Nearly 40,000 British people live in China, according to recent estimates, with many settling in major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. Expats moving from the UK can expect some culture shock, but those who embrace the change often find it rewarding.
One expat advised learning basic Mandarin and understanding local business customs, such as exchanging business cards with both hands and presenting them in order of importance. Excessive hand gestures are considered impolite, so it is best to keep movements minimal.
Another expat described life in China as “challenging, fast paced, rewarding, sometimes stressful”, adding that it has “opened up my horizons, increased opportunities available to me, and has helped me to advance personally and professionally.” China was ranked the third best country to work in the HSBC Expat Explorer Survey.
Making local friends can help expats settle in quickly. One expat said: “Try local food across different parts of the country, you’ll never be bored with the range of different flavours. Every province is different!” While Cantonese cuisine is common in the UK, Sichuan food is often very spicy, and Anhui cuisine uses locally grown herbs and vegetables.
China also offers many sights for weekend trips, including the Great Wall and Forbidden City in Beijing, and the breathtaking Yellow Mountains of Huangshan. Weather varies: southern China is hot and humid with frequent rainfall, while northern China has harsh winters and warm summers.
