THEY ARE CHINESE AND HAVE NEVER TRAVELED OUTSIDE OF CHINA BEFORE. The fact is there are so many Chinese people on this site who are defending China and saying how great China is, but have NO CLUE to what the rest of the world is like because theyâ€™ve never stepped foot on foreign soil. It's so pathetic.............I don't even know how else to describe it.......

This question is meant for Expats like myself and TLMF and even Justplainjim (who completely disagrees with me). We all have some different opinions about this country, which is what the questionnaire is looking for. However who's doing most of the talking?.........People like southerner, Chinese people who never stepped foot outside of this country, but for some reason they feel they are experts at judging and comparing world living standards.

Hahaâ€¦â€¦Southern also seems to be an expert at analyzing my personal life as well.

Like i said previously: DON'T TAKE MY WORD FOR IT. GO ON LINE TO EXPAT SITES AND HEAR THE HORROR STORIES. It's not about what I think, but this is the truth and I've got thousands fo Expats who will back up my statements.

HAHAHA........Southerner, you are so full of it. If you are so honest and everything you say you are, then why is your ENTIRE PROFILE SET ON PRIVATE. Say what you want about me or TLMF, but at least we let everyone see who we really are.

Like I said before China is a dump full of unclassed people, but again......DON'T TAKE MY WORD FOR IT, go on the EXPAT WEBSITES, I've mentioned and READ THE HORROR STORIES!!!!!!!!!!!

It think it's so funny hearing Chinese people like Southerner use curse words on Yahoo......
Anyways one last question for you, I'm very curious, please tell me: if I'm a nothing in the US and someone in China; why would I be bad mouthing China?? If that is the case then shouldn't I be talk smack about the US? What kind of reasoning are you using?

LF221

It's pretty obvious that the ones who are attacking TLMF and RM are Chinese. I think it's sad that so many people have chosen to attack these 2 people on a "personal level" when all they did was voice their opinion about the "subject" at hand.

I've lived in China for a few years now and what these two have said is not far from the truth. I do think the way the presented their stories was a bit rude, and borderline offensive, but the facts are gathered from their experience.

The point is this is a forum where people can gather and share their opinion. The opinions of TLMF and RM may not be appealing to everyone, but their original statements only addressed the question at hand, and no specific people. However, shame on you "Southerner" and others who followed for attacking these "people" rather than the "subject".

Update- TLMF's did get removed, and why is that? Because he expressed his views as an expat while the Chinese people here who shouldn't even be answering the questions attacked him.

You know, in the western world we call this a democracy, when people can get together and share different opinions without the threat of being ridiculed personally...........wait.

Oh......what am I thinking, this is China where freedom of speech isn't tolerated.....you all are Chinese my bad.

I also think it's very funny how so many Chinese or China supporters voted a thumbs up for "I'm in China's" statement without realizing the sarcasm behind his words.

For the people who voted for him/her; read it again....................oh, don't you feel stupid now.

F T: Thank you for sending that link, but that's a Chinese website to promote China. Now here is something you won't know unless you're in China; sites like:
flicker.com and bbc.com
are blocked in China because people have put up other REAL and more COMPREHENSIVE PHOTOS concerning China. Nice try with the propaganda, but ask yourself why the Chinese would block a photo sharing site like flicker.com?

Yahooooo, you sounded mature for a second there, but I judged too quickly. Just to be clear the people you are calling "real expats" already admitted they don't live in China or are Chinese on other answers.
For example: Tai once answered a question about why Chinese drivers are so reckless with the words "I am Chinese", and "The Chinese people are too smart". If that's not arrogance and BS I don't know what is.
Most importantly I think everyone should go on expat web sites like the one suggested by RM www.Shanghaiexpat.com
and read some of the "horror" stories in China. (borrowing that term from RM).
(IE: in Chengdu an expat had a root canal surgery done without Novocain because the Chinese dentist didn't know how "White people" would react to the drug.)
Attack us all you want, but RM has provided more creditable evidence than anyone here.

Lastly TLMF, RM, and I are not the only expats who are critical of China. Just to name a few other (definitely not all) Bkk k, samgirl, and I'm in China are also on our side. What we say may not represent everything about China, but it represents what a good portion of expats think about this country.

bkk

The people who are writing " Bad " things about this place are correct. The others are fools who, if they actually live here, are still blinded by the "excitement " of China. Believe me for most civilized people this wears off and reality returns.
Some say that they have been here for a holiday and love it. Try LIVING here for a while ( not a few weeks ) and see what you think then. Bet you will feel the same way as the " anti " contributors. Why do the vast majority of foreign teachers only stay for a maximum of 1 year?
Why do 70% of Chinese students who study abroad NEVER return to China? Is it because it's such a wonderfull place?
I suggest you all read the China daily or Peoples daily if you want to know what life here is like. These GOVT. newspapers will educate you about a few realitys. Such things as the SLAVERY that still exists here. HUMAN TRAFFICKING, GENDERCIDE, FAKE BABY MILK, that killed the BABIES that were fed it, 40% of childrens snack foods with illegal additives in. 1 in 5 products being sub standard. etc. etc. etc.
Enjoy your reading and enjoy learning the TRUTH about this " wonderful country" and it's " wonderfull people"
I regard the vast majority of Chinese people that I have met as little more than savages. Those that think otherwise are NAIVE !

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