Settling-In Tips from
Staff at Crown Nanjing


What is special or unique about your city?
Nanjing has a rich history and was the backdrop for many historically important episodes in our world. It was the ancient capital of China. It was also home to at least six dynasties in China until 1911 when Dr. Sun Yat-Sen and his followers overthrew the Qing Dynasty.

Nanjing was also home to the Nationalist Government of Chang Kai-Shek until Mao Ze-Dong and his Communist followers defeated him.

In 1937, Nanjing experienced one of the worst atrocities in human history when the Japanese military savagely murdered an estimated 300,000 civilians. To this day, Nanjing commemorates the “Rape of Nanjing” by sounding air-raid sirens every hour in the morning of December 13th.

Presently, the reason most people choose to live in Nanjing is the vast contrast between other Chinese cities. Nanjing offers a combination of a historical city, rich in culture and tradition with a burgeoning modern city with international companies, variety of restaurants, department stores featuring fashionable styles, and safe Western-style housing that is both affordable and comfortable to inhabit.
 
What are a newcomer's first impressions of your city?
Many newcomers to Nanjing are surprised by the development the city is experiencing, the multitude of historical buildings, the more relaxed and slower pace of Nanjing, and the lack of cleanliness in public areas and a disregard for hygiene.
 
Are these impressions likely to change?
Although Nanjing is developing at an enormous pace and new buildings are being constructed daily, the pace of life and work will continue to be slower than most first-tier cities in China and abroad due to the difference in culture and mentality. The hygiene in Nanjing appears to be improving in areas catering to Westerners such as restaurants and bars, but the lack of education seems to slow this process.
 
What is the local language?
Natives to the city speak Nanjingese, the local dialect. Most people understand and nearly all speak standard Mandarin – as required by the government for state employees (police, health care workers, taxi drivers, etc.).
 
How easily could I live in this city without knowing this language?
Unlike Beijing and Shanghai, a person living in Nanjing may experience some difficulties if they do not have knowledge of the language or have assistance from a local Chinese person in such cases of banking matters, public transportation, shopping for items at a local store, etc. but overall the Chinese people are very patient and accommodating to foreigners with the most basic Chinese vocabulary.

Learning a few key Mandarin phrases definitely helps.
 
What are good things to remember in order to avoid offending the other residents of this city?
It would be advisable to steer clear of talking about certain political issues involving China.

When handing over a name card, do so using both hands at the same time. This is a sign of respect.

If you find yourself in a conflict situation, a better way to get what you want is not to raise your voice but to calmly persist. Local residents tend to react to another’s anger equally or more strongly. Loud voices are used quite frequently and often what sounds like an argument is just a lively discussion -- for example, when bargaining for goods at a local market.
 
How might the local weather affect my daily life?
Nanjing has four distinct seasons. Spring and Fall are the most comfortable and this is when most people usually enjoy their outdoor activities.

Nanjing has a reputation as being one of the “four furnaces” in China or one of the four hottest cities. The summer is hot, very humid, and uncomfortable. Fortunately, many supermarkets, international hotels, restaurants and bars frequented by foreigners, and department stores have central air-conditioning.

The Winter in Nanjing is cold with very few days of snowfall.
 
Is there anything else I should know about the overall character of your city or its people?
Nanjing’s pace of life is slower and the people are more relaxed compared to China’s first-tier cities. The people may not be as “sophisticated” in the international arena as people in these aforementioned cities. It may take some time to secure close relationships with local people, but once one is able to form a bonding personal relationship one is able to enjoy that relationship for a long period of time.

Some of the less pleasant aspects one will come across include: spitting in public places, nose blowing without tissues, blatantly staring at outsiders, not waiting in a line, etc.
 
Useful Links
Map Magazine www.maiqu.com
European Chamber of Commerce-Nanjing Chapter www.europeanchamber.com.cn
Nanjing International Club www.njic.com.cn
 
 

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Please contact your closest embassy or consulate for confirmation.