Living in major Chinese cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, or even our own (not so little) Nanjing can feel exhilarating yet overwhelming for many expats both old and new. The fast pace of life, the intensity of business, and the always-on digital culture can create pressure to keep up or eventually even lead to burn out. Slightly off genre, I’m venturing into new territory by diving into practical time management tips that can help expats old and new navigate their personal and professional commitments while making the most of the opportunities around us. Cultural expectations infused with modern technology, and a focus on individual well-being are littered throughout with my usual sprinkling of sarcasm, so let’s dive right in!
Understanding the Fast-Paced Culture
A decade ago (I’d be lying if I said it felt like yesterday) I noticed the intense pace of urban life almost immediately disembarking the plane. I remember my first evening discovering a 7/11 in the centre of Chengdu’s city centre and I was blown away; for me, it was the epitome of convenience, a convenience store open 24/7, who would have known? Little has changed 10 years on, from the 24-hour nature of many businesses to the efficiency-driven culture that exists here in China, there is a very strong and ingrained expectation to keep up with rapid developments.
Take public transportation as an example. Efficient, yes. Gets you from A to B, pretty much so, yes. Chaotic but yet somehow organised, double-down on that yes. Chinese cities are known for their efficient public transportation systems. Trains and buses run frequently, but during those rush time peak hours, everything moves quickly. Very quickly. Knowing the schedules and getting accustomed to apps like Metro Man or Gaode Maps (although I’m more partial to using my iPhone Maps app) can save significant time on those daily commutes.
Prepare for the quick pace of boarding and alighting to avoid delays. Remember to use your elbows. Taste of music blasting through your headphones, down to personal preference.
Business in China moves fast. Delving back into my first year here, I remember getting my hair cut on a Friday night at my local go to barber, they closed down on a Saturday. By Sunday, the shop was gutted. Days later it became my go to dumpling restaurant (sans the hair). Everyone’s reluctant best friend WeChat, the ubiquitous communication app, is used not just for social messaging but for professional interactions as well. The back-home debate of WhatsApp work groups just doesn’t exist here. New expats to China need to be aware of the rapid turnaround times for replies, expectations for responsiveness, and quick decision-making in workplace settings.
Understanding this helps in planning workdays and responding promptly. Avoid the awkward stickers, the last thing you need to do is send your new boss a cool cat sticker (or maybe do, you never know what the reaction will be!)
The expectation for swift communication extends way beyond business and in to everyday life. Quick responses via WeChat or email are often seen as respectful and professional (I’ve fallen victim to this many times…) I’ve had to factor this into my own time management strategies recently, setting aside specific windows in the day to respond to messages rather than being reactive all the time.
Sitting on the toilet and replying seems to be the optimum time and best strategy.
Sticking with your new “bestie”, WeChat. More than just a messaging platform, WeChat is a one-stop app that handles payments, transportation, event bookings, file transfers and more . Using WeChat to multi-task can help us expats save time by centralising our daily activities, whether it’s paying utility bills, ordering takeaway, or booking movie tickets (much cheaper than at the actual cinema!)
DiDi (the Chinese equivalent of Uber and a fraction of the cost, made that mistake in Vienna over the summer…) and Alipay can be used to quickly book rides, split fares and make fast payments. I’m more of an AliPay fan myself rather than WeChat, it must be the calming blue… For those who enjoy the fast paced lifestyle and are constantly on the move, these tools offer seamless integration into everyday life, allowing to schedule pickups and pay for services instantly.
If you’re feeling environmentally friendly, there’s even the Ant Forest feature, where AliPay usage results in being able to collect “energy” and then planting trees in real life!
Not going to go into this one too much, my student Emma wrote a fantastic article on “Ordering Food in China 4 Non Chinese Speakers”; it’s Ele.me or Meituan (pick your poison). Both apps are leaders in food delivery, but they also offer services ranging from grocery deliveries to parcel pick-up. Feel like the house party is winding down too early at 11pm, order an extra six pack of Tsingtao (or two) on Meituan! Using these apps can help cut down on errands, freeing up more time for personal activities. Or it can just make you lazy and antisocial and you’ll never leave your apartment again.
Amid the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to lose sight of personal well-being. However, carving out personal time is essential to avoid burnout and maintain mental health in the high-paced environment that is China.
Firstly, you need to set digital boundaries. The always-on culture of apps like WeChat can blur the line between work and personal life. I’d encourage new expats to establish boundaries, such as setting “do not disturb” hours or turning off notifications after a certain time to avoid being pulled into work-related matters outside office hours. Old expats can even try it too. It’s something that I’ve been working on myself in recent weeks.
Secondly, in this fast-paced environment, regular breaks can help restore focus and maintain productivity. Scheduling breaks into your day, whether it’s a quick walk in the local park or a 10-minute tea break (you are in China after all, although for me, if it ain’t Yorkshire, I’m not drinking it) can be a simple but effective way to recharge.
A quick pit-stop to LuckinCoffee usually does the trick, just remember to order ahead using the app (yes, another app!) Sit back on a bench, relax and watch the madness of the world zoom by.
Most Chinese cities, despite their intensity, do offer hidden oases for relaxation; you’ve just got to find them. Nanjing does have a multitude of parks, tea houses, and temples which provide a quiet escape from the city’s hustle. I’d encourage expats to explore these local sanctuaries for mental and emotional rejuvenation, or just to gain a few moments of escapism. For those new to Nanjing, Xuanwu Lake Park or Confucius Temple are nice (quick tip: avoid holidays like the Plague). For me, it has to be one of Nanjing’s many green and mountainous areas, meandering alleys or sat by one of the City’s many waterways (Mochou Lake and Jiulonghu in the south are two of my favourites).
Time management isn’t just about scheduling; it also requires an understanding of cultural nuances that can impact how time is spent. Adjusting your expectations to align with local practices can make day-to-day life smoother. Work hours might not be 9-5, but what you will encounter is the concept of “mianzi” or “face”. Mianzi plays a significant role in professional and social interactions in China. For example, in a professional setting, it may not be appropriate to decline meetings or requests outright, even if they conflict with prior commitments. Learning how to navigate these situations gracefully can prevent time-related stress.
This can include saying “I’ll check my schedule” instead of declining a meeting outright, to avoid losing face.
While the pace of life is fast, there are certain processes (like governmental services or bureaucratic approvals) that can be slower than expected. New expats should prepare for longer waiting times for official procedures and plan around these delays. By knowing what to expect, you can avoid frustration and manage your time better. But whatever you do, try and avoid visiting the bank… I’m pretty sure Dante missed out that specific Circle of Hell.
Building relationships and networks (guanxi) is crucial in Chinese culture, especially in business. While this might take time, it can lead to faster processes in the future, whether securing deals, getting things done through official channels, or even accessing better services. Invest time in building these connections, as they can save time in the long run. Remember, it’s not what you know, but it’s who you know.