Posted 2017/6/21
Large cities, such as Beijing and Shanghai, are diverse and metropolitan. The pace is very busy, and expect lots of pedestrians, traffic and hustle and bustle. Shanghai is often compared to New York, thanks to its international feel and entertainment options. Beijing, on the other hand, is a little more relaxed and has more tourists. For the average Chinese, city life consists of a long work day of up to 12 hours. For relaxation, locals enjoy shopping and the ever-popular karaoke. More and more people from rural areas are moving to urban areas, and approximately 20 million Chinese move to cities annually. Chinese cities are an ever-changing phenomenon in their own right.
There are 669 cities in China, and more than 100 of them have a population of more than 1 million. A typical Chinese city has wide roads, several universities, hospitals, an airport expressway and various types of housing. Expats seeking foreign reading materials can find English sections in most major cities’ bookstores. Independent specialty bookstores carrying only English books exist, though prices tend to be higher due to importing costs. Some websites offer shipping to China, and shopping online is often a great way of obtaining inexpensive books and materials.
One surprising fact about Chinese cities is that they are empty during the Chinese New Year. Locals visit their hometowns during this holiday, and expats are often surprised at the deserted urban areas, especially Beijing. It is the biggest holiday in China, and expect an amazing number of fireworks in the week surrounding the holiday.
