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A GUIDE TO WORKING AND LIVING IN CHINA AS BUSINESS EXPATRIATES

To facilitate the work and daily life of foreign business professionals in China, multiple departments, including the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Ministry of Commerce, have recently updated and compiled the “Guide for Foreign Business Professionals Working and Living in China (2025 Edition).” The guide is divided into four sections: precautions, daily life services, residence services, and work-related services in China. It covers various matters such as accommodation registration, SIM card acquisition, bank account setup, residence permits, work permits, social insurance, mobile payment activation, transportation, and personal income tax payment. Additionally, it includes new information on cash payments in RMB, visa-free transit for foreign travelers coming to China, and the application process for the Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao residents (for non-Chinese nationals). The guide serves as a reference for foreign business professionals working and living in China. Open: The guide for Foreign Business Professionals Working and Living in China (2025 Edition)

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Route Upgrade | Sichuan Airlines Dubai = Chengdu Route Now Operates Daily

Starting from May 1st, Sichuan Airlines will increase the frequency of its Dubai = Chengdu route to one flight per day!Whether you want to explore the picturesque landscapes of the “Land of Abundance” (Chengdu) or experience the luxurious wonders of the “Desert Miracle” (Dubai), Sichuan Airlines makes your dual-city journey easy and seamless In addition to direct flights from Dubai to Chengdu, Sichuan Airlines also operates a Dubai = Yinchuan route every Thursday, giving you even more travel options Let’s first experience the unique charm of Sichuan together!And travel through magnificent Sichuan and explore the mystical Land of Abundance Relaxing Holiday Journey: Sichuan Airlines Travel through the Land of Abundance, Chengdu,the Liquor City of Luzhou,the First City on the Yangtze River, Yibin,and Mianyang, the City of Science and Technology in China.Experience the diverse cultures of Sichuan’s cities. Chengdu Walk through Kuanzhai Alleys, sipping a bowl of 盖碗茶 (lidded tea) in a courtyard of gray bricks and dark tiles.Stroll through Jinguan Old Town, watching a Sichuan Opera face-changing performance in a quiet, historic street.Visit the Giant Panda Base to see the adorable national treasure up close.Or, explore Qingcheng Mountain, seeking wisdom, and admire the Dujiangyan Irrigation System.And don’t forget to try Chengdu’s famous street snacks for a true culinary adventure Luzhou In southern Sichuan’s Xiao Emei (Little Emei) in Xuyong, Luzhou, the majestic peaks and steep cliffs of Dan Mountain rise into the clouds.Below the mountain, endless terraced fields stretch for miles, creating a breathtaking landscape.It is recognized as one of the 100 most beautiful scenic photography locations in Sichuan. Yibin In the First City on the Yangtze River, explore Lizhuang Ancient Town, a national-level historic and cultural town rich in heritage.Or visit the Shunan Bamboo Sea, where you can marvel at endless bamboo forests and listen to the soothing whispers of rustling bamboo leaves. Mianyang Visit Jiuhuang Mountain to experience the mysterious culture and traditions of the ancient Qiang people.Explore Yuewang Tower, a renowned historic pavilion rich in poetry and literary collections.Travel to the hometown of Li Bai, where the memorial hall houses precious artifacts and rare calligraphy works of the great poet.Discover various architectural sites, sculptures, and stone inscriptions dedicated to Li Bai’s legacy. Snow Mountain & Ice Adventure: Sichuan Airlines When it comes to breathtaking landscapes, you can always trust Sichuan!Plateaus, lakes, grasslands, natural wonders, and cultural heritage—Sichuan has it all to satisfy your wanderlust King Gesar King Gesar is a legendary hero in the hearts of the Tibetan people and a mighty guardian deity in Tibetan Buddhism.When the snow-capped mountains and the illuminated Buddhist stupas shine together,all worldly concerns fade away Jiuzhaigou Jiuzhaigou is famous for its six wonders: alpine lakes, waterfalls, colorful forests, snow-capped peaks, blue ice, and Tibetan culture.It is known as a “fairy-tale world” and proudly holds the title of “King of Waterscapes.” The saying goes: “After visiting Jiuzhaigou, no other waters can compare.”This is a masterpiece of nature, where towering snow peaks, crystal-clear lakes, vibrant waterfalls, rushing torrents, and lush forests create a breathtaking landscape. Want to chase the warm sunshine? In the southwest of Sichuan,you’ll find spring-like sunshine all year round. Warm Sunshine Journey: Sichuan Airlines Xichang Known as the “Little Spring City,” Xichang is blessed with abundant sunshine.Hop on a small boat, feel the gentle breeze caress your face, and watch the golden sunset cast shimmering reflections on the water.As seagulls glide over the waves in the distance, a sense of pure serenity fills the air.

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“Happy Chinese New Year – Cultural Breeze” Spring Festival Celebration Held in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi

From February 15 to 16, under the guidance of the Chinese Embassy in the UAE, and with the support of the Chinese Cultural Center in the UAE, Saimite Cultural Company and Pura Eco-camp organized the “Happy Chinese New Year – Cultural Tour” celebration in Abu Dhabi’s Al Ain Jebel Hafeet National Park. The Chinese Ambassador to the UAE, Zhang Yiming, and ambassadors from more than 300 guests, including Zhu Zhen from the Netherlands, Finland, Portugal, Ireland, and others, attended the event. On February 15, at sunset under the towering Jebel Hafeet mountain, people sat on traditional Arabian carpets, savoring Chinese tea prepared by tea masters, and enjoying traditional Chinese melodies such as “Fisherman’s Song at Dusk” and “Jasmine Flower.” As night fell, under the shimmering mountain lights and festive red glow, a young Chinese pianist performed classics like “Colorful Clouds Chasing the Moon,” “The Moon Represents My Heart,” and “Moonlight Sonata,” immersing the audience in a musical journey. The next morning, Pura Eco-camp hosted a traditional Emirati breakfast, a performance by a Chinese flute artist, a Chinese kite-flying activity, and a “Happy Chinese New Year” souvenir exhibition.People’s Daily, Abu Dhabi TV, and other Chinese and Emirati media covered the event.

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China participates in the 22nd Sharjah Heritage Day

On February 12, to celebrate the 2025 Chinese Spring Festival, the China Cultural Center in the UAE was invited to participate in the 22nd Sharjah Heritage Days. Sheikh Sultan Al Qasimi of Sharjah attended the opening ceremony. Ten Chinese films, including My People, My Hometown, were screened during the heritage event, providing an opportunity for the people of Sharjah to understand Chinese culture through cinema. Teachers and students from the Arabic Language Department of Zhejiang Gongshang University set up a Chinese cultural exhibition booth, offering cultural experience activities such as calligraphy, painting, bead crafting, and Chinese folk music, allowing visitors to personally experience the charm of Chinese culture. The theme of this year’s Sharjah Heritage Days is “Roots,” featuring exhibitions of handicrafts, Arabic song and dance performances, traditional farming tools, and fishing net making, showcasing the UAE’s traditional cultural heritage. This year’s Sharjah Heritage Days event begins on February 12 and continues until February 23, with teams from 26 countries and 7 international organizations participating.

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“Happy Chinese New Year” Event Held at the UAE Diplomatic Academy

On February 11, 2025, the China Cultural Center in the UAE held a “Happy Spring Festival” event at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy in the UAE, celebrating the Year of the Snake together with the academy’s faculty and students. The academy’s exhibition hall was adorned with Chinese lanterns, Spring Festival couplets, Chinese knots, and auspicious snake decorations, creating a strong festive atmosphere. Centered around the theme of the Chinese Spring Festival, the academy’s students organized a variety of celebratory and interactive activities. Faculty and students watched the official promotional video for the UNESCO heritage application, Spring Festival—The Social Practice of Chinese People Celebrating the Traditional New Year. Student representatives introduced China’s rapid development—from the ancient Great Wall as a defensive structure to modern advancements in social media, automobiles, and technology—through an image exhibition. Additionally, students participated in a cultural quiz with prizes, engaged in fun Spring Festival games, and experienced Chinese culture in a relaxed and joyful setting. The China Cultural Center in the UAE also presented cultural and creative gifts themed around the Chinese Spring Festival to faculty and students, extending New Year blessings to the students of the UAE Diplomatic Academy. The Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy in the UAE is the “cradle” for training diplomats and foreign affairs professionals in the country. Named after former UAE Foreign Minister Anwar Gargash, the academy is chaired by Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, with Nikolay Mladenov (former Bulgarian Minister of Defense and Foreign Affairs) serving as Director-General. The academy enjoys a strong reputation in the Gulf region and boasts a faculty that includes several senior ambassadors and renowned scholars.

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The “Happy Chinese New Year” Temple Fair is being held on Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi.

On January 31, 2025, the “Happy Chinese New Year” temple fair was held on Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi. Attendees at the opening ceremony included Li Xiaodong, Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in the UAE; Ali, Senior Vice President of Mubadala Investment Company and Chairman of Al Maryah Retail Company; and Derek, Director of Real Estate at Mubadala Investment Company. In his speech, Counselor Li Xiaodong extended New Year greetings for the Year of the Snake to both Chinese and foreign guests. He noted that the Spring Festival, China’s most significant traditional holiday, is increasingly recognized and celebrated worldwide, including in the UAE, where the festive atmosphere is becoming more pronounced. Since its inaugural event in 2014, the Al Maryah Spring Festival Temple Fair has been a popular celebration in the UAE. China welcomes and supports UAE entities, represented by Mubadala Investment Company, in expanding cooperation with China, thereby contributing to the development of China-UAE relations. The annual Al Maryah Island New Year Temple Fair attracts a large number of both Chinese and international visitors, many attending with their families. Guests can savor traditional Chinese delicacies such as candied hawthorn skewers and soup dumplings, offering both warmth and nostalgia. The event also features vibrant cultural performances, including stilt walking, lion dances, face-changing acts, and kung fu demonstrations, creating a festive and lively atmosphere. Additionally, visitors can take part in a variety of interactive experiences, such as crafting Chinese knots, making bracelets and sachets, sugar painting, tea ceremonies, and painting, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the unique charm of Chinese New Year culture. / The Al Maryah Island Chinese New Year Temple Fair will be held from January 31 to February 2, 2025, at the AMI South Plaza. The event will take place daily from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

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“Joyful Spring Festival · Sichuan Lanterns Light Up the World” Brightens Abu Dhabi’s Umm Al Emarat Park

On January 26, 2025, the “Joyful Spring Festival · Sichuan Lanterns Light Up the World” UAE tour kicked off at the beloved Umm Al Emarat Park in Abu Dhabi. The opening ceremony was attended by Zhou Biao, Minister Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in the UAE, who delivered a heartfelt speech. The event was guided by the UAE China Cultural Center and Sichuan Cultural Industry Investment Group, and jointly organized by Sichuan Zhuhong Lantern Cultural Art Co. Ltd. and the Middle East Chinese Academy. Highlights of the Lantern Exhibition The exhibition features three captivating themes—“Flavors of Chinese New Year,” “Heritage of China,” and “Impressions of China”—combining traditional half-relief lantern-making techniques with modern design concepts. Iconic elements such as dragon and lion dances, Spring Festival couplets, red lanterns, pandas, Sanxingdui relics, Du Fu’s poetry, Sichuan opera face-changing, Shu embroidery, and oil-paper umbrellaswere crafted into intricate lantern displays. Alongside these installations, bilingual (Chinese and English) placards provided insightful explanations, enabling visitors to appreciate both the artistry and cultural essence of China. A Celebration of Culture and Friendship During the lighting ceremony, youth from the Middle East Chinese Academy performed Chinese songs and dances, symbolizing the warm friendship between the two nations. Performances of the Arabic oud, Chinese guzheng, and Sichuan opera brought an enchanting mix of cultures to the stage. The lively Chinese New Year Cultural Marketadded a festive touch, with interactive activities like Hanfu dressing, woodblock painting, paper cutting, and calligraphy attracting enthusiastic participation from UAE residents. Adding to the cultural exchange, the event hosted a “My Hometown and I” Chinese-Arab Youth Art Exhibition, showcasing over 100 paintings. These artworks reflected the young artists’ love for their hometowns and exchanged heartfelt invitations and blessings across borders. Event Duration The lantern exhibition will illuminate Umm Al Emarat Park until February 1, 2025, before moving to Dubai for the “Joyful Spring Festival Lantern Festival” on February 7, 2025. The tour aims to spread the joy of the Year of the Snake to a wider audience, sharing warm Spring Festival wishes with local residents and the Chinese community in the UAE. This unique cultural celebration highlights the growing friendship between China and the UAE, fostering mutual appreciation through the beauty of Sichuan’s lantern tradition and the essence of Chinese New Year.

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Joyful Spring Festival” Celebration Held at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

On January 26, 2025, the “Joyful Spring Festival” celebration took center stage at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, bringing the spirit of Chinese New Year to one of the UAE’s most iconic attractions. Over 400 guests, including Zhang Yiming, Chinese Ambassador to the UAE; Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral Group; and Tian Yanying, Deputy Inspector of the Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, attended the event. A Festive Opening Ambassador Zhang Yiming extended New Year blessings to all guests, sharing his delight in celebrating the Lunar New Year at Ferrari World. He described the “Ferrari red” as a symbol of festivity, adding that experiencing the world’s fastest roller coasterinfused the celebration with passion and energy for the year ahead. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening cultural ties with the UAE by encouraging more tourism exchanges between the two nations. Cultural Performances by Shandong Art Troupe The event featured a spectacular performance by the Shandong Art Troupe, organized by the Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism and the UAE China Cultural Center. Themed “Joyful Spring Festival · Hometown of Confucius · Hospitable Shandong,” the show highlighted China’s rich cultural heritage withT:raditional music like “Flourishing Flowers” that showcased the vitality of the Shandong region and the timeless connections of the Belt and Road Initiative. Interactive Chinese New Year Experiences Ferrari World Abu Dhabi transformed into a celebration of Chinese culture with activities including:Traditional lion dances, ribbon dances, and Chinese cuisine. Event Duration The “Joyful Spring Festival” celebration began on January 25 and will continue until February 9, 2025, offering visitors a diverse and vibrant cultural experience. This collaboration between Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Chinese cultural organizations highlights the strong cultural bond between China and the UAE, sharing the joy and traditions of Chinese New Year with local and international visitors alike.

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“Nihao!China” Chinese Ice & Snow Tourism Promotion Kicks Off in Abu Dhabi

On January 25, 2025, the “Nihao!China” Chinese Ice & Snow Tourism Overseas Promotion Season was successfully launched at the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Abu Dhabi, hosted by the UAE China Cultural Center. For the first time, this campaign partnered with the renowned Sheikh Zayed Festival, showcasing the rich and diverse ice and snow-themed cultural attractions of China. The event featured: The event successfully enhanced awareness of China’s winter tourism resources and encouraged local residents to explore the country’s unique ice and snow culture. About the Sheikh Zayed Festival Held in Abu Dhabi’s Al Wathba region, the Sheikh Zayed Festival is named in honor of the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It is the UAE’s largest cultural heritage event, attracting over 1 million visitors annually from around the world. The festival offers a vibrant showcase of arts, traditions, and cultural heritage, providing a unique platform for visitors to learn about the UAE’s rich and colorful history. The partnership between “Nihao!China” and the Sheikh Zayed Festival highlights the deepening cultural exchange between China and the UAE, offering locals and international visitors an opportunity to discover and appreciate China’s enchanting ice and snow tourism.

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Grand Celebration: Chinese New Energy Vehicle Parade Lights Up UAE for Spring Festival 2025

On January 25, 2025, the “Warmly Welcoming Spring · Joyful Spring Festival” New Energy Vehicle Parade was held in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, UAE. The event brought together distinguished UAE royals, government officials, and Chinese diplomats, including Sheikh Zayed Festival Chairman Mohammed, Dubai’s Prince Maktoum, Emirates Airlines Vice President Prince Majid, UAE Minister of Economy’s Deputy Saleh, and Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Energy and Sustainability Department Karkash. Chinese representatives included Zhang Yiming, the Chinese Ambassador to the UAE, Ou Boqian, Consul General in Dubai, and Tian Yanying, Deputy Inspector of Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism. Together, they attended the launch and conclusion ceremonies and enjoyed the exclusive “Joyful Spring Festival” performances. Dubai Parade Highlights In the afternoon, over 60 Chinese new energy vehicles (NEVs) from 13 leading Chinese automakers were showcased at the Dubai Equestrian Club. Each car bore the vibrant “Warmly Welcoming Spring · Joyful Spring Festival” and “Lucky Snake” designs, marking the Year of the Snake. Attendees, both local and international, enthusiastically explored features like test drives, virtual reality demonstrations, and festive giveaways, sparking curiosity about Chinese NEVs’ availability in the UAE and purchasing options. After a grand launch ceremony, a convoy of 40 NEVs departed along scenic boulevards, heading toward the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi Festivities In the evening, the NEV convoy arrived at the Sheikh Zayed Festival, where they formed an impressive display around the illuminated fountain square, featuring a central lighthouse adorned with the “Joyful Spring Festival” logo. Thousands of local residents eagerly participated in test drives and celebrated the event’s vibrant energy. The night culminated with a spectacular cultural performance, blending talents from the Shandong Art Troupe, UAE folk dance groups, and local kung fu teams. The celebration, attended by over 20,000 locals and international guests, concluded with dazzling fireworks that lit up Abu Dhabi’s night sky, sending heartfelt Year of the Snake Spring Festival wishes to the global Chinese community. This unique cultural and automotive collaboration not only showcased the technological excellence of Chinese NEVs but also highlighted the deepening cultural and economic ties between China and the UAE.

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