HOW TO STAY WARM IN CHINA?
Adam McWhirter
CEO at Maxxelli
Moving to China, one of the major differences you’ll notice between here and the West is the presence of central heating – or lack of in the south of the country. The issue around which parts of the country get central heating and which don’t dates back to the 1950s, where limited resources determined that only those in the north of the country – or above the Qinling Mountains and Huaihe River, or what came to be known as the ‘Qin-Huai’ line – were given the privilege of indoor heating. This means that everywhere below this line, including the whole of the Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou and Jiangxi provinces plus others, must rely on other means to keep warm.
It may seem counterintuitive to use an AC system during the winter, but this is the heating system many Chinese use to keep their homes warm. When it comes to actually using your AC system, however, you may have some difficulties if you cannot read Chinese. Check out our list of handy translations to help you out.
Air conditioner | 空调 | kōng tiáo
Remote control | 遥控器 | yáo kòng qì
Automatic | 自动 | zì dòng
Cool | 制冷 | zhì lěng
Dehumidifier | 抽湿 | chōu shī
Heat | 制热 | zhì rè
Fan Wind | 送风 | sòng fēng
High Wind Speed | 高风 | gāo fēng
Mid Wind Speed | 中风 | zhōng fēng
Low Wind Speed | 低风 | dī fēng
Set | 调整 | tiáo zhěng
Mode | 模式 | mó shì
On / Off | 开／关 | kāi/guān
Wind Speed | 风速 | fēng sù
Wind up/down | 上下风 | shàng xià fēng
Economy | 经济 | jīng jì
Time Set | 定时 | dìng shí
Blowing Direction | 风向 | fēng xiàng
Sweeping Wind | 扫风 | săo fēng
Cleaning | 清新 | qīng xīn
Display | 数显 | shù xiăn
Strength | 强劲 | qiáng jìn
Sleep | 睡眠 | shuì miăn
Lighting | 灯光 | dēng guāng
Cancel | 取消 | qŭ xiāo
Power Source | 电源 | diàn yuán
When using your AC, it’s also important to remember not to keep it on 24 hours a day, as tempting as that may be. Running your AC constantly can lead to condensation, as the water is being removed from the air as it’s conditioned, which is then drained via a pipe. If there’s too much condensation, your system can get clogged and will require maintenance – prevent this by simply leaving your AC off while out of the house, or turning it off for a few hours at a time.
In some cities, one of the preferred options of heating is to install underfloor heating; this can be preferable to using an AC unit, as it doesn’t dry the air out, and can provide more even heating across the apartment. This involves installing a hydronic or electric system of heating pipes under the floorboards if your apartment does not already have one, which is then typically operated via a thermostat on the wall. Again, you may need to use the tanslations above in order to operate your heating system.
One of the easiest ways to keep warm at home is to wrap up in cosy blankets and duvets – the thicker the better! These can be purchased in a number of ways. If looking in a shop or market, ask for a duvet down – “I would like to buy a Duvet down (我想买一件羽绒服)” – or if searching online simply enter “羽绒服”and you will find plenty of options.
Or, for a totally free way to keep warm, snuggle up to someone you love! Whether its your boyfriend or girlfriend, husband or wife, son or daughter, or even a cat or dog, snuggling up is one of the best ways of staying cosy.
CEO at Maxxelli
Joined Maxxelli in 2008. I am the current CEO and Managing Parnter supporting all operations in the APAC region. I am currently residing in Bangkok as we expand our operations to Thailand.
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Bangkok is a sensory overload in the best way possible. As a new expat, you're likely navigating a whirlwind of paperwork, new neighborhoods, and the thrilling challenge of turning a sterile condo into a home. Amidst the sleek, air-conditioned malls, there exists a solution that is infinitely more vibrant, affordable, and memorable: Chatuchak Weekend Market. More than just a tourist attraction, Chatuchak (or JJ Market) is a sprawling, bustling hub where you can find everything from a single decorative cushion to fully furnishing an entire apartment. This guide will help you navigate its maze like a pro and transform it into your one-stop shop for home essentials. ⏰ The Practicalities: Days & Times While famously a weekend market, parts of Chatuchak are open throughout the week. For the full, overwhelming, and complete experience, weekends are king. • Saturdays & Sundays: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM 🕘 The entire market is open. This is when you'll have access to all 27 sections, including furniture, home decor, ceramics, and plants. Go early (before 11 AM) to beat the intense heat and the crowds of 200,000 fellow shoppers. • Wednesdays & Thursdays: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM 🕖 Only the plant section is open. This is a perfect, quieter day to pick up tropical plants, orchids, and gardening accessories for your balcony without the weekend chaos. • Fridays: 6:00 PM - Midnight 🕡 This is wholesale night. While access is restricted, vendors often sell in bulk, making it a potential goldmine for serious bargain hunters looking to buy multiple items. 📜 A Market with a History: More Than Just Stalls Understanding Chatuchak's history makes visiting it even more remarkable. The market's origins date back to 1942 under a policy by Prime Minister Plaek Phibunsongkhram, who advocated for flea markets in every town to boost local trade. It moved around Bangkok several times before finding a permanent home in its current location in 1982. The iconic clock tower was built five years later to celebrate King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 60th birthday, and the market was officially renamed Chatuchak 711. From its humble beginnings, it has grown into a cultural institution and the world's largest weekend market. 📏 The Scale of It All: By The Numbers Wrapping your head around Chatuchak's size is key to preparing for your visit. The numbers are staggering: • 35 acres of shopping space • Over 15,000 stalls • 27 numbered sections categorized by product type • 200,000+ visitors every weekend It’s not just a market; it’s a small city dedicated to commerce. 🛋️ Furnishing Your Home: A Section-by-Section Guide This is the heart of the guide for any expat. Forget IKEA flatpacks; here you can find unique, often handcrafted items that will give your home authentic Thai character. Focus your efforts on these key sections: 1. Furniture & Home Decor (Sections 1, 3, 4, 7, 8): This is where you'll find the big-ticket items. Explore stalls selling beautiful handcrafted teakwood dining tables, sofas, artisan lampshades, woven rattan chairs, and antique furniture. Don't be afraid to ask vendors about custom orders or shipping options. • Expat Tip: For larger pieces, shipping is a common and affordable service. Stores like FastShipon the first floor of the nearby MIXT Chatuchak mall offer cargo services that are often cheaper than international carriers like DHL. 2. Ceramics (Sections 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 25): Kitchens and dining tables come alive here. You can find everything from delicate hand-painted coffee mugs and colourful glazed tableware to large decorative vases and traditional Thai stoneware. It's an affordable way to build a beautiful, cohesive dinner set. 3. Handicrafts (Sections 8-11): Add personality and texture to your walls and shelves. Look for hand-woven textiles, traditional Thai souvenirs, intricate wood carvings, and baskets. These items add a layer of cultural authenticity that you can't find in a department store. 4. Plants & Gardening (Sections 3, 4): Transform your balcony into a green oasis. The plant section is a jungle of exotic plants, succulents, orchids, and all the pots and accessories you need. Visiting on a weekday (Wed/Thurs) for this is a much more peaceful experience. 5. Art & Galleries (Section 7): Blank walls are a blank canvas. Section 7 is dedicated to original paintings, prints, photographs, and contemporary artwork from local Thai artists. Find a piece that speaks to you—it will be a constant reminder of your adventure in Bangkok. 🧭 Expat Survival Guide: Navigating Like a Pro • Map It Out: Your first step upon arrival should be to find the large map in front of Gate 2. Take a photo of it! This will be your lifeline. 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CICI 2017 Join us for a unique deep dive into all things China and discover the key factors that make a city truly international. We go beyond the standard financial metrics to explore the liveability of each city, providing a comprehensive understanding of what makes these urban centers thrive. Of course, our City Guides are regularly updated and can found here For the 2017 China International City Index, you can find it in the PDF below. Zoom in, Zoom out, do your own deep dive into the report. Be sure to reach out if you have any questions. Adam McWhirter - CEO & Managing Partner a.mcwhirter@maxxelli-consulting.com Jenny Li - Senior Consultant & Market Research j.li@maxxelli-consulting.com 2017 CICI Please Click Below ⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
CICI 2016 Join us for a unique deep dive into all things China and discover the key factors that make a city truly international. We go beyond the standard financial metrics to explore the liveability of each city, providing a comprehensive understanding of what makes these urban centers thrive. Of course, our City Guides are regularly updated and can found here For the 2016 China International City Index, you can find it in the PDF below. Zoom in, Zoom out, do your own deep dive into the report. Be sure to reach out if you have any questions. Adam McWhirter - CEO & Managing Partner a.mcwhirter@maxxelli-consulting.com Jenny Li - Senior Consultant & Market Research j.li@maxxelli-consulting.com 2016 CICI Please Click Below ⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️