ECA International has released their latest report on the cost of living for expatriates.
Shanghai beat Beijing to be the most expensive city for expats as compared to all other cities in China as well as Asia Pacific. Globally, it is the 8th most expensive in the world. Ouch~
In all, 220 cities were surveyed and prices for food, daily essentials and other basic costs were factored.
You can read the full report here.
Table credits : Asia One
Mandarin has become one of the most popular language of choice.
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We requested more than 50 bloggers to let us know what's their favourite resources used in learning the language.
We have compiled their extensive feedback in the form of the infographics below.
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Visit Learn Chinese: 50 blogger’s top resources for more tips and ideas.
Guest Post by Yang Yang
Happy New Year!
Here is the first blog post of 2014 if you fancy investing in property in Shanghai.
I saw his on The Straits Times, the main English newspaper in Singapore.
Accrording to this survey from 7000 respondents, China is the most desirable country for expats beating even Germany.
Different people have dfferent reasons for picking certain countries as their No.1.
These are the reasons why I would pick China :
Pro business climate : The Chinese are the most entrepreneurial and business driven people in the world
Market size : Most populous country in the world
Good testing ground : Still many new markets to try out new marketing concepts and business strategies
Talent Pool : There are plenty of smart people you can hire or work with in China and work with them.
Diversity : One country, many cultures
Costs : You are still able to run a business at low costs and yet have access to a huge market. Like what s businessman said before "One fifth the costs, five times the market"
Learning experience: Lots of ideas and concepts you can learn and bring back to the western world
China is third !
I bring you some exclsuive photos of the China Grand Prix :
Photos courtesy of Mercedes Benz
Let the fireworks begin!
In celebration of the Lunar New Year, especially during the countdown, one can hear the sound of fireworks cooking off for hours even in the suburban areas. Yes, this is how the Chinese like to celebrate.
Some of these fireworks are improvised and homemade too.
It has been some years since I last visited the Fabric and Tailor Market in Lu jia Bang Road.
You can read about my previous experiences here:
Needing a new set of business shirts and pants, I made by way there.
As I stepped in, I noticed that very little has changed. The place is still packed with tailors and shop owners busily trying to get customers to try their service, especially in the first level.
I made my way straight up to my usual tailor.
After walking a few rounds, I could not find that stall I usually patronised. I wondered if he has moved ? I then saw a one very similar to that I usually visit. The layout and size looks the same but the owner tending the stall is a different person. I figured that the owner probably sold the business to someone and this person took over. Just as I was about to go into that shop, I decided to circle the place one last time.
And I found it !
As I walked in, the owner immediately recognised me as I usually make many shirts and pants at a go.
Very quickly, I selected the materials and opted for five shirts and two pair of pants. We quickly agreed on the "friendship" price. Apparently, there was a small price increase. Shirts are now at RMB110 each and pants about RM250. (His price is a bit higher than other stalls as he is confident of the workmanship)I agreed.
As usual, the items are available a few days later. I collected them and very pleased with my haul.
The fabric aside, the tailoring skills are very good given the price paid. In fact, I saw a similar design in Zara at Pudong Supermall a few days later. That cost RM350.
So, here you go again, in case you need the details:
Da Shanghai MJ Dress (大上海服饰)
399 Lu Jia Bang Road
371, 3F
Tel :02163775856
Mobile: 13524325665
email : [email protected]
Disclaimer :I have not tried other stalls in the fabric market, so I cant say this is the best one. But I am a satisfied customer from this stall.
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