Global village

Beijing Getting married?

The price of true love in China is only 11 yuan ($1.45). That's the price of a marriage certificate. However, like everything in the Middle Kingdom, there is always paper work.

Documents required for marriage between residents and foreigners are as follows:

Chinese residents are required to have a permanent Residence Booklet and ID Card, Marital Status certificate issued by the county-level unit where he or she is working, sub-district office or town people's government where he or she is living and divorce papers in case of having divorce history.

Foreigners are required to have passport, ID Card or National Certificate and also a Foreigner's Residence Permit, in whatever form. Expats also need notarized marital status certificate or statement approved by the foreign affairs department in his or her own country and then re-approved by Chinese Embassy or Consulate General there. A marital status certificate issued by the Embassy or Consulate General of his or her own country in China (acceptable only for the applicant who has lived in China for over 6 months in succession) is also needed.

An original or certified death certificate or divorce paper is needed in case of being widowed or divorced.

Three passport-size photographs and health check reports are also required for the big day.

When all the requirements are ready, the applicants will be given an application form to fill in. Once the authenticity of all the papers handed in is established, the local Marriage Administration Office will approve their application for marriage and grant a marriage license. On the day the applicants come in person to get their marriage license by signing their names, they are required to pay 11 yuan for the license.

Hutong advisory

Buyers beware. High-end realtors are wooing rich expats enamored of Beijing hutongs.

The sky's the limit on asking prices - say 18 million yuan ($2.37 million) just for the land with courtyard house to be torn down. The buyer then has to build own house at additional cost.

The potential buyer may be told that the hutong is not under heritage protection. But it well may be, even though developers are busily leveling entire neighborhoods. The potential buyer may also be told that the deed to the courtyard house is free and clear, owned by one person who is willing to sell. It may not be that simple.

Group for Kiwis and Aussies

Hundreds of Kiwis and Aussies are enjoying regular bonding sessions in Beijing through the Australian and New Zealand Association of Beijng (ANZA).

This is a non-profit group aiming to provide a support network for Australian's and New Zealander's living in Beijing.

Check out the website at www.anzabeijing.com to find out what events are planned this month.

(China Daily 08/03/2007 page19)