Apartment living is the norm in China, making life quick and convenient with zero maintenance and a central location. Options range from studios to up to three bedrooms for around 2000-4000 RMB depending on their age and location. Most apartments come furnished with a washer, fridge, television, couch and bed so moving in doesn’t require any major purchases.

Chinese public transportation is unrivalled, offering buses, trams, and subways at a very affordable price. Both quick and frequent, buses typically cost 1-2 RMB while subways range from 2-6 RMB. Taxis are another easy option where a three-kilometre journey goes for 8-14 RMB depending on the size of the city.

Kung Pao Chicken, fried rice and egg rolls are the first things that spring to mind when you think of Chinese food, but Chinese cuisine is as diverse as it is delicious. Each region has signature flavours and a wide array of dishes including hot pot, dumplings, roast fish, and many more that are exciting to try and will redefine Chinese food.

While foreign food in China is still relatively new in China, it's available almost everywhere and continually growing. Large chains like Starbucks, McDonald's, Burger King, Subway, Pizza Hut, and Dairy Queen can be found in every large Chinese city. Local western and international restaurants are very prevalent, with major cities boasting hundreds of options ranging from fine Michelin starred dining to neighbourhood dives.

Shopping for groceries in China is extremely convenient with a local market in almost every neighbourhood and domestic and international supermarkets are never far away. Most supermarkets have a selection of imported essentials. Additionally, import stores offer a broader selection of imported food and drink from many countries.

Just like any western city, there is plenty to keep you entertained living in China. Movies are extremely popular and played in English at every theatre. Live music is continuing to thrive in China with more and more international artists touring and a growing number of major music festivals like Shanghai Storm, Ultra, and JZ Festival drawing thousands of people. Movies and music are just the tips of the iceberg though. Many more options abound from internationally acclaimed cocktail bars and night clubs to karaoke and bowling.