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	<title>Maxxelli Blog &#187; Wuhan</title>
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	<link>http://maxxelli-blog.com</link>
	<description>For Expats living in Chengdu, Chongqing, Wuhan, Dalian, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Wuxi</description>
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		<title>Taxi-Book: your destination, our drive</title>
		<link>http://maxxelli-blog.com/2010/09/taxi-book-your-destination-our-drive/</link>
		<comments>http://maxxelli-blog.com/2010/09/taxi-book-your-destination-our-drive/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 10 Sep 2010 03:26:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chengdu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chongqing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dalian]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Expat Life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Front Page @en]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Good Address]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hangzhou]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[How to]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Leisure]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Suzhou]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wuhan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wuxi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[leisure]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tourism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Visit]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://maxxelli-blog.com/?p=758</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[What is Taxi-Book?
The Taxi-Book is designed for foreigners in China. We included hundreds of updated venues, relevant for expatriates, tourists and business visitors. Our venues are divided in 10 categories as displayed as the picture right.
Our venues are clearly displayed, only with relevant information for both the user and the driver. The venues will be [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong><img class="size-medium wp-image-774 alignleft" title="picture-1" src="http://maxxelli-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/picture-1-300x191.jpg" alt="picture-1" width="300" height="191" /><span style="color: #8dc73f;">What is Taxi-Book?</span></strong><a href="http://maxxelli-blog.com/2010/04/taxi-book-ihr-ziel-ist-unser-antrieb/"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-6796" title="flagge_deutschland" src="http://maxxelli-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/flagge_deutschland-e1264128006741.gif" alt="" width="40" height="26" /></a><br />
The Taxi-Book is designed for <strong>foreigners</strong> in <strong>China</strong>. We included hundreds of <strong>updated venue</strong>s, relevant for expatriates, tourists and business visitors. Our venues are divided in <strong>10 categories</strong> as displayed as the picture right.</p>
<p>Our venues are clearly displayed, only with relevant information for both the user and the driver. The venues will be easy to look up for any user by using the coloured tabs representing a category. Each page will clarify its purpose by repeating the sentence “please bring me to” both for the user and the driver.</p>
<p><img class="size-medium wp-image-771 alignright" title="picture-41" src="http://maxxelli-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/picture-41-300x192.jpg" alt="picture-41" width="300" height="192" />Furthermore the Taxi-Book contains a <strong>small map</strong> that will allow the user to quickly indicate his position and the venues of his choice.<br />
Our <strong>universal icons</strong> will bring the user to the nearest venue of that well-known instance.<br />
We also included some <strong>useful expressions</strong> to allow basic communication with the driver when necessary.<br />
Concluding with some facts about the city and emergency information we are confident to provide essential information to foreigners in this Taxi-Book.</p>
<p><strong><img class="size-medium wp-image-766 alignleft" title="picture-9" src="http://maxxelli-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/picture-9-300x190.jpg" alt="picture-9" width="300" height="190" /><span style="color: #8dc73f;">Who are your customers?</span></strong><br />
The Taxi-Book is a marketing tool for companies focusing on a foreign market. The current growth of Chinese new tier cities, brought a great demand of information. The cultural and linguistic barrier is present anywhere in China and therefore creates a demand for the useful information in the Taxi-Book. The emergence of a foreign market in these cities makes the Taxi-Book a <strong>valuable marketing tool.</strong> We supply the Taxi-Book to companies for them to customize. This will allow you to present a personal product with a lot of useful information. The appearance in or on such a long lasting and quality product can be very valuable. Therefore we offer multiple ways to cooperate with us, supplying not only the customized booklet but also opportunities to appear and advertise in it.</p>
<p><strong><img class="size-medium wp-image-770 alignleft" title="picture-5" src="http://maxxelli-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/picture-5-300x190.jpg" alt="picture-5" width="300" height="190" /></strong><span style="color: #8dc73f;"><strong>What are the Benefits for your organization?</strong></span><br />
- A product based on simplicity and efficiency<br />
- A professional, quality and durable product to distribute or resell<br />
- Customizable branding opportunities<br />
- The opportunity to get a large quantity of long lasting brand-exposure<br />
- A high-end corporate gift and/or reselling product<br />
- A product applicable in multiple cities mentioned below</p>
<p style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #8dc73f;"><strong>What are the benefits for the end customer?</strong></span><br />
- Getting around the city efficiently<br />
- A user-friendly tool<br />
- All necessary addresses covered<br />
- A reliable product with many practical features<br />
- A must have for visitors unknown to the language and city</p>
<p><strong><img class="size-medium wp-image-777 alignright" title="sans-titredzd" src="http://maxxelli-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/sans-titredzd-300x251.jpg" alt="sans-titredzd" width="300" height="251" /><span style="color: #8dc73f;">Where is it dealt?</span></strong><br />
We aim to provide this product all over China. Our target will always be to supply quality on every aspect; this to stay a reliable standard for visitors in China. Your destination is our drive.</p>
<p>Current cities:</p>
<p>Beijing, Changsha, Chengdu, Chongqing, Dalian, Foshan, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Guilin/ Yangshuo, Haikou, Hangzhou, Harbin, Jinan, Kunming, Lhasa, Lijiang, Nanchang, Nanjing, Nanning, Ningbo, Qingdao, Sanya, Shanghai, Shenyang, Shenzhen, Suzhou, Taiyuan, Tianjin, Wenzhou, Wuhan, Wuxi, Xi&#8217;an, Xiamen, Zhengzhou</p>
<p><span style="color: #8dc73f;"><strong>Contact</strong></span><br />
<a href="mailto:sales@taxi-book.com">sales@taxi-book.com</a><br />
Tel: +86 28 8535 3133<br />
Fax: +86 28 8531 9680<br />
Please visit <a href="http://www.taxi-book.com">www.taxi-book.com</a> for more information</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #8dc73f;">Price List</span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://maxxelli-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/TB-Pricelist-2010.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-9390" title="Taxi-Book Pricelist 2010" src="http://maxxelli-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/TB-Pricelist-2010-721x1024.jpg" alt="" width="577" height="819" /></a></p>
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		<title>How to get internet in China</title>
		<link>http://maxxelli-blog.com/2010/09/how-to-get-internet-in-china/</link>
		<comments>http://maxxelli-blog.com/2010/09/how-to-get-internet-in-china/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 09 Sep 2010 01:13:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Chengdu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chongqing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dalian]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Front Page @en]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Global Information]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hangzhou]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[How to]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Suzhou]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wuhan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wuxi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Add new tag]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Internet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Telephone]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://maxxelli-blog.com/?p=945</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
Since you landed in China, you spend 2 or 3 hours everyday (or more&#8230;) to check your emails at Starbucks or any other bar with available wireless connection. Now, not only does the waiter prepare your favorite drink before you come, but you start acting weird because of too much coffee. Want to avoid the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a class="alignright" href="http://maxxelli-blog.com/2010/01/wie-bekomme-ich-in-china-einen-internetanschluss/" target="_blank"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-6796" title="flagge_deutschland" src="http://maxxelli-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/flagge_deutschland-e1264128006741.gif" alt="" width="40" height="26" /></a></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #8dc737;"><em>Since you landed in China, you spend 2 or 3 hours everyday (or more&#8230;) to check your emails at Starbucks or any other bar with available wireless connection. Now, not only does the waiter prepare your favorite drink before you come, but you start acting weird because of too much coffee. Want to avoid the nervous I-need-to-have-internet breakdown? Learn how to get connected at home!</em></span></strong></p>
<h2><img class="size-medium wp-image-947 alignleft" title="422121690_95497d4a32_o" src="http://maxxelli-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/3214797650_89fbf289ba_o-300x200.jpg" alt="422121690_95497d4a32_o" width="300" height="200" />How to apply for installation and the internet account</h2>
<p>When you apply for an internet access account, take your passport or original ID card to local China Telecom Center although you&#8217;re technically required to register with the local police station before you can open an account.</p>
<p>Don&#8217;t forget to take enough cash to pay for the installation fee (around 300RMB).</p>
<p>The China Telecom will arrange an appointment with you and send the technician to install the cable and modem within 48 hours in your apartment. Meanwhile you will get the user name and password of your internet access.</p>
<p>After installation, the connection will be available within 7 working days.</p>
<h2>How much does the Internet access cost?</h2>
<p>China Telecom is providing broadband access service for Internet users without start-up fees. You can choose between the following monthly fees:<br />
The fees for 1 mbps is around RMB 98/month (unlimited access)<br />
The fees for 2 mbps is around RMB120/month (unlimited access)</p>
<h2>How to check the balance?</h2>
<p>You can check your balance by dialing the following numbers:<br />
96333 -5 -3- input your internet account number<br />
or<br />
10000 -1 -1- input your internet account number<br />
or<br />
11888-9<br />
or go on <a href="www.sc.ct.10000.com">www.sc.ct.10000.com</a> (in Chinese)</p>
<h2>Where to pay?</h2>
<p>a. China Telecom Service Center or a “Neighborhood Center” (address located on Translation Card as below.)<br />
b. Via the phone directly 96333 or 11888<br />
c. On the website <a href="http://www.sc.ct.10000.com" target="_blank">www.sc.ct.10000.com</a> (in Chinese)</p>
<h2>When to recharge?</h2>
<p>Service center or neighborhood center are open at any time. You can recharge at any time provided that it is before your balance runs out.</p>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>I-You</title>
		<link>http://maxxelli-blog.com/2010/09/i-you/</link>
		<comments>http://maxxelli-blog.com/2010/09/i-you/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 08 Sep 2010 07:07:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Martin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Chengdu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chongqing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dalian]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Global Information]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Good Address]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hangzhou]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Suzhou]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Useful address]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wuhan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wuxi]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://maxxelli-blog.com/?p=11942</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Much  more than an intelligent English-Chinese phrasebook. From 1,500    phrases and a dictionary of 12,000 words i-You produces millions of  correct   Chinese sentences without any internet connection.  Translations are shown in   Chinese writing and Pinyin transliteration  and can be clearly pronounced in   [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Much  more than an intelligent English-Chinese phrasebook. From 1,500    phrases and a dictionary of 12,000 words i-You produces millions of  correct   Chinese sentences without any internet connection.  Translations are shown in   Chinese writing and Pinyin transliteration  and can be clearly pronounced in   standard (Mandarin) Chinese.  Moreover, your Chinese conversation partner can   select answers that  will then be translated for you into English.</p>
<p>i-You was  developed by an international team of top-class computer   scientists,  linguists and Chinese communications experts. It allows you to    communicate easily with Chinese speakers across the language barrier.  The app   can be used in practically every daily situation such as  ordering a taxi,   asking for directions, chitchatting, shopping and  even bargaining for a good   price. It also covers many emergency  situation. In cases where you do not   know how to name or describe an  object, a building, some Chinese characters   or a dish, you can even  use a photo in combination with a sentence.</p>
<p>The combination of  dialogues for many situations, voice output and Pinyin   transliteration  can also help in learning basic Chinese.</p>
<p>Fore more information: <a href="http://www.yocoy.com/i-You/" target="_blank">http://www.yocoy.com/i-You/</a></p>
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		<title>Wuhan Investment Environment</title>
		<link>http://maxxelli-blog.com/2010/09/wuhan-investment-environment/</link>
		<comments>http://maxxelli-blog.com/2010/09/wuhan-investment-environment/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 08 Sep 2010 06:09:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Martin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Front Page @en]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Global Information]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reports]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wuhan]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://maxxelli-blog.com/?p=11931</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Indicators for investment Climate Evaluation
In conducting the investment climate evaluation, we considered various indicators, including the ten indicators used by World Bank in conducting an evaluation on Chinese cities in 2003. We used 8 key indicators in the report plus the living environment to evaluate Wuhan’s investment climate from the perspective of the macro-economic conditions, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Indicators for investment Climate Evaluation</strong></p>
<p>In conducting the investment climate evaluation, we considered various indicators, including the ten indicators used by World Bank in conducting an evaluation on Chinese cities in 2003. We used 8 key indicators in the report plus the living environment to evaluate Wuhan’s investment climate from the perspective of the macro-economic conditions, industrial policy and government efficiency for domestic and foreign investors.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Geographical Location</strong>: Centre of China and Advanced logistics</li>
<li><strong>International Integration</strong>: Continuing Open-up Policy and Encouraging Headquarters Establishment</li>
<li><strong>Infrastructure</strong>: Sufficient Land Supply and Convenient Facilities</li>
<li><strong>Human Resources</strong>: Local Universities and Abundant Talent</li>
<li><strong>Skills and Technology Endowment:</strong> Optics Valley of China and Leading Industries</li>
<li><strong>Financing</strong>: Sophisticated Financing Establishment Network of Financial Institutions</li>
<li><strong>Administrative Efficiency and Governmental Support</strong>: Seamless Service and Support</li>
<li><strong>Public</strong> <strong>Security and Court Efficiency</strong>: Sound Security and High Efficiency</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Geographical Location</strong></p>
<p>The development of regional economy can boost the growth of companies. Factors such as geographical location, transportation cost, etc. are important for enterprises when choosing investment locations.</p>
<p>Wuhan’ central location within China brings many advantages for its local enterprises helping to promote the expansion of downstream business and penetrate the consumer market.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Distinguished Advantages in logistics </span></p>
<p>A new logistic park zone, an industrial base infrastructure projects will be established in Wuhan New Port to support the establishment of a new city which constitute a fully equipped “Big Logistics” industrial zone. Logistics zone project include Linsifang coal distribution centre, Wuhan strategic coal reserve centre, Changhang logistics base, etc.</p>
<p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Geographical Centre</span></em></p>
<p>Wuhan is within the radius of 300 km from other major cities in central China such as Changsha, Zhengzhou, Hefei, Nanchang, etc.</p>
<p>Wuhan is also within the radius 1,200 km from 24 provinces and more than 70 cities in China including cities in Yangtze River Delta, Pearl River Delta and Capital Beijing</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Economic and Financial Centre</span></p>
<p>Wuhan is one of the largest inland circulation centre and cargo distribution centers, in which commodities could reach a population of 0.4 billion in the five nearby provinces. Wuhan is respected as China’s ‘Geo – Economic Heart” in this regard.</p>
<p>More than 2,00 financial institutions are set up in Wuhan currently making it the 3th largest financing centre in China after Shanghai and Shenzhen.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Transportation</span></p>
<p>Wuhan is located in the west of Shanghai, The east of Chongqing, north of Guangzhou and the south of Beijing, is one of the largest water, land and air transportation hubs in inland China</p>
<p>Wuhan enjoys comprehensive advantages’ such as short transportation radius, low cost, strong influence and radiation force in a wide span of the market.</p>
<p>During the period of 2006-2009, Wuhan has maintained a steady growth in volume of freight and passenger transportation.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Important Inland Port of China</span></p>
<p>The Yangtze river, the longest river in China and its largest tributary the Han River intersect  at Wuhan. Wuhan Port is an important pivotal port along the Yangtze River and the port opening to external trade.</p>
<p>Wuhan Port is the largest inland port in China, at which 5,000 to cargo could pass in and out all year and throughput of Wuhan port increases steadily every year.</p>
<p>Imported containers ad bulk cargoes can be delivered directly to Wuhan through the Yangtze river. Customs formalities can be completed in Wuhan with relative low transportation costs. Exported goods can be packed in Wuhan and shipped around the world via water transportation.</p>
<p>There are directly frequent shipping services from Wuhan to Shanghai Waigaoqiang (daily) and Yanhshan (weekly) directly.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Wuhan New Port</span></p>
<p>Wuhan new Port is an investment of 37 million RMB and expected annual throughput should reach 160 million tons.</p>
<p>The first two projects Yangluo Port containers projects Phase II and affiliated dock project for 800,000 tons ethylene are construction. Upon completion, the Yangtze waterway could be fully utilized to promote the export-oriented economic development of Wuhan and reduce enterprises transportation cost in foreign trade.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Development Strategy</span></p>
<p>Wuhan New Port will be constructed into a:</p>
<ul>
<li>Modern port: equipped with modern machinery and managed by advanced information technologies;</li>
<li>International port: open direct international lines to Japan, South Korea, Taiwasn, Southeast Asian countries/regions and simplify the customs procedures to promote foreign trade in central and western regions;</li>
<li> Pivotal port: become an output of shipping centre for key bulky goods collected from central western regions and an inland distribution centre for goods imported from coastal areas or foreign countries.</li>
</ul>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Large Airport in Central China</span></p>
<p>As one of the biggest airports in central China, Wuhan Tianhe International Airport is the only airport in central China offering visa services to foreign visitors.</p>
<p>The 2<sup>nd</sup> terminal of Tianhe Airport, which started operating in March 2008, has an annual passenger capacity of 13 million and cargo capacity of 0.32 tons.</p>
<p>The 3th terminal of Tianhe Airport with a proposed passenger capacity of 30-40 million is under construction. Upon completion, Thianhe Airport will be an important hub of China and eligible to compete with the airports of Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.</p>
<p>As of the end of 2008 , 129 domestic and 12 international airliners provided their services t Tianhe Airport connecting  Wuhan to other major cities in China and abroad.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Railway and Highway Network </span></p>
<p>Four existing railway lines (i.e. Beijing-Guangzhou,  Beijing-Kowloon, Wuhan-Jiujiang, Wuhan-Danjiangkou) and two express railways (i.e. Beijing-Guangzhou, Shanghai-Chengdu) are under construction, coverage in Wuhan and form a railway network connecting the north, south-west, central-south and east China.</p>
<p>Wuhan will be on e of the four largest railway hubs in China, after Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou.</p>
<p>Hurong (Shanghai-Chengdu) express railway starts from Chengdu in the west to Shanghai in the east with a designed speed of 200km/hour. Hurong express railway is a national planned express railway channel linking the west and the east.</p>
<p>With a road transportation network extending to all directions, Wuhan has a convenient transportation.</p>
<p><strong>International Integration </strong></p>
<p>China’s increased openness to foreign trade and investment enhances the integration of domestic and international markets. The mechanism of a market economy which is in line with global standards is under way and foreign trade continues to increase. Enterprises could obtain the most recent information and market feedback in a more open environment. Enabling them to formulate their business strategies in a timely manner to cope with the chancing market landscape and market thereafter.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Foreign Direct Investment</span></p>
<p>As one of the first cities to open-up along the Yangtze River, Wuhan has always been favored to attract foreign investment, which is comparable to the cities in central and western China.</p>
<p>In 2008 the amount of actually used foreign capital in Wuhan reached the amount of 2.573 billion dollar, which is an increase of 14.4% in comparison with a year before.</p>
<p>Wuhan attracted 29 projects with investment value of 30 million USD or above in 2008. To date, the number of foreign investment enterprises approved by the Wuhan government has reached 5,328.</p>
<p>In comparison with other cities in central China Wuhan is leading in terms of attracting foreign investment.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Foreign Trade</span></p>
<p>In view of economic globalization, Wuhan has pushed forth to open policy on foreign trade an investment. As a result, it has achieved a sustained growth in foreign trade and thereby effectively contributing to the development strategy “Rise of Central China”.</p>
<p>Facing external challenges under the global climate in 2008, Wuhan has overcome various unfavorable factors to further expand its foreign trade.</p>
<p>The amount of foreign trade of Wuhan is 2008 reached 13.977 billion USD with an annual growth of 40.3%. Exports increased 45.3% and imports increased 35.8% with an amount of 6.904 USD and 7.073 USD billion respectively in 2008, maintaining a balanced proportion of import and export in foreign trade.</p>
<p>At the end of 2008, Wuhan has foreign trade relationships with 187 countries and regions. The total export amount of Wuhan ranked the cities in Central China.</p>
<p><strong>Infrastructure</strong></p>
<p>The cost of land/rental is one of the most important factors to be considered at the preliminary stage. High land/rental costs will greatly affect business operations.</p>
<p>The public services offered to enterprises include water, electricity, nature gas and telecommunications supply as well as waste management are all part of the daily operations costs of business. Moreover, well established infrastructure and high efficient public service system are the prerequisites to efficiently operate a company.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Sufficient Land Supply</span></p>
<p>Substantial land reserves in overall planning are available for industrial usage and development by large-scaled industries. According to the report on 2007 Wuhan land usage, the occupation rate of construction land reached 17.34%. Till the end of 2008, Wuhan had the capacity to supply around 72,200 acres of industrial land, which can satisfy demands of industrial development.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Development of Industrial Land</span></p>
<p>The government has already done some preliminary development to industrial land before it is made available to investors to ensure 6 key infrastructure elements are already in place.</p>
<ul>
<li>Sound ground transportation system</li>
<li>Water supply and drainage system</li>
<li>Electricity supply and network</li>
<li>Piping for natural gas and heat</li>
<li>Dressing up for uneven floor</li>
<li>Set up of telecommunication system</li>
</ul>
<p>The unit development cost from raw land to cultivated land is around 220 RMB per m2.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Land Acquisition and Construction of Plant</span></p>
<p>Land for industrial and commercial use could be acquired public bidding or by auction. The responsible department could build standardized plants in advance. Investors could also engage contactors to build plants with certain specifications. In comparison with other State Economic and development Zone’s in Shanghai Minhang, Beijing, Guangzhou, Xi’an and Chongqing the average costs of rental In Wuhan are relatively competitive.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Water Supply and Pollution Discharge</span></p>
<p>Wuhan is a typical garden city featuring mountains and water. With a water area making up 25% of its entire territory, Wuhan is ranked the first among major Chinese cities. @0 Wuhan water plants supply 4.185 million tons of water every day. Actual daily output is 2.646 million tons which has increased by 8.8% than last year. Each year on average city supply is now 100% converted. Compared with that of last year, the concentrated sewage treatment rate has increased from 4.9% to 80.9%. Wuhan emphasizes the importance of the development of infrastructure for water supply, 100% of its water meets national stander and is of good quality.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Electricity Supply</span></p>
<p>Wuhan electricity supply lines network is an important part of the power supply for Central China and is located at the centre of the electricity supply network for Central China. With the Three Gorges hydroelectric station being put into operation by stage, the power supply available to Hubei province will hopefully increase over time well. Wuhan, with a high power consumption, is continuously optimizing  efficiency of its regional network system urging the local electricity suppliers to upgrade its technology and improve operational efficiencies. The first key project in Wuhan’s electricity development for the 11<sup>th</sup> Five-Year Plan is the 500 kv power transmission project in eastern Hubei which was completed in 2008. It is estimated that this electricity speedway ”will triple the electricity of the Wuhan city circle.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Natural Gas</span></p>
<p>Natural gas has been widely used in Wuhan after the announcement of the national-wide plan to “Transmit natural gas from Sichuan to the east”. Natural gas can help save power effectively, reduce environmental pollution, improve people’s living standards and quality, promote productivity, manage and promote the development of industry and commerce. At the end of 2008, the gas and pipeline network of Wuhan Natural Gas Company Limited was about 3,950 Km its service network covered the tree towns of Wuhan. The estimated consumption of natural gas in Wuhan is about 1 billion. In comparison with other national development zones, the price of natural gas in Wuhan is bout average.</p>
<p><strong>Human Resources</strong></p>
<p>To guarantee the business development, production expansion and technology advancement, adequate supply of talented labor force is essential. Labor costs is one of the key indicators to be considered when investment decision are being made.</p>
<p>Wuhan’s superior science and technology capabilities and relatively low labor cost provide strong support to its economic development. Meanwhile, an increased labor force from surrounding districts flows into Wuhan due to the high standard of living and a stable labor demand.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Labor Cost</span></p>
<p><em>Salary</em> – The average salary in Central and Western China is usually lower than that of Eastern coastal and the Southern regions. In comparison with other big cities in China, the average is relatively low. The average salary of Wuhan residents was 27,213 RMB in 2008, and average salary of employees in Wuhan was 28,431 RMB in 2008.</p>
<p><em>Social Security- </em>In Wuhan, enterprises incur mandatory social cost, including: pension, medical insurance, unemployment insurance, work- injured &amp; maternity insurance, and housing fund.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Talent attraction and gathering</span></p>
<p>Good living environment and sable demand of labor force in Wuhan attract an increasing number of employees from neighboring areas. Wuhan has set up as “Expert” program to employ about 10 experts at home and abroad every year from key industries and key projects. These experts could enjoy special allowance of no less than 100,000 RMB a year. Municipal and district finance bureau is paying allowance to high-level talents from abroad who are employed by key enterprises in Wuhan.</p>
<p>Wuhan government is making improvements to the education conditions for children of non-Wuhan residents by ensuring that schools are available in close proximity to the homes. There will be  4 international schools (of which 1 is finished and 3 are still under construction) in Wuhan for expatriate employees, which will all be located at either Wuhan Economic Development Zone or Wuhan East Lake Hi-tech Development Zone.</p>
<p><strong> Skills and Technology Endowment</strong></p>
<p>R&amp;D power in science and technology reflects the level of the local productivity indirectly. With the rapid development of science and technology, the competitiveness of enterprises depends more on technological R&amp;D capabilities. Relying on the environment of their own R&amp;D capabilities, enterprises could develop more high value-added technology in products/services in order to strengthen their core competencies. In this regard, technology endowment is one of the key success for enterprises.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">R&amp;D Capability and Technological Output</span></p>
<p>Leveraging on local advantages of education and R&amp;D environment in Wuhan, enterprises are incentivized to improve R&amp;D and innovation capability and enhance high value-added technology in products/services. Until the end of 2008, Wuhan had 104 technology research institution, 71,000 R&amp;D personnel to undertake 1,195 science and technology projects at state level 649 relevant projects at municipal level. The percentage of R&amp;D expenditure of the regional GDP was 2.3% in 2008, which is 0.15% higher than last year. In 2008, 358 scientific and technological achievements and 11,270 patents applications were registered in Wuhan.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Wuhan Optic Valley – Gathering of High-tech Industry</span></p>
<p>East lake area, where is Wuhan Optics Valley of China located, is one of China’s talent-concentrated areas. It is the State’s leading area in R&amp;D capabilities for optical communications, biological engineering, laser, microelectronics and new building materials. After more than 10 years of development, East Lake Hi-tech Development Zone has become an important scientific R&amp;D and manufacturing centre in Central China.</p>
<p><strong>Finance </strong></p>
<p>The Maturity of financial market is one of the mist important indicators for investment decisions. It affects the activity of enterprises in capital market and business operation. The financial agents such as accounting Firms, law firm, consulting firms and appraisal companies, apply an important role in enterprises financial strength, management and decision making process.</p>
<p>After China’s entry into the WTO Wuhan was one of the first cities to open foreign retail companies.</p>
<p>Now a day’s Wuhan is the financial centre for the central region of China. Currently it has banks, security companies and insurance companies with both domestic capital and global finding. Foreign banks such as HSBC Bank, BEA Bank, Industrial Bank have set up branches in Wuhan.</p>
<p>Wuhan encourages rapid development of financial intermediary institutions, such as mortgage companies, investment companies, investment consulting firms, insurance companies, accounting firms, appraisal companies, venture capital, credit assessment institutions, etc.</p>
<p><strong>Administrative Efficiency and Governmental Support </strong></p>
<p>Governmental and support and administrative efficiency are of great importance in the initial stage of investment and ongoing daily operations Governmental support policies such as providing financial support, creating a liberal business environment and improving administrative efficiency have a positive effect in the growth and development of enterprises.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Governmental Support</span></p>
<p>Meet land use demand for encouraging industrial projects</p>
<ul>
<li>Support land use of projects that are in the line with industrial policy</li>
<li>Strengthen coordination between enterprises and relevant authorities, simplify approval procedure and reduce approval time for land use right</li>
</ul>
<p>Encourage the revitalization and development of key industries</p>
<ul>
<li>Support the revitalization of key industries by providing financial support, land use planning, auxiliary facilities, etc.</li>
</ul>
<p>Encourage independent innovation of enterprises</p>
<ul>
<li>Set up fund to support investment in technology industries</li>
<li>providing financial support to enterprise’s qualified R&amp;D activities</li>
<li>Build  a special approval procedure for patent applications</li>
</ul>
<p>Encourage enterprise’s technological improvement</p>
<ul>
<li> Wuhan Finance Bureau and authorities of Wuhan’s two national economic development zones jointly contribute 100 million RMB to a special fund to support the development of the manufacturing industry.</li>
</ul>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Administrative Efficiency </span></p>
<p>Provide a one-stop-shop services to enterprises</p>
<ul>
<li>Build an online administrative approval system, which connects governmental services centers at district level and approval authorities at municipal level</li>
</ul>
<p>- Set up one-stop-shop service centre to shorten all kinds of administrative approval period by 50 %.</p>
<p>Improve communication between enterprises and authorities</p>
<ul>
<li>Set up a ‘green channel for enterprise’s convenience”  on the official website of Wuhan Municipality.</li>
<li>Build a system for government leaders to contact key enterprises. Government leaders pay visits to enterprises to understand and to help solve issues relating to administrative approval.</li>
<li>Build a system for government leaders to communicate with entrepreneurs. Government leaders have monthly discussions with entrepreneurs to understand concerns of businesses.</li>
</ul>
<p>Increase the transparency of government support policies.</p>
<ul>
<li>Build a management platform of special financial funds, which has links on the official website of Wuhan Municipal Government.</li>
<li>Introduce an online  system for enquiries, applications, approvals and announcements for financial aid applications.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Public Security and Court Efficiency</strong></p>
<p>Fair and efficient judicial environment, together with good service provided by police, prosecutors and judges, play an important role in protecting enterprises’ legitimate interests, ensuring businesses run smoothly and providing an environment for long term development.</p>
<p>Wuhan has a good public security and judicial environment. Public Security Bureau, Procurators and Court work efficiently, creating a good investment environment for enterprises.</p>
<p>Until the end of 2008 there were 133 law firms and 1,652 professional lawyers in Wuhan, providing a wide range of legal services for enterprises.</p>
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		<title>Wuhan Economic Background</title>
		<link>http://maxxelli-blog.com/2010/09/wuhan-economic-background/</link>
		<comments>http://maxxelli-blog.com/2010/09/wuhan-economic-background/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 08 Sep 2010 04:21:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Martin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Global Information]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reports]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wuhan]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://maxxelli-blog.com/?p=11923</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In 2008, the GDP of Wuhan amounted to 396 billion Yuan (RMB), which is calculated in terms of comparable prices, it increased 15,1% in comparison to the previous year. The growth rate is significantly higher than the national growth of 9%. Even more significant is that Wuhan ranked first in terms of 2008 GDP amongst [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In 2008, the GDP of Wuhan amounted to 396 billion Yuan (RMB), which is calculated in terms of comparable prices, it increased 15,1% in comparison to the previous year. The growth rate is significantly higher than the national growth of 9%. Even more significant is that Wuhan ranked first in terms of 2008 GDP amongst 6 capital cities of provinces in central China.</p>
<p>The secondary and tertiary industries tend to be rationalized. In 2008 the total revenue of Wuhan reached about 50.2 billion Yuan, this was an increase of more than 50% in comparisons to the previous year. The disposable income of the residents in cities in 2008 reached 16,360 Yuan, increased by roughly 14%.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Consumption market</span></p>
<p>Wuhan has long been the commerce and trade centre in central China. There is an old saying- “Goods sell well when they reach HanKou (The town of Wuhan). As Wuhan is one of the largest inland circulation centers and cargo distribution centers, the commodities sold in Wuhan can reach 0.4 billion people in five nearby provinces. </p>
<p>Wuhan’s total retail sales of consumer goods has exceeded 100 billion Yuan (RMB)in 2005 and the figures of 2008 indicate and amount of 185.005 billion Yuan (RMB).  These figures indicate an annual increase of 21.8%. in addition, comparatively  Wuhan has a large potential consumer market in central China.</p>
<p>In reasoned years numerous of international retail companies have invested in Wuhan such as Wal-Mart (United States), Carrefour (France) and Metro (Germany). These FDI’s have greatly contributed to the development of the local retail sector. It is even so that the IKEA Group (Sweden) has build Asia’s largest shopping centre with an investment of 300 million (USD) in Wuhan. After they invested in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Dalian, Nanjing and Shenzhen.</p>
<p> <strong>Industry </strong></p>
<p>Wuhan is the birthplace of Chinese modern industry. After the founding of the new China, Wuhan became one of the six industrial hubs in China. The 11<sup>th</sup> five-year plan (2006-2010) of Wuhan states that Wuhan should transfer from an old industry hub and traditional trade and goods town to an advanced manufacturing hub and state-if-the-art service centre. Given the fact that it is 2010, it must be said that the five-year-plan succeeded for a large part.</p>
<p> <span style="text-decoration: underline;">The cluster effect of Pillar industries</span></p>
<p>Emphasis has been put on five industry clusters in Wuhan’s 11<sup>th</sup> Five-Year Plan which create a cluster effect.</p>
<p>Steel and iron industries as well as environmental protection industries are centralized in northeast part of Wuhan (Qingshan- Yanggluo- Zuoling). Wuhan is one of the three largest iron and steel hubs in China. Wuhan Iron and Steel group is one of the largest producing base of steel slab in China. Industrial chain relating to Wu steel’s business achievements further development. Currently, metallurgical machinery designing ability representing by Wisdri has further improved over the last years.</p>
<p>Automobile industry and electromechanical industries, centralized in the southwest part of Wuhan-Wuhan Economic and technological Development Zone (Hanyang- Caidian-Hannan). Wuhan is one of the three largest automobile Manufacturing hubs in China. The automobile industry achieves gross annual value of 63.556 Billion RMB in 2008 with an increase of 13.1%. Currently, leading companies such as Dongfeng Peugeot and Dangfeng Honda have formed certain competitiveness in this market.</p>
<p>Optoelectronics information as well as bioengineering and medicine, centralized in the southeast part of Wuhan-Wuhan East Lake Hi-tech Development Zone (Wuhan East Lake Hi-tech development zone- Hongshan- Jiangxia. Wuhan is currently the largest optical communication industry hub in China which is reputed as ‘Optics Valley of China”.</p>
<p>The bio-pharmaceutical industry achieves gross annual value of 7.834 billion RMB with an increase of 25.5%.</p>
<p>The food industry is centralized in southwest part of Wuhan – Wujiashan Taiwan Businessman invested Zone (Dongxihu- Huangjinku). It is one of the tree economic growth poles of Wuhan, one 5 key foreign investment-intensive zones, one of the three automobile parts export hubs and one of the three logistical parks. The cigarette and food industry achieves gross annual value of 48.803 billion RMB in 2008 which shows am increase of 30.9% from last year.</p>
<p>Urban industry cluster zone, featuring with medium and small private-owned enterprises. It is designed to promote the transition of old industry zones to a series of industrial of industrial zones in the urban area.</p>
<p><strong>Limited impact of the Global Financial Crisis</strong></p>
<p>Wuhan’s economy does not rely heavily on cross-border trade. They heavy chemical industry has been paying an important role in economic development. The national revitalization plan for key industries could enhance enterprises competences to protect them against a financial crisis.</p>
<p>Taking advantages if the geographical location, human resources and sizeable market of the central region of China, Wuhan’s local enterprises continues to expand their market share.</p>
<p>Wuhan’s economy was not heavily impacted by the global financial crisis that began in 2008. Foreign invested enterprises are operating smoothly although the inventory increased and profitability eroded due to the decrease of the market demand.</p>
<p><strong>Wuhan taking positive measures </strong></p>
<p>To help broaden financing channels for enterprises, explore existing financial resources, optimize the creditors’ composition, maintain a balance credit and establish better platform for financing.</p>
<p>To develop better policies to promote technology innovation and high-tech industry, encourage local enterprises to develop key technology with self-owned IP right, enhances R&amp;D capability and core competence.</p>
<p>To provide fallow-up service to local enterprises, explain and enact support to help solve actual problems.</p>
<p>To establish open information platform to facilitate local enterprises in innovation, branding, market development, cooperation and risk management.</p>
<p><strong>Highlights of the positive measures undertaken by the Wuhan economic development zone.</strong></p>
<p>Strengthen the support of encouragement industries</p>
<ul>
<li>To provide the manufacturing enterprises, state-of-the-art service enterprises, real estate enterprises and newly invested projects in the form of development.</li>
</ul>
<p>Encourage enterprises’ independent innovation</p>
<ul>
<li>To strengthen the support of “scientific and Technical innovation Fund of Wuhan Economic Development Zone”. New and high-tech projects could enjoy finds of no less than 30 million RMB from Wuhan economic development zone.</li>
<li>To provide support to new and high-tech enterprises and make the best use of “Venture Capital Fund of Wuhan Economic Development Zone” to provide start-up financing to small and medium sized enterprises.</li>
</ul>
<p>Providing financing service to enterprises</p>
<ul>
<li>To explore the financing channels for enterprises en providing financing guarantees to small and medium sized enterprises.</li>
<li>To build a platform for enterprises to seek financing by going public, provide guidance to mergers, acquisitions and restructuring of listed companies, encourage different types of financing such as acquiring a public shell company, share placement, issuance of new shares, bonds issuing and trust.</li>
<li>To help the enterprises to get financial support from provincial and municipal government with emphasis on supporting funds such as funds for potentiality explore and technical innovation of enterprises, three science and technology funds are talents funds.</li>
</ul>
<p>Encouragements to explore the marke</p>
<ul>
<li>To encourage enterprises to explore overseas market, Wuhan Municipal Government and development zone offer certain rewards to the export enterprises.</li>
<li>To perform the bonded logistics function of the export processing zone.</li>
<li>To provide support to enterprises in “Sate Export Bases of Automobiles and Parts and Components”.</li>
<li>To encourage enterprises to expand their domestic market shares.</li>
</ul>
<p>Further improvements on the environment for enterprises development</p>
<ul>
<li>To reduce the operating costs of enterprises.</li>
<li>To encourage enterprises to employment.</li>
<li>To improve the production and the living environment of the development zone.</li>
</ul>
<p>Further enhancing the standard of governmental service</p>
<ul>
<li>To implement a system for offices of the development zone to directly contact entrepreneurs to understand and help solve their issues.</li>
<li>To provide service efficiency, build a service green channel and reduce the review and approval time.</li>
</ul>
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		<title>Wuhan in a nutshell</title>
		<link>http://maxxelli-blog.com/2010/09/wuhan-in-a-nutshell/</link>
		<comments>http://maxxelli-blog.com/2010/09/wuhan-in-a-nutshell/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 08 Sep 2010 03:18:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Martin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Reports]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wuhan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Infomation]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://maxxelli-blog.com/?p=11914</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Wuhan is located in the east of Jianghan Plains, where the Hanshui River joins the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. The city covers an area of 8,494 square kilometers. In 2008 the coverage of road has reached 9.66 square meters per capita. In addition, Wuhan enjoys 37.42% botany coverage increasing 0.07% and the public [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Wuhan is located in the east of Jianghan Plains, where the Hanshui River joins the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. The city covers an area of 8,494 square kilometers. In 2008 the coverage of road has reached 9.66 square meters per capita. In addition, Wuhan enjoys 37.42% botany coverage increasing 0.07% and the public greenery has reached 9.21 square meters per capita.  By the end of 2008 there were 2,654 health care institutions in Wuhan, 19 were newly added, which include 240 hospitals and clinics, 15 hospitals specially catered for women and children, 116 local health care centers  and 22 sanitation and anti-epidemic stations.</p>
<p>Wuhan lies in the middle latitude zone of the north of the Tropic of Cancer. The City has a subtropical monsoon climate with sufficient sunshine, plentiful rainfall and four distinct seasons. The temperature of Wuhan on a average is 16.6 Celsius degrees an annual reaches 1.269 millimeters. Meanwhile, the hours of sunshine in Wuhan reaches an average of 1,928.5 hours per annum.</p>
<p>There are 13 administrative districts and 3 store level development zones in the city, which holds a population of approximately 9,7 million people including a population of 5 million people in the centre urban area.</p>
<p>Located in central China, Wuhan is not only the capital of Hubei Province, other than Being  the capital it also serves as the political, economic, finance, science and technology,  and cultural centre of Hubei Province.</p>
<p>Wuhan is famous for its geographical position it is known as “the gateway to nine provinces”. The city is located within a radius of 1,000km from other major cities in China such as Beijing, shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Xi’an.  The city’s geographical position gives the advantage to link the east and west, and as a pivot providing easy excess between the north and the south. And off course Wuhan  is capable to provide easy excess to both lakes.</p>
<p>There are three state-level economic and technological development zones in Wuhan. The East Lake Hi-Tech Development Zone focus on optical and electronic communications, bioengineering, material research and laser technologies, while the Wuhan Economic and Technological Development Zone emphasizes on the production of automobiles and spare parts, food and beverages. Similarly, Wujiashan State-Level Industry Development Park puts emphasis on food and beverages; in addition, it also focuses on agricultural products for further processing, and bioengineering. Together, these three Development Zones in Wuhan play a critical role in its development and growth</p>
<p>Over a hundred hills and about 200 lakes are scatters around Wuhan, Wuhan’s water area accounts for a quarter of the city’s land area. The East lake Scenic Area’s lake covers 33 square kilometers, which is the largest “lake within a city” in China. It is one of the famous scenic spots in Wuhan. The area covers a range of 82 square kilometers. Characterized by beautiful landscape and abundant plants, the area boats more than 100 scenic spots, which attracts many tourists every year. Besides this all, it is known as the biggest tourist centre of the ancient Chu culture.  The plum blossom and lotus in East Lake rank top in China. This is also where the China Plum Blossom Research Centre and China Lotus Centre are located.</p>
<p>Wuhan has a long and rich history. According to archaeological studies and records of ancient books, there are trances of civilization of more than 10,000 years old. The unearthed Panlong Town Heritage proved to be to be the place of the Fang State in Shang Dynasty built about 3,500 years ago, and it was the only town in Shang Dynasty discovered in Yangtze River Valley, On October 10 1911, the Xinhai revolution started in Wuhan, which ended the feudal society lasted 5000 years in China.</p>
<p>Wuhan has plenty of attractions such as Yellow Crane Tower, Baotong Zenist Temple, Guiyuan Zenist Temple, Qingchuan Pavilion, East Lake, etc. The Yellow Crane Tower was built in 223 AD. It is renowned for its poetry. Many famous poets such as Li Bai, Bai Juyi and Lu You have written poems there. Wuhan also boasts some museums like Zhongshan Warship Museum and Qingchuan Pavilion.</p>
<p>Wuhan has its own unique food culture. There, Jingzhou Cuisine meets Huangzhou local cuisine. There are many renowned delicacies, such as &#8220;steamed blunt snout&#8221;, &#8220;braised soft-shell turtle&#8221;, and typical snacks, like steamed dumplings from &#8220;Sijimei&#8221;, Doupi from &#8220;Laotongcheng&#8221;, hot dry noodles from &#8220;Cailinji&#8221;, and sweet dumplings from &#8220;Wufangzai&#8221;.</p>
<p> Wuhan plans to construct six new suburban residential districts. The plan is to construct the districts around the central urban area, with the new Wuhan city composing of one urban centre and six satellite districts.</p>
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		<title>Making Home In Another Country</title>
		<link>http://maxxelli-blog.com/2010/09/making-home-in-another-country/</link>
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		<pubDate>Tue, 07 Sep 2010 01:51:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>tuyet</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Adjusting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chengdu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chongqing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dalian]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Expat Life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Front Page @en]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Global Information]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Suzhou]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wuhan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wuxi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[expat]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[expat life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[international calls]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[relocation]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Some people moving abroad agonize that by accepting the new culture they may get too attached and never return to their own home. You may feel isolated or lonely even if you make big business or excel in your career. You get married, buy a new car, make new friends, discover the best hangouts, shop [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Some people moving abroad agonize that by accepting the new culture they may get too attached and never return to their own home. You may feel isolated or lonely even if you make big business or excel in your career. You get married, buy a new car, make new friends, discover the best hangouts, shop at the best malls and yet you still don’t call it a ‘home’.</p>
<p>But if you have entered a new land for good then why rush back? You can live where you prefer and still create a home. You can always show concern and keep in touch with your family, even if you choose to live in another country. If home is about belonging, then there are ways to create a sense of belonging. Getting connected to your loved ones or hearing a bit of reassurance from home is always a way to combat loneliness or homesickness.</p>
<p>Earlier, with the few yet costly calling services it was tough to connect to your loved ones or hear from home. On the contrary, today the need for international communication is growing with changing pace of time. As the requirement is increasing, means and ways of connecting people are also going high. Due to the heavy expense of international calling, expatriate at times make few calls or speak for few minutes. Thanks to the progress of modern technology, <a href="http://www.rebtel.com/">international calling services</a> have become a great medium to bridge the gap. Many companies have introduced calling services offering cheap international call rates.</p>
<p>Feeling at home means living in a comfortable environment with the sense of belonging.  Involving yourself in work will enable you to keep your mind active so that it does not grip itself with thoughts of home. If you have moved to a new city, take the time to get to know your new environment.</p>
<p>One of your necessary attempts should be to start making friends with the folks around you. Maybe you can select a nearby coffee shop to meet up with them on weekends. You can attend social functions; join sports teams or religious groups associated at your work place. The local newspapers are the best source to tell you about the current events in your area. If you are interested in reading, become a member of a local library or join creative classes based on your hobby. This will give your morale an enormous boost and considerably decrease the amount of time it takes to feel settled.</p>
<p>Don’t just work at a charity group, instead get involved and take up certain tasks. Invest more in the local community, and simply enjoy living in an environment which you can call a home. If you are a reserved person and don’t like meeting people, then attending night classes in a subject you are interested in. If in a foreign country, make try to learn the language and immerse yourself in the new society.</p>
<p>Feeling homesick is like feeling loss for the life you left back home, but family and friends are no more than a phone call away. Sometimes, people feel emotional to call up their loved ones abroad, incase it disturbs them. You can combat this with careful and reassuring discussions with friends and family. But most of all you need to accept that the place where you are at the moment is your ‘home’.</p>
<h5><em><span style="color: #8dc73f;">Written by Karen.</span></em></h5>
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		<title>iPhone in China</title>
		<link>http://maxxelli-blog.com/2010/09/iphone-china/</link>
		<comments>http://maxxelli-blog.com/2010/09/iphone-china/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 06 Sep 2010 01:40:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nicolas</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chengdu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chongqing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Front Page @en]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hangzhou]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[How to]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Wuhan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wuxi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[iPhone]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Telephone]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://maxxelli-blog.com/?p=1575</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[No, this article won’t comment on the iPhone release in China nor give you tips about how to get an iPhone on the black market. However, it might help you to configure an imported iPhone so that it works on the Chinese network. ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://maxxelli-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/iphone_home.gif"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-1625" title="iphone_home" src="http://maxxelli-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/iphone_home-181x300.gif" alt="iphone_home" width="102" height="168" /></a><a href="http://maxxelli-blog.com/2010/04/iphone-en-chine/"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-4092" title="Version française" src="http://maxxelli-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/France_flag4.jpg" alt="" width="40" height="28" /></a><a href="http://maxxelli-blog.com/2010/04/iphone-in-china/"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-6796" title="flagge_deutschland" src="http://maxxelli-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/flagge_deutschland-e1264128006741.gif" alt="" width="46" height="29" /></a></p>
<p>Lots of foreigners own a precious phone that is called iPhone. Unfortunately, this phone has not been <em>officially</em> released in China for now.</p>
<p>In the meanwhile, you can still get an imported iPhone. However here is what you have to consider :</p>
<p>Coming with the phone that you&#8217;re using abroad or buying an imported iPhone might let you face to a problem : the simlocking. Basically, it&#8217;s the manufacturer operator lock that avoid you to insert and use the mobile services from another operator.</p>
<p>However here are some solutions :</p>
<div class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 171px"><img title="sim card" src="http://img.jinbao.com/UserFiles/Image/iphone/iphone_001%20%287%29.jpg" alt="" width="161" height="119" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Both cards inserted into the sim location</p></div>
<p><strong>Hardware unsimlocking</strong> : You buy kind a card that you will insert with your sim card in the sim location. That will make the phone to not know that&#8217;s it&#8217;s not the original sim card that you&#8217;re using. This unsimlocking only work with the current firmware that you&#8217;re using. Upgrading the firmware will probably make the card not usable anymore and you will have the card to work with the latest firmware version. This piece of card is called in Chinese &#8220;Ka Tie&#8221; <strong>卡贴</strong>.</p>
<p><strong>Software unsimlocking</strong> : This method required some technical skills : you will have to jailbreak your iPhone in order to install third-party program (from the Cydia library) like the <strong>yellowsn0w </strong>program (for iPhone 3G FW until 2.1.1) or <strong>ultrasn0w </strong>for iPhone 3G FW 3.0+</p>
<h2><span style="color: #8dc73f;">Getting connected everywhere in China</span></h2>
<p>Some more nice cool things that you can do with your iPhone is to enjoy the cheap GPRS cost to have your emails and surf on the Internet.<br />
If you don&#8217;t already have a GRPS package, you can enable one with the China Mobile operator.</p>
<div id="attachment_1697" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 202px"><a href="http://maxxelli-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/uwkiupmo.png"><img class="size-full wp-image-1697" title="uwkiupmo" src="http://maxxelli-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/uwkiupmo.png" alt="uwkiupmo" width="192" height="131" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Set the Access Point to CMNET</p></div>
<p>The basic package is :<strong><br />
30MB package </strong><em>(*)</em> | 5RMB / month | Yearly subscription</p>
<p>To enable this package (In Sichuan) : send <strong>KTWAPQ</strong> to <strong>10086</strong>. You should then receive a SMS confirmation in Chinese with the beginning date of the package subscription.</p>
<p>Then, configure your iPhone and set the Access Point in the Cellular Data to <strong>CMNET</strong></p>
<div id="attachment_1738" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 202px"><img class="size-full wp-image-1738" title="SMS showing your phone balance with China Mobile" src="http://maxxelli-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/IMG_0245.png" alt="SMS showing your phone balance with China Mobile" width="192" height="130" /><p class="wp-caption-text">SMS showing your phone balance with China Mobile</p></div>
<p><strong>How To check how many GPRS data usage you have left :</strong></p>
<p>In <strong>Sichuan</strong>: call <strong>1008611 </strong>and immediatly get an SMS with your balance. In the following screenshot, I can read that : this month I have<strong> already used 36.20 RMB </strong>and there is still <strong>67.11 RMB credit left</strong> on my account. I have <strong>93 local minutes + 5 MMS remaining</strong> in my subscription plan. At the end of the SMS you should see something like &#8220;剩余<strong>GPRS</strong>流量合计<strong>5377</strong>KB&#8221; which means <strong>5377KB GPRS data remaining</strong>.<em><br />
(*) B</em><em>e carreful : When your 30 RMB quota is over, you will be charged <strong>0,01 RMB / KB</strong> (10,24 RMB / MB)</em></p>
<p style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://www.onewebsolution.net"><img class="size-full wp-image-11686 alignright" title="One Web Solution" src="http://maxxelli-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/logo.png" alt="One Web Solution" width="100" height="100" /></a><em> Post written by Nicolas Gies<strong> (One Web Solution).<br />
</strong></em></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Golf in Wuhan</title>
		<link>http://maxxelli-blog.com/2010/09/golf-in-wuhan/</link>
		<comments>http://maxxelli-blog.com/2010/09/golf-in-wuhan/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 03 Sep 2010 01:51:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Expat Life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Front Page @en]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Global Information]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Leisure]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Map]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Useful address]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wuhan]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://maxxelli-blog.com/?p=2463</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As golf is one of the main activities for expatriates people in Wuhan , please find the list and map of the main Golf courses in Wuhan
Wuhan Han Master
武汉天外天乡村高尔夫俱乐部
No.1 Junshan street,  Wuhan Economics and Technological Development Zone
武汉经济技术开发区军山街长山特一号
Tel: 027-84780458
Style(fairway grass/green grass):green grass
Length:7628 yard
High narural slop:50m
The club members fee :300,000RMB
Price:




Club Member
member&#8217;s guest
Visitors


Usual Price Free
free
￥ 0
￥ 750


Holiday Price [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As golf is one of the main activities for expatriates people in Wuhan , please find the list and map of the main Golf courses in Wuhan</p>
<h2>Wuhan Han Master</h2>
<p>武汉天外天乡村高尔夫俱乐部</p>
<p>No.1 Junshan street,  Wuhan Economics and Technological Development Zone</p>
<p>武汉经济技术开发区军山街长山特一号</p>
<p>Tel: 027-84780458</p>
<p>Style(fairway grass/green grass):green grass</p>
<p>Length:7628 yard</p>
<p>High narural slop:50m</p>
<p>The club members fee :300,000RMB</p>
<p>Price:</p>
<table border="1" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="0" width="650">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="118"></td>
<td width="165">Club Member</td>
<td width="159">member&#8217;s guest</td>
<td width="145">Visitors</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Usual Price Free</td>
<td>free</td>
<td>￥ 0</td>
<td>￥ 750</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Holiday Price Free</td>
<td>free</td>
<td>￥ 0</td>
<td>￥ 1000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>Wuhan Jinyin Lake International Golf Club</h2>
<p>武汉金银湖国际高尔夫俱乐部</p>
<p>Jinshan Avenue Jinyin Lake, Hankou</p>
<p>汉口金山大道金银湖畔</p>
<p>Tel: 027-83921561</p>
<p>Lenrth:7180 yard</p>
<p>Style:green grass</p>
<p>The club member&#8217;s fee:300,000rmb</p>
<p>Price</p>
<table border="1" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="0" width="650">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" width="118">果岭费</td>
<td colspan="2" width="165">club   member</p>
<p>240 rmb</td>
<td colspan="2" width="159">member&#8217;s   guest</p>
<p>880 rmb</td>
<td colspan="2" width="145">Visitors</p>
<p>1080 rmb</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="117">golf caddie</td>
<td colspan="2" width="121">cart</td>
<td colspan="2" width="107">rental pole</td>
<td width="91">rental shose</td>
<td width="145">wardrobe</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>110 rmb</td>
<td colspan="2">300 rmb</td>
<td colspan="2">150 rmb</td>
<td>30 rmb</td>
<td>0 rmb</td>
</tr>
<tr height="0">
<td width="130"></td>
<td width="1"></td>
<td width="133"></td>
<td width="49"></td>
<td width="69"></td>
<td width="106"></td>
<td width="160"></td>
<td width="2"></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>Oriental Golf Club</h2>
<p>东方高尔夫乡村俱乐部</p>
<p>Jiangdi Xiangxin Xincun, Hanyang</p>
<p>汉阳江堤乡新新村</p>
<p>Tel:027-8461 2431</p>
<p>Style:green grass</p>
<p>Length:7157 yard</p>
<table border="1" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="0" width="650">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" width="118"></td>
<td colspan="2" width="165">club menbers</td>
<td colspan="2" width="159">member&#8217;s guest</td>
<td colspan="2" width="145">Visi</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2">Usual price</td>
<td colspan="2">free</td>
<td colspan="2">￥ 100</td>
<td colspan="2">￥ 200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2">Holiday price</td>
<td colspan="2">free</td>
<td colspan="2">￥ 200</td>
<td colspan="2">￥ 400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="117">golf cadie</td>
<td colspan="2" width="121">cart</td>
<td colspan="2" width="107">rental pole</td>
<td width="91">rental shose</td>
<td width="145">wordrobe</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>100rmb</td>
<td colspan="2">0</td>
<td colspan="2">120rmb</td>
<td>50rmb</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr height="0">
<td width="130"></td>
<td width="1"></td>
<td width="133"></td>
<td width="49"></td>
<td width="69"></td>
<td width="106"></td>
<td width="160"></td>
<td width="2"></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>Wuhan Liangzi Lake Golf Course</h2>
<p>武汉梁子湖高尔夫球场</p>
<p>Adress:Wuhan National Eco-tourism resort area of  Liangzihu Lake Peninsula,Wuchang District</p>
<p>武汉梁子湖高尔夫球场</p>
<p>Tel:027-87513377、82944753</p>
<p>Length:10,000 yard</p>
<p>Style:green grass</p>
<p>Course fee:individual members (their spouses and one child under 18 years  to obtain an associate member of qualifications) 178,000 yuan;</p>
<p>corporate members (one unanonymous card and one company VIP card) 338,000 yuan</p>
<table border="1" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="0" width="650">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="118"></td>
<td width="165">club menmber</td>
<td width="159">member&#8217;s guest</td>
<td width="145">visitor</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>usual price</td>
<td>free</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>680rmb</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>holiday price</td>
<td>free</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>680rmb</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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		<title>How to download MP3 with Baidu in China</title>
		<link>http://maxxelli-blog.com/2010/09/how-to-download-mp3-with-baidu-chengdu-chongqing-hangzhou-suzhou-wuhan-wuxi-china/</link>
		<comments>http://maxxelli-blog.com/2010/09/how-to-download-mp3-with-baidu-chengdu-chongqing-hangzhou-suzhou-wuhan-wuxi-china/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Sep 2010 01:22:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Chengdu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chongqing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dalian]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[How to]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Music]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://maxxelli-blog.com/?p=822</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Like Google has applications such as Google docs or Google maps, Baidu has one which allows you to download MP3
We are going to explain to you step by step how to get music using Baidu.
First, go to www.baidu.com.

 How to download MP3 with baidu &#8211; 
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Like Google has applications such as Google docs or Google maps, Baidu has one which allows you to download MP3<br />
We are going to explain to you step by step how to get music using Baidu.</p>
<p>First, go to <a href="http://www.baidu.com">www.baidu.com</a>.</p>
<p><object id="_ds_9416127" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="600" height="550" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="name" value="_ds_9416127" /><param name="data" value="http://viewer.docstoc.com/" /><param name="FlashVars" value="doc_id=9416127&amp;mem_id=1087056&amp;doc_type=ppt&amp;fullscreen=0&amp;showrelated=0&amp;showotherdocs=0&amp;showstats=0 " /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="src" value="http://viewer.docstoc.com/" /><param name="flashvars" value="doc_id=9416127&amp;mem_id=1087056&amp;doc_type=ppt&amp;fullscreen=0&amp;showrelated=0&amp;showotherdocs=0&amp;showstats=0 " /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><embed id="_ds_9416127" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="600" height="550" src="http://viewer.docstoc.com/" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" flashvars="doc_id=9416127&amp;mem_id=1087056&amp;doc_type=ppt&amp;fullscreen=0&amp;showrelated=0&amp;showotherdocs=0&amp;showstats=0 " data="http://viewer.docstoc.com/" name="_ds_9416127"></embed></object><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.docstoc.com/docs/9416127/How to download MP3 with baidu"> How to download MP3 with baidu</a> &#8211; </span></p>
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