China is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and with good reason. The country is filled with amazing sights, sounds, and flavors that will leave you wanting more. But while China is a beautiful place to visit, it can also be expensive. In this article, we’re going to take a look at the cost of living in China in different areas to make you stay comfortable there.
History of China
The history of China can be traced back over 3,000 years. The first inhabitants of China were the Huangdi people, who arrived around 10,000 BC. Over the following centuries, various tribes and clans settled in what is now China, making it one of the world’s most ethnically diverse countries.
In 221 BC, the Qin dynasty was established by a group of warlords who united China under their rule. The Qin dynasty was one of the most severe empires in Chinese history, leading to widespread poverty and a decline in traditional Chinese culture. However, during the reign of Emperor Shi Huangdi (259-210 BC), China saw its first major flowering of culture and art.
During the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), which was marked by considerable progress in science and engineering, China emerged as a powerful empire. However, towards the end of the Tang Dynasty, there began a period of political instability known as the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period. This saw several weak regimes take control of parts or all of China for brief periods, resulting in much economic and social decay.
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Benefits of Living in China
- The Quality of Life is Excellent
China has one of the world’s highest standards of living. It ranks as the sixth most livable country according to the Economist Intelligence Unit index. This means that quality of life is excellent, with plenty of things to do and see no matter where you live. Also, the cost of living is quite low when compared to other countries in Asia.
- The Economic Opportunities Are Endless
China is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world and this means that there are endless opportunities for those who are willing to work hard. There are many jobs available in sectors such as finance, business, engineering, and education. If you have the right skill set, chances are good that you will be able to find a job here without much difficulty at all.
- Language Barrier Is Not a Barrier:
With over 1,000 different spoken languages and more than a billion residents, living in China can be daunting if you don’t know Chinese Mandarin or another Chinese dialect. However, with a little effort and patience, it’s not impossible to get by. And even if you can’t speak the language fluently yourself there are plenty of people around who can help you out when needed.
- Cultural Adventures Await You:
Whether you’re looking for excitement on your daily commute or want to explore some historically significant sites, China has something for everyone. And with so many different regions and cities available there’s no telling where your adventures will take you!
China’s Gross Domestic Product
China’s economy is the second largest in the world and its gross domestic product (GDP) ranks as the world’s second-largest. The country has experienced rapid growth over the past several decades and continues to experience robust economic expansion. China’s GDP grew by 6.9% in 2016, making it one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.
The Chinese economy is heavily dependent on exports, which accounted for more than 60% of the GDP in 2016. The primary sectors of China’s economy are services, manufacturing, agriculture, and construction. The country’s major export products include electrical machinery and equipment, textiles and apparel, chemicals, foodstuffs, fuels, metals ores and minerals, and computer software and hardware. China also exports services such as tourism and education.
The Chinese government has placed a heavy emphasis on investment since the late 1970s. In recent years, Beijing has made concerted efforts to shift away from an investment-led growth model to a consumption-based one that will focus on developing urban areas and boosting consumer demand. This change has been accompanied by increased efforts to reduce pollution levels in major cities as well as improved social welfare programs for the country’s large population of peasants who make up about 55% of the total population.
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Different Costs of Living in China
Cost of Accommodation
If you’re considering moving to China for work or to study, the cost of accommodation will likely be a major factor in your decision. Inexpensive hostels and apartments can be found throughout large cities, but prices tend to increase as you move further away from the urban areas. The best way to find an affordable place to stay is by using online rental services.
In smaller towns and villages, finding a room to rent can be more difficult. It’s not unusual for landlords to require a deposit (usually around $200) and a monthly rent of $100 or more. If you’re lucky enough to find an apartment or house rental on your own, expect to pay anywhere from $50 per month for a small room in shared accommodation to upwards of $1,000 per month for an entire villa with its private pool and garden.
Cost of Transportation
Transportation costs vary depending on where you are in China. A taxi ride from downtown Beijing to suburban Xidan will cost around ¥120 ($16), while a taxi ride from rural Hebei province to downtown Beijing will cost about ¥50 ($7). Train tickets between major cities can also be expensive, costing anywhere from ¥60 ($8) to ¥200 ($28) per ticket. Airfare between major
The most common form of transportation in China is the bus. Buses are reliable, cheap, and ubiquitous throughout the country. Private buses are also becoming popular as they offer a more comfortable ride compared to taxis or trains.
Cost of Feeding
The cost of feeding a family in China varies widely depending on the region and lifestyle. In some places, such as Beijing and Shanghai, the cost of food can be expensive because of the high prices for imported food items. However, in other parts of China, the cost of food is lower due to cheaper labor costs and locally produced items. The average cost of feeding a family with an annual income of $10,000 in China is $1,200.
One way to save money on groceries is to buy in bulk at local markets or warehouse stores. Another way to save money on food is to cook at home using ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. Cooking at home also allows you control over the quality and quantity of ingredients used, which can be a cost-saving measure.
Cost of Insurance
The cost of healthcare in China can be very prohibitive for expatriates and natives alike, with out-of-pocket expenses often topping 10% of an individual’s monthly income. In addition to the high cost of medical services, the Chinese healthcare system is notoriously inefficient and prone to delays. For those who are unable to afford healthcare in China, there are many options available including domestic hospitals and clinics, as well as private health insurance.
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Conclusion
China is one of the most populous countries in the world and it’s growing even more rapidly. With so many people living in cities, it’s no wonder that the cost of living there is high. However, with careful planning and research, you can still find ways to save money while living in China.