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Q: Moving from a big to small city in China...
In the past, I've had a couple of job offers that would require me to move from Beijing to a much smaller (tier 3-4) city in China. I eventually turned them down, as I wasn't sure how I'd react to moving from a place with a lot of Western amenities to a place with basically none (also my current job in Beijing paid about the same). Anyone ever gone through with this? How'd you react to the change? As far as I can tell, most foreigners in China either go right away to big cities or start in small cities and eventually move to bigger ones.
I moved from a small city to a big city and I can safely say after living for long enough and both that it's a double edged sword - both ways. Job wise obviously you'll save money and if you're saying that the job you've been offered pays the same as you're Beijing one you'll be a lot better off financially as they're so much cheaper. Seriously, Beijing seems like London sometimes - 30 RMB for a beer? haha. On the Westernism side - you'll be surprised. Even third and fourth tier cities have import supermarkets and enough fun and games that means you won't get bored; obviously the choice is much more limited though.
I started in a small city, and intend to stay here
I have been to bigger cities, although shenyang is the biggest i have been to and hated it, too many people for me.
Where i am,, i don't see westerners and we don't have western amenities, but i am happy here and made some good friends, so i know i would hate to be in a big city full time.
If i want western its an hour down the road, but very rarely do i need it.
I've been to GZ, Sz, Bj. I felt they were too big. As soon as I walked in Guilin, I loved the place.
Rin:
Love Guilin too, but it's not like your average 'small city'. You can find anything you want/need there :)
How's your Chinese? Because you'll be relying on it a lot more living in a 4th tier city. In my little city, rarely do I come across anyone with English ability beyond Hello, How are you, Nice to meet you.....
I was one of those who started in a small city and moved to a bigger one.
Most people on t his post here seem to prefer smaller cities, and that is good. We cannot all like the same.
My experience was opposite. I was really going crazy in Guilin. Loved it at first, but soon grew to really hate it.
The lack of variety, the smallness, the same ness. the lack of culture both Chinese and Western. Seems like the only performance they have is the (edited) story of Third Sister Liu.
I really felt more like I was in a town instead of the city, and I really do not like country life at all. So, I moved to Beijing and now I truly am happy. My only complaint would be how expensive it is, but that is the price we pay (no pun intended).
I hope that whatever you decide, it be for the best!
Good luck!
I actually love the slow life progress in small cities although there are few things to do.
