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Forums > Living in Kunming > Giving birth in China

Stellah
Congrats and sympathies on the upcoming birth of your firstborn.

We had both our kids delivered at the hospital just down the street from Green Lake Hotel's back entrance on Hua Shan Xi Lu - although I believe they've moved a large portion of maternity to their new facility.

Suggest instead of seeking a "good" hospital - you seek a "good physician" as personal recommendations (to include the token introduction/thank you dinner) can result in increased staff attention, if that will make you feel more comfortable.

Most hospitals are baby factories - so suggest you go visit the hospitals, rooms, and baby farms, to get a feel for the place that makes you the most comfortable.

If money's not a major concern - then the Calmette International Hospital on Beijing Lu has a brand spanking new facility.

Stock up on chocolate bars - in case you have a long delivery - the sugar will give you a quick burst of energy (according to our delivery team) - and your husband will most probably need to buy you that soup stock (blocks of red stuff that you can find at wet markets) which you add raw eggs to (soup omelettes) - which also means hubby will need to bring a soup pot and cooking and cleaning utensils - in addition to a sturdy fold-out bed, mosquito zapper, etc etc etc as he'll be spending most of his time at the hospital with you and baby until you're released to go home.

That's Chinese style...

FORTUNATELY (and hopefully) you know how to use the WeChat or Ele food delivery service - so that will help you both tremendously, while you're staying at the hospital.

Wish you a safe delivery and a happy healthy baby.

Sympathies are on the sleep side of things. As new parents - my only advice is:

1. Change diapers regularly. Newborns are pee and poop machines

- and that's a GOOD thing. If they're NOT peeing and pooping regularly - you have a problem, so be thankful for that.
2. Feed baby on a rigid schedule or you'll be your newborn's slave.
3. Most important - assuming the baby has been properly burped, fed, changed - hold/cradle, walk, sing, rap, chat in between - parental noise and your usually undetectable smells will eventually become comfortable to your newborn as they bond with you.

This is most important when the kid won't sleep, cries, and you've done 1 and 2 above (assuming the kid isn't feverish or "cholic"-ally aka prone to crying).

We used "white noise" at night - depending on the weather - we had the HEPA air filter humming 7/24 and the electric fan just at nights - NEVER directly towards baby - just to keep the air flowing.

FRESH ... ok...OUTSIDE air critical. Don't be a shut-in...Walking helps with your post-labor recovery and outside air always better than inside the home air...well...usually.

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Forums > Living in Kunming > Foreign children born in China and visas

Goldie
Evidence of physical presence is only required if ONE parent is a US citizen - if BOTH parents are US citizens - the clause is not applicable.

To get the kids passports - you'll first need to supply the death certificate or consulate provided "Report of Death of an American Citizen Abroad" first - this is required for any parent requesting a passport or travel document for a minor. Hopefully the consulate will do these things for you at the same time.

Six kids and alone - it was tough enough for me, with only two.

Best wishes on your return and re-integration into US culture - being abroad for 14 years will be challenging. Happy to hear your late husband's family is supportive.

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Forums > Living in Kunming > Foreign children born in China and visas

Goldie122
Sincere condolences on the passing of your husband.

FYI
You'll also need to get a death certificate from Hong Kong and then also take it to the consulate to have them issue the consulate version of the death certificate. Get LOTS of copies (like 10-20). US laws forbid travel with minors without written parental consent OR the death certificate (but strangely if you remarry - they don't seem to bother...an ever so obvious and glaring loophole).

Make an appointment with the consulate (online) and remember as you have multiple tasks - they may try to shuffle you in between serving the Chinese visas as they merged the American Citizen services with the domestic services - so we can all experience the joy of being treated like second class citizens. if you go in the afternoon - a simple 20 minute task can suddenly extend into several hours - bleeding over into the next day, so also be prepared to spend the night in a hotel (with kids) and back to the consulate the next morning. Hopefully won't happen - but...

We usually take the overnight sleeper train (if you can spare the time) as it's a fun thing for the kids to do, you all can walk around and there's salty train food and drink at non usurious reasonable (depending on perspective) prices.

As you don't have passports for the children - just bring their birth certificates - it'll probably be a bit of a pain - especially getting tickets - whether rail or air - grunt your way through it - they just need to enter some kind of official number into the system and will probably take pictures of the birth certificates - BRING COPIES of their birth certificates. The consulate "should" return all of your critical documents after copying them...

Difficult traveling alone with a pair of minors...again, you have my deepest and utmost sympathies.

Feel free to PM (Private Mail) me if you have any other questions or concerns.

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Forums > Living in Kunming > Foreign children born in China and visas

Shortly AFTER your kids were born, you are supposed to get child passports, then register them at both the local PSB AND the visa exit/entry office.

You will probably have to pay a fine - at worst - the number of years they went without visas, which is about any 400 per kid per year.

If you're LUCKY - the visa entry/exit and the local PSB will let you off if you write some kind of apology letter and swear you'll never do it again (have another kid and not report them).

Suggest you go to the local PSB first and add them to your household registration (for foreigners) FIRST.

Then take a trip to the visa exit/entry office and try to sort things out without paying a nasty penalty. You absolutely should NOT wait - take care of this immediately.

Remember:
1. Local PSB - add them to the local registry - they'll give you that flimsy piece of paper - you'll need their passports and their birth certificates (proving you're the parents). It would help if you also had a few years of family photos (with all of you).

2. Visa Entry/Exit to get legal and beg for mercy.

This is technically a misdemeanor, but it's still a serious breach of visa laws.

Suggest you try to plead ignorance...

Visa Entry/Exit will have to issue both kids an "entry" stamp - so you'll definitely have to pay a penalty or fee for that one. They'll sometimes try to tell you your kids must exit and re-enter china - but you can't exit without an entry stamp...

If you work for a school - they may also be subject to penalty...depending on whether they think about it or not...(don't bring it up)...

Good luck minimizing the penalties...bring the kids - they tend to NOT yell at you in front of your kids (social responsibility).

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Forums > Study > research in China

@kaddi - I may have read your initial post incorrectly - but your original post did specify "...best is a scholarship...".

These guys exceedingly difficult to move or influence - so your only option is to try to fit into their box of bureaucracy.

That said - it's ALWAYS possible to get special dispensations - if you really want to attend PuEr and you've missed the application window - you can try to get your embassy to write a letter of recommendation to the ministry of education (or whatever it's called) and let that thing trickle down the chain to PuEr.

Otherwise - you'll need to think of something else to do while you wait for next year's application window.

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First - excellent and informative article. Although I absolutely must concur with some of the views of the expert - the facts are always not so obvious, when one chooses to micro-focus on subsystems as opposed to expanding one's view to a larger system. This is a popular management trend called decision-based data as opposed to data-driven decisions. So agreement, disagreement, or no opinion - depends on one's perspective.

Most westerners, especially those with hidden or obvious political agendas, look at China as they look at the west - a free market based economy.

China is a planned economy and certain infrastructures are built looking forwards decades.

China's energy consumption trajectory is not considered by the author, so let's take a look at that subjectively or qualitatively, since I'm too lazy to do the research numbers.

ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN KUNMING
Our hot water heaters used to be gas powered - but we had to replace the "damned" thing every two years because of the buildup of ash (aka toxins - seriously...green flecks in the ash - what is that? Chromium?) from the dirty gas. We switched to a combination of solar and electric (which do NOT work in tandem).

The prolific construction of new high-rises do not permit the effective use of solar in high density residential communities (e.g. most real estate development mega projects in Kunming are around the 2k residence level. So on demand electric systems make more sense.

COOKING
We haven't switched to electric because the power grid where we live simply won't handle the load (much less our ancient wiring). New high rise developments come with the option of gas or electric - with most choosing electric. It's fast, clean, and doesn't expose the stove components to cooking spillage. We've replaced our gas stove twice in the last 8 years - but to be fair - the last replacement was required because we switched to a new "cleaner" gas.

E-BIKES
Prolific.

MASS TRANSIT
The subway - electric powered. Buses moving towards electric power. And automobiles - e-powered vehicles are an emerging phenomenon with incredibly central government support and subsidies. Occasionally, you'll spot that rare BYD electric powered taxi (the SUV). China is migrating as much as its domestic infrastructure off fossil fuel dependence as possible.

So just from our own personal experiences and observations - consumer-based consumption of electric services is increasing at a steady pace.

ENVIRONMENTAL
There is no argument about the destruction of surrounding habitats and the migration of valley dwellers. This is a management issue for the government as they strive for poverty elimination. A large part of China's poverty elimination program is focused on attracting rural workers to cities, with jobs, education, and the ever upwardly mobile opportunities that education can provide - hence that insane construction pace. Kunming is planned to grow to a size of 10 million (but don't know the date on that plan).

Last time I checked - the city is at about 6.6 million, so we have another 3.4 million to go - so those 2000 unit mega developments (assume a family size of 4) housing up to 4 people, not including grandparents, in-laws, and others - 8k per development. That means ROUGHLY we'll need another 425 real estate development projects to house those 3.4 million additional residents.

That's another 850k families (3.4 mil/4,assuming a family unit of 4) consuming energy, services, infrastructure, e-bikes, cooking, water, toilet flushing, etc etc etc.

And that's JUST Kunming - there are 15 other prefectural level cities with supposed urban sprawl magnet program requirements as part of the nation's poverty elimination strategies.

So the author points out the displacement of a few thousand to a few hundred thousand people. Cast that against 3.4 million and things perhaps aren't quite as obvious - and again, that is ONLY based on Kunming plans. As we all noticed with the formerly famous and internationally maligned Chenggong ghost city (not so ghostly anymore), planned economies can be sustainably successful. And we didn't even discuss all the government (schools, 2 fly toilets, etc) and commercial infrastructures (restaurants, businesses, etc ad infinitum) that spawn from those residential communities. And we haven't even begun to address the energy sucking behavior of the internet and all its derivative industries - data centers, cloud computing centers, distributed corporate IT migration strategies.

Easy to criticize a microscopic spot than to manage the mega complicated system that is China.

However - that said - the author's points ARE valid and we do need alternate perspectives, so we understand the cost/benefit trade-off more responsibly.

And...I'll just get off that soapbox now...

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China is ramping up the use of e-vehhicles - which should take some of the capacity. I'm also wondering about whether we're exporting power to SE asia, which would seem to be an excellent market, and to the middle east where they DEFINITELY need power along the OBOR (one belt, one road).

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I'm thinking his romanizations can be forgiven, given that putonghua was not standard and he's probably hearing a variety of dialectic Kunming hua and the incredibly diverse minority languages and dialects, when the locals or guides provide descriptions of various names and places, not to mention the various linguistic eccentricities of the various european missionaries.

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Fuxian Lake is a major vigorously and rigorously protected potable (drinkable) water source. It's host to a plethora of fresh water food, BBQs and the Hilton Hotel overlooks the lake. Behind the Hilton is a rather large collection of villas (HK style), many with basements, garage (not necessarily connected to your home though), and lap pools, if the lake is too far to walk (it's about 1-2km away).

The lake surroundings are a future development site for Yuxi City, so should be interesting to see how the city develops, while complying with the national protection of water resources.

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Took the family here to stroll around and there's a LOT of walking. Many of the stores appear closed, but the bar street nestled inside seems quite well populated.

We chose the Japanese restaurant near the entrance (there are many entrances). The food and service was quite acceptable - from the fruit salad, tuna salad, curry pork cutlet, and the ubiquitous California Sush Rolls (you can buy the small size or the large size).

It rained a little while we were there, which helped drench the heat and humidity. When the sun came out - it was HOT.

If you're lucky, you'll occasionally see people (usually women) wearing minority clothing being photographed by professional photographers. There's also a small photographer's store where you can rent various ethnic clothing and have professional pictures taken (maybe the two are related...now that I think about it).

There's also the ubiquitous game centers (shooting galleries etc) for the kids and unaccompanied teenagers.

It seems the most popular venues were the prolific food courts - but that's probably related to it being lunchtime when we visited. The place is clean and plenty of antiqued door fronts (the wood panels) for those photo shoots.

Capping off the visit, one must of course take pictures on the bridges crossing the lily ponds and the landmark temple spire. We didn't make it to the surrounding temples. Maybe next time.

Transportation is everywhere - but make sure you have your mobile phone ride share app working, just in case you hit rush hour.

Again - for now - it seems many vendors were closed - but I'm positive that'll change again as the economy begins to rebound.

Excellent way to spend a half day as opposed to the kids faces glued to their mobile devices...fresh air, good food, plenty of people watching, and walking...walking...walking...

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Took the family here a few days ago. Wonderful place to go walking with lots of snack & drink kiosks (along with chairs and tables) to rest frequently. This zoo is similar to most other large open air zoos with reasonably spacious enclosures. This place is HUGE so be prepared for a LOT of walking. Consider wearing sensible hiking or walking shoes. Your feet will be grateful.

Entrance fees when we went still cny100 for adults and kids cny70. Feeding the animals at the managed venues - cny30 per site...per child. Monkeys can be fed by tossing carrots and sliced apples into their enclosure - which is good. Monkeys famous for flash mobbing. Can be terrifying for kids (and adults). Even in the enclosures, you can clearly see they're territorial and aggressive. Bullying is displayed frequently enough for teaching moments for the kids (cuz there are monkeys in all schools everywhere in the world).

MOST people bring their own food and drink, as the kiosks are quite expensive. Example a cny5 drink outside is cny10 in the zoo, so expect most everything to be twice as expensive. I had a bbq chick drumstick (leg?) for cny25...ouch.

Bring carrots. LOTS of carrots. The zoo has several managed (paid) and unmanaged petting areas for most semi-domesticated animals, such as the Alpacas (seriously cute), deer, giraffes (ok...you can feed the giraffes on an elevated platform, but probably difficult to "pat" the animals. It's kind of spectacular to actually see giraffes face to face - these animals are simply vertigo inducing huge and tall.

The seal show was nice - typical of seal shows everywhere. Seals are kind of like the dogs of the sea. Friendly and ravenous appetites so easily trainable.

Lots of cheap touristy souvenirs to buy the for the kiddies (and relatives kids).

HIGHLY recommend taking the bus tour - they basically zoom around picking up and dropping off customers (they check your e-ticket at every pickup site) at entrances and exits to walking enclosures. They'll drop you off at roughly 15 minute walking sites. NO need to rush and you can grab ANY bus upon emerging from the walking enclosure sites.

Of course, the ultimate attraction always the lion and tiger exhibits at the top of the mountain.

Bring a fan. It gets hot. We were fortunate as the sky was mostly overcast so the temperature was generally cool, but heated up almost instantly whenever the sun peeked out of the clouds.

Bring LOTS of water. Most veteran tourists have their own liter bottles of water. Bring your own umbrella. When the sun comes out - it's HOT. Bring a wide brimmed hat if you're into comfort over vanity. SUNTAN LOTION never goes astray.

Aside from that - typical Chinese group site with everyone rushing the buses and ticket counters. Not so much rushing for the food venues, so seems the elevated prices keep that comfortably in check.

All in all - GREAT place to take the kiddies (or a date if you both know you're into each other - cuz you'll be spending an entire day together). The Outdoor Zoo seems exceptionally well designed with plenty of both managed and unmanaged (eg walking deer along the roadside and the stroll through the peacock "garden").

Easy cab or shared ride out and back. Taxis aplenty when you're ready to leave (just walk past the parking lot gate - they'll be waiting for you). You should consider dining out or delivery at the end of the day.

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Took the kiddies here again.

1. It's FREE.
2. NO knives, lighters, sharp objects, etc. There's a place in front to check bags, luggage (if you're traveling), etc - but the exit is in the rear of the monolithic building, so it's a bit of a hike to walk back around to the checked storage area (it's also FREE).

THIRD FLOOR
We went straight to the third floor - History and artifacts of Yunnan (mostly). Rich history - lots of original sculptures etc removed from grottoes and displayed in the museum. Lots of English language titles and occasionally some explanatory text in English.

SECOND FLOOR
This is the evolution floor with lots of petrified artifacts - sea life mostly, lots of recreations of animals and environments from pre-man times.

There are coffee shops and dining areas on the first floor and drink vending machines on the second and third floors. The place is HUGE so a great place to take the kiddies and walk around until they're tired. They'll probably enjoy the dinosaur exhibit on the second floor the most. Wait a few minutes and the dinosaurs will roar and move their heads and maybe pretend to chew (open and close their maws).

PLENTY of parking and unfortunately NOT close to any subway station, so you'll have to grab a cab or rideshare but seems taxis and transportation are aplenty in the city and surrounding environs.

And...it's FREE for now. Museum closes at 5pm so make sure you leave by 430-445 so you can hike back to the storage area if you checked anything in as they also close at 5pm.

Enjoy!

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This is a great place to walk around and generally kill time while shopping for nothing in particular. Nearby is the Paulaner Brewhouse for super fantastic food, coffee and drinks, outdoor patio dining or just hanging and people watching.