Information from Ministry of Human Resource and Social Security PRC shows there were 150,000 expatriates legally employed in the Mainland China and the total number of expatriates legally living in China exceeded 380,000 in year 2005, . Expatriates can be seen in all provincial or medium scale cities in China even though Shanghai and Beijing host most of them.
In China, expatriates are mainly employed in information technology, telecommunication, education and finance sectors in researching, management and marketing positions etc. In large cities like Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai, there are also expatriates who open their own western restaurants, bread rooms dedicating to serve for their compatriots.
Today, life in China for expatriates is not that difficult as the past years. The living standard in China's largest cities like Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai is as enjoyable as that of the western cities like New York, London and etc. Internet and air traffic also help them to connect with their home countries easily. The low cost of life make the un-reachable luxury life in their home countries possible in China. With the increasing number of expatriates living in China, more and more expatriate schools appeared. In return, these expatriate schools motivate more and more expatriates to immigrate their families to the mainland China.
To most expatriates, China is one of the most important stations during their life coz they will finally return to their home country; while for the young expatriates, they treated their working experience in China as an immeasurable asset for their career plan. In a word, the stable development of society and economy, rich job opportunities, high cost-effective life are all positive factors that attract more and more expatriates come and work in China; meanwhile, the characterless buildings, crowded traffic also slash down the expatriate's impression to China. It is the mysterious traditional culture and heritage that make China a magnet to the expatriates.