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Beijing hukou: an untouchable myth

By Meng Jing (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-12-02 10:34

Just like Shanghai people enjoy being referred as Shanghainese, people in Beijing call themselves Beijingers.

But don't be so naive to think that because you have worked or lived in Beijing for several years, you are entitled to call yourself a Beijinger. The title of Beijinger belongs to those people who have Beijing registered residence permit, or hukou.

Registered residence permit represents a lot of things other than residency. Unless you are born with one, you have to work really hard in order to get one in Beijing.

Several days ago, I interviewed some black taxi drivers, those who don't work for any taxi companies and don't have permits to drive a taxi. Since these taxis are illegal and are relatively cheaper than official taxis, they are often accused of "stealing" customers.

However, asked about whether they would prefer to drive a legal taxi, most of the black taxi drivers said: "We can't. Only those with Beijing hukou get the right to work for taxi companies."

What's more, hukou is becoming a new criterion to testify if you have a relatively successful life in Beijing.

Two months ago when I proudly announced to my family and friends that I had been offered the perfect job in Beijing, the only question they asked me was "Does your employer offer you a Beijing hukou?"

After being told no, their disappointed faces made me believe that the job was not so perfect.

When it comes to relationships, Beijing hukou is definitely something you can brag about in front of your date. A man refused one of my best friends, a fantastic girl with a great job, over hukou. The man said: "Sorry, I only date those with Beijing hukou."

It's not because he is a Beijinger or dislikes anyone from outside of Beijing. He hoped to get a Beijing hukou by marrying a Beijinger. However, he has a long way to go before becoming an official Beijinger - he needs to stay married for at least 10 years before he gets hukou.

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