China
World's second-largest economy - vibrant city life at affordable costs
Key Scores
Why people move to China
Vast, ancient civilisation now reshaping the world. Confucian family values + capitalism + party-state authority + 56 ethnic groups.
People, religion & languages
Moderate in Tier-1 cities and business; low rural. Translation apps universally relied on.
Officially atheist state. Folk religion, Buddhism, Taoism widely practised; Christianity and Islam growing but state-controlled.
Mostly private. Buddhist/Taoist temples present but not central to most urban life. Folk traditions strong at family events.
Culture & etiquette
What locals value and what to watch for
- Use both hands when giving cards or gifts
- Try not to refuse food at meals
- Toast with the rim slightly below an elder's glass
- Bring a thoughtful gift when invited
- Loud political discussions (Taiwan, Tibet, Xinjiang, HK)
- Sticking chopsticks upright in rice
- Touching anyone's head (especially children)
- Direct refusals - use 'maybe' or 'I'll see'
Fast in Tier-1 cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou); slower in towns.
Curious and friendly; logistics complex (visa, payments, VPN, language). Communities in Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen.
Holidays & food culture
World cuisine standard - 8 great regional schools. Sichuan spicy, Cantonese delicate, Northern dumpling-led.
Lunch 12:00–13:30, dinner 18:00–20:00.
Veg accessible especially in Buddhist regions; halal options in west. Pork central in most regions.
Work culture & business norms
Single person, before income tax