China is a land of pagodas and terraced rice-fields...oxen, water buffalo and giant duck-ponds...people in conical hats playing cards and sleeping under shady banyan trees.
Depending on where you go, China could be a tremendously cheap place to live, but you would need to have a pioneering spirit--and also a commitment to learn Chinese.
Fast Facts
Population: 1,343,239,923 (July 2012 est.)
Capital City: Beijing
Climate: Extremely diverse; tropical in south to subarctic in north
Time Zone: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Source: CIA World Fact Book
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China Articles
Taking Photos of the Great Wall of China…Away from the Tourist HoardsPosted on January 25, 2013 by J. Keith Howie
Everybody has heard of the Great Wall of China. It was built some 2,000 years ago to protect China from Mongol raiders and at 3,700-miles in length, it’s the longest man-made structure on earth. But while this ancient wonder is familiar to many, most people know little about it.
News from Around the WorldPosted on December 20, 2012 by International Living
The bane of cell-phone using travelers, the roaming charge is one of those expenses that can sneak up on you, ruining your happy memories when you get that exorbitant phone bill. Here’s a tip on how to save on these charges in France.
An Easy Way to Pay for an Asian AdventurePosted on November 23, 2012 by Jerri Moss
Nine years ago I threw in the towel on a 25-year business career and a six-figure income to go in search of adventure. My life changed forever on September 11, 2001. Friends and business associates died that day. They hadn’t needed more money— they needed more time. Suddenly the savings I was working to accumulate for retirement didn’t seem so important. A year later I was on the road…
IL Readers Get Paid to Teach English OverseasPosted on October 22, 2012 by International Living
Nine years ago I threw in the towel on a 25-year business career and a six-figure income to go in search of adventure. My life changed forever on September 11, 2001. Friends and business associates died that day. They hadn’t needed more money—they needed more time. Suddenly the savings I was working to accumulate for retirement didn’t seem so important.
Guilin, China: “The Most Picturesque Place on Earth”Posted on October 18, 2012 by J. Keith Howie
I’ve photographed in over 40 countries but on a recent trip to China, I found what I believe may be the most picturesque place on earth. I was on an extended trip to Asia with my camera, hoping to photograph some of the Mysterious East’s beauty spots. What I found stands firmly in my mind as one of the most exotic and incredible landscapes I have ever seen.
Visiting the Rice Terraces of China’s Yunnan ProvincePosted on October 11, 2012 by Caroline Maryan
“It will just take me a moment,” I say quietly, as I inch past my fellow photographers poised at the edge of the cliff. Their cameras and tripods are already set up. My equipment is still on my back. When I signed up for this trip to see the Yuan Yang Rice Terraces, I envisioned the rice paddies of Bali, built on gentle rolling hills. Now, I’m edging toward a drop-off that freezes me in my tracks.
Chopin, Matchmaking, and Indian GodsPosted on September 27, 2012 by John Joe Worrall
The renowned Malaysia International Gourmet Festival in Kuala Lumpur runs the whole month of October. Expect a “Theatre of Cuisines” and a “Gourmet Village.” The wonderfully-named Madajazzcar, Madagascar’s leading jazz festival, takes place from October 3 to 15 with performances around the island.
BRICS: Time to Chase Blue-Chip Emerging-Market StocksPosted on August 24, 2012 by Chris Hunter
The best time to buy stocks and other assets is when investors are running scared. I’ve been banging this drum all year—especially when it comes to Europe. I believe the crisis there is about to throw up a genuinely once-in-a-lifetime buying opportunity for contrarian investors.
Speak English? Get Paid!Posted on June 29, 2012 by Joe Mason
The instant I saw the ad I knew I was set for a life of adventure. But I never imagined just how far my native language could take me: All the way from leafing through the classifieds section of The Globe & Mail, in Toronto, Canada, to a new life in exotic Hong Kong. In between I picked up teaching posts in Istanbul, Turkey and Seoul, Korea. Both were incredible experiences.
How English Can Pay your WayPosted on May 28, 2012 by Joe Mason
The instant I saw the ad I knew I was set for a life of adventure. But I never imagined just how far my native language could take me: All the way from leafing through the classifieds section of The Globe & Mail, in Toronto, Canada, to a new life in exotic Hong Kong.
- Africa: The World’s Best Long-Term Investment
Posted on May 28, 2012 by Chris Hunter
It’s probably one of the last places most North Americans would think about investing, but the single best investment you make for the next decade could be to buy Africa. There are important reasons why African stocks are set to richly reward buy-and-hold-style investors. But the main reason is simply this: Africa is where the growth is. The continent’s economy has been growing at about 6% over the last decade. And it is expected to match that pace over the next several years.
How to Make Your Camera Pay For Your VacationPosted on March 29, 2012 by Caroline Maryan
I’ve wandered into a spa in Shanghai, China, and managed to arrange a manicure. No English has been spoken. Instead, I relied on the universal sign for a manicure—wiggling my fingers with a smile. Suddenly, my neighbor awakes with a start—he seems surprised to find me here. I’ve come to China to visit a place called Yuanyang.
Pickled Sharks, Asparagus, and Art as LifePosted on March 27, 2012 by Darius Fisher
Throughout this month, the Shanghai International Flower Festival puts exotic flowers and herbs on display. You can see a kaleidoscope of color—rare orchids, chrysanthemums, lotus flowers, plum blossoms—you name it, it’ll be there in full bloom.
Drums, Buskers, and a Circus FestivalPosted on December 20, 2011 by Darius Fisher
January 1, get initiated into the Vancouver Polar Bear Swim Club by diving into the frigid English Bay. The swim dates back to the 1920s. The coldest recorded water temperature? 38 F in 1928.
- Ice Sculptures and Camel Wrestling
Posted on November 24, 2011 by Darius Fisher
A round-up of the weird and wonderful events taking place around the world over the coming months.
The Ancient Teller of PingyaoPosted on September 16, 2011 by J. Keith Howie
The biggest attraction in Pingyao is the Rishengchang Draft Bank museum. The bank operated during the Qing Dynasty (AD 1644 to 1911) and is reputed to be the first draft bank in the world.
Tales of a Travel Writer in ChinaPosted on August 24, 2011 by Steenie Harvey
Dinner time on the Chinese island of Hainan Dao, but I don’t feel hungry. When presented with what resembles the diseased body parts of Things From Outer Space, your appetite tends to vanish.
How You Can Profit from China’s Democratic RevolutionPosted on June 27, 2011 by Chris Hunter
I’ll be blunt. I have no time for Communists. Theoretically, Communism is just plain dumb. But on a practical level, it’s even worse.
This Really Is Low Hanging FruitPosted on June 17, 2011 by Chris Hunter
Although you wouldn’t know it from tuning into CNBC or opening the Wall Street Journal, the world is actually in a new “super cycle” of growth.
Read This Before You Invest in China…Posted on April 6, 2011 by Chris Hunter
I recently came across some “intel” on China. It comes via a source I met while I was on my recent investment scouting trip to Southeast Asia.
Hong Kong on the Cheap – 7 TipsPosted on March 16, 2011 by Arthur Hoffman
1. The Star Ferry crossing Victoria Harbor between Hong Kong island and Kowloon offers views of one of the world’s most dramatic cityscapes, not to mention terrific people-watching—and it only costs 83 cents.
The Sneaky Way China Is Hiding Its Soaring InflationPosted on February 16, 2011 by Chris Hunter
China is cooking the books on inflation. This is hardly surprising. The Chinese leadership knows too-high inflation has the potential to cause serious social unrest. So it’s doing all it can to convince people that it has inflation under control.
The Closest Thing to a One-Way Bet You’ll See This YearPosted on January 27, 2011 by Chris Hunter
We’re on the verge of one of the most extraordinary financial revolutions of our lifetimes. According to HSBC bank’s chief economist, Qu Hongbin, it’s a revolution of “truly epic proportions.” And it’s one that could have major implications for international investors.
From Communism to Capitalism—The Next Great Leap ForwardPosted on January 26, 2011 by Chris Hunter
One of the biggest trends in the world right now—and potentially one of the most profitable—is the growth of a new middle class outside places where you might not normally imagine middle class people. Places like India, Brazil and China.
2011 Portfolio Review (Part 1)Posted on January 12, 2011 by Chris Hunter
Today, I’d like to take a look at where we stand with our portfolio. In particular, I want to deal with the first two “buckets” in the recommended portfolio: the Emerging Market Middle Class and the Building Blocks of Growth.
China’s Bombshell Means This Market Will Soar in 2011Posted on December 26, 2010 by Chris Hunter
China dropped a bombshell this month. Not the kind the North Koreans have been dropping on their neighbors in Yeonpyeong Island. But one that has explosive consequences for investors nevertheless.
What the Price of Burgers in Beijing Could Do to Your MoneyPosted on December 14, 2010 by Chris Hunter
How many times have you heard people talk about the “debate” over inflation and deflation? Ben Bernanke says he’s fighting deflation by printing more money. Something he likes to call “quantitative easing.” (So as the ordinary folks at home don’t start panicking about the value of their dollar savings.)
This Emerging Market Giant Could Sink Your PortfolioPosted on November 18, 2010 by Chris Hunter
Over the last 30 years, this country’s economy has increased sixteen-fold. And its standard of living has doubled every 10 years. If this country keeps growing at its current rate, it will account for 40% of the entire planet’s economic output within a decade.
China Is Running Out of Farmland… Here’s How to Play ItPosted on November 4, 2010 by Chris Hunter
Here at International Living Investor we like big, unstoppable trends. Trends you can profit from year after year…and even decade after decade.
Make Money From the Mega TrendsPosted on October 28, 2010 by Mary Anne and Pam Aden
Something big is happening: a massive shift in power from West to East. With this change comes opportunity…the kind that only appears every few decades.
Make 82% by Next October from the “Fifth BRIC”Posted on October 7, 2010 by Rob Marstrand
Inside this month’s issue we’re visiting another Asian powerhouse economy – one that’s still not on mainstream investors’ radars. It’s what I call the “fifth BRIC.”
Why These 1,408 Investing Pros Are Fleeing AmericaPosted on September 30, 2010 by Chris Hunter
The financial editors at IL Investor have a simple rule when it comes to their research: They only want investment ideas where the odds are stacked in your favor. That’s why they always look for bargain prices in high-growth markets.
Each Thursday we select the best idea from what they’re working on and send it to you.
Here are details from Chris on an investment mistake you may be making…and how to rectify it immediately.
The Era of Cheap Food Is Coming To an EndPosted on September 17, 2010 by Rob Marstrand
There are just under 7 billion people on the planet today. According to the UN, there will be more than 9 billion people by 2050. That’s over 2 billion more mouths to feed than in 2010. Meanwhile, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization forecasts that world demand for agricultural commodities will jump by 60% over the next 20 years. As food prices rise…so too will the share prices of the world’s top food producing companies.
Make 20% for 20 Years on the Mother of All Mass MarketsPosted on September 1, 2010 by Rob Marstrand
Inside this inaugural issue we visit the country I know best outside of my native England: China.
You Can Profit from This Mass MarketPosted on August 6, 2010 by Rob Marstrand
I first went to China in 1998. It was a bleak place. My parents had been there in 1987 and nothing much had changed.
Watch Out! China Is Dangerous BubblePosted on May 24, 2010 by Chris Hunter
China is the new Japan.
In the 1980s Japan could do no wrong in the eyes of the mainstream media. The country had a massive trade surplus…a high personal savings rate…and a zooming stock market.
Investment Opportunities in IndiaPosted on May 14, 2010 by Chris Hunter
Only 51% of Indians brush their teeth.
Memories and Misadventures from the FieldPosted on April 30, 2010 by International Living
IL’s staff writers have been traveling and scouting the world on your behalf for years. To celebrate our 30th birthday issue this month, we asked them to tell us about their most memorable travel experiences.
- The Cost of Revaluing the Yuan Will Mean Higher Consumer Prices for Americans
Posted on April 6, 2010 by Chris Hunter
One of the big uncertainties in the markets right now is whether China will let its currency, the yuan, rise in value versus the dollar, to which its been pegged since 2008.
Travel Press Talks: August 2009Posted on July 30, 2009 by Anna Skellern
For discerning travelers who want to experience the old-world charm of the Middle East, Oman is a must-visit destination.
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