Working in Guangzhou



Annual reports indicate that about 30,000 expats have joined Guangzhou’s labour force, whether for short-term or long-term employment. This third most populous city in China boasts a highly versatile economy and several leading sectors that can bring any hardworking expat closer to achieving their dreams. 

Historically speaking, Guangzhou has always played a significant role as the country’s leading commercial port and primary business centre in Southern China. In 2015, the Guangzhou Port was ranked as the fourth-largest in China in terms of container output and was regarded as a major port for important foreign trades. On that same year, Guangzhou boasted a total Gross Domestic Product of 1.8 billion Yuan which is the third-largest in China and the largest in Guangdong Province. The so called ‘Capital of the Third World’ is indeed a magnetic destination where expats will have the chance to participate in a highly progressive economy. 

Guangzhou’s Leading Industries 

Guangzhou’s major industries include the service industry, construction and agriculture. In 2015, the service sector accounted for 67% of the city’s total GDP while the industry sector accounted for nearly 30%. Wholesale and retail trades are also significant contributors to the economy, and during the recent years, several foreign companies set up their marketing and purchasing offices in Guangzhou. 

As in most cities in China, there is a huge demand for English teachers. For example, more than 7,000 out of 11,000 job openings posted on are teaching posts. The influx of expats paved the way for the publication of magazines and websites alike catered for expats. Initially, the publications were about the major Chinese cities until smaller cities began to be well represented. About 90% job openings in Guangzhou are open for expats in smaller cities. 

If teaching and writing are not your forte, you can try your hand in the entertainment industry, particularly music, modelling, and films. Foreigners tend to get bigger paychecks for such pursuits. However, the demand may be limited, and visa is not a guaranteed. Also, language proficiency in Chinese (particularly in acting) may be required. Diplomats also make up the expat community in Guangzhou. However, there is no bilateral work agreement. 

Other job recruitment sites are: 

Average Salary 

Expats are typically paid about four or five times more than their Chinese counterparts. For instance, foreign English teachers take home from CNY 8,000 (US$1,171.84) to CNY 15,000 (US$2,197.18) to CNY 20,000 (US$2,929.62) whereas Chinese degree-holder teachers have an average salary of CNY 2,000 (US$292.96). Most of the time, salary packages include all-expense paid car, children's enrolment in international schools and others. 

Sadly, the recent financial crisis also took its toll in China. The salary remains desirable yet the list of benefits is slowly diminishing. The current minimum wage in the country remains unchanged at CNY 2,190 or USD 316.93. 

Work Hours in Guangzhou 

Office hours are from 8:30AM-5:30PM on weekdays. Since 1996, the government implemented the two-day weekend policy, making Saturdays and Sundays as rest days. There are 11 public holidays during the year and they are typically adjusted to fall before or after the weekend. Some businesses are close for a week during the "golden weeks" (Chinese New Year and National Day). Banks are open from 9AM-6PM on weekdays and 9AM-3PM on Saturdays and Sundays. 

Business Etiquette in Guangzhou 

Similar to the Western countries, time is money in Guangzhou. Businesspeople have a low tolerance for tardiness. Notify colleagues if you are running late and apologise for the delay. In spite of exposure to Western culture, Chinese businesspersons prefer addressing business acquaintances through titles and last names to the first-name basis. 

Recently, the act of gift giving in the Chinese business culture is deemed bribery, hence considered illegal. However, a great number of organisations have loosened up about this. To be safe, present gifts privately and clarify this is in the context of friendship. You may also state that the gift is from the company you work for and make sure to offer it right after the negotiation. The Chinese will more likely decline a gift about three times before they would agree to accept. 

In general, the business climate in Guangzhou is formal. Conservative business attire is expected at all times. For women, low-neckline blouses or tops, bright coloured pieces and high heels, particularly if you were taller than your hosts, are deemed inappropriate.

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