Concordia Chronicle

Though the lockdown in the city has been particularly challenging to navigate, a renewed sense of community has sprung up within the compounds where many of our Concordia community members reside. Read More

Given the physical size and population of China, the development of a modern healthcare system has been a long process. Understandably, that process has involved both progress and setbacks as new phases of development have been implemented. Read More

Shanghai’s historical evolution from a sleepy fishing and textile port on the Yangtze Delta to a fully fledged world-class city has been formed by lucrative Chinese-Western trading relationships, cheap and plentiful labor from rural areas and the city’s relative peace compared with the rest of China in the 19th and 20th centuries. Read More

Situated between the Inner and Outer Ring Roads on both the north and south sides of Yan An Elevated Road is the Hongqiao area of Shanghai. The area is primarily residential and made up of villa compounds, low-rise apartments and sprinklings of high rise buildings. With the opening of the Hongqiao Transportation Hub – the world’s largest - a few years ago and the development of the adjoining Hongqiao CBD area, the pace of life in Hongqiao’s busy... Read More

While Shanghai has a lot to offer within the confines of the city proper, there are a number of great places to visit not far from the city. With the opening of the high-speed rail system, nearby cities that would normally require an overnight stay can now be reached with ease providing residents of Shanghai even more options for weekend getaways. Read More

Food safety is an issue regardless of what country you live in. The ongoing and intense global debate over genetically modified food (GMO) and the unknown impact those foods are having on the long-term health of humans is a prime example. These genetic modifications are often intended to increase productivity by changing the characteristics of a plant or animal so that they become stronger in some way. That new strength could mean higher yields... Read More

In the months prior to actually making the big move to Shanghai, you may have the opportunity to visit the city for a look-see trip. These trips are usually brief – a week or less – because employment obligations usually don’t allow for more. The primary objective of the look-see trip is to choose a school and accommodation and due to the limited amount of time allowed for the trip, the process is usually a bit frantic. Read More

If it’s a clear day, whether you are flying into either of Shanghai’s Pudong or Hongqiao International airports, you will be able to see the scale of development of the Yangtze River Delta that extends from the shore of the Pacific Ocean inward as far as the eye can see. Land is put to use without exception in this part of the world. From the ground much of what is happening in terms of development is hidden behind tree lines and fences except... Read More

Whether you have brought your beloved pets with you to China or adopted them locally, it’s never too early to learn about exit requirements to ensure a smooth departure when preparing to take your pets with you when you leave China. Read More

There are dos and don’ts for most things in most countries and for travel in China the dos and don’ts are particularly important. These rules apply equally to expats traveling to China from another part of Asia and also to those traveling from within China. Read More

Even before departing on international assignment to Asia, many expats recognize the unique opportunities presented by moving to the center of the world’s second-largest economy and the economic engine driving global trade. Read More

Going back to school is always an exciting period, but when coupled with a new country and new school, the process can become overwhelming. Whether the family is moving to Shanghai for a temporary work assignment or a whole new life, making an international move with children in tow can seem a daunting task. Read More

If the thought of relocating to Shanghai with your kids in tow sends a shiver down your spine, you can relax. The vast majority of children that relocate overseas handle the relocation better than their parents. A big part of this is that international schools are experts at welcoming in the new crop of kids from all over the world every year. From start to finish, your child’s school year will be designed to help them adjust and find their way. Read More

For most embarking on an overseas assignment for the first time, the lead up and anticipation (or anxiety) is usually focused on the new things to come. New home, new friends and new schools for the children alongside the new adventures to be had as a family. Read More

Hua Cao (pronounced hwa chow) is Puxi’s answer to Pudong’s tranquil residential area, Jinqiao, and has seen a rapid pace of development over the past 15 years. What was once a single intersection town centered at the corner of Jinfeng Road and Baole Road and the American School nearby, has blossomed into a bustling expat enclave. Read More

For those with even small amounts entrepreneurial tendencies, moving to China will be fascinating. After that initial fascination wears off a bit and you have a moment to ponder what you are looking at on the street everyday in terms of business, it will change into an intense curiosity about the system and where opportunities may lie. Many expats choose to open a business in China and find it a rewarding experience. Those who consider their... Read More

Once you have your bearings, how you get around Shanghai will depend much on whether or not you have a family driver, which part of the city you live in and where you are traveling. Read More

China’s booming car culture has not emerged out of necessity due to a lack of public transport as is the case elsewhere. In fact, Shanghai’s public transport boasts more kilometers of track than any other city in the world at 548 - second place is Beijing at 527. Both are clean, safe and highly efficient. That said, they are crowded. So crowded that at rush hour in People’s Square in Shanghai, you would be hard pressed to find a similar visual... Read More