I have worked there for some time, but in the mining sector, so I stayed in Baotou, which is post apocalyptic in it's scenery. I like China, absolutely hate the cities, Northerns are cool and chill, Southerners and city folk from Shanghai are uptight and full of themselves.
If you stay in the Northeast I can recommend Dalian as a really clean seaside city (I grew up in Liaoning and I think it's better than the capital Shenyang). In the South there's Hangzhou and Nanjing but I'd avoid Shanghai unless you're really into the super dense New York vibes (comes with the same kind of snooty petit bourgeois elitism too). Beijing is probably the easiest for a foreigner because everyone speaks English but it's also got some of the worst traffic and hectic life.
Since you mentioned travel, Xi'an and Chongqing are worth a look, it's pretty chill but I'm not sure about job prospects as a foreigner.
I'm a filthy Slav from a republic neighboring China so I guess Northerners are the closest to what I am used to culture wise and way of life. Like all my coworkers would say, "Those people from the South, they are always scheming, trying to make money." I never experienced being schemed, but the way of life was way quicker and more cut throat, at least in opinion. Likewise, the people seemed more closed off in the South and would piss around the bush more often.
I have worked there for some time, but in the mining sector, so I stayed in Baotou, which is post apocalyptic in it's scenery. I like China, absolutely hate the cities, Northerns are cool and chill, Southerners and city folk from Shanghai are uptight and full of themselves.
That sounds like cities in general. Unfortunately, I'm a filthy urbanite too, so I'd probably not be that phased.
If you stay in the Northeast I can recommend Dalian as a really clean seaside city (I grew up in Liaoning and I think it's better than the capital Shenyang). In the South there's Hangzhou and Nanjing but I'd avoid Shanghai unless you're really into the super dense New York vibes (comes with the same kind of snooty petit bourgeois elitism too). Beijing is probably the easiest for a foreigner because everyone speaks English but it's also got some of the worst traffic and hectic life.
Since you mentioned travel, Xi'an and Chongqing are worth a look, it's pretty chill but I'm not sure about job prospects as a foreigner.
Hangzhou and Nanjing are options on the list! I'll keep that in mind. Thanks for the advice.
deleted by creator
I'm a filthy Slav from a republic neighboring China so I guess Northerners are the closest to what I am used to culture wise and way of life. Like all my coworkers would say, "Those people from the South, they are always scheming, trying to make money." I never experienced being schemed, but the way of life was way quicker and more cut throat, at least in opinion. Likewise, the people seemed more closed off in the South and would piss around the bush more often.
deleted by creator