Living in China

This section could be massive, with all the aspects and things to look out for while you stay in China for an extended period of time. Many of these aspects are found elsewhere on this website, but there are still some specific things you need to know when actually living here. So, as it takes time and laws and customs change at short notice in China, I will be adding to this section more and more as time goes by. If you live in China, why not also contribute to this section? Helping others establish in China is always a great thing to do.

Housing

If you stay in China for a while you will live, more than likely, in a medium- to high-rise apartment block. There are sometimes security doors downstairs and your abode should also have a security door. But generally they're super safe and crime is low in China. But break-ins using crowbars have been known to happen.

There are many quirky gadgets in a Chinese house. For example, TV sets have built-in games and washing machines play classical tunes when they complete a cycle! House shoes (slippers) are kept in reserve ready for any guests. Every house has a windowed conservatory for plant life, drying clothes and so on.

You can also sleep out here during the hot months, mosquitoes permitting! Kitchens are quite small – some older sinks often do not have drain boards and the plumbing can be very basic. So, choose the apartment wisely, if you can and check that the sink drains properly without leakage underneath.

Drinking water is ordered from local suppliers (number is usually found on existing water containers), which is delivered and fixed atop a drinks dispenser. Never drink the tap water in China.

Heating

A very important thing to note is that in southern province apartments, running South of the Yangtze River, which slices China into a North South divide, do not have built-in heating and they can become quite cold in winter so you may have to purchase an electric heater or similar. While they do have warm-mode air conditioning units installed (essential when you are choosing your apartment), these are slow to work and quite expensive to run. You’ll also find windows are usually riddled with gaps or too thin to help keep in the warmth. In summer, the same happens but for cooling. You may need to give your a/c an annual clean with a spray that can easily be purchased online. 

Flies can be a constant source of irritation and in the far south mosquitoes are a constant cause of irritation (you may need to consider buying a mosquito net for your bed). You should have window mesh nets fixed to your windows. Malaria is not a problem in China although the very far South has some rural cases. Just use mosquito spray when out and about and keep window nets and doors closed as much as possible.

Renting

Rents are very unregulated. You may need to pay for several months in advance as a deposit. It’s quite common to lose some of that after leaving your apartment, unfortunately. Landlords, which seem to have quite a bit of authority and power over the property, and therefore the tenant, may spot mistakes and damage and deduct your rent accordingly. Sadly, there is little that can be done. Try forming a good friendship with your landlord, if you can. As such, maybe people choose not to do extensive work on their apartments and add decorations due to the short term nature of accommodation.

Stick things on your wall carefully, as there’s a chance it’ll rip off some of the white wall paint. This is such a common occurrence. This is often cited as a reason for reducing the deposit repayment at the end of the contract. Make sure you get your property rights in writing and try to enlist a Chinese friend to help you do this.

Most likely, someone will help you when you organise your house so you will not be left to struggle all alone.