The first time I arrived I thought Chengdu drivers owned a particular DNA code which could explain their extra developed senses to move so fast without crashing into each other like a school of fish. After one month I decided to buy my own bike so I took a taxi with my friend, who is a bike expert, to the famous bike street in Chengdu and I bought a second-hand, black and red, big-wheeled, electric bike with a random brake system. As we finished bargaining at 6 PM (Yes, bike sellers are very tough bargainers) we had no choice but to drive together home since rush hour in Chengdu means all taxis will magically be full no matter what.

I would love to say that it was super easy to ride my new toy and we arrived just a few minutes later at our destination, after a peaceful and sunny trip, but this is Chengdu, not a fairytale.

I soon found that I did not possess the DNA code necessary for effortless flight and realized that having someone sitting on the back, combined with a faulty brake system, was the perfect equation for disaster!

Luckily, after just one hour of being lost, crashing into a tree (there aren’t a lot in Chengdu, but obviously enough to crash into), running out of electricity, and receiving meaningful cheers from other drivers to describe our driving skills, we finally managed to push the bike back home.

I’ve been in Chengdu for 9 months now; I have driven nearly ever road and have been lost in nearly every alley from the first ring to the third and I can honestly say that DNA can be changed as I’ve only been in one accident and can now fly like the locals! I love my bike! The freedom it gives me to speed around on my own and discover the city has been one of the most meaningful aspects of my China experience thus far. If you want a fast way to move around, avoid traffic jams, and discover the city from another perspective, I can only advise you to get your own bike and become part of the flight rather than watching it from the ground. 加油!

One question we often receive is how foreigners can obtain their driver’s license in China. In order to be allowed to drive a car you will need a local driver’s license.  Your current foreign driver’s license is not enough as you will be required to obtain a Chinese license as well (although, when you don’t hold a foreign driving license it’s even more difficult).

If you hold a foreign driving license, the Chengdu Traffic Management Bureau can provide the Vehicle License Protocols signed with other countries and other related agreements. Almost all the countries have the following regulations (except for example lucky Belgians, they have a special -easier- process). Preconditions: foreigners should bring the driving license from their home country. If the driving license is not already in Chinese, the applicant should also provide the Chinese translation. For translations, please contact a certified local translation agency, like ClC lnterglobal (E-mail: clc@clc-interglobal.com). You need to have: a physical test form filled and verified by hospital staff, your residence verification form by local police station, a visa which is more than 6 months from expiration, your passport and one copy, four 1-inch photos, your driving license (one copy of the driving license and the translated version of the driving license from the notary office, foreign affairs office or local translation agencies) and the completed application form. Then it’s a matter of getting some stamps and there you go. Note: you can only apply to local driving licenses for the same kinds of vehicles, providing that you meet the application requirements.

For those who do not have driving license, you need to register in a local driving school and get the training from the school before passing the examination. Note: a translator can be provided for those languages that are not available in the data bank. Available foreign languages: English and Japanese. Getting the local driving license: at the Vehicles Management Office, ask for the “Driving license application form” and “Vehicles driver physical condition form” and fill them out. After that, you will take the physical examination. Hand in the two forms from the exam, and the required documents mentioned above before paying the related fees at the counter. Hand in the bill in the hall and reserve the date for the examination. Then, obviously, pass the examination to get your Chinese driving license. Examination fee: applying car driving license: 280 RMB/ person (can take written test two times before having to pay again), applying motorcycle driving license: 140 RMB/ person/ times.

Contacts: Vehicle Management Department, Traffic Management Bureau, Chengdu. Tel: 028-87850133/134.

We wish you all the best obtaining your Chinese driver’s license & please, drive safely!

In China, in order to be allowed to drive a car you will need a local driving license. Indeed, your home driving license is not enough as you will be required to obtain a Chinese license as well. Below you will find all the information you need to obtain this license in Chengdu and you can download it in pdf format.

For getting the driving license in Chengdu the Traffic Management Bureau has the following regulations:

Preconditions:

Foreigners should bring the driving license from their home country; if the driving license is not already in Chinese, the applicant should also provide the Chinese translation. For translations, please call local translation agency: 028-86283116.
Have your original driver’s license scanned(both sides) or photographed, send the pictures to

ClC lnterglobal:
E-mail: clc@clc-interglobal.com or quote@clc-interglobal.com

The Vehicle Management Bureau will execute the Vehicle License Protocols Signed with other countries and other related Agreements.

For the foreign driving license holders:

You need to have:

-physical test form filled and verified by hospital staff

-residence verification form by local police station 境外人员住宿登记表

- a visa which is more than 6 months from expiration

-your passport and one copy,

-four 1-inch photos;

-your driving license, one copy of the driving license and the translated version of the driving license from the Notary office, foreign affairs office or local translation agencies

-application form

Note: You can only apply to local driving licenses for the same kinds of vehicles, providing that you meet the application requirements. This means if you drive a car in your home country you will only be able to apply for a car license here, not one for large trucks or motorcycles. If you want to get a license for trucks/motorcycles you will need to attend driving school and complete all of the steps listed in the next section.

For those who do not have driving license:

You need to register in a local Driving School and get the training from the School before passing the examination.

Note: A Translator can be provided for those languages that are not available in the data bank;

Available foreign languages: English and Japanese

Getting the local driving license:

At the Vehicles Management Office, ask for the Driving License Application Form and Vehicles Driver Physical condition Form and fill them.

After that, you will take the physical examination. Hand in the two forms from the exam, and the required documents mentionned above before paying the related fees at the counter.

Hand in the bill in the hall and reserve the date for the examination;

Then, obviously, pass the examination to get your Chinese driving license.

Examination Fee:

Applying Car Driving License: 280 RMB / Person (Can take written test two times before having to pay again)

Applying Motorcycle Driving License: 140 RMB / Person / Times

Retake Examination Fee for Car Driving License: 140 RMB / Person

Retake Examination Fee for Motorcycle License: 70 RMB / Person

Driving License Issue Fee: 10RMB

Note: A translator can be provided for those languages that are not available in the data bank;

Available foreign languages: English and Japanese

Contacts:

Vehicle Management Dept, Traffic Management Bureau, Chengdu

Tele: 028-87850133/134

Information on how to obtain a Chengdu Drivers license –

As we know in meanwhile, Chengdu is continuously in the process of becoming a more international city. To prove tis, there are a lot of big numbers and fancy graphics provided by the government, institutions and organizations, though these might be hard to interpret or “too far from your bed”.

That’s why I aim to provide insights and experiences how to measure this internationalization process in my future columns, showing how it’s visible in real life, what’s necessary to stimulate, which difficulties/ solutions expats encounter, etc.

For most expats, it is both an opportunity and a challenge to stay and work in China. Some hard decisions are unavoidable concerning the big move, especially when the whole family will come to the Middle Kingdom and the stress will be amplified exponentially. One of the questions causing prospective expats headaches and sleepless nights is: “Which school is the best option for the kids without putting the kids through the trouble of learning Chinese and saving them the culture shock?”

For this reason, this article highlights three of five well-respected English speaking international schools in Chengdu. The city in total counts 5 International Schools: CDIS, Eton House, Léman, Meishi and QSI International School.

Chengdu International School or CDIS offers a bilingual program for the elementary kids. The children are taken care of in Chinese but are also taught to develop a good foundation of learning the English language. The general elementary schools educational programme includes language arts, science, math, social studies, Chinese, PE, art as well as music. For the secondary school the children has the additional courses of English, fine arts and Chinese languages (for them required to study Chinese). Thorough the whole education process, the children are helped in positive character building and developing critical thinking.

QSI International School of Chengdu has small classes, so individual students can receive special care if needed. The school has in mind that some expat kids only are staying in Chengdu for one or less than one year, so the children have the possibility to take part in selected national studies (American, British, Dutch etc.). So the kids don’t have a hard time in adjusting to the school system if they return to their home countries. The curriculum includes appropriate topics for all students in intensive English, teachings of the Chinese language, literacy and computer courses. Beside this, the curriculum is complemented with various extracurricular activities.

The Léman International School’s primary school curriculum is based on the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) and its middle school has an extended version of IPC. The 9th and 10th grade include a high level academics education. The educational system is using the American grading system and endeavour to help the children out in building ethical awareness and critical thinking. Furthermore, students have the opportunity of learning the Chinese and German language and the school offers diverse high standard sports activities.

By Dieter Vanonckelen

China-wide Management Team, Maxxelli Real Estate

Board Member, European Chamber of Commerce

The level of difficulty in setting up your company depends on your industry. The reason is that China encourages foreign investment in certain industries while discourages it in others.

There are several different registration classifications for foreign companies doing business in China. You will need to decide which one best suits your needs. The main classifications are Wholly Foreign Owned Enterprise (WFOE), Joint Venture (JV), Representative Office and Partnership Enterprise (PE).

A Wholly Foreign Owned Enterprise is a business that is 100% owned by a foreign company or companies. These are often established in Special Economic Zones. Only businesses in certain industry categories are allowed to set up as a WFOE. A WFOE requires a minimum capitalization, can generate income, pays tax in China and can repatriate profits. (Ref. 2)

A Joint Venture is a partnership between a foreign company and a local partner. A Joint Venture may be appropriate if WFOEs are not permitted in your industry classification.

A Representative Office is easier to set up than either a WFOE or JV. It costs less and does not require capitalization. However, Representative Offices may not engage in trade, receive fees for service, sign contracts or directly generate income. They are typically used for market research, promotion, and establishing or maintaining China business contacts.

A Partnership Enterprise is a new classification that came into effect March 1, 2010. It allows partnerships between foreign companies and individuals, and Chinese companies and individuals. (Ref. 2)

It typically takes 4 to 6 months to register a WFOE or JV, depending on scale and industry. (Ref. 3)

A number of government offices are involved in the process including the Ministry of Commerce or its subsidiary, the Local Industry and Commerce Administration Bureau, the State Taxation Bureau, the Local Taxation Bureau, the Foreign Administration Office of Police, the Bank, the Foreign Exchange Administration Bureau, the Public Security Bureau, and the Customs Office. (Ref. 3)

Basic Steps

Here is an outline of the basic steps to setting up a WFOE or JV in China. (Ref. 1) The process is simpler for Representative Offices.

1) Name Approval
2) Approval to Establish Company
3) Registration of Business License
4) Filing and Carving Seals
5) Enterprise Code Certification
6) Statistics Bureau Registration
7) Foreign Exchange Approval
Registration with City Tax Bureau
9) Setup of Bank Accounts
10) Customs Bureau Registration
11) Capital Verification
12) Business License Update

References

1. Orientation China Guidebook, First Edition, American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai

2. Types of Business Presence in China, Path to China

3. Register a Company in China: Full registrations, Authority and Timeframe, NSW Chamber

Recommended Reading

How to Start a Business in China – WFOE, China Law Blog

How To Start A Business In China — The Minimum Capital Requirements For A WFOE, China Law Blog

Setting Up a Representative Office in China, Export.gov, US Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration

How to Form a Representative Office in China, China Law Blog

8 Must-Knows about Business Set-up in China, NSW Business Chamber

Starting a Business in China, International Finance Corporation, World Bank Group

If you have any questions or requests don’t hesitate to contact us at:
e-mail: info@maxxelli.net
tel: (86) 4000 150 600
or leave a comment on the blog

Hot Properties Chengdu April 2012_First Edition_ –

Hi All,

I am happy to let you know I will be having another show next Saturday, March 24th!!

Event: The DongXi Shop Open House
When: Saturday March 24th from 11a.m. to 4p.m.
Where: 1 Wangjiang Rd., Greenwich Village 2-31-03, Wuhou Dist. 610041
涓浗鍥涘窛鎴愰兘姝︿警鍖烘湜姹熻矾1鍙锋牸鏋楀▉娌?/span>2鏍?/span>3103鍒锛岄偖缂?/span>:610041

It is getting harder and harder to find good pieces, prices are rising and supplies are diminishing as antiques are coming back in style in Mainland China. However, I am happy to report that I got some really great pieces in; benches, armoires, a long alter table, money boxes and more. In addition to the usual favorites, I also have new gifts such as mini silk makeup bags, Chinese cufflinks, and jewelry from Shanghai. To see what we have, you can check out the website at www.thedongxishop.com

Open Wine at the Open House:
Clara from Open Wine will be at the Open House. Open Wine is an up and coming importer and distributor of fine wines focused on mainland China. Their wines are carefully selected from the world鈥檚 finest wines and their core business principal is a commitment to providing quality wines and professional services to all customers. Please check out their website at www.openwine.com.cn

Giving Back:
Have fun shopping and do a good deed at the same time! A portion of the proceeds will go to Half the Sky Foundation. They help care for and nurture orphaned children in China. To learn more about their organization click on the link www.halfthesky.org

Directions:
I live at Greenwich Village by the Jiu Yan Qiao Bridge / Bar Street and across the river from the Waterfront. If you tell the taxi Jiu Yan Qiao zai Wang Jian Lu they should know where to take you. There are two banks on either side of the main entrance. After walking through the gates, it’s the first building on the left- Building 2, Floor 31, House 3. Please feel free to call me if you need help.

Stop by anytime – If you can’t make it Saturday, but still want to come by, you are welcome anytime after 5:30PM on weekdays. Just call and we can make arrangements to meet.

Please forward this to anyone who might be interested.

I will send out another reminder next week and look forward to seeing you there.

Lindsey Stolte

Cell: +18628132032
Email: chengdudongxishop@hotmail.com
Website: www.thedongxishop.com

If you have any questions or requests don’t hesitate to contact us at:
e-mail: info@maxxelli.net
tel: (86) 4000 150 600
or leave a comment on the blog

Chengdu Hot Properties March 2012 –

Mark has been to China for more than ten years, visiting a lot of Chinese cities. In Shenzhen, he found himself fitting there properly and a strong sense of belonging. That’s why he has already been living there for five years. That’s also the reason that he chose Shenzhen Arcadia Court, which is located in Futian Zone. In his opinion, a convenient home is the most important thing except for work.

In January, his company decided to expand their business to southwestern China. Owing to that, Mark considered to move to Chengdu. First of all, he must find his own paradise to live. Thanks to his friend’s recommendation, Mark visited Chengdu Arcadia Court, which is also developed by Kerry Properties like Shenzhen Arcadia Court.

Chengdu Arcadia Court, locates in Hi-tech Industrial Development Zone, which is known as “the nearest part to the world in Chengdu”. Many Global 500 have chosen their offices here. There is excellent transportation network: Tianfu Road, Jiannan Road, Yizhou Road and Chengdu Metro Line One make you an easy reach of the entire city. Some famous department stores like Ito Yokado, Auchan, and Ikea store, together with theatre, modern arts centre and central park are nearby.

Looking from afar, the white buildings are just simple and elegant. After stepped into the sales centre, Mark found the head security officer Yong who worked in Shenzhen Arcadia Court before was working here. Such a big surprise! As a warm-hearted man, Yong introduced Mark from a friend’s point of view. Like Kerry’s proud star Shangri-La Hotel, the concierge will provide many kinds of services at Chengdu Arcadia Court: weather forecast, maps and driving suggestion, flower booking and delivery, reservation for dinning, laundry service and parcel delivery and so on. All residents can enjoy the “Kerry Hospitality” like they are in Shangri-La Hotel.

According to a sales assistant, the clubhouse provides spa, sauna, fitness room and mahjong rooms. Meanwhile, the landscape area is designed by a famous Japanese architect in a Japanese style equipped with a running track which is good for daily jogging. In the first floor, the grand entrance lobby with its towering 6m. ceiling achieves a perfect blend of form, style and function. Walking into the house, Mark was attracted by the distinctive living room, properly designed open-air balcony and tidy kitchen and bathroom. The apartment is well furnished with top-quality fittings and appliances. All you need is just full fill your home with your favorite furniture and style.

Of course, all these are attributed to Kerry Properties–one of Hong Kong’s largest property investment and development companies, focusing on high-end real estate market. These efforts bring Kerry a good reputation on prime quality and corporate responsibility. In Hong Kong and Mainland China, it achieves diverse residential and commercial properties and iconic landmarks.

In the coming August, Arcadia Court will deliver the project to its customers. Mark will start his happy life in Chengdu very soon. With good impression to Chengdu and Arcadia Court, Mark will stay here.

Now, come to Arcadia Court and have a look. Mark needs more friends.

Should you not find your TV/DVD remote control in the list, then just send us a picture of your remote control to info@maxxelli-blog.com and we’ll add it to the list for you.

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