With a population of almost 1.4 billion people and some of the busiest cities in the world, China rarely draws in expats who are looking for peace and quiet! But if you’re after hustle, bustle, and a culture unlike anything you’ve ever experienced, China may be the place for you.   more ...

China has the third biggest landmass and the largest population of any country, with over 1.4 billion people. Its vibrant culture and incredible history make it a fascinating place to visit. If you think that expat life in China might be for you, then you’ll need to consider your accommodation options. This article will take you through all you need to know about renting and buying property in China.   more ...

Despite a decade or so of reforms to the system, healthcare in China is still often cited as “substandard” and largely “inconsistent”. Having said that, the system has seen plenty of progress, particularly throughout the rural regions of the country. It’s no secret that the standard of care differs greatly depending on where you are located, with the top quality hospitals being found within the main cities.   more ...

China’s public healthcare falls under its social insurance plan. Since 2006, China has been undertaking large-scale reforms across its healthcare system. Under these reforms, around 800 million rural residents gained basic medical coverage, with the central and provincial governments covering between 30% and 80% of medical costs. By 2011, more than 95% of the total population of China had basic health insurance, although individual’s out-of-pocket costs and quality of care differed significantly. The reason for this is largely because cover depends on regional authorities and their own regulations.   more ...

China can be a challenging place in which to work and live. If you are an expat in the country, it is important to take care of your mental health. Please read on for tips on how best to do this, as well as for more general information about mental health in China.   more ...

Note: This article assumes a normal state of affairs in China and cannot predict future developments concerning the COVID-19 coronavirus. As long as the coronavirus crisis continues, always check official government guidance before travelling.   more ...

Note: This article assumes a normal state of affairs in China and cannot predict future developments concerning the COVID-19 coronavirus. As long as the coronavirus crisis continues, always check official government guidance before travelling.   more ...

Over the last five years, China has put various measures in place to raise the quality of medical care and treatments. Historically, richer citizens have resorted to travelling abroad to receive treatment. For example, to Hong Kong, Japan or even further afield. This option is not available to poorer citizens, who have therefore sometimes seen the diagnosis of a serious condition as a potential death sentence. The new legislation is designed to support the development of new treatments and services at affordable prices.   more ...

In China, expats can choose between public, private or international hospitals for their maternity care. Home births are rare, except in the case of Chinese families in remote rural areas. Although private health insurance is not mandatory in China, it will limit your options if you do not have sufficient medical cover.   more ...

Note: This article assumes a normal state of affairs in China and cannot predict future developments concerning the COVID-19 coronavirus. As long as the coronavirus crisis continues, always check official government guidance before travelling.

China has a national healthcare system, but the healthcare provided varies significantly in terms of cost, quality, and accessibility to foreign residents. In principle, everyone, including expats, can choose between: the public system, which is the cheapest option; VIP wards in public hospitals, which are a halfway house between public and private; and purely private healthcare, the most expensive option, as it is not supported at all by the state system. In practice, most Westerners opt to go private, as this is the only way to access healthcare commensurate with what they are accustomed to back home.   more ...