Chinese culture is one of the world’s oldest cultures, originating thousands of years ago. The area over which the culture prevails covers a large geographical region in East Asia and is extremely diverse and varying, with customs and traditions varying greatly between provinces, cities, and even towns as well.
Chinese civilization is historically considered the dominant culture of East Asia. With China being one of the earliest ancient civilizations, Chinese culture exerts profound influence on the philosophy, virtue, etiquette, and traditions of Asia to date. Chinese language, ceramics, architecture, music, dance, literature, martial arts, cuisine, visual arts, philosophy, business etiquette, religion, politics, and history have global influence, while its traditions and festivals are also celebrated, instilled, and practiced by people around the world.
The territory of China lies between latitudes 18° and 54° N, and longitudes 73° and 135° E. The geographical center of China is marked by the Center of the Country Monument at 35°50′40.9″N 103°27′7.5″E. China’s landscapes vary significantly across its vast territory. In the east, along the shores of the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea, there are extensive and densely populated alluvial plains, while on the edges of the Inner Mongolian plateau in the north, broad grasslands predominate.
Southern China is dominated by hills and low mountain ranges, while the central-east hosts the deltas of China’s two major rivers, the Yellow River and the Yangtze River. Other major rivers include the Xi, Mekong, Brahmaputra and Amur.To the west sit major mountain ranges, most notably the Himalayas. High plateaus feature among the more arid landscapes of the north,
China’s climate is mainly dominated by dry seasons and wet monsoons, which lead to pronounced temperature differences between winter and summer. In the winter, northern winds coming from high-latitude areas are cold and dry; in summer, southern winds from coastal areas at lower latitudes are warm and moist. The climate in China differs from region to region because of the country’s highly complex topography.
Maybe you’ve been dreaming of trying the delicious cuisine, sampling the rich culture, seeing the historical sites, or just the taking advantage of the inexpensive cost of living. Whatever your reason, it’s no surprise that relocating to China has piqued your interest.
Whether you’re retiring, temporarily relocating or moving to China for good, this guide will walk you through all the most important things you need to know about how your new home will affect your finances.
General Living Expenses
Total Living Expenses in Shanghai | Average cost |
1 person, per month (without rent) | ¥4,327.53 |
1 person, per year (without rent) | ¥51,930.36 |
student, per month | ¥2,350.00 |
4 person family, per month (without rent | ¥16,005.46 |
4 person family, per year (without rent) | ¥192,065 |
Total Living Expenses in Beijing | Average cost |
1 person, per month (without rent) | ¥3,643.56 |
1 person, per year (without rent) | ¥43,722.72 |
student, per month | ¥2500 |
4 person family, per month (without rent | ¥13,412.63 |
4 person family, per year (without rent) | ¥160.951.56 |
Housing & Rent
Renting in Shanghai | Average monthly cost |
large apartment | ¥10,801 |
medium apartment | ¥8,101 |
small apartment | ¥4,928 |
student dorm room | ¥1,350 |
internet | ¥122 |
Renting in Beijing | Average monthly cost |
large apartment | ¥10,801 |
medium apartment | ¥8,101 |
small apartment | ¥5,400 |
student dorm room | ¥1,500 |
internet | ¥122 |
For more detailed cost of living in the China, please click here or visit:
South Side, No. 9 An Hua Street,
Shunyi District,
Beijing,
101318,
China
Co-educational, Day, Nursery, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Senior, Sixth Form.
Read more about British School of Beijing, Shunyi
999 Ming Yue Road,
JinQiao, Pudong,
Shanghai,
201206,
China
Co-educational, Day, Nursery, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Senior, Sixth Form.
Read more about Concordia International School Shanghai
Huaxiang Road,
Chancheng District,
Foshan City, Guangdong,
528000,
China
Co-educational, Boarding, Day, Senior, Sixth Form.
Read more about Lady Eleanor Holles (LEH) International School Foshan
No.1080 Da’an Road, Zheng Xing County,
Tianfu New Area,
Chengdu, Sichuan,
610218,
China
Co-educational, Day, Nursery, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Senior, Sixth Form.
Read more about Léman International School Chengdu
2888 Junmin Road,
Pudong New District,
Shanghai,
201315,
China
Co-educational, Day, Nursery, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Senior, Sixth Form.
Read more about Nord Anglia International School Shanghai, Pudong
No. 3, Sixth Antuoshan Road,
Futian District,
Shenzhen, Guangdong,
China
Co-educational, Boarding, Day, Senior, Sixth Form.
Read more about Shenzhen College of International Education
Attention: The returning Chinese citizen refers to those who hold a mainland Chinese passport. If you are a Chinese citizen who has permanent residency or green-card of a foreign country, you are considered as a foreigner and therefore you are subjected to the eligibility of a foreign citizen.
Please note that 2020 is a leap year meaning that for any permit issued between now and February 29th, 2020, a FULL year means 366 days versus the usual 365 days.
For more detailed information, please view the full Customs Regulations Guide from FIDI. Please also contact one of our move specialists who are here to help you with importing your house hold goods into China from Thailand.
All vehicles imported into China require an Import Permit for Customs Clearance and only Diplomats can import used cars.
For more detailed information, please view the full Customs Regulations Guide from FIDI. Please also contact one of our move specialists who are here to help you with importing your house hold goods into China from Thailand.
Sea Shipments:
Port of Entry | Transit Time | Customs Clearance |
Shanghai | 10-12 Days | 14-21 Working Days |
JiaoXin (Guangzhou) | 12-15 Days | 7-15 Working Days |
Air Shipments:
Port of Entry | Transit Time | Customs Clearance |
Shanghai | 1-2 Days | Approx. 10 Working Days |
Shenzhen | 1-2 Days | Approx. 3-5 Working Days |