Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
padded salaries and substantial packages, which led to negative vibes and didn't do much
for relationships with the poorly paid locals in the same office. Today, unless you're being
brought in by an international company, the sun has all but set on those heydays.
It's not difficult to make friends here, and the Chinese are extremely friendly and wel-
coming. You'll be invited out to lunch or dinner, or KTV (the local term for karaoke). Their
curiosity creates an avenue to chats or interaction, and in many cases language barriers can
be overcome by food or copious drinking. (Letting yourself get drunk in front of them can
earn big bonding points.) Expats do tend to gel together quite readily, and it's highly likely
that your closest friends will be fellow expats, but it's rarely such a black and white “us” and
“them” situation. Go out to the bars of Gulou, Houhai, Wudaokou, or Sanlitun and you'll
see mixed groups everywhere, enjoying regular friendships as well as culture.
