Notes From Xi'an 西安随感

10 Responses to Xi’an Links & Listings。

1. Tina says:

   21/10/2010 at 22:47

   What advice do you have for finding and renting an apartment in xi’an?
2. Richard.李志 says:

   22/10/2010 at 05:15

   Hello Tina,

   My first thoughts. You can find the various little rental shops that have flats posted up on windows and boards inside and outside. They will then help you get somewhere. You can also look on noticeboards in coffee shops and University campuses. I actually just decided on an area I wanted to live and then, with the help of my girlfriend, went around the various blocks in the that neighbourhood giving them our number and telling them to phone if anything comes up. Not a bad idea as flats often do appear.

   When it comes to the renting some landlords can be a real pain and will change prices on you at the drop of a hat, so just be firm in these situations. You will have to pay six months rent upfront, I would draw the line at 6 months not a year. You will also have to pay a deposit, usually a months rent. I would make sure you work into the contract that you can give 1 or 2 months notice to leave and not lose your money, as this can prove a problem for many people. Some people really have to fight their corner on this one at a later date. Also, if you think you are going to be here a while, sign a longer contract with a fixed rental price. I have been paying the same rent for three years.

   Like many things I think it is important to get a sense of the people involved, the landlord or lady, if you don’t have a good impression at the beginning it will almost definitely be worse later. When it comes to price try and get a sense of what is the going rate and like all things you can negotiate, it pays to be tough and stand your ground. Prices are going up all over the place and people will try their luck, especially with foreigners, so again just be strong on this. If your Chinese is excellent then no worries, if not, or even if it is actually, get a Chinese friend or colleague along.

   They are my first thoughts, take care. Richard

   If you have a specific question just let me know. You can use the email address here if you want http://www.nfx@gmail.com
3. Karl Frank says:

   12/09/2011 at 17:49

   What advice do you have for finding non-teaching jobs in Xi’an? Such as Consulting, Media, Communication Jobs for Westerners? Or other fields.
4. Richard.李志. says:

   13/09/2011 at 14:00

   Hey Karl,

   I must say I don’t know too much about the work opportunities in the media, consulting industries here in Xi’an, or any other industries for that matter, though I fear there are still probably not that many, certainly compared to the cities out East. I suggest you contact the Xi’an Business Forum, they may well have some people who can offer you some real advice. I understand they have regular gatherings, so it may be worth popping along. This is the new link to their site: http://www.xibf.org/

   Good luck,

   Richard
5. Zoe says:

   27/10/2011 at 10:15

   Can u recommend any reliable local relocation company or freelance which can help us to do the orientation tour and finding a proper house in Xi’an? We dont have any contactor in the city and thinking it will be a bit hard for a totally stranger to deal with everything by ourselves. Thx.
6. Richard.李志. says:

   27/10/2011 at 17:20

   Hi Zoe,

   I have sent you an email,

   Best,

   Richard.李志
7. carlee says:

   28/11/2011 at 07:40

   I am looking for a place to learn how to do ceramics / pottery in or around Xi’an. China would be a great place to learn some of the trditional ceramic building skills! It would be brilliant if the instructors could speak English or translators are available. Thanks
8. Richard.李志. says:

   28/11/2011 at 13:00

   Hi Carlee,

   Check my link here to http://www.notesfromxian.com/hoix/yanta-xi-lu-yanta-west-road/ /Yanta West Road. (The road is also known as 大唐通易坊/ da tang tong yi fang) Next to King Coffee, I think on the left as you are looking at it, is a place where you can learn to make pots. It might be a bit more of a fun day out for family and kids rather than a serious place to learn a traditional Chinese art form, but they may be able to give you pointers in the right direction. I am not sure if they speak English, so it may be worth taking a Chinese friend along the first time.

   I remember seeing or hearing of another place recently but can’t remember where. I will ask around and send you a follow up email.

   Take care and enjoy,

   Richard. 李志
9. Jono says:

   28/11/2011 at 13:02

   I like your website. In January 2012 I am part of a group going to Xi’an to study Chinese for three weeks. I have found some interesting things on your site already.

   Cheers Jono1001
   
10. Richard.李志. says:

    28/11/2011 at 14:39

    Cheers Jono, feel free to drop me line when you guys pass through Xi’an in January. But for now keep up with your studies- you’ll soon have a chance to use it. Take it easy, Richard.李志

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Name *

Email *

Website

CAPTCHA Code *

Comment

You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>

more »

Spam Protection by WP-SpamFree