The Main Housing Types if You Are Moving to China
China is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, with many Westerners choosing to make it their home.
In this blog, The Moving Partnership look at some of the main property types to be found in the country – not just the modern flats and apartments (which is likely to be your new home) but also some of the more traditional houses.
This article is a three- to four-minute read.
There are currently more than 1.5 million foreign nationals who have made China their home, however temporarily. While the bulk of these are from neighbouring countries such as Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, a substantial number of these migrants come from Western countries, including the UK. It’s been estimated that around 20,000 Britons live in mainland China.
If you are considering removals from the UK to China – possibly for work reasons – you may not be familiar with the type of housing on offer. Here, The Moving Partnership gives a rundown of the principal property types you could move into.
Removals from the UK to China with the Moving Partnership
At The Moving Partnership, we offer competitive removal rates to all parts of China, including Shanghai, Beijing, Taipei, Xian and Zhuhai, as well as many of the smaller cities and towns.
Apartments and Flats
If you are considering removals to Shanghai, Beijing or any of the other larger cities, then much of the housing is in the form of flats or apartments. This includes everything from budget-friendly regular apartments to high-end, furnished complexes with plenty of amenities. If your move is likely to be a particularly short one, then you may opt for a serviced apartment which has plenty of facilities and services not dissimilar to a hotel.
If you are moving to China to study, then you will usually have the choice of university dormitories (known as halls of residence in the UK). Often these are on campus and usually have shared facilities such as kitchens and bathrooms. The main alternative for students is to rent your own apartment. This will give you more independence but is likely to be far more expensive.
There are still plenty of state-owned apartments which were built in the era of Chairman Mao (from the 1950s-1970s) and were usually allocated depending on your work. While these aren’t as likely to be as well maintained (or have as many facilities) compared to some of the more modern high-rise blocks, many still have balconies and large bedrooms.
Traditional Chinese Homes
If you are moving to China for work, then the chances are you will be housed in a flat or apartment by your employer. However, if you are invited into a colleague’s home – or maybe you are just curious about traditional Chinese culture - then the property could be one of the following types.
A Courtyard Home - many traditional Chinese houses, particularly in rural areas, consist of a compound with walls and homes organised around a central courtyard. These are built for privacy and protection from strong winds. Inside the courtyard there are usually plenty of open spaces, trees, plants and ponds. Covered verandas connect the rooms and house itself.
Yaodong or Cave Dwellings – these are more sophisticated than they sound. They are commonly found in the northern provinces. They are either built directly into hillsides or built as sunken courtyards. They still have living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms with heated sleeping platforms, as well as toilets and animal stalls, dug into the earth. Modern versions may also include advanced features like solar heating and added insulation.
Tulou – these are usually large, enclosed and fortified earth buildings, most commonly rectangular or circular in shape, with very thick load-bearing earth walls between three and five stories high and housing up to 800 people. These are found primarily in the Fujian province on the country’s south-eastern coast.
Diaojiaolou – these are stilted houses with wooden floors, and are common in southern China, built on hillsides or over rivers.
Generally, in the north of the country, traditional homes are often made from stone, tamped mud, or sun-dried bricks, as wood was scarce. In the south, houses were traditionally built using wood, brick, or woven bamboo.
Removals to China with The Moving Partnership
We provide shipping and overseas removals from the UK to China, from China to the UK and between most other European and International destinations. You can have sole use of your own shipping container, or you can opt for a part load/groupage consignment where your container is shared with other customers. For more information follow this link or call us on 0800 772 3709.
If you are only moving to China for a short or fixed period of time, or you are moving into a fully furnished flat or apartment, then we also have specialist storage facilities if you want somewhere safe to keep your furniture or other belongings while you are overseas.
FAQS:
What are the main administrative and legal requirements if you are moving to China?
To move to China, you will need a valid passport, a specific visa for your purpose (like a work or student visa, known as Z or X visas, respectively), and potentially a criminal record check. When you arrive, you may be subject to health screening and must have all necessary entry documents ready, such as a visa and travel itinerary, and proof of where you are going to be staying or living.
You will also need a residency permit - an official document allowing a foreigner to live in China for an extended period, which must be obtained within 30 days of entry on an appropriate visa.
Our international removals department can help you check any important details.
Can foreigners buy a house in China?
Yes, non-nationals can buy property in China, but there are some strict rules. You must have worked or studied in the country for at least a year, on a valid residency permit. You can only buy one property for your own personal use, and you are purchasing the building and not the land (in China all land is owned by the state). There may be some regional requirements as well.
What is the general attitude to home ownership in China?
Home ownership is seen as crucial to the Chinese, for the stability it offers. Often it’s seen as a pre-requisite for marriage, and it represents a symbol of status. As in the UK, your home address determines which school your children attend. However, property ownership has become less affordable for younger generations, who may have to rent or stay in the family home.
