Welcome to That's Dongguan - News and Adventures in Greater Dongguan China!

New Reservation System for Guangzhou U.S.  Consulate ACS (American Citizen's Services)

Beginning Monday, July 14, 2008, American Citizen Services will operate by appointment only for all routine services, including:

*       adding pages to your passport
*       renewing your passport
*       applying for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) and first U.S. passport for your child
*       notarial services
*       marriageability affidavits

Their business hours will remain the same:
Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 11:30 am, 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm (except American and local holidays)

It is possible to have several services during the same visit to the Consulate.  Please make a separate appointment for each individual service.

Scheduled appointments will be automatically cancelled for applicants who arrive more than fifteen minutes after their scheduled time. Applicants who arrive late will be required to make a new appointment via our website.  Please plan accordingly, and arrive at the Consulate at least fifteen minutes before your appointment time to go through security and enter the waiting room.

To make and cancel an appointment, please visit the US Consulate Website at:

http://tinyurl.com/6693aw

The Second Battle of Camden

Thanks to Jason and One for the Road for  helping us "yanks" celebrate our independence from that Oppressive Taxation Nation, England, last Friday July 4th.  Party included traditional American cuisine (Burgers and hotdogs) the ringing the "Liberty Bell" and a re-enactment of “The battle of Camden," although I have no idea why anyone would battle for any place in New Jersey. The British lined up on one side and the Americans on the other (all fully armed with our famous Party Poppers) and then everyone shot it out to much noise, confetti and metal bits. Now the Brit's had a bit of an advantage, as they had the local Chinese bar staff on their side, plus, I suspect they had twice as much ammo.  Apparently, the American's did their best, even though some of their own managed to shoot themselves.  Supposedly there is video evidence of the battle. Stay tuned

One for the Road Celbrates it's 2nd Anniversary

That's Dongguan would like to congratulate Jason and the gang for a successful second year, and wishes them many more.

Clarifications to China's New Labor Law

On May 8th, the PRC State Council issued a comment draft (in Chinese) of the Labor Contract Law Implementation Regulations.  China Law Blog as written an informative article, which we've reprinted here.

More Visa woes

The visa situation gets more and more interesting, and That's Dongguan has heard of several long time expats heading out and calling it quits. Some recent articles about the unintended fallout from the visa situation

HT to Fons Tuinstra at China Herald Blog for these

China visas, ethics and Christmas: If you can't get in, you can't audit and order (Ethical Corporation)

And

My Own Personal (Z)-Visa Hell (the opposite end of China)

Forums

We got out of the forum business, but for social networking  we suggest the Dongguan Group at Expatacular. They arrange outings and get-togethers, in addition to the normal discussions about life in Dongguan.  Can also be reached by www.dongguanexpat.com

China Charlie continues to post articles on his website, China Charlie.com.  the same interesting outlook on life here in the Middle Kingdom

Party photos,on  Dongguan Nightlife

One for the Road - Visit their new website for all the news, fun, photos, and also a bit of history of where the term "One for the Road"  originated.  See the link to the right for direct access to One for the Road

Continuing Events

Pizzeria Calzone

Sunday Pasta Roundup in addition to the Saturday Pizza Roundup.  All you can eat pasta for 68rmb/person. contact them at 2250 2420 for more information/reservations

O Lusitano

Daily Lunch Buffet!  Order from either a la carte or buffet!

New Concept Mandarin

Has opened a branch in Dongguan. Their office is at New World Garden (Xin Shi Jie Hua Yuan), Garden Road (Hua Yuan Lu), No. 15/1, Dongcheng District, 523110,  Dongguan, Guangdong Province.  Phone:0769-22489240, or e-mail: dongguan@newconceptmandarin.com or jns@newconceptmandarin.com.cn

Rumors and News

If you have any news of upcoming events, please let us know.  If you have news,  you can e-mail it to us HERE

Miscellany

Welcome to our newcomers to Dongguan, we hope you find the information on That's Dongguan helpful.  if you have any suggestions or questions, please feel free to CONTACT US

DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL EVENT COMING?  If so, and you want to let Dongguan know about it, let us know!  We'll help you to publicize your event or special occasion.  Just CONTACT US to let us know!