Shanghai Daily news

Changning launched an English-language Website last Sunday in an attempt to offer useful tips to expatriates living in the district. It aims to provide foreign residents with information about the district's activities.
The Website (www.changning.net) contains a variety of resources, such as district newsletters, government notices, policies, community activities and services.
"As an increasing number of expatriates come to Changning District where they find it convenient, comfortable and cheerful, it was of great necessity to set up the Website," said Zhou Wei, a Changning District government official.
"Each expatriate in the district recently received two New Year's gifts - an English version life guidebook entitled 'Living in Changning' and an English version Changning map - from the district government," she added.
So far, Changning is home to some 15,000 expatriates, representing 114 nations and regions. It boasts more than 100 high-level residential areas designed specifically for expatriates.
Providing a good education for their children tops expatriates' concerns when settling in the district. To meet this demand, Changning is expanding its provision of high quality international education for the children of the district's international community.
At present, it has 16 middle and elementary schools for foreign students, helping them smoothly adjust to Chinese culture and bringing them new friendships.
In addition, 12 international schools have been set up in the district to provide special education to children from foreign lands. Part of those schools teach international courses, mainly in English, while others may approach it according to instruction outlined by the different countries.
Healthcare also remains a concern for most expats, officials said.
Although they are free to go to city hospitals and pay the same cost as locals, long waits, insufficient communication with doctors due to language barriers and complicated payment procedures make many fly home for treatment.
Recently, Shanghai United Family Hospital in Hongqiao area was opened to the public. It is co-invested by Changning District Central Hospital and American Chindex International Inc. The hospital is of international standards and offers a full range of inpatient and outpatient services under one roof. It is staffed by expatriate physicians and internationally trained local specialists.
Another hospital, Changning District Maternity and Children's Health Institute, provides underwater childbirth service, meeting the special needs of some expatriates.
Living in Changning, many expats enjoy colorful leisure time, experience the magic of Chinese culture, and have a better understanding of the country and people around them. They no longer experience emotional problems due to unfamiliar cultural norms and the absence of their support system of family and friends.
A variety of activities for expats have been held in the Ronghua and Chenjiaqiao communities, two residential areas mainly home to expats, from time to time.
In cooperation with the Chinatown Culture Center, an institution that teaches expats Chinese language and culture, a branch of the school was established in Chenjiaqiao's cultural activity center. It offers various training programs, including traditional Chinese instrument instruction, Peking Opera performance, Chinese painting and calligraphy, as well as Chinese cooking.
Some expatriates enjoy their life in Changning so much that they are reluctant to leave, officials said.