Overview of Guangzhou
Guangzhou (Canton), a prosperous metropolis full of vigor, is the capital city of Guangdong Province located along the south coastline of China. Being an excellent port on the Pearl River navigable to the South China Sea, and with fast accessibility to Hong Kong and Macau, the city serves as the political, economic, scientific, educational and cultural center in Guangdong area. Being the first cities benefited from the Reform and Opening Up policy since 1978, the city acts as the pioneer of the economic development of the country, with numerous enterprises, which offer many job opportunities and make the city a heavily populated area. Guangzhou is especially prosperous in commerce, tourism, dining, finance and real estate. For travelers, the city shows much attraction through its famous sights such as the Five Ram Statue in Yuexiu Park, Pearl River and White Cloud Mountain.
- Townships: 136 Subdistricts and 34 Towns
- Timezone: China Standard Time (UTC+8)
- Government Type:Sub-Provincial City
- Postal Code: 510000
- Population: 14,040,000
- Area Code (Local/Int.): +86 (0) 20
- Demonym: Cantonese
- City Flower:Bombax Ceiba
- Religion: Daoism, Buddhism, Christianity
- Language:Cantonese, Mandarin
- Internet Domain: .cn
Living in Guangzhou
Guangzhou is one of the largest cities in China, located in the southern part of the country just over the border from Hong Kong and Macau. Beyond its vast history and distinct Cantonese culture, Guangzhou is an international business hub thanks to its location along the Pearl River Delta. In addition to the business opportunities here for expats, there are plenty of things to do in Guangzhou China, hence living in this city can be quite enjoyable.
Expats living in Guangzhou enjoy a unique cultural setting with diverse influences. The booming Chinese economy is quite appealing to most expats because of the many employment opportunities created by the city’s versatile economy. Guangzhou is home to many international businesses, thus providing endless opportunities for foreign workers and expats with a good education.
Generally, expats can earn more whilst working in Guangzhou than they would earn in any other international city. The cost of living is overly low and the fact that expats are exempted from paying high taxes means that they can make a very decent living in Guangzhou. There are a variety of expat activities, including clubs, bars, and other hangouts. The city is also home to one of China's top football (soccer) teams, so there is a lively sports culture too. Also, being conveniently close to Macau and Hong Kong make for wonderful getaways during the weekend or holidays.
Guangzhou has a long history with rich traditions; however, it is quite different than other regions in China because of the distinct Cantonese culture here. This is home of famous "dim sum" and having "morning tea" is a lovely tradition where you have a long brunch full of dim sum and tea while chatting with friends. The traditional Cantonese language is sometimes spoken by older generations, you may also hear younger people using a mix of Cantonese and Mandarin - even though Mandarin is the only official language that is taught in school.
Guangzhou is a fascinating and historic city for both expats and visitors alike. It has a vibrant economy, superb transportation system and numerous expat employment opportunities, while also having a distinct southern Chinese culture with their own foods and traditions as well as many things to do for visitors and locals alike.
EDUCATION
Moving to another city or country is never easy. Especially when you have been relocated to China, where the immense linguistic and cultural differences can be very overwhelming. If you are moving with your family, one of the biggest concerns is the education for your children. Fortunately in Guangzhou there are several international schools, kindergartens and bilingual schools with different curriculums and high academic standards.
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1.International Schools
1.There are a number of international schools that allow children to continue studying the curriculum from their home country. Placement is tough; some companies that regularly relocate expats will reserve spots in top schools, and education should be discussed with an employer well before moving to Guangzhou. International schools can also be expensive. Therefore, expats should try to negotiate an allowance to cover the cost of their children's school fees before accepting a job in China.
Those who don't have a reserved spot at an international school in Guangzhou need to begin the application process as soon as possible, because waiting lists at some schools are incredibly long. It is best to check the entry requirements for each school and have the necessary documents readily available so the application process can be done as quickly as possible.
View International Schools
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2.Bilingual Schools
Some private schools in Guangzhou accept both expat and Chinese students, but parents should make sure that Chinese-run private schools are a good fit for their children.
Some schools provide bilingual education, while others are less focused on international students and follow the Chinese approach to education, which is not always suitable for Western expat children.
View Bilingual & Local Schools
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3.International Kindergartens
International kindergartens are very popular among expatriates in China, specially in a city like Guangzhou. They are spread all over the city which makes them easy to find. They offer better facilities and wider range of activities than local kindergartens. As can be expected, tuition fee is generally more costly than that of local ones.
View International Kindergartens
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4.Language Institutes
This institutes offer a wide variety of non-degree programs as well as HSK preparation. It is an ideal choice for those expats willing to learn and embrace the chinese language. Several courses are offer and they may vary from institute to institute. In addition they have tailored hours to meet your specific schedule.
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5. Public Schools
Expat children who are more accustomed to a less rigorous or a more balanced lifestyle may feel pressured in a Chinese public school. For this reason, as well as the difficulties that the language barrier creates, selected private and international schools are usually the best option for the children of expats in Guangzhou.
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6.Homeschooling in Guangzhou
Homeschooling is popular in Guangzhou with local parents who find that public education isn't suited to their children, and for expat parents who find that international schools are overpriced. Parents who homeschool have the freedom to teach to their children's strengths and spend the time to address their weaknesses.
