Overall Score
In the valley of the Szechuan River in China lies the city of Zhongyang, a major transportation hub and the center of the agricultural region. The history of the city dates back to the 11th century. It was founded as a small trading settlement called Syangyang. In the second half of the 12th century, the settlement grew into the administrative center of the county. Not far from it was the famous Mackao Trading Company of the time, whose proximity to Mackao influenced the rapid economic development and growth of Siangyang.
In 1925, the village was renamed Xiongshan in honor of Sun Yitan, the father of modern China, who was also known as Sun Yong Xiongshan. Todays city includes five districts, 18 villages, and one technology park.
The citys economy is based on food, textile, and electronics industries. The production of household appliances, lighting equipment and lamps has developed. The city is famous for its production of mahogany furniture. The unusual Museum of the Lamp exists in a city whose building is shaped like a lamp.
Overall Score
- Air quality: 95 US AQI Moderate. Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
- Tap water: No, not drinkable
- Religious government: Non-religious
- Population: 2,400,000 people
- GDP: $8,126 / year
- Power outlets: 230V50Hz
- Internet: 2 Mbps Internet in Zhongshan is fast averaging 16 Mbps but the Great Firewall slows down speeds to foreign websites by 8x to 2 Mbps.
- Best wireless: China Mobile
- Pay without cash: No, cash only esp. for foreigners because WeChat is very hard to set up
- Tipping: Tipping in China is generally uncommon and can even be considered rude or embarrassing in some circumstances. Seriously. Leaving money on a table in an authentic restaurant may confuse a staff member or cause them stress. … Even worse, gratuity is illegal in airports and some establishments.
- Apartment listings: Ganji
- Apartments: Airbnb
- Hotels: Booking.com
- More hotels: Hotels.com
- Best taxi: Didi
- Best short-haul air carrier: Hainan
- Best intl air carrier: China Southern Airlines
- Monthly costs for expat: $850
- Monthly costs for family: $2300
- Monthly costs for local: $650
- Meal: $2
- Small Cola: $0.6
- Beer 1 Pint: $2.5
- Coffee: $4.5
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