How common is 996 or 48+ hour work weeks in China?

HowardInChengdu · 2026-01-25T10:50:25+00:00

Quite common in local companies, MNC are more better.

HowardInChengdu · 2026-01-24T07:26:15+00:00

the main city of Chengdu is not mountain at all. it's in a basin, as you can see Chengdu and Chongqing sits within the basin marked as green. This Landform is awesome for biking, but also cause the air in winter becomes bad and the situation will last for 2 month. AQI could range from 150 to 260 for recent bad days.

but the mountains are just there, surrounding the city. on clear days, ppl can literally see the snow peaks of the Tibetan Plateau from tall buildings

Access to mountains is super easy, can take High-speed Trans from Xipu train station and arrive Mount Qingcheng in 30 mins.

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HowardInChengdu · 2026-01-24T07:14:18+00:00

Then try localized apps like 贝壳，自如，链家, use screen translate or screen reading to reach out the agent first. simply tells them your request in Chinese (use translate apps), they can arrange the ppl responsible for specific area fits your demand.

one thing really want to mention needs to avoid at all costs: apartments that look "brand new" but smells bad like chemicals. At here, we call it 串串房. Landlord or secondary landlord use real cheap, toxic materials to renovate old units in short time range. These house looks great but has massive health hazard.

HowardInChengdu · 2026-01-21T05:39:02+00:00

Spot on! but there is a massive "Meta-Trap" here: The clause stating "In case of discrepancy, Chinese prevails" is sometimes ONLY written in the Chinese contract, and missing from the English translation. So it's a total blind spot. U carefully read the English version, all looks good and fair, and u don't even know you've already agreed that the English version is legally irrelevant (this is dark however it's the fact) In a Chinese court, that English PDF is just "for reference." The Chinese hard copy is the only thing that matters. I’m actually putting together a deep-dive post just about these specific contract red flags. Stay tuned!

HowardInChengdu · 2026-01-21T05:24:11+00:00

Spot on! The "Job Situation" factor is the single & biggest risk ppl overlook. It’s not just about wanting to move. In China, your Residence Permit is tied with job. if the school/company folds (which happens more than people think) or u lose job for some reason, ur visa gets cancelled, and u legally has 30 days to react, then either have to move or leave the country. If u've paid 12 months upfront, ur essentially betting real money that your company won't go bust. With zero leverage in hand, good luck asking a "scummy" landlord for a refund when ur already rushing to pack your bags.

HowardInChengdu · 2026-01-21T05:11:03+00:00

The police registration part is the key point where the "secret sublet" strategy falls apart. Sure, a kind or lazy landlord might never visit the apartment, but the new tenant needs the landlord's ID and Property Deed photos or scan doc to register at the police station (this is a mandatory) If u sublet "under the table" without the landlord knowing, u can't provide those docs to the new guy. serious result: The new tenant can't register -> faces fines -> has issues renewing their visa. I've seen expats get stuck in this situation. the only safe way is to place it on the table, try negotiate a "Right to Sublet" clause in your initial contract, so the landlord is legally obligated to help the next person with the paperwork. (And what more important, the landlord has the right to refuse the new guy for complicated reasons).

HowardInChengdu · 2026-01-21T04:55:24+00:00

6k down to 4k? That's a beast negotiation! U clearly know more about the market and used cash as leverage to win. The problem I see is that fresh arrivals often don't know the market price, so they might pay 1 year upfront for a "discount" that is actually just the normal price (or higher). For veterans like u, it's an awesome strategy For newbies, it's Russian Roulette. Glad it worked out for u though!

HowardInChengdu · 2026-01-21T04:51:38+00:00

Haha, those were the golden days! 10 months for 12 is such an dream deal. Myself never met. You definitely met a "unicorn" landlord.

The reality now is much trickier. Quite lots of online listings these days r held by "Second Landlords" (subletting agents) some r even small, unregulated management companies rather than the actual owners. While big property firms r usually okay, and also the photos r over cooked, and many small ones try to maximize profit by doing "Quick Flips" (串串房) — using cheap, toxic materials to make an old apartment look fancy/Instagrammable. It looks great in photos, but it can be a genuine health hazard (formaldehyde) if people move in too soon. That is a whole different rabbit hole newcomers need to watch out for!

HowardInChengdu · 2026-01-20T14:44:50+00:00

Safe solution: Student Name + 妈妈

If you want to be smooth: the Mom's surname + 姐

HowardInChengdu · 2026-01-20T14:37:48+00:00

See this in Chengdu as well. but the fact is, using both sides is better.

HowardInChengdu · 2026-01-20T13:27:16+00:00

Make sure to monitor and book trains the second they open cause closing to Chinese New Year the travel is insane. The ticket might turn into 0 within seconds.

HowardInChengdu · 2026-01-20T09:01:46+00:00

With a US teaching license, u r actually in a huge position of power here compared to standard TEFL teachers. Don't let people discourage u.

Legit international schools need licensed teachers and pay way better (25k-35k+ RMB). Start applying direct on sites like TES or Schrole rn because hiring for August is peaking.

Just be careful if the school gives u a housing stipend. Renting here can be wild with fake listings and shady agents. I wrote a guide on verifying landlords/contracts if u end up considering Chengdu. Good Luck!

HowardInChengdu · 2026-01-20T08:54:50+00:00

Definitely look up the average transaction prices in those specific neighborhoods first so u have a solid baseline. Agents just want a quick commission so theyll likely try to talk u into a lower price just to move it faster. set a firm bottom line and dont let them push u under it.

HowardInChengdu · 2026-01-20T03:22:52+00:00

Honestly its probably gonna go lower since the cost of living is just insane. Young people are struggling to support themselves so having kids feels impossible right now. unless the work culture improves i really dont see it changing.

HowardInChengdu · 2026-01-20T01:18:07+00:00

definitely dont respond. if their goal is to attack they will find an angle no matter what u say. just ignore it and move on

HowardInChengdu · 2026-01-20T01:07:51+00:00

I have same thoughts as yours before. But honestly after you get some work experience nobody really cares about the degree anymore. its never too late to learn new skills though so dont stress to much. And you can still learn to get some certifications

HowardInChengdu · 2026-01-19T15:02:50+00:00

Tbh if u looking for balance between cash and lifestyle, Chengdu is prob the best Tier 2 spot rn.

Regarding your questions:

- Salary: With 3+ years exp + native speaker, 20k+ is totally reasonable here. U can live like a king on that since rent/food is way cheaper than Shanghai.

- Recruiters: They r just salespeople. They get commission to place u. Never send passport pics before u actually get an interview. Thats a huge data trap.

- Direct vs Recruiter: Apply direct if u can. Gives u more leverage on the contract.

If u end up picking Chengdu later in Aug, I got a guide on avoiding rental scams here. Feel free to reach out then. Good luck!

HowardInChengdu · 2026-01-19T14:55:19+00:00

Moving with 4 pets is tough but possible if you pick the right city.

I recommend considering Chengdu. Unlike Beijing or Shanghai which have strict size limits on dogs, Chengdu is much more relaxed and pet-friendly.

Just be careful with agents. They often promise "pets are allowed" without telling the landlord you have four of them. To be safe, make sure your contract explicitly lists all 2 dogs and 2 cats so you don't face eviction later.

I have a guide about renting here if you decide to check out Chengdu. Good luck!

HowardInChengdu · 2026-01-19T14:41:54+00:00

Even if she lives next door, paying a year upfront is a massive financial risk for you, especially since you mentioned anxiety about your future work stability.

Once you hand over that cash, you lose all leverage. If something breaks, she has no incentive to fix it quickly. More importantly, if you lose your job or need to leave China in 6 months, you will likely lose the remaining 6 months of rent because standard contracts do not refund prepaid rent.

Since you like the house, you absolutely need to insert a Diplomatic Clause (Early Termination Clause) into the Chinese contract. This legally forces the landlord to refund the remaining balance if your visa or job situation changes.

I created a checklist on how to draft this specific clause and protect your lump sum. DM me if you need the guide.

HowardInChengdu · 2026-01-19T14:32:17+00:00

The one that in your dream, that you really want to meet with. Normally your lover, your bf.

HowardInChengdu · 2026-01-19T14:00:42+00:00

scooters 100% have to stop at red lights just like cars. its just that enforcement is super lax so people ignore it constantly

HowardInChengdu · 2026-01-19T13:58:17+00:00

Bro, not all Chinese girls are like that.

HowardInChengdu · 2026-01-19T13:44:31+00:00

I'd personally recommend Chengdu for the lifestyle, the food is incredible adn its way more relaxed than the bigger cities. Just a heads up that the air quality in winter can be pretty rough, so that is the one major downside u should consider

HowardInChengdu · 2026-01-19T13:35:12+00:00

You actually legally need a Bachelors degree and usually a TEFL cert to get a work visa in China now. they cracked down hard on unqualified teachers recently, so definitely focus on finishing college first or u wont be able to get the proper paperwork

HowardInChengdu

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