Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
and digital markets. It lacks the refinement of the east and can feel a little chaotic, but it's a
fun and easygoing place to be if you're a student. Many come to study Mandarin (generally
referred to here simply as Chinese), but an increasing number of internationally respected,
non-language-related courses are also available (taught in English).
Entrepreneurs will also find a wealth of opportunities in Beijing. It might be the capital
of the world's second biggest economy, but there are still many gaps in services and trade
that a pair of foreign eyes might quickly spot and take advantage of. In recent years, the
government has eased some of its regulations on foreign investment, so doing business here
can be a little easier than in former years. There are still huge challenges for the foreign
businessperson, however. You'll likely find that the work culture, business ethics, and bur-
eaucracy vary radically from what you're accustomed to, and for some, this can be too dif-
ficult to endure.
The Beijing workplace is definitely still a Chinese-dominant environment, and if you've
spent time in Hong Kong you might be shocked by the difference. If you don't speak
Chinese, it can be hard to find a job in a field that doesn't relate explicitly to using English,
be it an English teacher or writer for a local expat magazine, and rarely do these kinds of
jobs promise to bring you wealth. Beijingers frequently work long hours, and you'll be ex-
pected to, too. If you work late one night you'll still be required to turn up at 8 or 9 the fol-
