/ By ASI Movers / Covid-19 • Expat Lifestyle • Life in China/ 0 Comments

What Opportunities Can Expats Find in China after Covid-19?

Following the Covid-19 crisis, many expats and “nomads” had to put their international journey on hold, and maybe even rethink the career path they had envisioned. As a matter of fact, some international assignments have been reconsidered, while the job market for foreigners has been shaken due to the extra cost these employees might bring along compared to the local population.

As such, some foreigners used to or considering working abroad are now considering new career options aside from the traditional ones.

A recent report by Startup Genome ranked Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou as part of the top cities for those eager to become to entrepreneurs. Among cities such as New York, London, Boston, Seattle or Stockholm; Chinese cities seems to have gained a good reputation amid start-up-savvy people. In anticipation of the post-covid crisis, it is nowadays relevant to have a look at what are the opportunities awaiting those eager to start a project abroad, more specifically in China.

The Situation During the Crisis

It doesn’t come as a surprise that the Covid-19 crisis has had a huge impact on entrepreneurship in China. As of January 2020, we could already see the pandemic's (at the time only epidemic) outputs:

“When we break down the numbers by region, we see that China saw the biggest drop in funding, followed by the rest of Asia. This is not surprising considering the importance of Chinese capital throughout Asia’s startup ecosystems and the start of the virus in Taiwan and Korea in January” Startup Genome noted. It is worth noticing that this drop was not only due to the Chinese New Year – normally quieter – period. The 3 previous years actually show an equal or higher number of deals in January which highlights even more the effects of the pandemic.

An Economic Recovery to Benefit Entrepreneurs?

Because the pandemic first started and thus ended in China, this is no surprise that the economy will revive there first. The Global Times indeed underlines that after a 6.8% contraction of its GDP (year on year) in the first quarter 2020, the second quarter showed a 3.2% increase.

Even if China leading the economic recovery depends largely on whether or not other countries also restart and thus act as economic partners, Chinese imports and exports both increased in June, showing good signs for the future.

CGTN credits the Hi-Tech startups companies and entrepreneurs for this recovery, highlighting that they created and are creating new business formats which not only answered the Chinese population needs during the lockdown, but also changed the way they think and consume, paving the way for a post-covid business environment.

Experts thus talked of a structural change which favors entrepreneurship, especially the technology-based kind. This is particularly true in China where new technologies have been adopted at a greater rate, and whose use is more widespread.

In comparison to the early effects of the pandemic, startups seem to have done fairly well during the international crisis in China. Calvin Jiang (founder of a high-tech consulting firm in Beijing) stated in his interview to CGTN that “Hi-Tech startups and small businesses are robust despite the Covid-19 outbreak”. It is added that “after the 2008 great recession, top universities in the United States have launched various startup incubation to find a way out there to boost the labor market. According to U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the average employment in 2011 at high-tech and information and communications technology firms surpasses those across the private sector as a whole. In turn, China is experiencing a similar kind of stage currently that a new cycle of job creation is yet to come”.

What Does It Mean For Expats?

The Covid-19 crisis has been the occasion for many creative people to work on entrepreneurial projects they had in mind for some time. It has also been a great opportunity for others to acquire new skills through online resources and e-learning, those skills potentially serving their entrepreneurial visions.

Where can these projects develop then? The article from expat.com we previously mentioned, and which is titled “how to succeed as an overseas entrepreneur after the covid-19 crisis”, argued that major cities like New York, London, Boston, Seattle, Stockholm, but also Beijing and Shanghai were interesting options. Guangzhou has also been recognized as an emerging city for entrepreneurs to develop in.

Expats eager to become entrepreneurs might thus find great opportunities in China once the immigration regulations have resumed to their normal state. As we pointed out in a previous article, a Business Startup visa does exist in China. It enables those having it to live in China while launching their innovative business. It also allows them to conduct auxiliary businesses related to their business launch while developing their main activity. Note that this visa is available for foreign students, foreigners planning to invest in Shanghai or to innovate in business, as well as for excellent overseas graduates.

While older and large (and thus traditional) firms are the major source of employment in China, new and young businesses are the ones creating the most new jobs, underlines Donghui Mao in his interview to CGTN. Donghui Mao is the director of X-Lab in Tsinghua University, a non-profit university-based educational platform that aims at nurturing STEM students into social entrepreneurs through international incubation. This acknowledgment shows that new and innovative businesses are the most prone to answer modern customers’ demands, and thus the most effective at grasping opportunities.

The aftermath of the Covid-19 crisis might be a key turning point – either by choice or by necessity – in many creative minds' careers. The general trend as well as the positioning of China on this matter makes it likely that foreign entrepreneurs will find great opportunities in the country to develop their innovative project.

While many in the world are still greatly impacted by the crisis, the progressive reopening of borders enables those eager to do so to envision what their career could be like in a post-covid world.

The recent pandemic has greatly challenged global mobility, some of those living abroad have even found themselves unable to come back to their country of residence. Many have contacted us worried about retrieving the items that stayed behind.

We know how precious some of them can be, and have thus designed tailor-made solutions for those finding themselves in such a situation.

/ By ASI Movers / ASI Movers News • Life in China/ 0 Comments

Activity Update: To What Extent Can the Virus Impact Your Move?

Many clients have recently contacted us, rightfully questionning the impact of the coronavirus and of the measures taken to prevent its spread on their relocation project.

We would like to reassure our customers that our Shanghai team is currently operating. Even though our staff is only partially operational, we ensure the most complete service feasible. We aim at sticking to our planned conduct of operations to the extent permitted by the situation and by the rules implemented by the local authorities.

Please note that our teams of packers comply with the health recommendations and wear masks and gloves at any time.

We remain at your disposal for more detailed answers and regular updates regarding your move. Each project is indeed unique and might be subject to different regulations.

For those moving from Shanghai

We kindly invite you to contact your property manager beforehand in order to receive the instructions and rules they have implemented in your compound/building.

Each of them has drafted specific rules and you would need to check with them which ones will apply for your move.

Please note that, while some compounds require the packers' information, others will forbid them to come in altogether.

We also take the occasion to wish all our customers a happy and healthy year of the rat! We look forward to assist you this year in your local or international relocation projects the same way we did for the past decade!

/ By ASI Movers / Expat Lifestyle • Life in China • Living in Shanghai/ 0 Comments

Temporary Residence Registration: A New Online Application System for Shanghai Residents

As you may know if you have already been living in China, foreigners as well as residents from Hong-Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, need to register to the police station within 24 hours after their arrival on the territory. For people staying at the hotel, the latter will take care of the process on their behalf. Registering might also be required when one re-enters the country, changes address or passport number (depending if one is under a visa or a resident permit).

The Usual Process

This mandatory registration step would require you to go in person to the police station and provide your passport, copies of the ID page, of your visa or resident permit, and of your latest entry stamp. If you are staying at your own home, you would also have to provide a lease or deed proving that you are actually staying at the mentioned address. In the case of living in someone else’s place, you would have to present the latter’s hukou (户口簿)or his/her lease or deed.

If not registered within the regulatory 24h, one might have to pay a fine which ranges from RMB 0 (as a warning) up to RMB 2,000. -

For many foreigners, this process appeared not very convenient, especially after hours of traveling.

The New Online Application Process

Starting October 25th 2019, a new process has come into effect which spares Shanghai foreign residents having to go in person to the Police Station to register.

How to apply online? 

  1. You can either go to the dedicated website;

    Or scan the following QR Code:

    The form is available in both English and Chinese and is rather convenient to fill up with a user-friendly interface.

  2. The documents and information you will need to provide are:

    • Your email address;

    • Your address in Shanghai;

    • Photo of the ID page of your passport;

    • Your arrival and departure dates.

    Unlike when you are registering in person at the police station, you do not need to provide your lease or deed to prove your address.

  3. The system will process your application and you will receive a confirmation email within a few minutes.

    Once you have received it, you can go back on the website, and choose between downloading the pdf file of your Registration Form of Temporary Residence, receiving it by email, or sharing the pdf.

    Conveniently enough, the application stores the history of your previous registrations.

A Bit of Background: Why Has This System Been Implemented in Shanghai?

Shanghai is the first city in China to benefit from such a system, but why is it so?

It was actually intended to make the life of foreigners attending the CIIE easier. Many of the latter, because of the massive affluence the city experiences during this period, did not reside in a hotel (which would have taken care of the registration on their behalf), and many did not have enough time to go to the police station as they were in Shanghai only for a small amount of time.

In addition of the Entry Exit Bureau having a venue at the Expo where foreigners could register, the app has thus been developed to solve this issue.

For more than 10 years, ASI Movers has been expats' best moving partner from, to and within China.

Our purpose? Make your relocation process the smoothest possible for you to focus on what matters!

Discover our full range of solutions!

/ By ASI Movers / Expat Lifestyle • Life in China/ 0 Comments

Working in China as a Foreigner: What You Need to Know

Even though knowing exactly how many expats currently reside in China is hard, it has been estimated that 220,000 foreigners were working in China during the first decade of the 20th century. About one hundred years later, and according to the latest census, there were more than 600,000 of them in 2010, and about 950,000 as for last year.

The perspective of China becoming the world’s biggest economy for sure attracted many foreigners eager to be part of the movement and make the most of it!

But before jumping into the Chinese bath, or even if you already are working or living in China and are eager to make a change in your professional life, it is always useful to get some insight on the local job market. In our case, let’s have a look at the Chinese job market and what it has to offer to foreigners!

ASI Movers being the long-lasting partner of expats moving from, to, or within China, we are happy to provide you a summary of what our experience and our daily contact with the foreign community taught us!

How is the job market evolving?

Which sectors and industries still demand expats?

Are your background and carrer plans suited for you to find a fulfulling job in China?

Let's find out!

What Trends are Shaping the Chinese Job Market for Expats?

First and foremost, it is important to note that while foreign-invested companies employ 85% of expats, Chinese companies tend to prefer locals. Overall, there is no longer a preference for foreigners, except for some niches.

The competition with Chinese has indeed been intensifying with a new generation of middle-class graduates pouring into the job market. Most of the employers tend to prefer bilingual Chinese, especially those who have studied or already worked abroad, as well as those who have a past experience in an international company.

In addition of being as qualified as their foreign counterparts, Chinese employees also mean cheaper wages for companies to pay, which makes them more attractive on the labor market. The traditional expat package is becoming rarer and rarer, even though local packages including housing and tax incentives are sometimes offered. Many younger foreigners, eager to give a shot to the Chinese experience and its career opportunities, tend to give up a higher salary for more challenging and intense job opportunities.

In fact, the gap is narrowing between locals’ wages and expats’. While in the 2000s, foreigners used to earn 10 times more than their Chinese counterparts, they now earn about two or three times more. Salaries paid to Chinese have indeed risen faster than the ones which are to expats.

Recently, the term flexpats has emerged as a new trend. It designates foreigners employed by local Chinese companies, often to the terms local Chinese also do. The jobs they are recruited for do not require much work experience or a higher education (as it is the case for traditional expats). Their motive for coming to China is neither necessarily rooted in them improving their career, nor with the aim of staying long-term. They undertake this journey mainly because it has become easier to live here without speaking Mandarin, especially in big cities, and because the country’s economy is dynamic. They also are more about the experience in itself than their predecessors.

Which Companies and Sectors Are Eager to Recruit Expats?

Even though the job market can seem less welcoming for expats, there still are sectors and niches which are really open to foreigners to join.

00
% of expats working for foreign invested companies

Marketing

The Chinese marketing sector is rather welcoming towards foreigners. Both the biggest local tech companies and smaller entities are eager to recruit expats to fill this function.

Many companies based in China are aiming at taking their share on the international market. They thus start to develop global campaigns, others work as consultants and help local entities to develop internationally, some at last even help foreign companies to expand their activity to the Middle Kingdom and thus need to promote their services abroad. In any case, foreign category managers, product developers, and distribution jobs are sought.

In parallel, the expat community within China is also a target for many companies, which then search for foreigners to communicate more easily with this potential client base.

Foreigners eager to work in this field should have abilities in SEO, SEM and networking (the latter indeed being the case for any job in China).

Management

Management positions are particularly interesting in China since they generally are high-level and well remunerated. Nevertheless, they are mostly targeted towards senior candidates, with experience and credentials, while the competition with locals is increasing.

Being bilingual is always an advantage when seeking for such a position, as well as having a previous experience in China.

Engineering

Even though more and more Chinese graduate in this field, China is still in demand for foreign talents. The latter are sought to manage global projects and to help managing the differences of practices between several countries.

Furthermore, industries such as renewable energies (especially solar energy), oil and gas, automotive manufacturers and heavy industries are particularly eager to employ foreigners.

Companies in these industries are searching for people able to help them take advantage of the country’s recent Green China Plan i.e. find sustainable solutions to pollution issues while also participate in their international reputation.

 

Finance and Accounting

While areas such as Hong-Kong enjoy an established finance market already saturated with foreign workers, the Chinese finance sector is but growing. In addition, it is becoming more and more open to foreign companies, which makes the job market less competitive.

Furthermore, China generally welcomes foreign talents in this field, them bringing their international expertise (them being familiar with the WTO standards for instance) and network.

 

Consulting

With China’s opening to international businesses, consulting is becoming a more and more dynamic field. Whether one chooses to give guidance to the Chinese companies for them to develop abroad, or to foreign companies to develop in China.

Which Profiles Do Companies Seek?

English is no longer the only language one should master to differentiate on the Chinese job market as more and more locals speak it fluently. Being able to speak and write Mandarin has become a requirement for most of the best-paying jobs. Not only will it enable you to access a better job, yet it will also be a valuable asset for completing your tasks, designing and implementing strategies, as well as developing your network.

Having cross-cultural communication skills is also necessary in China, even more than for any other international environment.

Far from being exhausted, the job opportunities for foreigners in China are still numerous. One can acknowledge the fact that the Golden Era of expat packages and being able to access high positions easily without any notion of Mandarin is over, however "flexpats" are becoming the new norm and the job market is still full of potential for those who can adapt to its changes!

 

Discover our full range of solutions!

 

/ By ASI Movers / ASI Movers Moving Stories • Expat Lifestyle • Life in China/ 0 Comments

Relocating With Valuable Art Pieces – An ASI Movers’ Story!

Relocating with your art pieces can be stressful.

When moving from one place to another, it can indeed be challenging to find elements surrounding you which bring you comfort, and the feeling of being home. Some elements though, especially the ones that are meaningful to you such as art pieces you chose, are among these things that can help you appropriate a new home. 🌏

However, how to protect these master pieces, these fragile items and their details you care about? 🖼

At ASI Movers, moving is our art. Our expertise enables you to enjoy your art piece wherever you relocate, without even noticing that you moved! 🌟

We pack with care and design a solution adapted to your items and your relocation project for you to leave your special objects move lightheartedly!

The Painting

We thank Christian de Laubadère for granting us the pleasure to admire and move one of his beautiful paintings, which are combined with antique fabrics, printed paper and sculpted coifs. At the meeting point between a traditional Chinese visual vocabulary and European paintings, his "Necks" series focuses on the backs of women's heads and their hairstyles, jewelry, and clothing.

We would also like to thank ArtCN gallery which landed us the painting used in this video and thus trusted our expertise in moving delicate art pieces.

/ By ASI Movers / Life in China • Living in Shanghai/ 0 Comments

How to Spend the Mid-Autumn Festival

You might already know that China is preparing for a celebration, given the National Holiday taking place on Friday, September 13th. What is this celebration about, what are the customs surrounding it, but also what to do during this long week-end? Let’s find out.

ASI Movers has been helping expats in their relocation projects from, to and within China for more than 10 years. It’s international, strong of a renown expertise in moving and accompanying individuals and families. From origin to your final destination, we handle your move with care to ensure your peace of mind, and let you enjoy your new home and its customs freely!

What Is the Mid-Autumn Festival About?

  • Names: Mid-Autumn Festival, Moon Festival, East Asian Harvest Festival
  • What to say: 中秋节快乐！"zhongqiujie kuaile’" (Happy Mid-Autumn Festival)
  • When: 15th day of the 8th month of the Lunar Calendar
  • Where: China, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia with other look-alike festivals in Korea or Japan.

In the ancient times (it started around 1046 BC), people noticed the correlation between the movements of the moon and the change of seasons, which is linked to the agricultural production, and thus started to express their thanks to the moon.  At the beginning, it was more of a royal class’ celebration during the Autumn equinox. Then it reached the common people, merged with the moon sacrifice ceremony, and the date moved to 15th day of 8th month of the Lunar Calendar.

The Moon Festival is also related to a very famous Chinese legend, the one of Chang’E flying to the moon. Her husband, an archer, shot down 9 of the 10 suns which were causing great damage to hearth and to the people. To reward him, he received an elixir of immortality. He accepted the gift but refused to take it as to stay with his wife. One day, a robber tried to still the elixir. To prevent him from drinking it, Chang’E drank it. She became immortal and flew to heaven, choosing the moon as residence as to stay near her husband. Saddened, her husband displaced food she liked outside and gave sacrifice to her.

What Do People Traditionally Do?

Gather With Friends and Families

Traditionally, people visit their family and friends during the festival. The moon itself, with its round shape, is a symbol of reunion and being together. It comes with bringing gifts to the loved ones, especially moon cakes, which we present you just after.

People used to cook and dine at home. Nowadays, it is more about going out in a nice restaurant. If you are planning on eating outside this week-end, better book in advance!

Eat Moon Cakes

What is more normal than to eat moon cakes during the Moon Festival? You have probably already seen this small round cake decorated with elegant drawings. Moon cakes are made from wheat or rice flour and sugar, and come with different fillings, notably red-bean and lotus paste.

Before, the family members use to make them together, nowadays you can find them in every store, making this tradition disappear.

Lanterns

Traditionally, people were making and decorating lanterns, especially with riddles that one could have fun solving. Nowadays, you will probably see lanterns in parks, or floating on rivers.

Offerings

The custom is to put a table outside of the house with offerings for the moon (fruit, incense and candlesticks). It faded away, however you might be able to see it in some old towns or touristy places, yet it is not really genuine and more of a tourist attraction.

What Activities Can You Do?

As for every Chinese holiday, people are going home and thus the trains, planes and buses are quite crowded. If you feel like resting home, that is thus a very valid option to avoid the crowd.

If you have children, you might consider decorating lanterns with them. They come in all forms and shapes, some of them resemble animals or flowers. Traditionally, children will write good wishes on them, but you can get creative!

Recently, people are more and more keen to go traveling nearby home. Consider short trips to a nearby town or village you never had the occasion to go to. However, tickets are likely to be sold out very quickly. If you live in Shanghai, you can explore one of the nearby water towns such as Suzhou or Hangzhou, or even the more rural Tongli. You might also want to escape the city and enjoy the nature at Moganshan, or even choose a more atypical scenery and book a ticket to the abandoned fishermen village of the Shengsi Islands.

Not too keen to leave the city? Consider doing some shopping. As often during any holiday, malls display discounts. It’s also the end of the Summer Season, so you will probably find good deals for Summer clothes, which comes handy while the weather is still quite warm.

You can also comply with the Chinese tradition and gather with friends for dinner or lunch, a great occasion to take time to enjoy your loved ones!

ASI Movers wishes you a happy Mid-Autumn Festival!

/ By ASI Movers / Expat Lifestyle • Life in China • Living in Shanghai/ 0 Comments

What To Do in Shanghai in September

September is here! Whether you just arrived in Shanghai for the first time, are returning from well-deserved vacations outside the country, or are prolonging a Summer at the office, it is time to take advantage of the many activities as to offer. With the new scholar year, come new habits but also the will to avoid the “back-to-school” blues.

That is the reason why ASI Movers has decided to recommend you 4 events for you to make the month of September the most enjoyable possible! And there is one for every taste!

At ASI Movers, we have been helping expats move to Shanghai for more than 10 years and also know how difficult it can be to get familiar with a city, understand its atmosphere and get involved in its cultural life. We hope that these recommendations will make it easier for you!

For Families:

(Même) Pas Peur

Looking to a fun activity to start the scholar year with your children? There is the perfect event for you and your family!

(Même) Pas Peur is film-concert centered around the story of a not that scary wolf going through a lot of adventures. Funny and friendly, this spectacle will certainly seduce you as well!

The movie is thus accompanied by instrumentals from musicians Anne-Laura Bourget and Ollivier Leroy. Made with percussions from around the world, unusual instruments, keyboards (Indian harmonium, toy, piano), diverted objects and vocals; the music will provide you and your child with a unique experience.

September 7th

10:30am and 3:30pm

1862 Theatre, 1777 Binjiang Dadao, Rizhao Road.

Nb: the performance is in French with Chinese subtitles.

For Jazz Lovers:

JZ Festival

Eager to enjoy experiment a jazzy vibe in Shanghai? Then you should head to the JZ festival, which indeed is China biggest jazz and blues festival, one of Asia’s most famous, and which is also celebrating its 15th anniversary this year.

This year, it brings to you artists such as Lalah Hathaway, Jacob Collier, The Heart Wind & Fire Experience Featuring the Al McKay Allstars, Marcus Miller, Jaga Jazzist, Tia Ray, Cui Jian, Li Quan, the Jazz Orchestra of the Concertbouw Amsterdam, Viento Terral with Andy Hunter. All in all, 75 musicians and bands will be performing over the course for the festival.

The music will cover a lot of styles, ranging from jazz, blues, funk, latin, fusion, r&b to hip-hop.

September 13th-15th

Shanghai Maxus Datong Music Valley

177 Sendi South Road, Shanghai

For Sportspeople & Fashion Aficionados

Fashion RunRunRun

“Fashion x Sport”, pretty self-explanatory! If you are the kind of person who would run a marathon all dressed up in your coolest outfit, then this event is definitely for you! Even if you are not, you should definitely have a look at this unique show!

Two separate runs will be held: the Fashion Run and the Family Run. Consider bringing your friends and/or family along with you!

September 14th-15th  

Fashion Run:

Sep 14th & 15th, 1pm-6pm, RMB200 for one adult.

 

Family Run:    Sep 14th & 15th, 10am-1pm, RMB300 for one adult and one kid, RMB 500 for two adults and one kid.

 

Fashion Run Package:

Sep 14th & 15th: 1pm-6pm, RMB900 for five adults, RMB1,600 for ten adults.

Jing’An Kerry Centre, 1515 Nanjing Xi Lu, by Changle Lu, Shanghai.

For Exhibitions Addicts

International Photography Fair

For the sixth year, PHOTOFAIRS comes back to Shanghai. This is a unique exhibition in China, since it is the only international art fair dedicated to photography in the country. It has become a driver of Chinese photography market. During three days, you can have a look at the work of famous artists such as Marina Abramovic, Yang Fudong, Vivan Maier and Robert Mapplethorpe.

September 20th-22nd

Standard tickets: RMB98 before September 18th, RMB125 after September 18th

VIP tickets: RMB580 before September 18th, RMB620 after September 18th

Shanghai Exhibition Center, 1000 Yan’an Zhong Lu, by Shaanxi Lu

/ By asimovers / Expat Lifestyle • Life in China • Living in Shanghai • Uncategorized/ 0 Comments

How to Send Your Money Overseas If You Live in China?

As an expat working in Shanghai, you might consider sending money to your family abroad. Sending the money out of the country might be challenging. ASI Movers compiled advices and tips that might be useful to you during the process.

Through Your Bank:

When it comes to money transactions, China is very strict! Using Alipay, Paypal or even sending a Chinese bank card overseas and withdrawing from a foreign country are all considered ILLEGAL!
China has a suitable system if you are willing to send money abroad. You basically need to show that you earned your money in a legal way, and you have paid tax on it.
On your way to the bank, you need to bring your work contract and the yearly income tax statement (you can get this document from the HR or finance department of the company you’re working at). Additionally you will need your passport with a valid Chinese visa (your visa must not expire soon) otherwise the bank will refuse to carry out any kind of transaction. Moreover, you need to provide the bank with the foreign account details: such as the account holder number, name, address, telephone number, the bank Swift and the bank phone number.

the bank teller will certainly be thorough and will reject your application if even one document is missing,so be diligent and make sure you go in prepared!

Once you make sure your taxes are paid and you have all the documents mentioned above, you are good to go, you can send up to 50,000 USD annually, and the limit can vary from bank to bank, so make sure to do some research first.

Note: you might spend a considerable amount of time at the bank, patience is the key!

Taking the cash on a plane:

One other way to send your cash outside China, would be through airplanes, yet the rules are clear, for Chinese and non Chinese citizens the maximum amount that could be carried is 5000 USD.

For more than 10 years, ASI Movers has been accompanying expats and helping them with their relocation from, to and within China. We are aware of the struggles expats might face when moving in or out of China and are dedicated to providing you with the most accurate information regarding your life in the Middle Kingdom, as for your international journey to be the smoothest possible!

/ By asimovers / Life in China/ 0 Comments

Qixi: the Chinese Valentine’s Day!

 

 

 

Qixi festival (also called Double Seventh Festival) is known as the Chinese Valentine’s Day and falls on the 7th day of the 7th Chinese lunar month. This year, it is supposed to occur on Wednesday, August 7th.
What is the history and traditions of Double Seventh Day? And how do Chinese couples celebrate it today? Keep reading to learn more about it!

The story behind Qixi 七夕节 Festival

The celebration of this day originates in the romantic legend of two lovers: Zhinu and Niulang during the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD).
The legend says that Niulang was a cowboy and had a kind heart, although he was mistreated during his childhood. One day after having been driven out of his home, an old man guided him to a sick ox. Niulang took care of the ox and managed to make him recover. Afterwards and to show his gratitude, the old man arranged a date between Niulang and Zhinu (a fairy from heaven). They fell in love with each other and got married. It sounds like a perfect romance, right? Well, good times didn’t last long as Zhinu’s mother was furious about her daughter’s marriage and eventually sent soldiers to bring Zhinu back to heaven. With the help of the ox, Niulang flew to heaven, but before he could rich his wife, the queen of heaven created a huge river between them. Tears from the two flowed continuously so that even the queen was moved. Hence she allowed them to meet once a year, on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month.

Customs during this festival:

In the evening of Qixi, young women used to sew articles to compete with each other, they also used to carve exotic flowers, animals, unusual birds, usually on a melon skin.
Other customs involved women worshiping Zhinu and preparing tea, wine, fruits, red dates, hazelnuts, peanuts and melon seeds. Women were usually displaying the qualities of good spouses and the ones who were yet to be married were making wishes to marry a good husband.
As for most of Chinese celebrations, a typical food is prepared. During Qixi, people eat qiaoguo - “skill fruit” - which is a fried, thin pastry made from oil, flour and sugar and which takes a variety of different and elegant shapes. Then strung together, the pastries are hanged to the ceiling or worn as necklaces by the children.

How is China’s Valentine’s Day celebrated today?

These days Qixi is much more of a commercial event. Just like during Western Valentine’s Days, Chinese men often offer flowers, chocolate or other presents to their partner, while the traditional customs slowly faded away. Thus the romantic story has taken deep roots in the hearts of Chinese people, it will probably be always taught!

ASI Movers– as your trusted relocation partner from, to and within China – wishes you a happy Qixi festival!

 

Discover our full range of solutions!

/ By asimovers / Expat Lifestyle • Life in China • Living in Shanghai • Uncategorized/ 0 Comments

Healthcare for Expats in Shanghai:Everything you Need to Know!

Planning to move to Shanghai soon, alone or with your family? You want to know more about the healthcare system in China? ASI Movers delivers you a full guide to facilitate your journey!

About the Insurance

First thing first, before looking for hospitals, you need to fully understand your insurance policy and see what it covers. Keep in mind that, you cannot use a simplified travel insurance once you become a resident. You will have to consider additional fees for certain services (e.g : maternity, mental health, orthodontics..). Generally the cost per person can range between 5 500 RMB and 20 000 RMB annually, the out-patient coverage will be everything else and makes up the majority of insurance claims.

ASI Movers would advise you to consult an insurance provider and choose the package that suits you the most!

Which hospital to choose in Shanghai?

Now what happens if you are sick or need to consult a specialist for any other reasons? ASI Movers has decided to provide a handful guide regarding hospitality facilities foreigner-friendly in Shanghai.

This cosmopolitan city has a wide range of hospitals & clinics to offer. Main options consist in International Hospitals, Local Hospitals and VIP Clinics.

International hospitals

Shanghai United family hospital

  • The price ranges between 1500 RMB and 2000 RMB;

  • They offer services like dental, sports medicine, etc.;

  • Address : 1139 Xianxia Road, Changning District, Shanghai 200336
    上海和睦家医院上海市长宁区仙霞路1139号 邮编：200336

  • Phone number:400 639 3900

Jiahui Health

  • Prices are reasonable for an international hospital however they do not have emergency services;

  • Prices range from 300 RMB up to 1000 RMB;

  • Address : 689 Guiping Lu, by Qinjiang Lu,
    桂平路689号, 近钦江路;

  • Phone number:400 868 3000

Local hospitals

Usually not the option an expat would opt for. Local hospitals do not accept international insurance. They may be very crowded, but you are still likely to find an English speaking doctor and staff in the biggest ones.

Here are some top ranked local hospital, ASI Movers would recommend you:

Huashan Hospital

  • One of Shanghai’s biggest hospitals;

  • Specialized in neurology;

  • Prices range from 38 RMB up to 318 RMB;

  • Address : 12 Wulumuqi Zhong Lu, near Huashan Lu , 华山医院 乌鲁木齐中路12号15楼, 近华山路

  • Phone number:5288 9999

Ruijing Hospital

  • Very easy access and affordable;

  • More specialized in hematology and infection diseases;

  • Prices range from90 RMB up to 300 RMB;

  • Address:197 Ruijing Er Lu ,near Shaoxing Lu瑞金二路197号， 近绍兴路

  • Phone number:6437 0045

VIP clinics

VIP clinics’ concept consists in local hospitals having international divisions. , It is a great alternative to international hospitals which offers very convenient options for expats, as it provides premium services with a medium price. All the VIP clinics are present in most local hospitals.

After having spent 10 years helping expats relocating from, to and within China, we know how essential knowing where and how to find reliable healthcare services is when moving to a new country or city is. For choosing your best healthcare provider as for moving your belongings, ASI Movers is here to provide you with accurate information, expertise & recommendations!